We had the good fortune of connecting with Meagan Getz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meagan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started Luxelle Studio after a years-long interest in web design that first started with a semester of high school website design class. My 14-year-old self dreamed of being a wedding photographer, and I knew that I’d need to create a website someday for my photography business, so I enrolled in that class and LOVED it. I learned some basics of website design and coding, but once I started my photography business, it became clear to me that I really needed to know more in order to create a beautiful and effective website.

During the pandemic, I invested in courses for my photography business that helped me understand what made websites (specifically photography websites) effective. I was learning how to put strategy behind a website- not just make it look pretty. That reignited the spark of interest in website design, and coupled with the knowledge I had gained about branding, I was enthralled with what I was learning!

I quickly decided that I wanted to help other photographers have websites that they’re not only proud of, but that connect them to their ideal clients and help them book the jobs they love. So, I decided to invest in a couple of courses that would help me start this new business venture. I dove deep into the world of graphic design, practicing every chance I got, and learning about the psychology behind effective design and websites. This year, I was finally able to launch Luxelle Studio and I’m so excited about all the plans I have to work with photographers and create brands and websites that help them stand out and book their dream clients and jobs!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think one thing that really sets me apart from other designers is that I came from the photography industry, so I know how to create things specifically for photographers based on my real-world experience. I’ve spent years developing my understanding of what works and what doesn’t, and I’m ready to apply that in my work and help my clients have brands and websites that are effective. I am also hugely focused on strategy, not just creating beautiful designs. Everything I create is made to help the photographers I work with connect with their dream clients and stand out from their competitors. When I used to look at my photography website, I would cringe and hesitate to show it off. I never want any other photographer to have to feel like that.

Despite my experience, when I first started this business I felt like I was starting from ground zero because I had never done brand and website design for anyone else in a professional capacity. Fighting the imposter syndrome that came from that wasn’t easy by any stretch of the imagination. But I am very open to learning and improving, so to combat this, I learned everything I could about my new craft. I reminded myself of the amazing results I’ve seen in my photography business with my branding and website design, and those didn’t just come about by chance. I love what I get to do as a brand and website designer. I hope to work with many more photographers in the years to come and create brands and websites that make them feel SO proud, confident, and reminded of how unique and special they are.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m based in Tucson, AZ where we have some of the prettiest scenery and fantastic food. First things first, come in late April or May because even though it’s already pretty hot, spring-time in the desert is on another level!! Ever seen a vibrant, tropical-looking flower atop a spiny cactus? Now imagine being surrounded by dozens of them- bright pink, orange, and yellow flowers decorating the green cacti. It’s so unexpectedly gorgeous.

Scenery-wise, I would make sure my best friend goes to Sabino Canyon, where you’re surrounded by hundreds of saguaros, prickly pears, barrel cacti, and the beautiful mountains. That scenery is a real treat and absolutely can’t be missed if you’re visiting Tucson. I’d also take them to Mount Lemmon, which is about an hour drive and a totally different environment that you wouldn’t expect to see anywhere near Tucson. The fresh air is incomparable, and we finally have a coffee shop on Mount Lemmon so I’d definitely be taking them there before we swing by the Cookie Cabin for some fresh, warm, plate sized cookies.

Food-wise, don’t get me started- there’s SO much!! But if I had to pick a few things, I would be taking them to El Guero Canelo for sure. They have to try a Sonoran hot dog, and nothing compares to El Guero Canelo’s carne asada in my eyes. Of course, they couldn’t leave Tucson without going to get an Eegee and an order of Eegee’s fries (I’m also partial to their meatball subs). I’d take them to some of my favorite coffee shops, like Crave and the bakery at Locale where I feel so inspired to create or just sit and enjoy my coffee and the ambiance. One of the days of their visit, we’d have to go get lunch at Amelia’s because their quesabirria tacos are divine!! Oh, and brunch at Prep and Pastry because their french toast and breakfast potatoes are amaaaazing.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Savannah Meikamp, my coach for my photography business, started it all. She helped me start learning about how to build an effective website and brand, which got me here today! She also recommended the first design course that I invested in, Designer Training by High Moon Studio (shoutout to Alex Krahling for putting that amazing course together). Cassidy and Amanda of Foxtrot Branding were also invaluable as I learned SO much from their Pro Design Process course.

Personal shoutouts go to my family and friends who have been so supportive and excited to hear about this new business! I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

Website: https://luxellestudio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxellestudio

Image Credits
Wedding photos for Olivia Grace Photography brand board from Unsplash.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.