“My mission is to inspire a love of music that lasts a lifetime”

So much so, that she decided to buy a business franchise and hold classes of her own.

Here, in our latest Business of the Week feature, Jennifer tells us how and why she started her business just over a year ago and shares some of the fabulous feedback from families who love the sessions.

If you would like your business to feature as Business or Trader of the Week, email heidi.summerfield@newsquest.co.uk

Jennifer Kelley started her business just over a year ago

What’s your full name?

Jennifer Kelley

What’s the name of the business?

Caterpillar Music Cheshire North

Where are the classes?

Stockton Heath Library and St Wilfrid’s Parish Hall

Are you the owner/manager?

Yes, I own the franchise.

When did you open the business?

I started trading in September 2023, the day after my little boy turned one.

Has it always been in the same location?

Yes, I started in Stockton Heath Library and have grown the business through various locations in the area.

Classes are suitable for babies, toddlers and children up to the age of four

Are you local to the area? Did you grow up here?

No, I’m from Liverpool, but my partner grew up in Warrington. It’s been so nice to move here and bring my little boy up where his dad grew up. We even have a session in the church hall affiliated with his primary school.

Tell me a bit about your business?

I provide a nurturing space where little ones and their grownups can bond through the joy of singing, music-making, and sensory play together. My mission is to inspire a love of music from the earliest years, fostering connection, confidence, and creativity that lasts a lifetime.

What do you do? What services do you provide?

I provide sessions for nought to four-year-olds, which are perfect for siblings, and baby-only sessions for a calmer experience. We sing recognisable songs together, enjoy guided and free-play instrument playing, introducing puppetry and learning actions to songs. We do all this with wonderful sensory props and a new theme each week.

Why did you decide to open your own business?

There are so many paths in my life that have led me to Caterpillar Music; I play piano and sing, I have a great passion for music education - both of my parents are music teachers. I've worked for professional orchestras and arts organisations, within the music education department at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, in music publishing, and I studied my degree at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. But the main path for me began when I became a mum. I struggled with my mental health throughout my pregnancy and after welcoming my little boy into the world. As part of the support offered to me, I was invited to a session for me and my baby, run by a music therapist. I’ve always sung to my little boy and played him music, but this session was just wonderful. It absolutely made our week and I would be looking forward to the next session as soon as the current one ended. It was such a special time for me and my baby, such a calming and gentle class for us to experience together. It is my aim to recreate this experience for the parents and little ones that attend my classes.

What’s your business background?

My background is in various areas of the music industry, from music publishing and synchronisation to working for professional orchestras. Caterpillar Music Cheshire North is my first business.

Why this type of business?

A Caterpillar Music franchise was a no-brainer for me. Owning a franchise gives me the freedom to build my business around my family while being surrounded by a support network of other franchisees, an established brand and a wonderful franchisor who’s always at the other end of the phone if I need to ask a question.

Were you open before/during/after the Covid-19 pandemic? How did this affect your business?

I opened my business sometime after the Covid pandemic, so I can’t say I’ve felt the effects of the pandemic.

What makes your business different to others in the same area/field? What sets your business apart from your competitors?

I play piano, have studied music theory and have a degree from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. I have a passion for music education and introducing music and to little ones from birth. It’s always been a very important part of bringing my little one up. There are so many benefits of singing to little ones, from helping them with bonding to helping to develop language.

Jennifer uses sensory props and has a new theme each week

Why do loyal customers return to your business?

My customers tell me that they find my sessions are gentle and welcoming. I change my approach to my classes depending on the needs and abilities of the children we have in the room, making sure that everyone has the opportunity to get the best from the class for them.

Tell us what your customers have said about your business:

I have 100 per cent five star ratings on Google.

What my customers are saying:

“I'm so glad we found Jen's classes. They are so fun and varied each time, combining sensory and music, which have helped my baby boy come out his shell. Thank you for welcoming us into your class Jen.”

“Jen is absolutely brilliant. Ash loves coming to classes and enjoys interacting with the puppets and other children. The variety of classes makes each session so much fun and enjoyable.”

“Caterpillar Music is a brilliant, fun class for my daughter and me. Emily loves the puppets, songs and playing with the instruments at the end. She has made friends and I love watching her interact with the other children. Jen is caring and warm and has different weekly themes which makes each class enjoyable and different!”

What’s next?

I’m currently expanding my knowledge in child development, studying for a Level 2 certificate in Neuroscience in Early Years and I have plans to study SEND, so that I can make my sessions better for all children. I’d love the opportunity to provide sessions in nurseries and for charities supporting children and families, as music and singing can bring so much joy to all.

What do the next few months hold for you and your business?

The next few months are going to be busy with the build up to Christmas. In the new year, I hope to be providing more classes in South Warrington and for local charities.