I might only be 21 but having the backing of my parents and the Development Bank has given me the confidence to go it alone. I hope my story inspires others to start their own journey as a young entrepreneur.
Freya Curtis, Founder, Sparkles Bar
Business overview
Sparkles Bar is a LGBTQ+ themed bar based in Merthyr Tydfil. Having opened in 2024, the bar has become increasingly popular with the LGBTQ+ community and customers aged 18 and over in the area.
Founder
Freya Curtis - As the daughter of Marnie and Matthew Curtis who run Merthyr Tydfil Labour Club, Freya has grown-up in the hospitality industry. She worked for her parents before deciding to start her own business venture.
Business purpose
Sparkles Bar provides a space where LGBTQ+ individuals can be themselves without the fear of discrimination or judgment. The bar offers a sense of belonging and community, allowing people to feel comfortable and accepted.
Sparkles Bar has become focal point for the LGBTQ+ community in Merthyr Tydfil, offering a place to connect with others, participate in events, and celebrate LGBTQ+ culture.
Sparkles is open through from Tuesday to Sunday and offers themed cocktails alongside a variety of alcohol beverages. During the evenings, the bar showcases live music, drag shows, karaoke nights, as well as celebrating Pride events.
Funding
At the age of 21, Freya was able to open Sparkles as the first LGBTQ+ themed bar in Merthyr Tydfil with the help of a £35,000 loan from the Development Bank of Wales to part-fund start-up costs. Our funding also enabled Freya to fund four part-time jobs.
What people are saying
I’ve learnt so much from my parents about how to run a successful hospitality business. They inspired me to set-up on my own and as a member of the local LGBTQ+ community, I knew that there was a real gap in the market for a themed bar in Merthyr. The response has been fantastic, and I am very grateful to everyone for their support.
I might only be 21 but having the backing of my parents and the Development Bank has given me the confidence to go it alone. I hope my story inspires others to start their own journey as a young entrepreneur.
Freya Curtis, Founder, Sparkles Bar
Our flexible funding is available for young entrepreneurs to help them start up successful businesses in Wales. In fact, we have supported over 100 young people aged 18-30 years old in the last year who, like Freya, have a strong business plan and plenty of passion to turn their self-employed dream into reality.
Ambitious young entrepreneurs like Freya are an important part of our economy, so we’re pleased to support this new business ventures and wish her every success.
Jessica White, Senior Investment Executive, Development Bank of Wales
