Studio NIA was founded by...
...a mother and her two daughters. The word NIA in Swahili means "intention" "purpose", "aim" or "goal".
Herein lies our mantra - to execute with purpose and intention. By entrusting us with your bookings, we promise to provide top-notch customer service, innovation, attention to detail, and, above all, the ability to imagine the extraordinary.
Photo Studio | Venue Rental | Workshop Space Rental
Whether you’re looking for an aesthetically pleasing space to capture photos, or a space to celebrate your intimate gatherings (parties, kids birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers), or a space to host paint night, workshops, etc., unleash your creativity in this beautifully curated space, where every detail is designed to make your event truly special.
Our Story
It all started in the winter of 2023, when I was searching for a venue to host an intimate baby shower for my sister. I couldn’t have it at home—I had just given birth and didn’t want to expose my newborn to a large group of people. I also didn’t want the added stress of rearranging heavy furniture to make space for the setup. Having it at a restaurant wasn’t ideal either, as a family member had generously offered to cater the event.
So began my search for a cozy venue that could accommodate 15 to 25 guests. I searched endlessly, but every space I found was either too large or far beyond my budget. I considered community centres, but their basic chairs and lack of charm would have meant spending a fortune on decor just to make the space feel special. I even contacted several condos and apartment buildings to see if I could rent their party rooms, only to be told I had to be a resident to use them.
Feeling discouraged and ready to settle for hosting it at home, I spoke to a friend who kindly agreed to reserve the party room in her condo for me—and thankfully, the rental fee was within my budget.
But on the day of the event, I faced another hurdle. The party room was on the fourth floor and required the use of a fob at every given entry point: one to enter the building, another for the elevator, and a third for the room itself. It took over two hours to move decor and food from the car to the party room, and someone had to stay downstairs the entire time to let guests in. It was one of the most exhausting experiences I’ve ever had.
That day, my mom, sister, and I realized there was a real need in Ottawa for a small, accessible, and beautiful space for intimate gatherings—one that anyone could book, not just condo residents. A space for people who don’t want the hassle of moving furniture at home. A space that already comes with stylish elements like backdrops and elegant chairs. A space with easy access—no navigating multiple locked doors or coordinating who will wait in the lobby to let guests in.
Most importantly, we saw the need for a space that has everything ready to go, so those who aren’t decor-savvy (or just don’t have the time or energy) can simply book, show up, and enjoy—with everything from planning to setup already taken care of.