Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Mancini.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Melissa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Hi!! I have been a social fun loving girl with a camera in my hands my whole life! After getting married and having three boys, I moved back to the Dallas area from New Orleans Jan 1st, 2015 & started growing my full-time business in Wylie, TX. I own Melissa Mancini Photography and focus mainly on Destination Weddings with our Social Life Photo Booth Combos, Families & High School Senior portraiture. I began doing styled shoots a couple of years ago and really fell in love with Weddings, Bridals and Boudoir. The further I got into the industry, the more I realized there really isn’t a huge offering of info, friendly advice or low key in-person training or meetup groups in the area. I had an in-home studio, but in December 2017, I found a great 850+sqft space & decided to open a studio front location, Studio Lotus – Boutique Studio Rental & Event Venue, where other professional photographers can rent the space to use for their sessions and Sales sessions! In addition, we hold educational classes for those wanting to sharpen their skills or simply learn their digital camera, pose clients, etc. We can host photography events and boudoir marathons as well. June 15th we got the keys to our new and improved & much much bigger 1400 sq ft space in the heart of Downtown Wylie. I love the entire Photography & Event industry and simply want my peers to grow, charge what they are worth, help strengthen our industry and Laissez les bons temps rouler (Let the Good Times Roll)! I’m excited to have the opportunity to be a part of my local community and have you all as my friends & guests!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t always been smooth sailing but I wouldn’t change a thing. I love the challenge I get every day as a business owner. I love growing this business in any way I can. I find that getting out into the community and letting people see the heart of our company has spoken volumes and brings us the best clients.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Studio Lotus story. Tell us more about the business.
In the photography industry, I’m proud to say, we strive to be a community over competition company and knew that our area needed a space for the locals to come shoot their art. Studio Lotus was originally opened to help out other professional photographers, videographers and aspiring artists by giving them a shared space to be creative without the huge overhead of a full-time space. We offer educational classes of all kinds and love teaching new tricks to other like-minded business owners.
Over time, it’s grown and we now have the space for small weddings and parties where local party throwers can host an event as well. We are known for our bright chic country glam style and inviting open-concept space with tons of natural light. We are the only shared studio space in our area and we welcome any and everyone.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck may have brought me to the best little community there is to live and work, in Wylie, TX, however nothing but pure hard work, networking and getting to know my neighbors, local families and fellow business owners has gotten me where I am today in my business. I’d like to say we make our own luck.
Pricing:
- HOURLY Weekday: $75/hour * 2-hour minimum Weekend: $100/hour * 2-hour minimum
- DAILY Weekday: $70/hour * 6-hour minimum Weekend: $90/hour * 6-hour minimum
- MEMBERSHIPS 3 MONTH MINIMUM $480/8 HOURS(per month) $800/16 HOURS $1100/24 HOURS
- MEMBERSHIPS 6 MONTH MINIMUM $400/8 HOURS(per month) $720/16 HOURS $960/24 HOURS
- EVENTS 3 HOURS $500 6 HOURS $900 9 HOURS $1200
- *all prices are subject to tax.
Contact Info:
- Address: Studio Lotus
131 N. Ballard Ave.
Wylie, TX 75098 - Website: www.studiolotusphotography.com
- Phone: 469-609-7370
- Email: studiolotusphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: @studiolotusphotography
- Facebook: @studiolotusboutiquestudiorental
Image Credit:
Headshot photo credit: Stephanie C. Perry Photography LLC
Behind the Scenes photo credit: TiffanyLoraine Photography
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
