Getting To Know Us...Nichole Schoener & Frannie Wilson
Continuing our “Getting to Know Us” series, meet Nichole Schoener and Frannie Wilson, of Ampersand Studios. They are the creative geniuses that helped bring TSG Boise to life!
What inspired you to start your own business?
We met while attending the graphic design program at Boise State in 2009. During our senior year, none of the design firms were hiring and many of our graduated colleagues were struggling to find work. We saw an opportunity in the Boise wedding industry and jumped on it- little did we know that it was going to be something we LOVED and would still be working with brides nearly a decade later.
What has surprised you the most about owning your own small business?
There are so many dang expenses that go into owning a legit business. It is a common misconception that the rates collected go straight into pockets, or that it can be broken down into an hourly rate for the workers- there is SO MUCH overhead that goes into owning a small business.
What is unique about your business?
We take a lot of pride in our custom services - whether you are hiring Ampersand Studios for photography or Paperie + Pen for custom invitations, you will have a unique and custom experience from someone who truly LOVES what they do for a living and will strive to create the most perfect product for your needs.
What does "local" mean to you?
Both of us were born and raised in the Boise area, and have seen the crazy growth and diversity in our "little" town over the years. We love Boise and have built so many amazing relationships with like-minded local businesses. It is such an incredible place to live and supporting local businesses is what's going to keep Boise so special!
What's your favorite thing about Boise?
How do you choose? We have the best of everything. Downtown is such a cool scene, but we also have the beautiful surroundings for all that outdoorsy goodness.
"Don't enter a farting contest unless you are prepared to sh*t your pants!" Pretty bold quote, but really good advice. We take a lot of risks, and you have to be prepared to slay it with everything you've got. And sometimes you have to realize when something isn't working, learn, and move on.
When you're not working, you're_____?
We both have kids and husbands, so we really love that family time. It truly is the best part of being self-employed, we can be there for our families when we need to be, and sometimes that means pulling all-nighters to play catch up!
What do you never leave home without?
A water bottle, sunglasses, AirPods, and iPhones. That goes for both of us!
What or who are you a "closet" fan of?
Frannie: Game Shows and Spanish Soap Operas
Nichole: Jersey Shore and Catfish
The entire apple store....and probably something from Starbucks.
www.ampersand-studios.com
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