Cellar Door Studio

Hey, Hi, Hello

I’ve been asked a couple times about why I opted to have my studio in my home instead of a big commercial spot in the city. The relaxed atmosphere offered with a home studio space can be a bit of a double edged sword for those feeling off about entering the home of a service provider they have hired. To some it may even feel slightly less "professional" than a commercial studio space. Honestly, I can completely understand that. The studio itself is in the basement and far from the living area, there is also a powder room just before heading down to the main studio area for clients to use at any time. Logistically I know for some my actual location can be a bit annoying, being outside of the city in Leduc does mean making a little trip down the highway, its true. To that issue I can only say, I'm sorry. I don't love the drive either, but what better way to psyche yourself up for your session than blaring some tunes on the drive? There are obviously other things that aren’t fantastic about it; like making sure my assistants are either in doggy daycare or out with the dogwalker during session times, because they will want all of your attention and mine. Not to mention literally taking my work home with me everyday and never actually ending the workday at a specific time.

So why the studio In my home instead of a commercial space in the city? Well for one, cost. Have you seen the prices out there? Its bananas and I'd rather not have to jack up my prices to cover the cost of rent. Not to mention I can paint and put up artwork in and around my home without worrying about displeasing a landlord. The frame wall in my main studio area alone would be a sorrowful wave goodbye to any security deposit. The flexibility for scheduling is also a bonus with having weekends and evenings available (on top of weekdays) for anyone who works during the day.

For many introverts like myself out there, your home is likely your secluded safe place. Being out in the world can feel a lot like holding your breath all day, and home is where you can finally exhale. Inviting people into that space can be a very big deal. Which is also why I prefer it in a lot of ways; I want my clients to know and feel like trust is a two way street. I trust you to come into my safe place, and I hope you trust me to make you feel safe here too. I want the people who work with me to never feel rushed about wrapping up their session time down to the minute. Every home based business I've ever gone to for any type of service almost always felt more laid back, and less stressful to me. For instance getting my nails done, I'm still seeing my wonderful home based nail tech after almost a decade. I always look forward to our appointments every month to catch up, and to of course leave with some wicked looking nails (friggin love you, Carrie!).

While making the choice to make my home my studio was a tough one; ultimately it came down to the feeling of effortless comfort a more quiet environment can offer the beautiful humans who work with me. When my clients step foot in my home my hope is for them to have the same feelings as if they are visiting a friend for coffee, and that friend happens to have a camera. Plus for my fellow travel anxious friends, you will always have a place to park that wont have you white knuckle-circling the block looking for a spot.