08/04/2026
I feel like I need to tell this story before I move on.
If you watched my Instagram stories last week, you probably saw that the photography studio I poured my heart into was suddenly gone. My sign came down, the doors closed, and instead of leaving people wondering, I wanted to share what happened in my own words.
The truth is, this is not how I ever imagined this chapter ending.
Almost three years ago, I moved into my little downtown Brandon studio. It wasn't perfect when I got the keys, but I saw so much potential. I spent countless hours painting, decorating, building sets, and creating a warm, welcoming space where thousands of memories would be made. It became so much more than just a place to work. It became a second home.
As a tenant, I always paid my rent on time, cared for the space, invested thousands of dollars into improving it, and truly believed in helping bring life to downtown Brandon.
On July 22, I walked into the studio for a scheduled session and found a yellow Post it note taped to my toilet saying there was no water in the building.
That was my first notification.
I immediately reached out to ask when the water would be restored. No one could give me an answer. When I asked why I had not been notified, I was told the City of Brandon had shut the water off.
Something about that did not feel right.
I contacted the City of Brandon myself because I could not imagine the city shutting off water to an occupied commercial building without notifying the tenants.
They explained that on June 29th they had been called to the building because of flooding. My landlord was there, and the city determined it was a private plumbing issue that the property owner was responsible for repairing.
That was nearly a month before I found the Post it note.
I had never been told about the flooding, that the water had been shut off, or that there was no timeline for repairs. Rent continued to come out of my account while I unknowingly leased a space that I could not properly operate.
Water is not optional when you run a business. My clients deserve clean washrooms, running water, and a safe place to visit. Those are basic expectations.
Unfortunately, this was not the first challenge I experienced in the building. Over the past few years there were multiple occasions where I had to ask that my studio not be entered without notice, along with other ongoing management concerns. I always tried to work through those issues professionally because I genuinely loved the space I had created.
When I asked when the building would be usable again, there was no answer. In fact, I learned there was not even a repair work order in place yet.
As a photographer, I book sessions weeks and often months in advance. Families, newborns, branding sessions, and so many of life's biggest moments all require planning. I could not tell clients, "I'm not sure when I'll have a studio again."
At that point, protecting my business and protecting my clients became my priority. Leaving downtown happened sooner than I ever expected, but staying was no longer an option.
Ironically, I had already planned to leave downtown when my lease ended this November. Behind the scenes, I have been working tirelessly on something new, a beautiful new studio that is not quite ready to share.
Life just decided to move up my timeline.
While I wish this chapter had ended differently, I believe it is the beginning of an even better one.
These last few weeks have been emotional. I have cried over losing a space that meant so much to me. I have questioned everything. But through it all, one thing has never changed, my commitment to the people who trust me to capture their lives.
If you have a session booked with me, please do not worry. You are taken care of. I have a plan, and I cannot wait to show you what is coming next.
I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and while this was not the path I would have chosen, I know it is leading to something even better for both me and my clients.
To everyone who has reached out with kind words, checked in on me, or supported my business over the years, thank you. You have reminded me that while buildings can be taken away, the relationships I have built with my clients and this community never will.
So if you drive down Rosser Avenue and notice I am gone, just know this was not how I wanted to leave. I am incredibly proud of what that little studio became. It held laughter, happy tears, new beginnings, growing families, and so many beautiful memories. No one can take those away.
I have learned that dreams only work if I do.
So I am choosing to stop looking behind me and start looking ahead.
Here is to a fresh start, a safer place to create, and the next chapter of Kaley Noel Photography.
The best is still to come.
xo. Kaley
