HELP BETTY SAVE HER STUDIO & SUPPORT HER FAMILY

Hello, my name is Betty Morris , and I’m a proud Winchester, KY native, a Morehead State University alum, and a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor’s in Fine Art - despite facing many trials and obstacles, like losing my step father and granny my freshman year of college, and my father a month before graduation.

For over eight years, I’ve dedicated my life to photography, empowering and building confidence in others through my photographs, capturing once in a lifetime moments, teaching others, and building a business I’m passionate about, Betty Lea Photography. And all doing so while being a single mother, working on healing my own traumas by going through CBT and EMDR therapy & workshops, caring for loved ones, grieving loved ones, constantly learning new things, working odd end jobs, moving, and many sleepless nights remodeling an apartment for my daughter & I, and designing & creating my studio business, Loxx & Lumens Studios, from the ground up - which leads me here.

Two years ago, I took a leap of faith and rented a space on Main Street in my hometown. Owning a space here has been a dream of mine for a long time. My dad owned a lock shop downtown for 30 years and I always knew that one day I wanted to have a space here, too.

It was a blank canvas—a 1,400 square-foot white box—and I invested every bit of money, knowledge, and skills I had into transforming it into a unique and creative space for local artists, photographers, healers, and our community. This space was meant to be a place where creativity & healing could flourish, where workshops, events, and networking could bring people together. This studio was a dream come true, and one that I worked very, very hard to make happen.

However, I’m now at a critical crossroads that threatens the future of this studio and my ability to provide for my daughter. Due to rising costs, a slow year for businesses, and unforeseen expenses, and despite working tirelessly and even taking on additional jobs, I’ve fallen behind on rent and a few other bills, as well as my ability to repair my car. This ongoing situation has taken a serious toll on my mental and physical health, creating a a downward spiral for other parts of my life. I have to accept that I can no longer do this alone, as hard as it is for me to be this vulnerable and to say this, I need help to get my business and life back on track. For my daughter, for myself, and for my community.

My studio’s overhead consists of my monthly rent that is $1,400, electric (which soared from the typical $200 to ~$900 per month last winter), internet ($180 per month, though currently disconnected), and business insurance costs (~$200 per month). Plus yearly fees, licenses, permits, miscellaneous cost, etc.

My landlord has generously offered to reduce my rent to $1,000 moving forward if I can get caught up, but if I’m unable to do so, I will be forced to leave, breaking my lease. If I can’t find someone to take over the lease, I’ll still be responsible for the full $1,400 monthly rent until May 2025. And with the upcoming downtown remodel, I fear finding a replacement will be difficult.

My car, my only means of transportation for my daughter and my work, is in dire need of repairs— three major sensors need replacing, along with tires, brakes, and wipers. My car tags are also due, adding to the stress.

Asking for help is incredibly difficult for me, but I’m left with no other choice. That’s why I’m reaching out to you through this GoFundMe campaign. Your support will help me get back on track with rent & utilities and make the necessary repairs to my car, ensuring that I can continue to work and provide for my daughter.

If I’m able to save the studio, I plan to share the space with a group of photographers, each contributing to cover the costs, so we can continue offering this creative haven to our community.

My goal with this campaign is to raise $8,700 by 8/31 to cover the overdue rent, upcoming September rent, and necessary car repairs.

Here’s how the funds will be used:

- Overdue Rent: $4,200

- September Rent: $1,000

- Studio Utilities: $1,000 (to catch up on insurance and restore electricity to the studio)

- Car Repairs: $2,500 (for parts & labor to replace several essential components and ensure my car remains safe and functional)

Without your support, I must break my lease and close the studio, which would have long-term consequences not only for my business & family but for the creative community & space I’ve worked so hard to build. Saving this studio means so much more than just fulfilling a dream.

How You Can Help:

- Donate: Any amount helps, even if it’s just $1. Every little bit brings me closer to my goal.

- Book a Photoshoot: And pay in full at booking. I offer a wide range of services including weddings (photo & video), branding, boudoir, real estate, seniors, and more. Visit my website linked here to book.

- Hire Me for Branding / Design Work: I can do logo design, business cards, web design, marketing material, and more.

- Spread the Word: Share this campaign with others who might be willing to help.

As a token of my appreciation, I would love to apply your donation towards a future photography session or wedding, regardless of whether I’m able to keep the studio or not.

I would be happy to answer any questions or provide more details if needed!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read my story and for any support you can offer. Your kindness means the world to me and my daughter.

Warmly,

Betty Morris