Case Study: SELFIELAB — Vancouver’s First Mirror Self-Portrait Studio
How Brandsetters Partnered with the Founders to Build a Booked-Out Studio—With Minimal Ad Spend
The Big Picture
SELFIELAB opened as Vancouver's first mirror self-portrait studio—a unique concept where anyone can take high-quality portraits of themselves without hiring a photographer.
To bring the idea to life, Brandsetters partnered closely with the studio’s founders to shape the brand, build the customer experience, and launch the business from the ground up. The result? A studio with loyal fans, steady bookings, and strong local buzz—all built with strategy, not ad spend.
The Challenge
Introducing a brand-new concept in Vancouver’s busy photography scene came with some clear challenges:
Unfamiliar Format: Most people hadn’t heard of a self-portrait studio before
Earning Trust: Encouraging people to try something completely new
Tight Budget: Building awareness without relying heavily on paid ads
User-Friendly Space: Designing a studio that works for everyone—regardless of experience
What Brandsetters Did
Built a Clear, Memorable Brand
Developed the name and identity to immediately communicate the concept
Crafted a modern, minimal design that felt stylish and inviting
Used a warm, friendly tone to make the idea feel accessible
Positioned the brand as creative, empowering, and affordable
Designed a Smooth Online Experience
Built a clean, mobile-first website with an easy booking system
Used clear, simple language to explain how the studio works
Structured the site to guide visitors naturally toward booking
Focused on speed, ease of use, and visual storytelling
Created Organic Momentum (Without Relying on Ads)
Launched with behind-the-scenes teasers to build curiosity
Produced engaging, shareable content that attracted organic reach
Collaborated with local content creators and influencers
Built relationships with nearby businesses to tap into local networks
Crafted an Experience People Want to Share
Provided easy-to-follow instructions and pose ideas
Created signage and touchpoints that made the space intuitive
Styled the studio to be visually striking and social media–ready
Focused on making the entire visit fun, simple, and satisfying
The Results
Bookings came in steadily, with a higher-than-average conversion rate
Social media presence grew organically to 3,200+ engaged followers
More than 100+ local influencers shared their experiences
Business growth doubled within months
Paid advertising remained minimal thanks to strong word of mouth
Why It Worked
Customer-Centered Strategy
The experience was built from the customer’s point of view, making it easy and enjoyable at every step.Community-Driven Marketing
By tapping into local connections and content creators, the concept spread naturally.Thoughtful Systems
The brand, website, and studio were designed to scale as demand grew.Strong Identity
A fresh, cohesive brand made the unfamiliar concept feel approachable and exciting.
The Bigger Picture
SELFIELAB introduced a new category to Vancouver’s photography scene—offering an experience that’s both personal and professional. With strong word-of-mouth, repeat customers, and a proven concept, the studio continues to thrive and inspire interest in expansion.
Wrapping Up
This project shows what’s possible when great ideas are backed by strong strategy. With smart branding, community-first marketing, and attention to every detail of the customer journey, a brand-new concept became a local favorite—without relying on big ad budgets.
