Edit: August 2018. Strobe Studios is now Ko Kollective
The creative and start up culture in Toowoomba just amped up with the launch of co-working space Strobe Studios.
It stands out from other co-working spaces by being designed for creatives: there’s mirrors for the in-house make up school, facilities to add lights for photographers and that old school warehouse vibe that is becoming a Toowoomba trademark.
Offering private offices, hot desking, a boardroom, training rooms and a large breakout space, owner Emma Betros* says Strobe Studios is about bringing Toowoomba creatives together.
“I moved here a year and a half ago and since being in Toowoomba I’ve noticed what a creative town it is,” she says. “We’ve got First Coat, which is amazing; it’s already a creative hub for people.
“I want to make this a place for them to come together, be inspired by others, learn off others and have fun.”
Emma herself is no stranger to the creative industries, giving up the 9 to 5 years ago to buy her own business, Bellevue Beauty Academy.
About five years ago in response to an Australian film industry boom she added The Australian Academy of Cinemagraphic Makeup, which now calls Strobe Studios home. Students from the academy have gone on to work in Australia on productions like San Andreas, King Kong, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Emma says she noticed when her make up students in Melbourne had to work in shared spaces with photographers and designers their professionalism increased and they learnt about their industry much faster. It’s that collaborative learning environment she wants Strobe Studios to deliver – where creatives can be inspired by others and work together.
Emma Betros and Strobe Studios
So do you need to be a gun with a make up kit or camera to go work at Strobe? Emma says no – she has a financial planning tenant and lots of enquiries from mums with businesses who want a space to work that’s their own.
“It’s quieter than a coffee shop so you can work privately, but this space can be anything you want it to be,” she says. “Because of the concrete floors you can get messy, you can paint, you can have kids’ workshops, training. Come in, have a coffee, Skype some clients and do some work around other people.”
In the future Emma will look to collaborating with her tenants to hold workshops, talks and training or events that the community is interested in.
If you’re interested in hanging out and creating at Strobe Studios head to the website strobestudios.com.au and check out what’s available. You can also contact Emma and ask for a tour on info@strobestudios.com.au or 0402 225 038. Keep up to date on Facebook too.
*not the fruit Betros’s 😉
