Dublin City Enterprise News Talks To....Agata Stoinska
“’I’d love to make a permanent mark on the creative scene in Dublin,” Agata Stoinska, D-Light Studios
In the third part of ‘Dublin City Enterprise News Talks To’, we meet Agata Stoinska, a Polish-born fashion photographer and member of the Dublin City Enterprise Network for Women.
About D-Light Studios
In February 2009, Agata opened D-light Studios, a large warehouse style studio space in the heart of Dublin's North Inner City. The vision behind the studio was to provide a multimedia and art space providing a facility for photographers, television productions, artists, theatre companies, fashion shows and students.
QUESTION TIME
How did you decide to start your own business?
I was getting frustrated with the studio spaces on offer in Dublin City, and I was looking for an ideal set up not only for myself, but also for photographers and creatives of other disciplines. My vision for the studio was to set up a creative workspace that everyone could use, regardless of their project.
What kind of reaction did you get?
Some of my family and friends found it hard to understand why I would commit to opening a business in the midst of a recession, but once they realised I was serious about making a mark on the creative industry in Dublin they were tremendously supportive. It was a great feeling to have so many people that believed in the studio and its potential, it made the initial start up of the business so much more exciting, as I had so many people on board who wanted the business to work.
What was the greatest stumbling block?
Initially I had started the business as a partnership and unfortunately my partner backed out at the eleventh hour. It was entirely unexpected and came at such an awful time, it was a real knock backwards.
What happened next?
It was an extremely stressful time and it meant I had to completely rethink my business strategy. Thankfully it all worked out in the end, and to be honest I’m glad that now I have full control of the venture, it means I can make the decisions that I feel are right for the studio without having to compromise too much.
What supports did you receive?
Getting help with my business plan was key. The Dublin City Enterprise Board put me in touch with a mentor who was a great help to me. A business plan is a daunting task if you haven’t written one before, so it was a huge relief to have someone to guide me in the right direction.
What is the best thing about being your own boss?
Having creative control over my business is fantastic. People regularly approach me with ideas and plans for the studio. If I think they suit the ethos of my business I’m more than happy to go with it and explore new ideas. Having this kind of flexibility keeps the studio fresh and interesting and means I have new challenges and goals all the time.
What’s on the horizon for D-Light Studios?
I would love to expand the studio by buying the whole building. My plan is to have a gallery and artists’ spaces so that more people can avail of the studio. Having the studio as a creative community would be fantastic, I’d love to make a permanent mark on the creative scene in Dublin.
Our thanks to Agata for being this month’s guest on ‘Dublin City Enterprise News Talks To.’
If you’d like to get in touch with Agata Stoinska at D:Light Studios,
Visit www.stoinska.com E-mail: agata@stoinska.com Phone: 087 643 99 55