Brittany DeRyke opened The Creative Space in August of 2021 at 314 Main Ave. The studio is an artistic space for any age to get creative and crafty. The front half of the space is a photography studio that can be rented by the hour and the back is a DIY Studio where you can paint wood signs and other projects, explore different mediums, and partake in sensory play.

When asked why Brittany chose Downtown Brookings, she said "I’m in Downtown for the atmosphere. I love how our Downtown Brookings is walkable, open, and inviting. It’s an easy space for people to explore."

For Brittany, the hardest part about being a small business owner has been getting the word out. It will be their third year of business in July and there are still people who don’t know about it.

"There is so much that goes into being a small business owner. You have to wear many hats- instructor, accountant, marketing, social media, and so on. It’s hard! You have to be so passionate about what you are doing. The connections with people are what keeps me going."