How Three Women Built a Space for Creativity, Community, and Empowerment
Three women from different backgrounds came together to turn a shared vision into a successful business. What started as casual conversations between neighbors soon became Creative Jam, a business that blends creativity, community, and empowerment. Brenda, Irmie, and Marlo each brought unique skills to the table and created a strong partnership that has allowed them to build a space where people can connect, create, and leave with lasting memories. This is the story of how they turned their partnership into a thriving business.
The idea for Creative Jam was born when Brenda moved to Bristol two years ago. Living across the street from Marlo, their conversations about shared interests, art, coffee shops, and bookstores planted the seeds for a collaborative dream. Meanwhile, Irmie, a longtime friend of Marlo’s, brought her technical expertise and shared passion for creativity to the table. Over tea and brainstorming sessions, these three women realized they had complementary skills and a shared vision, forming the foundation of Creative Jam.
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Each woman brings a unique perspective to the business. Brenda, a lifelong New Yorker and proud Latina, describes herself as a creative connector. She thrives on building relationships and fostering community, values deeply rooted in her life as a wife and mother.
“Clarify your expectations and
make sure they’re realistic.
That way, you won’t give up
when things get hard.”
-Brenda
Irmie, also from New York, balances her career in technology with her love for art and design. A skilled web developer with a background in studio art, she uses her technical expertise to manage the backend operations of the business while bringing her creative touch to its branding.
Marlo, the Connecticut native and artist, sees life through the lens of creativity. With a master’s degree in photography and a teaching background at Miss Porter’s School, she brings artistic vision and passion for education to Creative Jam.
Creative Jam’s flagship offering, the Splatter Room, transforms traditional art into a joyful, cathartic experience. Participants of all ages enter a room armed with paint and creativity, leaving with vibrant masterpieces and cherished memories. Marlo describes the process as a reflection of life: “It’s messy and unpredictable, but the end result is always beautiful.”
This innovative approach to art-making has resonated deeply with the community. From corporate team-building events to kids’ birthday parties and even gender reveals, Creative Jam offers an array of experiences that combine fun, expression, and connection.
“Do it even if you are afraid.
Do not let fear stop you.
Take that leap of faith.”
-Irmie
Starting a business isn’t without its struggles. Balancing their day jobs, families, and the demands of entrepreneurship required clear communication and unwavering support. “It’s like a marriage,” says Irmie. “We’ve tied our lives, families, and finances together. Without communication, it wouldn’t work.”
The trio relies on their diverse skills and adaptability to navigate hurdles, from managing landlord negotiations to refining paint mixtures. Each challenge, they agree, has strengthened their partnership and their resolve to create something meaningful.
Creative Jam is deeply committed to its local roots. The team partners with schools to integrate art into curriculums, hosts events like the town’s Coffin Race, and provides discounts to local organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of America. They also mentor young employees, helping them grow as confident, engaged members of the community.
As they celebrate over a year in business, the team dreams of expansion. Whether through franchising, hosting mobile art experiences, or opening new locations, they aim to bring the magic of Creative Jam to more people. “We’ve had visitors travel from hours away, and they always tell us there’s nothing like this,” says Brenda. “Why not share it with the world?”
“Understand that challenges will come,
but they’re part of the journey. Have compassion for yourself and your
partners, and don’t expect perfection.”
-Marlo
For young women looking to start a business, the team emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and realistic expectations. “Clarify your goals,” advises Marlo. “Understand why you’re doing this and whether you’re willing to stick with it through challenges.” Irmie adds, “Sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith. Do it even if you are afraid.”
Creative Jam isn’t just about art but also about creating moments of joy and connection. “We’re selling an experience,” says Brenda. “Memories don’t fade like material things. That’s what we want people to take home.”
Interview: Pinar Reyhan Ozyigit Photos: Debra Chute
How did you guys find each other?
Brenda: “Marlo and I live across the street from each other. She moved to Bristol two years ago, and we started chatting about our kids and this idea she had for a coffee shop or an art studio. I just wanted a place to make and show art. At first, we even had another person involved.”
Marlo: “I’ve known Irmie for over ten years, and during the pandemic, like so many others, we were re-envisioning our lives. I asked her, ‘How do you like your new job?’ And when she wasn’t thrilled, I suggested, ‘Why don’t you join us and see if this is something you’d want to do?’ We met for tea, and it just clicked.”
Can you each tell me who you are in your own words?
Brenda: “I’m a Latina woman from Queens, New York. I’ve been married for 21 years and am a mom to two daughters, 16 and 21. I’m a creative who values connection and community deeply. That’s a big part of who I am and what drives everything I do.”
