Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Lewis Riley Hare.
Sarah Lewis, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Grit Studio & Collaborative began as nothing short of a God-given opportunity. We were presented with the chance to take over a studio space, and from the very beginning our vision was bigger than just four walls. We dreamed of creating a space that was cozy, aesthetic, and deeply authentic—a place where people could instantly feel at home, where you’d want to linger for hours, and where taking photos felt effortless and inspiring.
From the start, versatility was at the heart of what we wanted to offer. Beyond being a studio, we envisioned a hub that supported small businesses and fostered community through events like networking nights, pop-up shops, and creative gatherings. It wasn’t just about building a beautiful space—it was about cultivating connection and collaboration.
After our first year in business, we felt God nudging us to take a leap of faith that, honestly, felt pretty wild. Just a few doors down sat a new space with incredible potential—but it was a fixer-upper that needed a lot of love. With courage (and a little grit), we stepped out in faith and began transforming it into something more beautiful than we ever imagined.
The process has been a true labor of love. Riley’s gift for seeing potential in quirky, unique spaces, paired with Sarah’s eye for photography and ability to capture the soul of a place, has brought this dream to life. We’ve worked tirelessly these past few months, alongside the amazing support of our community, to shape a space that feels like the next chapter of Grit Studio & Collaborative.
Now, we are thrilled to share this new home with Wichita. Nestled in the heart of the Delano District, we believe it will be an incredible addition to the community—one that continues to inspire creativity, foster connection, and celebrate the beauty of small businesses. More than anything, we’re excited to see what God has in store for the years ahead.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
“Honestly, it’s been a real trial-and-error process. This kind of business is completely new for us, and having a brick-and-mortar space has come with so many challenges we never could’ve anticipated. One of the biggest has been the upkeep of the building itself—it’s definitely stretched us in new ways. We are so thankful to have such an incredible landlord that is on top of anything we need to succeed. On top of that, we’ve had to navigate figuring out what services and events really resonate with the community. It’s been a balancing act of trying new things, listening to feedback, and adjusting as we go.
Through it all, though, we’ve gained so many new skills and discovered strengths we didn’t even know we had. And we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have amazing clients who not only respect the space but also go out of their way to tell us how much they love it. That encouragement has been such a motivator on the harder days. We know there’s still plenty of growth ahead, but we’re genuinely excited about the direction we’re heading and the way this journey is unfolding.”
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
“Between the two of us, we bring a really unique mix of skills and passions to Grit Studio & Collaborative. Riley is the owner of Alchemy Inspired Homes, a real estate staging company she’s run for over eight years. She specializes in making spaces feel cozy and inviting, with that quirky, vintage, eclectic twist that makes a room feel like home. Sarah is the owner of Memory Layne Photo + Film and has been a photographer for seven years. Her focus is always on the client experience—making people feel comfortable, capturing their authentic personality, and ensuring the session is not only about great images, but also about creating a really fun, memorable time.
When we combined our strengths, it only made sense to create a space that reflected those same values—welcoming, versatile, and inspiring. Grit Studio & Collaborative is designed to be a dream space for creatives, families, and businesses alike. Photographers can bring their clients here and instantly have a backdrop that feels warm and natural. Families can celebrate life’s milestones—anything from graduation parties and bridal showers to anniversaries and baby showers. And because we both love hosting, we also saw the potential for networking events, pop-up shops, and community gatherings.
What really sets us apart is that we don’t see this space as just four walls to rent. We want people to walk in and immediately feel that sense of belonging, like it’s their home away from home. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about creating an environment where people want to stay, connect, and celebrate. That’s what makes us proudest: knowing that Grit Studio & Collaborative isn’t just a venue, it’s a place that fosters comfort, creativity, and community.”
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
“We were actually pretty different growing up. Riley was definitely the rebel—she pushed back on things she didn’t believe in and wasn’t afraid to stand her ground. Sarah, on the other hand, had more of a people-pleasing personality. She was the mediator in almost every scenario and not much of a risk taker.
What’s really cool is how those differences have ended up complementing each other in our friendship and now in our business. Over time, our similarities have grown us closer, and our differences balance each other out in such a natural way. Riley’s boldness and ability to challenge the norm pairs so well with Sarah’s steady, thoughtful approach. Together, it makes our partnership strong, and we think that combination is a big part of why Grit Studio & Collaborative works the way it does.”
Pricing:
- Studio bookings starting at $75/hr ($40 for half hour)
- Event bookings starting at $150/hr (2 hr minimum)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gritcollab.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritcollab/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gritcollab
