Meet Tash Kelleher from Soul Creative Studio

People Behind the Space: Soul Creative Studio

Tash Kelleher, founder of Soul Creative Studio

In this edition of People Behind the Space, we chat with Tash, founder of Soul Creative Studio, the first purpose-built content creation space of its kind in Christchurch. Inspired by international studios and fuelled by her own creative background, Tash has designed a stunning, versatile studio where photographers, brands, podcasters, and content creators can bring their visions to life.

From thoughtfully curated props to flexible backdrops and a podcast room, Soul Creative Studio is quickly becoming a hub for Ōtautahi’s creative community.

Tell us a bit about yourself, Tash. What inspired you to open Soul Creative Studio?

Soul Creative was born from a conversation with a good friend who knew someone who started a similar studio overseas and was thriving! After doing some research on the likely demand in Christchurch, we started sourcing props, backdrops, and furniture that were on trend and complemented our ‘New York’ style premises 

Having previously worked as a hairdresser and also designed and built our own homes over the years, I decided to play on my creative strengths as I started putting the studio together. I’m also married and a mum to two young boys, and I live near the beach. The studio is based close to the seaside suburbs. 

Soul Creative is the first purpose-built content studio of its kind in Christchurch. What gap did you see in the local creative scene that you wanted to fill?

Content creation studios are common overseas, and the demand isn’t slowing down. I knew that a space like mine would appeal to a vast range of creatives, from professional photographers and videographers to podcasters, fashion brands, businesses, and influencers, as well as anyone looking for a clean aesthetic to create content. 

How would you describe the atmosphere and creative energy inside the studio?

The studio has a really beautiful feel to it and great energy too. We’ve had such a range of very cool people and companies through in the small amount of time we’ve been open.

What kind of creators or projects do you typically see using the space?

We have had a lot of photography work in the studio. Anything from personal branding shoots, family mini’s to clothing and jewellery companies. We’ve also had a prominent make-up artist host a workshop, and a couple of marketing companies using it from their own content as well as their clients.

Can you walk us through the different areas and features of the studio that people love most?

Our main studio area features a long New York-style cream brick wall with planters hanging on custom-built steel frames. We’ve had a lot of clients print off their mood boards and pin them to the wall, which has been popular for social media content and is becoming a bit of a trend.

We have our photography wall with interchangeable colours on an electronic roller as well as a white fluted feature wall that’s built on walls and can be moved around the studio, as well as a frame with different fabric options.

We also have a glass black panelled partitioned room that we use as a podcast studio, but it has been utilised for general content too.

The main feature that sets us apart is our range of furniture, props, and backdrops included in our studio hire. From chairs and stools to tables and ornamental pieces, our guests can really personalise their content and have everything they need on hand without hauling their own props around with them.

What’s been your favourite shoot or project that’s taken place at Soul Creative so far?

It’s hard to choose! We had a very well-known clothing brand shoot in the studio, so that was exciting. One of the guests on a podcast had recently gone viral, too, so it was exciting to have her in the studio. 

How do you see Soul Creative supporting or uplifting the creative community in Ōtautahi?

By offering an intentionally designed, natural light studio, we’re making high-quality content creation more accessible to local photographers, brands, creators, and business owners.

What’s the most rewarding part of running a space designed specifically for creators, photographers, and content makers?

The most rewarding part is seeing our guests walk into the studio and being instantly inspired. It’s really rewarding to be able to offer a space that's both functional and beautiful. Whether it's a solo content shoot, a brand campaign, or a podcast being recorded, it’s an absolute privilege to play a role in our clients' creative process.

If you could collaborate with any brand, artist, or content creator in the world, who would it be and why?

Gosh, there are so many amazing creatives out there, but if I had to choose one at this moment, it would be my favourite clothing brand, Ruby. I’m a lover of fashion, and I always look forward to seeing their seasonal collections come out.

What’s next for Soul Creative Studio? Are there any new additions, upgrades, or plans on the horizon?

We know we live in a fast-paced, ever-evolving society, and we have every intention to keep up. We will be introducing new backdrops and interchanging our furniture and props seasonally to ensure we’re always looking fresh and on trend. 

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