An independent business owner is looking to promote creativity and relaxation through painting classes.

Alongside her full-time job as a medical file handler, Jessica Peers runs Paint with Peers.

She launched the business in January this year as a way of providing a space for people to put aside their doubts and get stuck into something creative.

Jess said: "I like to let people bring out the creativity by giving them a head start, we'll have a pre-drawn canvas and give them some idea of what to paint.

"A surprising amount of people say that they can't do it, then they create something magnificent from nothing.

"Sometimes we underestimate how much being creative can take a load off your mind."

Paint with Peers was set up earlier this year (Credit: Paint with Peers)

Initially reaching out to a café behind her children's school, Altrincham-based Jess realised she could expand to other locations in the nearby area, as well as progress from Sip and Paint events.

She now runs children's events, hen dos, birthday parties, girls' night ins and afternoon teas, utilising venues such as Gastown Café in Macclesfield.

"If I can make it work and make it happen around whatever the customer would like, I'm happy to do anything, really," Jess added.

Her love for painting began in high school, when she used art as a way of relieving stress and expressing her emotions.

She says running Paint with Peers helps her mental health, allowing her to relax and unplug from her daytime job.

She said: "I definitely don't think of it as a job. It helps me mentally and creatively."

Jessica now offers children's events, hen dos, afternoon teas and more (Credit: Paint with Peers)(Credit: Paints with Peers)

Jessica's events focus on painting animals, inspired by her love for David Attenborough documentaries and sea creatures.

She said: "I just love the colours, the vibrancy, the patterns, the textures of different animals. It gives me the same sort of feeling as when I'm painting, very chilled out, very relaxed."

Jess believes the success of her Sip and Paint events is down to the friendly atmosphere and community they create.

She continued: "People want to enjoy the quality time with friends and actually enjoy doing something productive, and I feel like that's a common theme across all ages.

"That's something that pulls us all together. I really love when we hold events, and I see people coming with family members and friends."

The sessions are designed to help people relax and unwind (Credit: Paint with Peers)

The next Paint with Peers event in Macclesfield is on August 19 at Gastown Café.

Nub News readers can get 20% off using the code gasmac20, with tickets available here.

Jess is always on the lookout for new venues and can be reached at [email protected].