The only resource for studio owners
As a relatively new business concept, studio owners everywhere were just ‘winging it’. There wasn’t a handbook or industry standard, until now. We’ve done the research, we’ve worked with owners all over the country and we’ve put everything we know into a Studio Owner Handbook, so we can streamline the studio business for all of us.
Here are the crucial elements we found for studio growth:
Member programs
Community opportunities
Education
Support
Studio prep school
Depending on your level of time, needs and investment, we’ve come up with 3 opportunities to help you on your journey
how we can help
The Studio Owner Operations Manual
The operations manual is a general guide into the business. Here’s the table of contents:
Buying vs renting a studio space and where to source them
Your legal checklist to get started, & contract resources
Foundational assets to ownership
Programs, styled sets and educational opportunities for growth and community
Membership guide for curating a program that builds your bottom line
*Grab the manual for $599 or order the manual + 1hr evaluation of your current space / 1:1 coaching call on getting started in the studio business for $799
Online memberships course
Memberships are quickly becoming an industry standard for many reasons. Which the right programs in place, memberships cultivate community, growth and of course a better understanding of our budgets for studio owners.
This year we will make over $50,000 in memberships ALONE. This is now our baseline for budgeting, planning sets and for paying ourselves. Keep in mind, the majority of our business is still hourly bookings, so this is an incredible increase for us.
We teach this condensed 2-hour course in hopes to create an industry standard across the nation. We know that photographers, creatives and business owners benefit through membership for the following:
Feeling a part of a community they hadn’t experienced before
Collaborative opportunities & co-working
Free studio hours (of course!)
Educational avenues
Creative endeavors and portfolio building
Brand recognition, access to great lighting, props and so much more on a monthly bases
Continued support from the studio owner and others in the network
Our next Memberships Class for Studio owners is virtual on May 30th!
Investment: $249
If you bring in even just one member after, the investment pays for itself in just one month!!
STUDIO PREP SCHOOL RETREAT
August 21st & 22nd 2024
Once a year we invite in aspiring and new studio owners to join us for a 2-day all inclusive retreat for all things studio business!
We cover everything in the Studio Manual Handbook, plus you meet with the experts in the industry, from marketing through legal. We include all meals, pampering, gifts and of course the priceless space for community. Check out the video from last years retreat!
the retreat
Meet the experts
PEANUT BUTTER CREATIVE - Jenna & Becca of Peanut Butter Creative will be here to help you with your Branding! PBC will help us to understand the basics and importance of our brand, and then jump right in to help you find your image. Not only will you leave Studio Prep School with a business plan, but insight into your brand needs brand too!
BECKY DURIGAN - The owner of Denver Photo Collective has been running businesses for 15 years. She’s an expert in operations, sales, customer service, HR, and management. Plus, she’s a studio owner consultant for businesses around the country. There’s no one more well-equipped than her to give you everything you need for your own studio! Buckle up, it’s going to be GOOD.
TAYLOR WILLIAMS - Trademark lawyer and expert on creative businesses will be joining us for all the things you need to know to become ‘official’. So many people skip this step when they open their business, it’s a crucial piece of the puzzle.
ARIANA VAN ANNE - Ariana MD and therapist will start our second day with a mindset and breathwork session. This session will help center us for all the hustle to come! We believe that mental health and being our best self is such a beneficial part of our work/life integration.
The agenda
Two full days of learning from the pros. We’ll provide the notebooks because we have about two years of information to throw at you to record.
Consulting with each professional + a business plan curated to your specific needs
Charcuterie for days + all meals are provided!
The most fun gifts from multiple local vendors + permanent jewelry
Studio operations manual
We have so many fun surprises for you!
Investment: $2,499
FREE STUDIO GUIDE
10 essential criteria to starting your own studio
If you’re not ready to jump in but are curious about the business, download our free getting started guide here. These are the 10 things that are crucial to the business, to help direct you on the right path.