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Yan Hong, from Ponteland, has taken over from the previous owner of the Hexham Violin Shop which has moved to its new premises on 2 Chisholm Place.
Yan took on the challenge of the business after hearing the previous owner wanting to retire but had no one to take it over. Yan saw this as a mission to save it, despite not having any music experience but has a degree in business.
Now in the new premises, she hopes that the community can help her to make it more inclusive for those who come into the community music hub/ shop.
Yan said: “The building is very old and there are a lot of things we would like to improve on to make the building somewhere for everyone to come to.
“We have a few main things that we want to achieve. One is the stairs outside which we hope to either get a ramp or a stair lift installed and to change the toilet downstairs into a disabled one.
“Everything took place in three months, which was from talking to the previous owner, the legal signing of documents and moving. So, we have spent a lot of money, but these changes are needed.
“So, we are hoping for ideas from the community to advise us what the best way to raise money is, either a GoFundMe page or anything else.”
Yan already knows how much the business means to the community after a remarkably successful turn out to the open evening.
Yan adds: “It was really heart warming that over eighty people came to our opening evening at the new premises.
“We had performers, such as my daughter who played a little tune for guests and everyone embraced the environment and music being the heart of the community.
“We have a lot of ambition for the centre, it will not only sell and fix violins, but it is also a community music hub, and we also hold music lessons for pupils to gain confidence and experience.
“We hope many groups will get together after lessons and play with each other to help their music journey.
“We have a lot of plans for the business and hopefully become an international brand. We have a lot of manpower, with two paid staff and over 20 freelancers to help promote us on social media.”
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