Meet Your Neighbor: Search for a photo studio blossomed into HER House
WOODVILLE - What started as a search for a building for her boudoir photography business led Brianna Nickens to create HER House Studio, a collaborative space where female entrepreneurs can build their businesses in a supportive atmosphere.
HER House is home to Women After Dark Boudoir photography, Vie Par Estelle Photography, KM Massage Therapy and Unity Counseling and Consulting Services. In addition, the space will be used for a variety of classes and events.
“Initially, I was looking for a studio to do pictures because I do boudoir photography and professional headshots,” Nickens said. “I was just looking for a studio, not a whole business.”
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Nickens finds her perfect location, and plenty more space for others
When a Woodville landlord encouraged her to visit his 1,600-square-foot downtown building, she fell in love with the space and HER House Studio was born.
“As I progressed through the building, I realized I could rent to other entrepreneurs. I signed the lease a couple days later and turned it into HER House,” Nickens said.
When Nickens first became interested in photography, she planned to focus on babies.
“Then I did my first boudoir session two years ago and became totally obsessed with it,” she said. “I’ve photographed women 21 to 57, but the majority of my clients are in their 40s. A lot of women do it for gifts for their husbands, but some women do it for themselves. They do it after they’ve had a baby or because some other aspect of life changed their body and they need a little extra feel good.”
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Ferguson locates her own studio at Her House
Photographer McKinnell Ferguson owns Vie Par Estelle Photography inside Her House.
“McKinnell does cake smashes, newborn pictures and family portraits,” Nickens said.
KM Massage Therapy is owned by Kristilyn Ross, a licensed cosmetologist, physical therapist assistant and massage therapist. She offers therapeutic massage and Reiki.
“I started KM Massage Therapy to help improve the quality of life for my clients, whether it be decreasing pain, improving range of motion, or increasing relaxation, to name a few,” Ross said. “Each session is tailored to meet the needs of the individual and may incorporate a variety of techniques, including deep tissue work, trigger point release, myofascial release, myofascial decompression (cupping), positional release, muscle energy techniques, range of motion and stretching.”
At Unity Counseling, Alicia Boreman, LPCC, offers counseling services for children, families, offenders and victims of domestic violence, and people who have experienced trauma. She is happy to be a part of HER House.
“There’s nothing like this around here,” Boreman said. “It’s an opportunity for women to come into a non-judgmental setting, where they can be empowered.”
Boreman also offers career counseling, and she and Nickens plan to eventually offer career workshops on topics such as resume building.
“It will give women a leg up as they go into the workforce,” Boreman said.
During a Dec. 31 open house, Baleigh Cote of Oregon and Meghan Booth of Woodville toured HER House.
“I think it’s so cute. I’m excited to see where Brianna will take this,” Cote said.
Besides hosting women entrepreneurs, HER House will host classes
Booth, who also is a photographer, was excited to see a space designed for women entrepreneurs.
“Brianna is super willing to collaborate. She’s very willing to open her studio and work with women,” Booth said.
In addition to the in-house businesses, HER House will host a variety of classes. Courtney Wolfe will offer biweekly yoga classes beginning Jan. 19. HER Movement Dance Class will hold biweekly drop-in women’s dance classes taught by Sophia Ferguson. A Couples Painting Workshop with instructor Ryan Nickens will be held Feb. 11.
HER House Studio is at 109 W. Main St. in Woodville. For more information, call 567-400-2317 or visit the HER House Studio Facebook page.
Contact correspondent Sheri Trusty at sheritrusty4@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Search for photo studio blossomed into HER House in Woodville
