In this enlightening interview, we sit down with Niamh James, the visionary behind The Sassy Collection Creative Center. Niamh shares her inspiring journey of transforming personal challenges into a beacon of hope and creativity for her community. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of family, and the transformative impact of creative expression.
Can you tell us about The Sassy Collection Creative Center and what you offer there?
The Sassy Collection Creative Center is a vibrant hub of creativity and empowerment. Niamh explains, “We have a host of things. We teach Latin and Caribbean dance classes, jewelry making, tumbling classes, and crochet. We also host a lot of empowerment seminars to keep the community informed on different topics and challenges that life may throw at us.”
What inspired you to start this creative center?
Niamh’s journey to founding the center is deeply personal. “The Sassy Collection Creative Center came about because my brother has a drug problem and he relapsed,” she shares. “I saw a need to do something for families. I didn’t like what I saw when I went back to New York and found out my brother was going through different challenges.”
This experience led Niamh to transform a space her husband was using to store cars into a creative center. “God just said do something different,” she reflects. “I wasn’t supposed to do a whole creative center, but it evolved into that.”
How do the classes at your center impact people?
Niamh emphasizes the therapeutic nature of the activities offered at the center. “The classes I put together mainly help mentally. It helps for anybody that wants to be crafty. It helps soothe the soul,” she explains. The center caters to a wide range of ages and abilities, from children to seniors, including those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or special needs.
The dance classes, in particular, offer a unique blend of exercise and enjoyment. “You get some exercise, you get some fun, you get to relax. You take all your worries away and just have fun,” Niamh enthuses.
Can you share more about your brother’s story and how it influenced your work?
Niamh’s brother’s struggle with addiction has been a significant driving force behind her work. “When you have a drug problem, sometimes you see the problem and you don’t really see that the person is going through challenges,” she reflects. “I watched my brother fall and I watched him get back up. In his mindset, he’s a failure. In my mindset, I see somebody that didn’t give up.”
This experience has taught Niamh valuable lessons about resilience and compassion. “He’s taught me to never look down on anybody,” she says. It’s also highlighted the challenges families face when dealing with addiction. “Sometimes when you’re going through challenges like that, the family loves you and supports you, but they don’t know how to support that problem.”
How does your center aim to support families?
Recognizing the importance of family bonds, Niamh has incorporated family-focused events into the center’s offerings. “We also do family fun nights,” she explains. “I want to do something where families can make memories and be happy. We’re in our phones, we’re always working, we’re always on the go, and we don’t sit at the tables anymore.”
These events aim to create opportunities for families to connect and create positive memories together, addressing the disconnection that often occurs in our busy, technology-driven lives.
What upcoming events do you have planned at the center?
Niamh is excited about several upcoming empowerment seminars. “We have a couple of empowerment seminars coming up. One is ‘Be Your Best Self,’ an empowerment and anti-bullying seminar for teens,” she shares. This event will feature a dance performance and speakers addressing how to empower oneself, especially in the face of bullying.
Another seminar in the works is “Navigating Life After Divorce as a Family.” Niamh explains, “We don’t realize what we’re doing to our children when we’re separating the family. The kids are affected too, just as much as the couple.” This seminar will feature a lawyer, a divorce planner, a coach, and a counselor to provide comprehensive support.
How can people get involved with The Sassy Collection Creative Center?
Niamh encourages interested individuals to visit their website at www.tccc.com. “They can always register for the classes. We have them broken down into age groups – five and under with their parents, six to 12, 13 to 17, adults, and seniors,” she explains.
The center also offers opportunities for private events and space rental for family-friendly gatherings. “If they want to book private events too, they can just contact me,” Niamh adds.
What’s your vision for the future of the center and its impact on the community?
Niamh’s passion for community impact shines through as she discusses her vision. “When the community comes together, we can do amazing things,” she says. Her goal is to continue providing a space where creativity, empowerment, and healing intersect, making a positive difference in people’s lives.
As our interview concludes, it’s clear that The Sassy Collection Creative Center is more than just a place for classes and events. It’s a testament to the power of turning personal challenges into community solutions, and a shining example of how creativity can be a powerful tool for healing, growth, and connection.
To learn more about The Sassy Collection Creative Center and its upcoming events, visit their website or follow them on social media. Join Niamh James in her mission to create a more creative, empowered, and connected community.
For more inspiring local stories like this, be sure to check out the I’m Local Podcast and explore the My Local Henry Directory for other community-focused businesses and initiatives.
