Meet Blanca Diaz | Studio Owner & Board Certified Behavior Analyst

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

Hi Blanca, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business was driven by a blend of passion and purpose. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with extensive experience in the autism community, I recognized the profound impact of inclusive spaces where everyone can express themselves freely and be celebrated for their unique perspectives.

My interest in photography and love for design presented a perfect avenue to merge these interests. The thought of a studio that not only catered to professional photographers and videographers but also welcomed individuals with autism resonated deeply with me. I envisioned a place where creativity wasn’t just encouraged but flourished, supported by a community that values inclusivity.

The decision to open the studio also stemmed from my background. Growing up in an immigrant family that transformed their lives through sheer determination and hard work, inspired me to embody that same spirit. The studio became a way to channel my professional skills and passions into a venture that could make a significant difference in the community.

The process was about identifying a need for more inclusive creative spaces and believing in the power of combining professional creative services with a commitment to social impact. This intersection of creativity and community support is the foundation upon which Creative Canvas Studios was built.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Creative Canvas Studios is not just a photo studio; it’s a safe space created to merge professional creative services with inclusive community initiatives, particularly for the autism community. What sets us apart is our dual focus on providing a top-tier creative space while fostering an environment of inclusivity and accessibility. This unique blend has shaped our identity and mission.

I’m most proud of how we’ve built a community around our studio that goes beyond just business transactions. Our commitment to providing free photoshoots for families in the autism community and creating a welcoming space for all has been incredibly rewarding. This effort to make creativity accessible to everyone is what excites me the most.

Getting to where we are today wasn’t easy. The challenges of starting a business from the ground up—securing funding, managing operations, and marketing our services—were substantial. Overcoming these challenges required perseverance, learning from failures, and adapting quickly. The support from my fiancé, who handles many behind-the-scenes tasks, has been crucial in navigating these hurdles, and the support of our family has been instrumental.

The key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of resilience and community. Building a supportive network and staying true to our values has helped us thrive. Another lesson is in the power of inclusivity—creating a space where everyone feels valued can significantly impact your business and the community.

I want the world to know that Creative Canvas Studios is more than a business—it’s a passion project aimed at making a difference. Our story is about pushing boundaries, embracing creativity, and building a space where everyone can express themselves freely. This isn’t just where art happens but a place where we all come together.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Love The Grove—33133 is my dream Miami zip. Cocowalk for shopping, eating, and strolling under the trees with that ocean breeze. I’d take her to Bay Shore Club, Regatta Park, Coco, Omaki, Kennedy Park, and down Main Highway, stopping by all the cute stores and restaurants.

We’d hang out in Wynwood: Uchi, KYU, Cielito, and hit up Smorgasburg on a Saturday. Show her the Design District, swing by Upper Buena Vista, and check out Brickell City Centre. It’s a tourist trap, but I still love walking around Lincoln Road and Purdy Ave.

In true Miami fashion, a boat day is necessary. Rosa Sky is my favorite rooftop. Maybe a session at Mimi Yoga, House of Transformation, or a run across the Venetian for a little sweat.

Spend a day at The Standard, take the dogs to Haulover Beach, grab some Makoto and lychee martinis at Bal Harbour. La Mar on Brickell Key, Motek on Miracle Mile, and those amazing French croissants. So basically, eat and eat and eat.

Cafecitos at ventanitas, fritas and buñuelos in Calle Ocho. Get our hair done at Noir Beauty Lounge, a spray tan at Lux de Glow, and mani-pedis at Hermi Nails. Love going to concerts, Heat games, and UM games. Relaxing, reading, sipping margaritas by the pool, grilling some burgers.

Maybe check out Little Havana for live music, hit up South Pointe Park for the views, or swing by Joe’s Stone Crab when they’re in season.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Recognizing the support and contributions of those around us is crucial. I would love to dedicate a major shoutout to my fiancé, Geovanni Granda, who has been an instrumental part of this journey with Creative Canvas Studios. He’s truly the backbone of our operations, handling everything from IT and website development to filming our content, managing repairs, and even helping with accounting and bookings. His role extends into creative aspects as well; he assists with set creations and ensures the daily operations of the studio run smoothly.

More than just the technical tasks, he’s my support system, keeping me grounded and focused; helping me stay sane through the ups and downs of running a business. His support has been just as crucial to our success. It’s his behind-the-scenes work that allows me to bring my best self to the studio and to our community every day. His dedication and hard work deserve immense credit and recognition. I’m incredibly grateful for his partnership, both in life and in business.

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