Nicki Bragg Hart and Hanny Halstead celebrate one year of Joy Connection, on Angel Hill, in Bury St Edmunds
Friends who set up a family-focused café and creative space in Bury St Edmunds said they hope to one day move into bigger premises as they celebrate one year in business.
Nicki Bragg Hart, 36, and Hanny Halstead, 29, are running a week of half-term celebrations to mark their anniversary of opening Joy Connection, on Angel Hill.
The creative duo, who run sessions at the venue, said during their first year they have enjoyed meeting a community of parents, families and carers.
Hanny, an illustrator, said: “I feel we have made true friends on this journey, it’s not just customer service anymore, it’s genuine love and care.
“We are so proud to have made a space that is so comfortable and safe that we have had people crying, sharing stories, laughing and making lifelong friendships.”
The pair said they have had multiple people asking about opening their own Joy Connection hubs in nearby towns and cities.
Nicki, who runs Pint Sized Playtime sessions, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the positive impact Joy Connection seems to have and are excited to be able to hopefully expand to larger premises in the future.
“For the next year our main plans are to keep perfecting the hub we have.
“We would love to open for some late nights in the week for those parents that need some adult time without the little ones around, to keep that sense of community and be available for those without children as well.”
When Hanny and Nicki opened Joy Connection in November 2023, one of their key aims was to make it a creative hub for artists in the area.
Currently a limited company, the pair eventually want to register it as a charity.
They said: “Our local creatives have truly supported us as much as we hope we’ve supported them.
“We are very proud of the creatives who host sessions and the local makers who bring such colour and talent to Joy Connection.
“It's wonderful to be able to also support local independent businesses, as we know how challenging running your own business can be.”
Throughout this half-term week there are special activities running at Joy Connection and families are invited to take part in a costume contest - where they can have their photograph taken alongside a balloon arch.
There is also a one year birthday raffle running over the coming weeks, with tickets available to buy at Joy Connection or online.
On Thursday there will be in all day drop in craft session for children aged two to six, costing £3 per child.
Joy Connection will open late for trick-or-treaters, and their families, who are welcome to stop off for a break as they celebrate Halloween.
