Iranian Artist uses £8,500 Start Up Loan to provide art classes
- Eòsaph Macbeth
- Jul 30
- 4 min read
Shadi Fine Art Studio is a Coventry-based provider of professional painting and drawing lessons to adults in the local community. Founder, Shadi Shokoohi, uses the business to offer an art education to budding creatives, as well as market and sell her own original artworks.
A love of art is firmly at the heart of Shadi’s life’s endeavours. She originally studied art in Iran before moving to Italy to study at the Florence Academy of Art. After moving to the UK, she began pursuing turning her creative passion into a practical business.
She initially focused on selling her art pieces because she lacked the English necessary to teach confidently. As her language skills improved, she decided to pursue her love of teaching.
To setup her classes, she needed all kinds of equipment — an £8,500 Start Up Loan helped her make the necessary purchases.
An £8,500 Start Up Loan enabled Shadi Fine Art Studio to offer art lessons to the local community
Shadi didn’t just decide to start art classes on a whim. She had more than 30 years of artistic experience and 15 years as an educator to fall back on.
She had previously run her own gallery and had taught students of different ages and abilities.
After settling in the UK and picking up the language, setting up an art business seemed like the next logical step.
She wanted to create a space where people could learn, connect, and grow through creativity.
Shadi’s teaching approach is highly personalised and built on more than a decade of teaching experience.
Unlike many traditional art classes, where everyone focuses on the same project or topic, each student at Shadi Fine Art Studio follows their own creative journey.
Students work at their own level and receive individual guidance tailored to their interests, abilities, and goals.
As Shadi puts it: “My method combines experience from Iran, Italy, and the UK, helping students develop their own artistic voice while learning in a supportive and welcoming environment.”
To start her classes, Shadi needed supplies. However, paintbrushes, paint, easels, and canvases can be expensive to purchase. That’s where her Start Up Loan came in.
It allowed her to invest in essential equipment, materials, and studio supplies.
In Shadi’s words: “The funding enabled me to launch and grow my classes, while continuing my artistic practice. I have managed the funding carefully and retained part of the capital to support future growth, including securing a larger teaching space and business transport.”
Although her business combines both art sales and education, her current focus is firmly on teaching. In her first three months of operating, she welcomed around 30 active students, demonstrating strong demand for her teaching methods.
She’s begun fostering a really strong and closely-knit creative community.
The work goes beyond the art though. The lessons have provided her students with all kinds of additional benefits. It is part of the motivation that drives Shadi; seeing how art can improve her student’s confidence, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Shadi reports that: “Many students have told me about improvements in their wellbeing, motivation, and social connection. I am especially proud that students continue returning for further courses, demonstrating both an overall satisfaction and highlighting their own meaningful progress.”
Her work is far from finished. Shadi aims to secure a larger permanent studio space and introduce dedicated art programmes for children in the future. As her business grows, she plans to recruit additional instructors, organise student exhibitions, and expand partnerships with charities and community organisations.
She’d also like to find the time to continue developing her own artistic career — eventually establishing a second studio/gallery space in Birmingham.
Securing funding through First Enterprise helped Shadi get the support she needed
Shadi needed funding to start and grow her business. However, as a new immigrant to the UK, she didn’t have the assets or cash reserves in place to do so on her own.
She was introduced to First Enterprise through business support programmes and entrepreneurial networks — and soon began her Start Up Loan journey.
Speaking of her experience with First Enterprise, Shadi said: “The guidance I received in business planning, financial management, and business development helped me gain confidence and establish my business in the UK. The support provided a strong foundation for growth and helped turn my vision into a sustainable business.
“My experience with First Enterprise was incredibly positive. Their commitment to supporting small businesses has made a significant difference in my journey. Their assistance has allowed me to develop a body of work that I am proud of, launch my classes, and build a social media following of over 22,000 across TikTok and Instagram. I hope to inspire others with my story and emphasize the importance of such support for artists and entrepreneurs.”
Shadi’s Business Advisor at First Enterprise, Mohsin Rizvi, said of her loan success: “I’m really happy that Shadi was able to get the funding she needed to launch her business. Her personal story coming from Iran to the UK, her passion for art, and her desire to give back to the community through teaching resonated with me.
“I’m thrilled to see that her Start Up Loan through First Enterprise has helped her sell her artwork and start her unique art classes. I wish her all the best for the future.”
Do you have a business dream like Shadi? A Start Up Loan could make it a reality
Shadi and Shadi Fine Art Studio have fostered a positive space to help budding artists develop their skills, engage with their passion, and find some much-needed respite from the worries of the world.
Many of us face burnout. Maybe picking up a paintbrush and canvas could help us find some relief and a boost to our wellbeing.
Shadi wouldn’t have been able to foster such a nurturing space if it wasn’t for her Start Up Loan.
If you have a business idea you’d like to bring to life or an established business that’s primed to grow, loan funding could be the key.
The first step is simple: have a conversation. Get in touch with one of our advisors and begin your application journey by completing the enquiry form below or by giving us a call at 03456 027 355.
Sometimes dreams need a little push to come true — funding could be the momentum you need.
