What Are We Passionate About?
Community.
Being a small business owner or a solo entrepreneur can be a tough road to navigate. We understand having to wear all of the hats all while juggling all of the plates. We hear you, we see you. You are not alone. The Studio 557 community is filled with like-minded individuals who are here to support you, encourage you, and motivate you to grow and succeed. We offer exclusive perks to our members such as an opportunity for mastermind-style meetings, access to private workshops, and much more.
Education.
You started your business with a purpose, to make an impact on the world. The beautiful thing about this world is that there is always something new to learn every day. Studio 557 offers workshops to grow personally and professionally taught by people who are leaders in small business both inside and outside of the Studio 557 community. We are strong believers that you can never stop learning. A commitment to education is a catalyst for big change both for you and your business. Let us be a part of that with you.
Creativity.
We are passionate about supporting and empowering the creative needs of entrepreneurs. Studio 557 started in 2016 as The Studio Holly Springs with one simple goal in mind - to provide a space unlike any in our area for creatives to grow their businesses. Creative entrepreneurs were drawn to the blank canvas, a space where anyone could make it their own. Studio 557's large open floorplan allows for flexibility for small business owners and creatives alike to design the ultimate client experience.
The Story Behind Studio 557
In 2016, after a year of searching for the perfect studio space to call home, owner Amber Smith found a dream space in the heart of downtown Holly Springs. There was a big problem though - it was twice as big as she needed or had budgeted for. Commercial space in Holly Springs was hard to come by, and in Downtown is was pretty much unheard of. On the verge of giving up hope, several photographer friends encouraged her to snatch it up as they only wished they could have access to a similar space. After realizing that having access to space like that could change the course of someone's business, Amber had an ah-ha moment. She went out on a limb and opened the doors to The Studio Holly Springs : A Coworking Space For Creatives.
Several years later the concept and the community had outgrown the original space and Amber set out on yet another long search, that brought about more twists and turns than anyone could have imagined. Yet each obstacle only prepared her for when the perfect opportunity presented itself. After a single sit-down with one of the owners of The Block on Main, she learned that they both share a passion for small business and a love for the Town of Holly Springs. She immediately knew it would be the perfect fit and was beyond excited to relaunch the original concept as Studio 557 in The Block on Main. Located in the heart of the downtown of the place she loves and has called home for over a decade in a half. Her love for the town is so deep that even the name Studio 557 is a nod to the town as 557 is the phone prefix for the downtown district. Studio 557 serves to offer business owners a space to call their own, grow their brand, influence others, and make an impact on the world.
The Heart Behind Studio 557
Owner and founder of Studio 557, Amber Smith is a multi-passionate entrepreneur with a fierce enthusiasm for supporting small businesses. She started her entrepreneurial journey as the owner of Amber Foster Smith Photography while focusing on weddings and portraits for many years. After starting a successful mastermind for female-owned businesses in Holly Springs she became inspired to turn her passion for photography and her heart for small businesses as a way to support the community she loves. With a degree in Brand Management and Marketing, it was a natural evolution to turn her focus to specializing in branding photography for small businesses. The idea that creating powerful images that can strengthen a brand's identity and help bring success to the business is something that fills her soul and lights her on fire!
Amber is also the owner of Vend Raleigh, a community of over 3k driven women entrepreneurs whose focus is on connection, empowerment, and education. Vend Raleigh leads the women who lead small business.
Growing up Amber has always been a creative at heart. From her very first sewing project when she could barely reach the pedal to drafting patterns in high school and later off to NC State's College of Textiles. From being put on a film allowance to keep her shutter happy finger in check while in middle school to now collecting vintage cameras and shooting as many rolls of film as her heart desires. Amber has always held a deep passion for the arts.
Amber married her high school sweetheart and together they have two children. She enjoys trail running with her two dogs, gardening, and training for obstacle course races. She has a weakness for baked goods and rescuing both “homeless” puppies and house plants that need to be loved. Most importantly Amber loves spending time with her family as well as supporting and giving back to the community she loves.
Meet Some of Our Community Members
Did you know that the Studio 557 has been serving creatives as The Studio Holly Springs for years before moving to our new space?
Check out what our community has to say about us over the years.