The Picture Of Growth – SchlickArt moves into a new studio on their 8th business anniversary
SchlickArt has kept the big picture in focus since they first started 8 years ago, but even after all of their grand plans, hard work and community involvement, Owners Brian and Lindsay Schlick never truly expected their life and business to match the picture of their dreams.
But on March 13, SchlickArt Photography and Video Studios cut the ribbon on their new studio in Valencia, marking a milestone they had only ever dreamt of.
“It’s hard to visualize how you can grow from a small business you built from the ground up, into a full-scale photo and video studio,” Lindsay said. “But growth happens in tiny steps that, over time, amount to an incredible journey and a beautiful new destination. And we are so grateful that we kept at it, and more importantly, that our clients stuck with us along the way.”
And it all started with one of Lindsay’s big ideas.
“I had been working for a photography company in L.A., shooting these models in glamorous sets and wardrobe,” Lindsay explained of her early career. “And I thought: ‘Well, why couldn’t we provide this same experience for all women — in a setting that makes them feel beautiful and confident? Don’t all women deserve to feel this good, even if it’s just for an hour?”
With that, Lindsay began to conceive a different kind of photography business. In her vision, stepping in front of the camera could be an empowering experience that gave her clients more than just a photograph — it would give people a new way of seeing themselves. It would no longer be a painful experience to see yourself in photographs, but just the opposite. So on March 12, 2012, Brian and Lindsay founded SchlickArt, a photography business that would change the way people saw themselves in the camera, and in the mirror.
Since the Schlicks were relatively new to Santa Clarita, they quickly got involved with local non-profits as a way to meet people and make their new city feel like home. Through organizations such as JCI Santa Clarita, Single Mothers Outreach, the SCV Chamber of Commerce and many others, the Schlicks planted their roots — personally and professionally.
As the company grew, the world of marketing was rapidly changing, too, and SchlickArt began to expand, catering to business professionals with light and bright professional portraits. Brian started receiving requests for video, as well, because small businesses needed professional content to get their message out there. So in 2018, SchlickArt launched a full-service line of video sessions for small businesses, and by spring 2019, video had grown so much that Brian left his 14-year position with Princess Cruises to work full-time for SchlickArt.
They had hit an inflection point, and to keep up with the growth, they contracted their first Junior Photographer, Sonja Gilhuys, who specializes in outdoor and family photography — and has big plans for 2020 with her new “SchlickArt Family Sessions by Sonja.”
Then, in February 2020, one of the Schlicks’ biggest dreams came true when they moved their in-home studio to its own separate space on Avenue Tibbitts in Valencia. After a floor-to-ceiling renovation, they created a beautiful studio that feels as safe, warm and inviting as their little home studio did for 7 years. Now with multiple shoot rooms, the new studio offers a versatile space while still providing the private, one-on-one attention their clients expect. For the ladies, the SchlickArt Boudoir Room feels like a private studio experience, as Lindsay captures many different looks without the client ever having to leave the room.
“We have to admit — this is the studio of our dreams,” Brian said. “But especially in the beginning, we didn’t know if this would ever really happen. We’re so grateful for everyone who has supported us along the way. You helped us make this happen, and that’s everything to us.”
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