Supporting the world's wellbeing through evidence-based sensory experiences.
Dr Bliss Cavanagh is an artist, designer, sensory expert and the founder of Creative Sensory Spaces. Living with Tourette Syndrome, Bliss found that by being in a sensory space, all her symptoms were alleviated and calm was restored. She brings a personal perspective and insight to her work and challenges traditional ways our built environment influences our experience of life.
At I2N’s Startup Stories at I2N Hub Honeysuckle on Wednesday 6 July, Bliss shared her story of how she developed her unique spaces and founded a company which is now pioneering sensory spaces across the country.
Creative Sensory Spaces are leading experts in the design and benefits of sensory rooms. Backed by interdisciplinary research and science, Bliss has created her unique spaces both inside and outside, for large and small companies, for galleries and community settings, and schools and hospitals to engage and resolve issues of accessibility, inclusivity, mental health and overall wellness. Her spaces are bespoke and innovative and restore calm, promote restoration and optimise productivity.
Top Takeaways:
- It’s important to stay true to yourself and your core business. It’s so easy to get sidetracked by opportunities in the beginning, especially when you’ve got to financially sustain yourself, but success comes when you stick to what you’re good at and master it.
- Doing business with big corporates takes a lot of time. It helps to find someone who can champion your product or service and get you in contact with the decision makers and get the deal over the line.
- Bliss found that getting out early, networking and being seen by people helped her grow. I2N networking events are a great way to meet people and learn who’s who in the zoo.
- In 2021, Bliss participated in I2N’s Female Founders Program, where she received business coaching and mentoring to grow her startup. Applications are now open for the I2N Accelerator Program, where for 10 weeks, you will receive mentoring and coaching to build and validate your business idea.
The University of Newcastle's I2N works with individuals and organisations from across the Hunter region and beyond to turn ideas and challenges into opportunity. As a leading driver of economic and business growth, the I2N cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset that is behind many of the region's most innovative businesses and leaders.
Keep up to date with future I2N events, programs and opportunities by subscribing to I2N's monthly newsletter or visit www.newcastle.edu.au/i2n
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