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.