Introducing Candid Studios: The Award-Winning Self-Portrait Studio in London
Following our “Open Your Shop” competition, hosted in partnership with Ankorstart, we’re excited to introduce you to one of our winners who we’re helping to launch on the high street.
Meet Aimee and Lily Barrett, the duo sisters behind Candid Studios
Candid Studios is a unique, South Korean-inspired self-portrait studio where you’re in charge.
Soon stepping up to their new flagship studio off Portobello Road — which we’re supporting them with — Aimee and Lily are on a mission to flip the script on filtered-to-perfection photos that have come to dominate our social feeds.
The concept is simple: visit Candid Studios, and capture your true self. At your freest and most fun. They invite you to take control of your story… however you’d like to.
Say bye to feeling camera shy. No judgement, no photographer, no pressure.
Just you — and whoever you want to bring along for the ride — a studio set-up, some fun props (enter disco ball and a cowboy hat) and a 90s-inspired bedroom vibe.
From capturing the raw beauty of scars and stories of resilience to chronicling love and life’s milestones, the studio seeks to unleash the power of the self-portrait.
Here’s what Aimee and Lily had to say about their journey so far when we caught up with them!
Why did you start Candid Studios?
“Candid was founded out of our own struggle with self-doubt and self-love. The stories that take place within studio make us so emotional. We want to share the impact Candid has with the world, helping others to step out of their comfort zones and remove self-limiting beliefs. Candid is empowering people to love themselves for who they are and we’re so proud of that!””
Why did you enter the “Open Your Shop” competition?
We wanted to challenge ourselves! We hadn’t ever pitched our business before, and wanted to use this as a learning curve. We had no idea we’d actually get as far as we did and we feel so lucky!
How did you feel when you won the competition?
SO excited, empowered and grateful!
How have you found the support since you won?
The JO team and SaveTheHighStreet.org are playing a really important role as we grow and scale our business. We feel really lifted every time we connect with the team!
What does the future for Candid Studios look like now?
We can’t believe what the future is looking like with just being founders for 10 months. We have a new studio opening in the summer, more incredible pop-ups planned and we’re also introducing lots of new streams into Candid like more booths and retail. We’re so excited.
Give Candid a follow on Instagram to stay up to date with their journey!
Have you always wanted to launch your own high street business?
SaveTheHighStreet.org is here to help.
We launched JO to help both existing and future high street entrepreneurs realise their dreams and achieve their goals.
JO is a unique platform that powers business support for high street businesses like Candid Studios across the UK.
Click here to find out more and to start your journey with us.
