Five minutes with Sarah Cressall, founder and managing director of The Creation Station

How did The Creation Station start?

Back in 1989 I was offered a role to help women in Zimbabwe to run their own rural creative business. Afterwards, I decided to develop my own business and creative skills. I spent the next couple of decades running a number of businesses and nurturing creativity. When I became a mum to my three boys I spotted a niche in the market for fun and educational creative activities that inspired their imagination and nurtured potential.

So in 2002, with three boys under four, The Creation Station was born out of a passion to make a difference, to gain flexibility around working hours and to support others to run a successful and rewarding creative business. 

What prompted the decision to franchise?

When I started running classes I had lots of other parents asking me if they could run their own Creation Station. I wanted to ensure the business was a force for good and could help people enjoy the flexibility and rewards that I was gaining. 

I spent the next five years developing all the correct systems, processes and support, working with the British Franchise Association. Now, we have a family of over 100 franchise owners.

What is your career highlight?

We’ve inspired over one million kids and adults and helped to celebrate 75,000 birthdays. But also when my book, Creative Sparks, shot to number one in its category on Amazon, as well as hearing franchise owners share their weekly classes have helped a child develop – they are all such an asset to The Creation Station. 

Who is or has been your “bestie” in franchising?

It’s got to be my husband, Duncan, and my kids – I wouldn’t have had the idea without them, and they are still really involved with the business. Plus, my sister Fran, who created my first website and worked really hard helping with all the techy stuff, which is totally beyond me!

How do you relax?

I run along the beach in Exmouth most mornings and cycle to work along the estuary. Being outdoors and doing exercise really grounds me and makes me remember how fortunate I am to do what I love.

Other than that, I love a good boogie, and I’m partial to chocolate, chardonnay, good food and reading. And I value the time I have with my kids even more now as they start to fly the nest.

What’s in the future for The Creation Station?

It’s looking pretty sparkly! We are bringing more tech into our workshops and bringing the arts into STEM to help engage kids in areas where we need to make it more accessible. We are growing our adult and corporate events, as well as increasing our work in care homes and intergenerational creative fun.

What team do you follow?

I’m from Bootle in Liverpool, and yes, I’m a red! However, I watch rugby and hockey as well as football, so whichever teams my kids are in, I’ll be there cheering them on.

Your fantasy dinner party guests?

It would have to be Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Billy Connolly, Julie Walters, John Lennon, and my grandparents and their parents. 

Who’d play you in the film of your life?

She may be older than me but I do love Julie Walters.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who was kind, thoughtful, good fun and danced whenever she had the chance!