Irmie: “I’m originally from Brooklyn, New York, and I’m married with two boys, 17 and 13. Right now, I’m in Puerto Rico visiting my parents because my dad’s health isn’t great. I studied studio art and business but fell into IT and web design, which is how I contribute to the business. I love using those skills to bring our vision to life.”
Marlo: “I was born and raised in Bristol, Connecticut. I’m mixed—half Puerto Rican and half white—which shaped a lot of my experiences. I have a bachelor’s and master’s in photography and see myself primarily as an artist. I worked at a boarding school for 14 years, but everything I do ties back to art and creativity.”
Do you feel like you’ve achieved your dream of owning a business offering creative expression?
Brenda: “I do. At first, I thought I was living this dream through my daughters, who are both so creative. But now, every time I meet a customer and see the joy they take from the experience, I feel like it’s coming to life in a whole new way.”
Are you using your skills in photography and teaching in the business?
Marlo: “Definitely, though not how I expected. I’ve ended up focusing on marketing, and my photography has been a huge help for that. As a teacher, I always brought energy and enthusiasm, and I think that translates here. A year ago, I wouldn’t have thought I’d enjoy marketing, but now I do.”
Do your IT and web design skills contribute to the business?
Irmie: “Yes, 100%. We talk about how our skills fit together like puzzle pieces. I handle the backend—things like the website and scheduling—and it’s great to know I’m filling a gap that makes everything run smoothly.”
What inspired you to start this business?
Brenda: “We wanted to create something for the community, something that people could come back to over and over again.”
Irmie: “We did a lot of research and found this concept of splatter rooms. It felt perfect because it takes away the anxiety of making art. People don’t have to know how to paint—they just come in and create something magical.”
How do you manage the partner dynamic and responsibilities?
Marlo: “We have a crazy group chat that’s part business and part memes. It’s how we stay connected. At first, we were all here all the time, but as the business grew, we brought in a manager to help balance things.”
Brenda: “It’s like a marriage. We’re tied together—our families, finances, everything. So communication is key. We try to support each other and step in when one of us needs help.”
How do you manage conflict?
Marlo: “We’re still learning. We met with a business coach who helped us understand our communication styles. It’s all about avoiding assumptions and being honest with each other.”
Brenda: “I’ve learned to say, ‘Hey, I’m not okay right now,’ or, ‘I need help.’ That openness makes such a difference.”
What projects or workshops excite you the most to sell?
Marlo: “We realized we don’t need to reinvent the wheel. The splatter rooms are the heart of what we do, but we’ve also started offering paint-pouring on ceramics, which is mesmerizing.”
Brenda: “Unicorn Day was such a hit last year, and we already got our first booking for January! That’s the kind of excitement we love.”
Have you ever witnessed a weird customer experience?
Brenda: “Yes, we’ve had customers overshare or act in ways that catch us off guard. One memorable incident involved a mom and son where things got tense over something as small as wearing shoes. It wasn’t easy, but we managed to get through it.”
Irmie: “If a customer doesn’t like me for some reason, I’ll ask one of my partners to step in. We’re all about ensuring everyone leaves with a good experience.”
How do you contribute to the local community?
Brenda: “We partner with schools and even gave an eighth-grade class a free trip to the studio. We also work with the Boys and Girls Club to offer discounted packages.”
Marlo: “A lot of our staff are young people, and seeing how this experience helps them grow is so rewarding. It’s not just a job—it’s building confidence and communication skills.”
What were the biggest challenges, and what would you do differently?
Irmie: “I naively thought the hardest part was getting the business up and running. I didn’t realize it would be 24/7 work. That was a big lesson for me.”
Marlo: “Challenges have made us better. But I’ve learned not to panic when things don’t go as planned. Sometimes, you have to let things happen organically.”
What advice would you give to younger women starting a business?
Brenda: “Clarify your expectations and make sure they’re realistic. That way, you won’t give up when things get hard.”
Irmie: “Do it, even if you are afraid. Don’t let fear stop you. Take that leap of faith.”
Marlo: “Understand that challenges will come, but they’re part of the journey. Have compassion for yourself and your partners, and don’t expect perfection.”
Visit Creative Jam in Bristol, CT, and experience the magic for yourself! Whether you’re planning a birthday, a girls’ night out, or a creative celebration, this is the perfect place to throw your next party. By supporting this incredible women-owned business, you’re not only backing Brenda, Irmie, and Marlo’s inspiring vision—you’re also giving back to the community. A portion of their proceeds goes to support the Boys & Girls Club of America, helping to uplift and empower the next generation. Celebrate, create, and make a difference—all in one joyful space.
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