What attracted you to set up in the Market Quarter area of the town?

Jan: I’ve both always had a soft spot for the market!

Tristan: It is great to be a part of and see the regeneration of the Market and the town, we remember the days when you couldn’t walk through the market because it was so busy. I used to come regularly from Cardiff and Jan also has great memories of the market and the theatre.

Jan & Tristan: What Nigel and the team are doing in the Market is fantastic, they have a great vision.

What challenges have you faced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and how have you adapted?

Jan: We actually bought the shop during the pandemic back in August last year!

Tristan: I was unfortunately made redundant from my job in Cardiff after being furloughed.

Jan: I invested money into the shop so that we could have our own business, it has been incredibly challenging we just hope people can go back to normal soon. We’ve used our online presence throughout the pandemic to reach out to customers and we will continue to build on this, if people make a purchase of balloons over £5, we offer local delivery.

Is there a big crafting community in Pontypridd?

Jan: There is quite a large crafting community both here in Pontypridd and it remains a popular hobby worldwide, we are focused on getting our name out there so people know that our shop is on their doorstep. We can be the go-to place for crafters in the area!

What potential do you see for yourselves and other businesses going forward in a town like Pontypridd?

Jan: Pontypridd went downhill for a while, but I can see the town bouncing back. There are much more niche and independent shops here now, I think people are not that fussed on needing big chains and brands but are looking to shop in and support smaller businesses, so hopefully it will build back up again.

Tristan: Hopefully we will see a mix of both the older well-established independents and new exciting small businesses.

Are there any improvements you would like to see in the town centre in addition to ongoing developments?

Jan: I would like to see some nice flower baskets and better visitor signage, to tell people how good our market is and let them know that it is here, you see flower displays in other town centres so it would be nice to have them here.

Tristan: I would like to see better lighting, especially during the winter months as it gets darker in the evening. It can be intimidating for staff and members of the public, so improved lighting both on the side roads and main roads.

How do you think the BID should play a role in improving the town and supporting its members?

Jan: I think the BID do a very good job in supporting the businesses. It would be nice if they would consider flowers and making the town more attractive to visitors.

Tristan: It was a good idea for the BID to invest in the Covid-19 signs, not only did it help us adhere to rules but it also helps to brand the town and the BID. People take an interest in the colour and the logo and it may encourage them to look at what the BID is. I also like the Your Pontypridd Shop Local bags which were to given to us which promotes a great message.

Jan: It would be great to see more events in town too to increase footfall. A more attractive town with events going on would encourage people to visit the town. We need to work on changing the perception and the build the town back up again.

How does it feel opening a shop after Jan, you overcame illness and Tristan, you are in a new environment after working in a hotel?

Tristan: It’s just really nice to be part of this Market environment, it’s so nice to spend time with different people. There’s an elderly woman who eats in Pam’s Diner (opposite the shop) and comes into the shop and it’s just nice to help her if there’s a step or if the door needs holding. We set the business up to give that service with a smile!

Tristan: It is nice to be in a place where a lot of the architecture remains the same, it would be great to see the town hall developed and see if anything could be done to improve or remove the concrete facia which can be an eyesore. Jan’s told me lots of stories about the Old Theatre and it would be great to see it put back to use. 

How can customers find out more about the shop as well visiting you in the Market?

Jan: You can give search for us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and we also have a website where people can ‘Click and Collect’ and see the range of items we stock!
 
 

Many thanks for your time today both, we wish you the very best of luck with your new business! 

Visit their website: https://craftycardshack.co.uk/

Visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/craftycardshackpontypridd

Visit their Instagram page: https://instagram.com/craftycardshack