Photographer AmaYah Harrison spent years in New York honing her craft before returning home to California with a fresh perspective and bold new ideas. Drawn to natural light and nature-inspired imagery, she quickly discovered that Sacramento lacked a professional studio where she could fully realize her creative vision. So, she decided to build one herself.
AmaYah imagined more than just a studio. She dreamed of a warm, community-driven hub where photographers, podcasters, content creators, and artists could access professional equipment, rent space, attend workshops, and collaborate. She knew Sacramento’s creative community was ready for a place where it could truly thrive.
But turning vision into reality is never simple. AmaYah needed business guidance and financing. Traditional banks weren’t an option. “I scoured online resources, but traditional banks simply don’t make the kind of small loans that creative entrepreneurs like me need to get started,” she said.
That’s when her husband, Louis—also a photographer and filmmaker—connected her with Melanie Nuni, Director of Programs and Partnerships at the Alliance for Community Development, a Bay Area nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to capital for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Melanie became an invaluable mentor, guiding AmaYah through the fundamentals of building a business.
Most importantly, Melanie helped AmaYah secure a microloan through Working Solutions CDFI. With $15,000 in financing, AmaYah renovated a warehouse, furnished it, and purchased new equipment. The result was Sage & Silver Studios—a light-filled, welcoming space designed to inspire creativity and collaboration.
At the studio’s ribbon-cutting, AmaYah credited the SCALE program for making her journey possible. SCALE (Success, Capital Access, and Leadership for Entrepreneurs) is a statewide initiative launched by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) and managed by CAMEO Network. The program has already connected more than 6,800 entrepreneurs with free advising and helped them become capital-ready.
“This really demonstrates how small businesses are the engines in our neighborhoods and in our economy as a state overall,” said Dr. Tara Lynn Gray, former CalOSBA Director, who attended the ceremony. “When small businesses have access to the coaching, capital, and networks they need to thrive, our entire economy is better off.”