Owner of Urban Luxe Brings Second Business to OTR

Studio Eleven Now Open in 3CDC’s Willkommen Development

CINCINNATI (December 10, 2024) – Just six months after celebrating the grand opening of her Over-the-Rhine (OTR) boutique clothing and accessory store, Urban Luxe, owner Sophia Blasi has relocated her photography and event space, Studio Eleven, to OTR, as well. Originally opened in Hamilton, Studio Eleven is now taking up residence at 18 E 15^th Street in Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC)’s Willkommen Development – about a 30-second walk from Urban Luxe.

Studio Eleven, a sister business to Urban Luxe, offers a blank canvas for photographers and other creatives, with minimalist aesthetics and bright white walls. The space is equipped with chair props and seamless backdrop paper for photoshoots, a table for meetings, and plenty of room for hosting small parties or events.

Designed to accommodate photoshoots and content creation for Urban Luxe, Blasi ultimately decided to rent the studio space out by the hour to maximize its potential and expand her business. Having both spaces in OTR will allow her to more seamlessly manage the two storefronts.

“I opened Studio Eleven about a year ago and quickly realized that Hamilton just wasn’t the right location,” Blasi shared. “Within a few months of opening Urban Luxe in OTR, I started looking for somewhere nearby where I could open Studio Eleven and I ended up finding the perfect spot just steps away from the boutique. It is so much more convenient having both businesses in the same place.”

In its original location, Studio Eleven hosted numerous photographers, business meetings, baby showers, bachelorette parties and more – and Blasi plans to continue with the same type of rentals in its new OTR location. The new space, which can accommodate up to 50 people, is available for rent on an hourly basis. Memberships are also available, with a month-to-month commitment, and include a 20% discount on the hourly rental rate.

“It’s so inspiring to see a young entrepreneur like Sophia managing a successful business right here in OTR and expanding into space for a second concept after such a short time,” said Lindzie Gunnels, Director of Commercial Leasing at 3CDC. “We love how she’s made this neighborhood the foundation for her businesses, and we’re excited to watch her grow her brand into an OTR staple!”

Studio Eleven hosted a soft opening this past weekend, where the public was invited to tour the space. Interested parties can reserve the space, or simply learn more about it, at www.TheStudioElevn.com. It joins a number of other neighboring bars, restaurants, and retailers near 15^th & Vine Streets in OTR including Soul Secrets, Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge, Pepp & Dolores, Qlicious and M.T.A.P. In The City, among others.

Both of Blasi’s spaces are part of 3CDC’s Willkommen project. A collaboration with Model Group, the $51 million mixed-use, scattered-site development yielded 163 apartments (88 affordable to those making 60-80% of the Area Median Income) and 19,500 square feet of commercial space.

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