02/10/2026
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From Internship at 17 to Studio Owner at 18, Raven Elyse Did the Blueprint
By VOTP News STL Staff
February 9, 2026
FLORISSANT, MO - VOTP News pulled up on a local creative to spotlight a Florissant-based studio built for photographers, videographers, and content creators who want ready-made sets, props, and rentable equipment in one location.
Raven Elyse introduced herself as a local photographer, creative director, and “Jane of all trades.” She said her studio functions as a creative hub where creators come to shoot on themed setups and use on-site gear and props.
Elyse described her path into photography as a creative hustle that started early. She said she did not come from money and had to hustle differently, leaning into creative work. She recalled making bags, selling lip gloss, and doing makeup at 15. Elyse said photography became her lane because she wanted to capture art, tell stories, and help people feel seen in their best form. She said she believes art can help people heal.
Elyse said August will mark eight years in business. She said she started an internship at 17, then began taking clients on her own at 18. She said she initially shot out of her living room until the demand became so heavy that cars would back up outside. Elyse said she moved into a studio space at 18 to keep the work professional and organized.
She also spoke about staying consistent in the same plaza while watching other businesses come and go. Elyse said she is the youngest business owner in the plaza and described a culture of support among neighboring businesses. She specifically acknowledged J&J’s convenience store next door, saying they help her out.
During a walkthrough, Elyse highlighted multiple sets and custom features inside the studio. She showed a Valentine setup titled “Give me my flowers,” a dressing room area where she said she hand-painted the walls and created the decor herself, and a client closet stocked with outfits, accessories, robes, drapes, chairs, and jewelry. She said she makes outfits and accessories, with some pieces custom made by her.
Elyse also showcased bedroom-themed sets and specialty builds, including a chandelier swing set that she said people often call the “Savage Fenty set,” after she posted it and received engagement from Savage Fenty. She also previewed a newer installation featuring real rocks that she said she hand-painted herself. Elyse said renovations are coming, including a new neutral-tone wall and a sink wall.
Looking ahead, Elyse said she is hosting her second model workshop in March and will bring in a collaborator traveling from Houston. She said her goal is to take what she learns outside St. Louis and bring it back home. She also said she plans to expand into workshops for kids and others who want to learn photography, makeup, and creative coping skills, with a focus on self-care and mental health.
Elyse said she wants to partner with schools, colleges, and high schools, including photography and fashion departments. She said she is open to fashion departments donating outfits or collaborating on editorial pieces, and she wants to help students learn media production as both a skill and a business.
Elyse closed with advice for new and developing business owners. She said people should keep going because “your tomorrow could be the day that you take off,” and she encouraged creatives to stay focused, keep learning, and never stop being a student.
Monarch Studios is located at 2168 North Waterford Drive in Florissant, Missouri.
