Internet Sensation Takes Next Step In Sandiacre
An award-winning blogger and online crochet guru has moved into her first offices in Sandiacre in a deal secured by commercial property consultants OMEETO.
The 125 sq m offices and studio in Town Street are now the home for Bella Coco’s founder Sarah-Jayne Fragola and her two colleagues with capacity to recruit more team members in the future.
Former beauty therapy college lecturer Sarah-Jayne has turned her love for crochet into a fast-growing business and now has more than 1.13 million You Tube subscribers for her online tutorials.
She also curates the monthly subscription boxes for the Crochet Society and offers a wide range of patterns and crochet equipment on her website www.bellacococrochet.com
Sarah-Jayne explained: “I started as a lifestyle blogger back in 2011 and was recognised with a couple of national awards.
“I then started doing videos to teach people how to crochet and have been involved in various initiatives including teaching television presenter Kirsty Allsopp how to crochet as part of a national charity campaign.
“Since I set up the business seven years ago, I have been based at home so these first premises are an exciting move.
“We had been looking for a business space for sometime and knew instantly that this would be perfect as it is local and gives us the flexibility to grow.
“We will be part of a great SME and creative community and there is even a putting green and picnic area – although I think we are more likely to be taking our yoga mats outside rather than golf clubs!”
OMEETO director Chris Wright said: “The premises in Pear Tree Yard are ideal for the Bella Coco team with lovely canal side views and a thriving business community. We wish them every success in their new home.”
Bella Coco has expanded rapidly throughout lockdown as the appetite for crafting grew amongst people of all ages.
Sarah-Jayne concluded: “Crocheting is wonderful for mindfulness and creativity and we went into super drive in lockdown.
“I have been joined in the business by my mum Jacqui Fisher who is my office manager and head of content Nicola White.
“Moving forwards, we intend to make full use of the studio space to make even more online tutorials. I am also keen to share my experiences of how I turned my hobby into a successful business to hopefully inspire others to follow suit.”