We recently connected with Mj Peters and have shared our conversation below.

Hi MJ, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

In 2021 I managed a photo studio part-time and fell in love with the creative collaboration opportunities it invited for all kinds of artists and small businesses. When that studio closed at the end of 2022, I knew I wanted to continue providing a space for people to create. My partner and I found the home for our new studio conveniently located in our city’s creative district. We quickly got to work setting up shop, building our one of a kind infinity cove, and stocking our prop room so “StudioDaze” could be available for hourly rentals by February of 2023.

As an active member in the local photo/video/arts community, I knew StudioDaze would be successful due to the booming number of photographers and lack of public rental spaces in the area. Our clients aren’t only photographers, it seems everyone has a use for a photo studio nowadays with social media benefiting nearly all industries. Our low rates and DIY atmosphere is accommodating to all amateurs and professionals wanting to accomplish their photo and video goals.

MJ, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is MJ Peters, my artist name is Mad Darling and my business name is StudioDaze Omaha. I’m a multi-faceted creative who’s always been passionate about inspiring others to make their dreams come true. I started my career in the local photo and film industry in 2010 at age 14. I have been apart of a wide variety of projects both in front and behind the camera. My versatile experience allows me contribute to a client’s project however they may need! I offer set-design, behind-the-scenes content and general assistance to any StudioDaze booking. I have also helped with lighting, hair & makeup, coordinating, craft services, modeling, some photography and more. Though I am not a photographer myself, my interests and skills put me in a great position to support anyone with a camera.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

When I created my StudioDaze Instagram, I searched for any and all photographers, videographers, brands, small businesses, models, content creators, filmmakers, agencies and musicians in my area to follow. Anyone that I could think of that could benefit from knowing my business exists. I used different hashtags and general keyword searches to mass follow people, luckily most followed back immediately! I also ventured to Facebook and joined as many regional photography, filmmaking and business facebook groups that would accept me and found more pages to follow from there. I did a few giveaways and pop-up events to help my name get known in the community as well. Lately, my biggest drive on social media as been Instagram collaboration posts with clients. I’ll send a discount code when someone adds me as a collaborator on a post from something they made at StudioDaze. This feels like a cheat code to posting consistently and has been fantastic for my growth, outreach and engagement.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Google, Instagram and word of mouth have been the best sources for new clients. Google My Business has been extremely worth any time, effort and money put into it though my partner takes the reins managing that sort of SEO stuff.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.studiodazeomaha.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiodazeomaha/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studiodazeomaha
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@StudioDazeOmaha
• Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/studiodazeomaha/

Image Credits

Kenny Moreno (K10 Content)
MJ Peters (StudioDaze)