We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr Juanita Fletcher a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Dr Juanita thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

The idea for ACHI Studios sparked from conversations and observations within the creative community, especially after we moved to Georgia, a major hub for film. We kept hearing the same thing from independent filmmakers like ourselves: finding unique, affordable locations was a constant struggle. Big studio lots were often out of reach budget-wise, and adapting regular spaces took time and money they didn’t always have. We saw talented people scaling back their vision because of logistical hurdles.

So, the idea formed: “What if we created a space specifically designed for indie filmmakers? A place with built-in versatility and accessible pricing? Our rates range from $30 – $95”. Dr. Fletcher, with her business background, really started crunching the numbers and looking at feasibility.

The “next day” wasn’t quite so dramatic as flipping a switch! It was more like the next months involved a lot of research. We looked into potential locations – scouting areas that were convenient but maybe overlooked. We had to figure out zoning, what kind of insurance was needed for a film production studio, and how much space we could realistically afford and manage. Budgeting was huge, especially being self-funded (more on that later!). We asked ourselves: What kind of sets do filmmakers really need? How can we make them flexible? That led to our concept of preset stages – a classroom, a hospital room, a jail cell, comedy club, clothing store, etc. – ready to go but easily customizable.

Then came the setup phase: finding the right building, negotiating the lease (which always feels like a nail-biter!), planning the layout, and actually building the sets. We had to source equipment, set up lighting grids, figure out sound considerations. Simultaneously, we were building the backend – setting up a website with online booking because we knew accessibility (like being open 18 hours a day, 7 days a week) was key for busy creatives. We also started planning our educational side, like the Young Performers Acting Classes.

Launching in 2020 felt incredible, but it was just the beginning. Then came the move and expansion into our current 7,000 sq ft space in Austell in 2024 – that was like launching all over again, but bigger! It was definitely a process of identifying a need, research, planning, a lot of family meetings, pooling resources, taking a leap of faith, and learning as we went.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

It’s wonderful to share our journey. It really has been a journey, one fueled by passion, family, and a deep desire to empower creativity and build community. It all started back in 2013 in Chesapeake, Virginia, with the launch of ACHI Magazine. Initially, it focused on women’s fashion and lifestyle, but we quickly realized there was a need for more – a resource that truly catered to women looking for insights into business, culture, beauty, travel, health, and careers. We built a fantastic team of creatives, and the magazine blossomed into this platform embodying “strength in sisterhood,” offering strategic advice and inspiration to women locally, nationally, and now even globally. Our mom, Dr. Juanita Fletcher, with her incredible vision and decades of leadership and entrepreneurial experience, stepped in as Editor-in-Chief, guiding its evolution. She’s always had this amazing ability to see possibilities!.  

Seeing the impact of the magazine and recognizing the need to nurture the next wave of talent, we felt called to do more. That led us to establish The ACHI Foundation in 2014. Its mission is purely about empowerment – giving young, aspiring filmmakers, photographers, and screenwriters the tools, mentorship, and supportive environment they need to flourish. We run programs like a Young Creators Camp, specific Film Workshops, and even a Film Bootcamp, all designed to encourage experimentation, risk-taking, and personal growth. It’s about helping young minds find their voice and tell their unique stories, right here now connected with our studios in Austell, GA. It’s important to note this foundation is focused specifically on these creative youth programs, distinct from other foundations that might share the Fletcher name.  

Then, in 2020, came the next big step: ACHI Studios. We launched this premier film production company and creative space here in Austell, GA, envisioning a hub designed to inspire and facilitate artistic collaboration. It felt like the natural next piece of the puzzle. We started with content and community through the magazine, then focused on education and nurturing talent with the foundation, and finally, built the physical space – a vibrant 7,000 sq ft facility – where creators could actually bring their visions to life. This progression allowed us to build a comprehensive ecosystem supporting creatives at different stages.  

Through it all, the common thread is family and that shared commitment to creativity and community. The ACHI brand – the Magazine, the Foundation, and the Studios – is entirely family-owned and operated. Dr. Juanita Fletcher serves as Owner & Operations Manager, Taneisha Fletcher is our Owner & Creative Director, Natasha Ealey is Owner & Studio Manager, and James Fletcher is our Owner & Construction Coordinator. Each of us plays a vital role. Looking back, you can see a consistent focus not just on creativity, but on empowerment. Whether it’s providing insights for female readers, resources for young creatives, or affordable space for independent filmmakers, we strive to offer opportunities and support to communities that can truly benefit from them. It’s about building something meaningful, together.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

“Absolutely. A powerful illustration of our resilience, and perhaps one of the boldest steps we’ve taken, is the decision to sign the lease for our 7,000-square-foot studio space here in Austell. Think about it – moving to a new area, establishing a physical presence of this size as a self-funded company, without deep, established roots in the immediate Austell community at that very moment. That was a significant risk! There were definitely moments where the sheer scale of the commitment felt daunting. Securing funding for such a venture is a challenge for any business, and being completely self-funded meant navigating that without traditional external investment. However, the family’s unwavering faith and their collective determination to create a truly supportive and accessible space for independent filmmakers and the local creative community drove us forward. We believed in the vision of providing affordable film studio rental and photography studio space in the Atlanta area, knowing how much it’s needed. Stepping out in faith, despite the financial pressures and the uncertainty of a new market, allowed us to create this hub for creativity, offering not just space but also valuable resources like acting classes for kids and adults. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, you have to take that significant leap, fueled by belief and a strong purpose, to truly realize your goals and build something lasting. That big lease? It wasn’t just a business decision; it was a declaration of our commitment to the Atlanta film community and a symbol of our resilience in pursuing this dream.”

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

Ah, the funding story! Like many small, family-owned businesses, our beginnings were fueled purely by bootstrapping and belief. When Dr. Juanita Fletcher launched the precursor company, GHME Productions, back in 2011, and subsequently ACHI Magazine in 2013, there wasn’t a big venture capital check or a massive bank loan.

The initial capital came directly from the family’s own resources. Being a serial entrepreneur who had successfully built and sold businesses before (like Available Insurance Agency), reinvested personal funds. We all pooled our savings, made personal sacrifices, and poured everything we had into getting things off the ground. It was truly a collective family investment built on sweat equity and shared conviction.

Equipment for the magazine, initial resources for the foundation, and certainly the significant investment required for cameras, lighting, sets, and infrastructure for ACHI Studios – it all followed the same path: careful budgeting, reinvesting any revenue generated, and using personal funds. Being “entirely self-funded,” as mentioned, means exactly that. Every expansion, every piece of gear, every new initiative, including setting up our fantastic facility here in Austell, has been financed through the family’s commitment and the businesses’ own operational cash flow.

It hasn’t always been easy – securing capital is a persistent challenge – but doing it this way has given us complete control over our vision and ensures we stay true to our mission of empowerment and community building, rather than chasing external stakeholder demands. It’s a testament to our family’s dedication and our unwavering belief in the ACHI brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://achistudios.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/Achitvfilm
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/achistudios
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/achistudios
• Other: https://tiktok.com/achistudios