Scottish independent jewellery school Vanilla Ink CIC has received a £45,000 loan from Social Investment Scotland.
As a result the company has added a new studio space at its Brook Street Studios which has increased its capacity.
It now has dedicated teaching space for its 10-month INKubator Programme, as well as two new shared studios, creating around 10 additional benches for local jewellers.
The company believes the new workshop benches will give it additional space to continue teaching practical jewellery creation, as well as commercial and business skills to help students set up their own enterprises.
Ellie Smith-Barratt, CEO of the jewellery enterprise, said: “At Vanilla Ink CIC we not only share our love of jewellery making, but aim to inspire and make a positive impact in our communities. Our classes provide a form of escapism for people who really need it and we are continuously adapting our practices to nurture the talent that comes through our door.
“The additional workshop benches and online courses will give us the opportunity to share our passion for our craft with more people and continue to embrace our ethos: Educate, Inspire, Empower. It’s an exciting time for Vanilla Ink, and we’re thankful for Social Investment Scotland for supporting our growth as a CIC with a passion for supporting our local community.”
Chris Jamieson, head of investments at SIS, added: “We’ve seen the amazing work the school has done, from the impeccable jewellery the students have designed to the number of social initiatives they offer to make a difference for the local community.
“The new workshop benches will ensure more learners can walk away with specialist skills, and the confidence to start their own businesses, as well as providing an additional revenue stream for the organisation. We’re looking forward to working with Vanilla Ink as they embark on this next phase of growth and significantly increase their impact within both the local community and wider creative community.”
Vanilla Ink offers a wide range of classes, from weekend workshops and general jewellery crafting to make-your-own wedding rings and stone setting.
The studio spaces are rented out to established jewellers, encouraging a collaborative environment between students and the other jewellers.