“CIDA use language that creative people understand.”
Gaynor O’Flynn is no stranger to crossing boundaries. Since starting her own creative business, the self-styled multimedia artist has refused to be pigeon-holed into one genre. Besides running an independent record label, she also helps create art and film projects, organises events and is a recording artist in her own right.
“Music is my main driving force, but I don’t want to be put in a box,” she reflects. “My business plan is to do what I love and trust.”
Gaynor’s company Being Human reflects all these ambitions. The official website is awash with influences: the homepage features music, live event listings, new film technology, Tibetan human rights campaigns, an online shop and two completely unique events spaces.
Gaynor, who has a background in travel documentaries, is based in London, but Being Human has a more rural home. Her company is currently renovating a beautiful, three-storey former tannery in Frome, Somerset. Gaynor’s vision is to create an art gallery, recording studio, space for yoga, dance and music workshops and 14 small units for artists, alternative therapists and small creative businesses.
The company’s second venue space is a stunning converted chapel in Pilton, Somerset, which can be hired for yoga, dance, music, or alternative arts workshops, or as a holiday home for family and friends.
Gaynor came into contact with CIDA two years ago when she wanted to learn the basics of business for creative industries.
“CIDA use language that creative people understand,” she says. “As a small business, you sometimes go on courses where you don’t know what people are talking about. CIDA are great at communicating what you need to grasp.”
It wasn’t always easy but the hard work has paid dividends. “I learned how to do some really basic contracts – all the boring stuff you need to get your head around,” she jokes. “But over the last few years, I’ve also gotten up to speed with the music side, and now we’ve got our distribution sorted.” Besides swotting up, Gaynor has also used CIDA’s extensive network of creative contacts to bolster her operations.
Last summer, Being Human took over a whole field at the Sunrise Festival in Somerset - four days of global music, film, talks, art, storytelling, dance and workshops. But this is just the start. Gaynor has already released one album, and has two more and a festival in the pipeline.
“What I’ve realised is that what you might call a vibe is actually what other people call a brand,” she explains. “CIDA understood that and helped me translate my ideas into a business.”
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