Melody and Rhonda created M&R Gallery, a fine art portrait studio in 2007. Prior to this business partnership, a friendship had been created by coaching kids in sports, being room moms at school together and being adventure buddies. However, taking on a business together was a great feat, and during a recession no less. At the time, photographers were vastly emerging. The mass digital era had begun and imagery became accessible to everyone. Combating the digital file and cheap, easy thumb drives were not for the weak of heart. Melody and Rhonda knew that they must separate themselves from this way of doing business to create an elite brand and luxurious experience. M&R Gallery was founded and still operates with the intent of creating a beautiful finished wall portrait to hang on the walls of their client's home. Their clients know that when they come to M&R Gallery they are going to have a memorable experience and walk away with a beautiful heirloom masterpiece.
Early on in M&R Gallery's creation, it was realized that the customer journey would make or break the business. It needed to be seamless for the company to succeed. Creating such a journey has been a refining process for M&R Gallery over the past 15 years. Because of its implantation and constant revision, M&R Gallery now generates 50% of their revenue with returning clients every year. Melody and Rhonda fondly refer to their clients as the M&R family. Both master photographers love creating timeless imagery and art. However, being a business owner takes more than artistic ability. It also takes relentless refinement so that the company's products and experience appeal to potential clients. By doing so, one can and will succeed in business.
