Rembrandt Studio Blog

Friday, August 28, 2009

Grandparents Day

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Friday, August 14, 2009

Building Update and More!!!

Well, things are finally starting to happen. I have been told by our contractors that in 4-6 weeks, our studio will be operational. This process began last year and has been progressing far to slow for my taste. As many a wife and mother knows, the men have their day jobs and don't relish helping out on project when they get home. As I write this, James (my husband) has put in 28 hours of overtime with his regular job as a Field Service Engineer (computers). My dad, who is a computer programmer is NOT gifted in anything related to construction and works in Louisville and can only help out one Saturday a month. So enough with trying to save money doing it ourselves. Many thanks to Dan Nelson and his friend Gary Nelson (no relation) for having a vision for how a studio ought to look like inside our mammoth quanset hut. Needless to say, my entire family saw a huge building but couldn't figure out how to frame it up, hence the year delay!! Anyhow...... our builders have come up with a plan that appeals to everyone and will even save us money.

So what will be new place look like - you'll just have to wait until the grand opening to find out!! I can tell you that we are running with a Tuscan theme and plans include a large screen projector and sound system to view proofs. Plans for the outside portrait park designed by Buschkoetters will begin this fall and with the first stage (pond and bridge) complete by summer 2010. This is the reason I haven't worried with advertising this year - because "My cup has runnith over" :)

In other news.... we are planning an open enrollment period shortly after the studio is opened up for area photographers to join forces with Rembrandt Studio. I came to realise about a year ago that I was focusing way too much time on the business and was neglecting more important areas of my life - such as God, family and church ( and in that order). I began a year long process to fix that and have felt such a peace about that decision. I have always felt that if you don't have time for God - your just too busy AND that God will take away that which takes away time from Him sooner or later. Since biting the bullet and putting words into action, I've been working a lot LESS and sales have drastically improved - which is a testimony to what God will do when we let go and let Him work! This invitation is open to photographers who have been in business a minimum of 1 year, have had a steady stream of business and their own clientele- who need NO basic training. My plans for Rembrandt Studio is to operate like a doctors office. When photographers share in operating expenses, they earn more money, receive regular education/training through the PPA all while working less! This may sound too good to be true, but when the studio was located downtown, the largest cost that we incurred was OVERHEAD. Since trimming overhead, I am now enjoying getting paid for what I am doing - and it feels great. The number one biggest question that I want to answer is this: "What about my name?" This will be the biggest issue for many, as you have had to work years to establish yourself. Yes, you will have to give up your old business name - but you will not give up who you are. Your old clients remain yours and come to see you. When you photograph them, YOU are the one who is handed a check at the end of day, NOT me or any other photographer. A portion of the sale is divided up in three major ways - Cost of Goods (supplies), Cost of Sales (overhead) and YOU; which should be the same way you are running your business now. If you, or someone you know is interested in this opportunity please email me at owens40601@yahoo.com.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Hello There!

Hey everyone! I've decided to get with the times and create a blog and get started on a facebook page.

This last week I went on a business trip with James (my husband) in West Virgina. Besides the mountains there was noticeably nothing to do in Charleston, so I am very happy to be back in town and back at work!

I'd like to take a moment to say how much I appreciate all of you who have patronized Rembrandt Studio over the past 2 years. When I started out in French Lick, I didn't know a soul in town so when I opened our doors I was taking a career risk by being the new kid on the block. As many of you know, we stayed at our downtown location for a year and have since moved our operation. Working from home (with the studio behind the house) has been such a blessing. We are still working on the new studio and the good Lord knows that can't happen too soon. I like to joke around by saying that we are waiting on the men. With James busy in the IT field and my dad busy with computer programming we can only work on the weekends - which is when I'm busy. Hopefully, the studio building will come to a close soon as the men are looking at taking some vacation time in the future.

As we continue to grow, I'd like to say a big thank you to these special people and businesses:

"Frequent Customer Award": Bell Family

I met Elena Bell through an advertisement in the newspaper. What started out as a value shoot turned into a wonderful working relationship with her entire family. This past winter, Dixie Bell keep me hopping with a genealogy book which can be viewed here. We started out with a traditional photobook and I started piddling around with scrapbooking her submitted family pictures. Since I rely 80% on word of mouth, the Bell family certainly wins the award for Top Customer. During the month of July, mention Bell Family and receive a 5 Print Passes with any order over $300.

Most Influential Customer: Katie Martz-Kimbrel

I had been in business for a few months when we started our internship program. When looking for the right person, Springs Valley School supplied us with Katie Rose. When we had our grand opening, it was Katie who went on air for us with Q100. For opening late in the year, we photographed A LOT of seniors all with Katie's help. Throughout her internship she learned how to setup a studio and edit pictures.This last March I had the honor of photographing her wedding. She will most likely be my only client who edits her photos! Because of Katie's hard work during the critical early stages of our business, she wins the Most Influential Customer Award. During the month of July, mention "Martz" a receive 2 free hi resolution downloads.


Best Business Relationship: Victory Baptist Church


Many of you will be surprised that I'm not naming the French Lick Resort and Casino. For those of you that know me well, you shouldn't be shocked. I am always grateful to receive a referral from any business or organization. However, my heart will always go soft for ministry opportunities. God has been so good to me and my family and because of those blessings I feel that He deserves the first fruits of my labor. Last year, we started the church directory project with my church. Through the project I got to know our congregation more personally. While VBC is my home church they also qualify as my best business relationship. As our church steps out in faith over the next few months by building our new church building, they can expect my support with prayer and by snapping lots of pictures! If your looking for a good church home, I'm always happy to refer you to Victory Baptist Church. Mention "church" as receive a free church directory shoot. Email me for details!

Last but not least, check out my facebook page.
Angela Owens's Facebook Profile




Angela Owens's Profile

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