FERNDALE, Wash. — Ferndale area resident, Simona Nicolau said she had been driving past the former Ferndale State Bank building for years imagining what she could do with it if given the chance. She mentioned her interest to a real estate agent while doing a business photo shoot nearby and soon found herself inside the building telling the owners her ideas and a deal was struck.
Vine Creative Spaces Studio, located at 2046 Main Street, is available to rent on an hourly basis with 3 different studios for photographers and as an event space for engagements, weddings, birthdays and professional gatherings Nicolau said. She chose the name, Vine, since the outside of the building is adorned with beautiful vines.
A professional photographer in her own right, Nicolau spent years working at Yuen Lui Photography Studio in Bellevue and is now running her own photography business, Simona Nicola Photography.
Photographers are frequently challenged to find unique indoor locations for business and family photo shoots according to Nicolau and Vine Creative Spaces Studio solves that problem with the added benefit of being filled with natural light from the many 2-story tall windows.
Nicolau hopes families will take advantage of the space for special events. She is already making plans to have Santa on hand during the holidays for family photos.
A website will be launched soon with online booking capability, Nicolau said. In the mean time, anyone interested in booking time can call (360) 441-1540.