Well, the day finally arrived that we have dreamed about for several years, agonized over paper work for months and spent sleepless nights imagining. We have taken the next HUGE step for Pixels On Paper and purchased our studio space.
The idea that we wanted a large space of our own was a thought for years and we were not sure how it would happen. We spent a lot of time looking at different location options, and finally landed on Wilkesboro, NC. It was a bit of a struggle because we wanted the small town feel and atmosphere without alienating our clients in Charlotte where we got our start. We feel that being a short driving distance, only a little over an hour from Charlotte, we get the best of both worlds.
We began our search looking at Main Street options with a cool studio street level and our private residence above. After many scenarios and different options on layouts, we quickly realized that either expense or limited availability would not allow that to happen. Finding a way to avoid passing additional expenses along to our clients was a high priority.
It was after a disappointing tour of a property that we were seriously considering that led to a drive on Curtis Bridge Road past a place we had written off earlier, still sitting empty. We pulled in, walked around the outside, peered through the windows and both began to get a certain feeling and just looked at each other and knew…THIS IS IT! It was completely opposite of the ideal space we originally had in mind but yet so much more than we could have imagined. We very quickly began the purchase process on the historic farmhouse house that was built in 1854. The process consumed us, taking lots of work, causing a few tears when the process wasn’t going as expected and four months later led to to the excitement of finally receiving the keys.
Although in great shape for being 158 years old, we will be working on the space longer than originally anticipated now that weekends are consumed by wedding season. The timing is not ideal but we realize that our timing is not what God had in mind for us. There are reasons that we will see later for why we have had to struggle to achieve our dream.
And just so there is a true appreciation of all the work that will transform this beauty located at 1198 Curtis Bridge Road in Wilkesboro here are a few of the “before” photos.
For all the wonderful clients who we consider friends, family and new people we are meeting through this process, thank you! We are so blessed to be able to do a job we love and be surrounded with such supportive and loving people.
As we move forward with the space, we will try our best to keep everyone updated on the progress through our blog, Twitter and Facebook. Be sure to check back and follow our journey, or if you would like to help, we will post when we will be there working, bring a fun attitude and be a part of it all.
Again, thank you for allowing us to be a small part of your lives and for all that you do for us, it does not go unnoticed.
With much love and gratitude,
Misty and Ryan
On Saturday, March 17, Pixels On Paper participated in the Wilkes Smart Start Magic Show. Smart Start had several informational booths set up around the Stone Center for parents to pick up information on finding and paying for child care, starting a home child care facility, as well as nutrition information, and fun and games. The event wrapped up with a magic show for all the kids (both young and old.)
We were able to join in on the fun by setting up a small photo booth where the kids were able to put on magician hats, wave magic wands and make rabbits appear! It was truly a fun morning getting to be a part of such a wonderful program. We captured some fun moments of budding magicians.
Photos taken of the participants at the event are available for purchase on our site, click here to access the gallery. There is a $25 minimum order with proceeds benefiting Wilkes Smart Start. Thanks for letting us be a part of a great community event!
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License.