...but I'm not speaking energetically. I'm tired of the irrational fear that working with others will somehow make me less successful than if I were to surround myself with, and embrace, those that have the shared goals, aspirations...and struggles!
I officially closed my photography business in 2015 when I moved back to my hometown and continued to pursue my Accounting and Human Resources Management career at a growing cooperative. Returning home to Bismarck last Spring, now armed with a more rounded view of business management, I am more determined to support the photography industry during a recovery period for many creative professionals.
Whew! That was a lot. But if I haven't scared you off yet, you may be my kind of people, so stick around!
From my experience in my previous careers in both Photography and Human Resources Management, the business world is changing drastically. Photographers and creatives specifically have truly impressively attempted to solve the issue of high cost commercial space for years - utilizing home studios, renting out their spaces by the hour to support the overhead on their studios, and even cautiously pairing up with other photographers to share space and costs.
We are going to do thing differently.
We are going all in.
Hello, I am Katie. And this.... is the new Just You Studios!
The 4 Principles of Studio Membership
Voluntary Membership + Participation
autonomy + independence
Education, training + information
cooperation among members
Strive not to be a success, but to be of value.
albert einstein
SO, WHY JUST YOU STUDIOS?
Just You Studios was named back in 2011 on a dream of someday creating a network of photography studios for collective use. Not simply studio spaces, but complete studio workspaces where you can show up - just you, your client, and your camera. To a creative and beautiful space designed by a photographer for photographers.
You (just you) are in charge of how far you can take your dream. But that doesn't mean you have to do it alone.
This is your village.
Studios + workspaces
A creative's first barrier to growth - the dreaded expense and insane amount of added work (I'm finding) of opening a studio space outside of your home is almost too much for anyone!
Photographers have been dancing around this issue for years and with many very creative solutions! But what if you didn't have to struggle in this area? What if you had access to multiple spaces for different visions you have for your clients? How creative could you be then? We decided that the benefits of removing this barrier has a MUCH larger benefit than creating one large successful brand in Bismarck-Mandan. We decided to go all in on your brands.
Your success is our success.
Our membership approach means you always have access to our studio spaces, workspaces and meeting spaces for all of your current business needs at a monthly cost you can plan around.
Check out your first "ultimate home studio" - The Loft on Main in Mandan, ND coming in2022!
professional resources
Let’s face it, any small business owner knows it’s a drag to sit down and reconcile your books. Or clean up your email inbox. Don’t even get me started on finding time for training, amiright? We understand that many creatives wear ALL the hats in their business.
While we fully support competition and growth for each of our entrepreneurs, we believe that all professionals should have access to training + information on crucial topics. This is why all members receive access to resources and training on topics such as photography basics, safety, financial + business practices and etiquette to protect both your business and your clients.
Just You Studios offers creatives solutions through structure and support in growing your businesses by offering access to industry-specific training programs + shared interest support sessions.
And no...we won't reconcile your books for you, but we will facilitate the resources to help keep you on track!