Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sunita. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sunita, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

Eight years ago, I was just a young Indian woman with a dream—one that didn’t quite align with the traditional expectations of my culture. Choosing an unconventional path was hard, especially for my family who, like many immigrant parents, worried about stability. But I knew growth meant stepping into the unknown and creating something of my own.

Through Studio E, I hope to leave behind more than a business. I want to leave behind a legacy of courage, representation, and impact. This space was built by someone who didn’t always see herself reflected in the room—and decided to create a new one.

My vision was for Studio E to be more than just a venue. I wanted it to be a welcoming, inclusive space for the Denton community. Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, memorial, or local team-building night, I want every person who walks through our doors to feel like they belong.

I also wanted to honor the building’s rich history. There’s something special about preserving a piece of Denton’s past while creating space for new memories and milestones.

And for the young women—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—who are reading / watching, I hope Studio E shows them that their dreams are valid. You don’t have to fit a mold. You can lead, build, and thrive—on your own terms.

The legacy I want to leave behind is a business that not only reflects my journey, but supports the community and allows it to thrive—with a space to truly call their own.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, I’m Sunita Narayana—founder and owner of Studio E. I’m a professional Indian dancer and nationally recognized choreographer who originally stumbled upon this space while searching for a place to rehearse and store costumes. What began as a practical need quickly turned into something much bigger.

Studio E is located in the basement of what was once Russell’s Department Store, a 1920s building rich with Denton history. When I first found the space, it was abandoned and barely usable—no lights, broken walls, and decades of dust. But the original brick, concrete floors, and exposed beams told a story. I rolled up my sleeves, and with a lot of vision and hard work, transformed the forgotten basement into something special.

Today, Studio E is a warm, industrial-chic, all-purpose venue in the heart of Denton’s Downtown Square. We host everything from weddings and private parties to art shows, pop-ups, and film shoots. Our goal is to offer a space that feels personal, welcoming, and full of creative potential—one that reflects the diversity and spirit of our community.

What sets Studio E apart is its flexibility. We’re a DIY-style venue that gives clients the freedom to bring their unique vision to life. Whether you’re planning something simple or elaborate, the space is yours to customize. We provide a beautiful, character-rich canvas—and you get to make it your own. That creative freedom is what our clients love most, and it’s what makes each event here truly one of a kind.

At its core, Studio E is about more than events—it’s about community, representation, and building something lasting. My hope is that we continue to be a place where people feel seen, inspired, and at home.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In 2017, while searching for a place to teach Bollywood and Indian dance, I stumbled upon a forgotten basement beneath a 100-year-old department store in Denton. It was rat-infested, had no electricity, and was falling apart—but I saw potential. What most people saw as uninhabitable, I saw as an opportunity to build something meaningful from the ground up. With hard work, late nights, and a lot of DIY grit, I helped transform that dark, crumbling basement into what is now Studio E—an industrial-chic venue filled with history, warmth, and character.

But resilience doesn’t just come from physical transformation. In 2022, I went through a painful divorce that took a heavy financial and emotional toll. That year tested me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. On top of personal loss, I had to protect my business from unexpected hurdles, including complaints filed with the city by my former partner—challenges that felt designed to hold me back. Quietly and firmly, I navigated every setback, determined not to let bitterness steal what I had worked so hard to build.

Despite it all, Studio E remained open, and I kept going—not because it was easy, but because I believed in what this space stood for: a place where people from all walks of life could gather, celebrate, and create memories. That belief carried me through.

Every brick of Studio E holds part of that journey. It’s more than a venue; it’s proof that you can turn struggle into strength, and hardship into something beautiful. My story is one of resilience, but so is Studio E’s—and I’m proud that both continue to grow, one event at a time.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my journey came after a challenging season in both life and business. In 2022, I went through a difficult divorce that hit me hard—financially, emotionally, and professionally. Alongside that, I faced unexpected challenges to my business, including complaints filed with the city that jeopardized the future of Studio E. It felt like everything I had built was being tested.

Rather than give up, I chose to move forward—quietly, steadily, and with conviction. I knew what Studio E stood for, and I wasn’t willing to let it go. I continued hosting events, supporting my community, and pushing forward—often behind the scenes, with very little recognition or reassurance.

Then in 2024, after finally meeting with the City of Denton, making every modification asked of me, and working closely to ensure full compliance, I officially received my updated Certificate of Occupancy. It was a full-circle moment—proof that even after setbacks, uncertainty, and years of obstacles, I could do this on my own.

That pivot was more than a milestone—it was a declaration that Studio E is here to stay. Not just as a venue, but as a space built with intention, persistence, and the unwavering belief that something meaningful is worth fighting for.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.studioedenton.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studioedenton/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studioedentontx/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@studioedenton