Follow These Steps to Another Business

Just a half block from the center of E. Montgomery St. in downtown Francesville, if you follow the painted footsteps at the crosswalks, you may find yourself at another new business!  The Uptown Project is pleased to announce that Melissa Tanner Photography is now open for business on 109 E. Montgomery.  The official ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 25th.  Everyone is encouraged to stop in and greet Melissa and check out her new space.

Melissa has been a freelance photographer the past 7 years.  With the availability of a great location in downtown Francesville, she decided to open her own studio. She is currently available by appointment only at melissatannerphotography@gmail.com or call 219-204-0686. In addition to her studio in Francesville, she does outdoor and indoor photos at the location of your choice.  She specializes in newborns, children, family, couples and senior portraits.

Melissa has many great ideas to use in her newly remodeled space, which is rented from Chuck and Darlene Mellon.  This location was most recently Mike’s Computer and Repair Shop.   Prior to those years the building housed Carmen’s Photography and even Beth Sutton’s Ventriloquist Shop.  The building was originally built in 1894 and over the centuries opened its doors as a dress shop, a beauty parlor, antiques shop, and even a party room where men would meet over a game of cards while downing a tall cold brew since the back room at that time, was connected to the tavern.
The large open downstairs is inviting to customers where they can sip a cup of coffee, relax and contemplate on what poses are best for them.  Melissa’s plans are to display examples of her various work on the walls, so customers have a better idea of what may be available for their portraits.  The upstairs is where the heart of the photography lies.  The natural lighting, without the glare of vehicles’ windows on the street level is conducive for the experience. However, Melissa states that there is an area on the main floor for photo shoots for those patrons who may not be able to maneuver steps.
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As a young entrepreneur, Melissa has been encouraged by the help of her landlords.  The location was move-in ready with fresh paint and new floors.  Darlene Mellon, landlady and also president of the local Uptown Project, stated, that if we want our town to grow, “we must be ready to put money where our mouth is.”  Darlene mentioned that last year she had no intention of purchasing a building.  But an opportunity to help the small town with a big heart became available.  In purchasing this great office space she not only brought a new business to the downtown Francesville, but provided an entrepreneur the encouragement and opportunity to make a dream a reality.   Now it is up to the rest of us to keep that dream alive, not just for the photography business, but for all the businesses in our small town.  Shop local, eat local, stay local!  Thank you Melissa for staying in your hometown and opening your business here!