Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelly Hocher. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kelly, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My whole life, I’ve always been a daydreamer. I’ve also struggled to stay in one spot for too long. After several years at a job, my mind starts to wander, and I can’t stop dreaming about what’s next.
I’ve always known I wanted to open my own place but could never quite pinpoint what that would be. I attended Southern Illinois University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene. Over the years, I worked in private practice, public health, and as a clinical instructor at a dental hygiene college.
My passion has always been helping people feel better about themselves and bringing them joy. Dental hygiene fulfilled that passion, especially in public health, but after so many years of practicing, I knew I wanted more.
To explore my creativity, I started cake decorating as a side hustle. For years, I loved throwing parties, designing cakes, and seeing the smile on someone’s face when I delivered their custom creation. However, balancing a full-time job and raising my daughter left little time to bake.
I kept brainstorming and eventually started a teeth whitening business from my home. For years, I brightened smiles in a salon I created there. I also became certified in lash extensions, but due to the hand strain from dental hygiene, I had to let that go.
Still, my mind kept wandering, dreaming of ways to turn my passions into a business. One evening, I fell in love with permanent jewelry at a pop-up event and couldn’t stop researching it. That’s when I knew it was the right path for me.
After becoming certified in permanent jewelry I partnered with my hairstylist Lisa, and we created Studio Magnolia. We spent a month painting, thrifting furniture, putting up wallpaper and so much more. We put our heart and souls into every little detail to make it absolutely perfect. We kept brainstorming the ideal vision for the studio, and the bridal suite idea came to life.
Our bridal suite offers a luxurious and private space for brides and their wedding parties to get ready for the big day. Located in the heart of St. Louis, nestled on The Hill, we are the prime location. We are close to so many venues and photo opportunities. We created a serene and stylish setting designed to create unforgettable memories. From photo-worthy backdrops to all the amenities brides could need, we’ve thought of every detail.
I’ve also worked to create personalized experiences for brides, offering services like custom bridesmaids’ gifts, permanent jewelry, and teeth whitening packages. We even offer a Hill Experience package, featuring catering from the area’s best local restaurants. My goal has always been to give every bride “The Perfect Start to Their Forever.”
Beyond the bridal suite, Studio Magnolia has become a hub for community and connection. We host monthly book clubs, pop-ups to support other local St. Louis businesses, and wellness nights. We’ve welcomed a podcast recording, hosted yoga classes, and organized craft nights, among other events.
Our work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Studio Magnolia has been featured on KSDK local news and invited to participate in numerous events around St. Louis. I’ve loved becoming part of the St. Louis community, meeting other small business owners, and collaborating to support one another.
Studio Magnolia has become a household name in St. Louis, and I can’t wait to see how we continue to grow. Finding my purpose wasn’t a straightforward path—it was a journey of exploration, creativity, and a deep commitment to following my passions. But through this journey, I’ve found a way to combine all the things I love: helping people, creating joy, celebrating milestones, and building community.
Studio Magnolia is a little studio with big dreams!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I still work four days a week in a dental office that I love dearly. While I’m deeply passionate about my work, I’m also a wife and the mother of a teenage girl. Family time is the most important part of my life, and I’m constantly working to perfect the elusive work-life balance.
Originally from the Chicago area, I’ve fallen in love with St. Louis and the opportunity to raise my family here. One of the things I cherish most about Studio Magnolia is that it’s become a family affair. My daughter and husband have helped with pop-ups and events, which makes this journey even more meaningful.
This past year, I dedicated myself to getting the Studio Magnolia name out there, participating in countless markets and pop-ups across the area. It’s been a whirlwind, but seeing how much people connect with what we offer has made every moment worth it. This year, we already have a busy schedule of brides booked, and I’m excited to focus more time in the studio.
At Studio Magnolia, I also host private permanent jewelry parties, which have become incredibly popular. I’ve added a charm bar to the mix and am constantly looking to elevate it with high-end charms, new chains, and unique gems. I love offering personalized touches that make the experience extra special for my clients.
Teeth whitening is another service close to my heart, and I’m always brainstorming ways to make it an even more luxurious and relaxing experience.
As Studio Magnolia grows, I’m also passionate about finding new ways to give back to the community. I want Studio Magnolia to be more than a business—I want it to be a place where connections are made, and people feel cared for. We want every single person that walks through the door to feel welcome and celebrated.
One of the most rewarding parts of my work is connecting with brides. Hearing their vision for their big day and helping bring it to life is such an honor. On the wedding day, when I see the big smiles and happy tears, it’s hard not to get emotional myself. Getting to do permanent jewelry for the bride and her bridesmaids is particularly special, as I know they’ll cherish those pieces forever and remember the love and joy of that moment.
Recently, I took a leap and launched a website I built myself, allowing clients to shop my products online. It was a huge accomplishment, and I can’t wait to expand the online store this year.
Studio Magnolia is more than just a studio—it’s a reflection of my passions, my creativity, and my love for bringing joy to others. Every step of this journey, from creating personalized experiences to building connections within the community, has been a dream come true. I’m excited to see what the future holds for Studio Magnolia and can’t wait to continue sharing this adventure with my family, clients, and the St. Louis community.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Being adaptable has been crucial in my journey, as I’ve often shifted careers or added new ventures. Each step required creativity to find new ways to move forward, while fulfilling my own passions. For instance, starting with dental hygiene, then moving to cake decorating, teeth whitening, and eventually launching Studio Magnolia, adaptability allowed me to evolve while staying true to myself. My advice with this is, stay open to learning and exploring. Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if they feel outside your comfort zone. I can’t count the times I was afraid to attend an event or try something new, but each time I pushed myself, it has been so beneficial to me personally and professionally.
Connecting with others has been one of the most fulfilling and impactful aspects of my journey. From working with brides to collaborating with other small business owners, building relationships has opened doors, fostered community, and helped Studio Magnolia thrive. My advice for this is, invest time in networking and building genuine connections. Reach out to others, the worst that can happen is nothing, but you may be surprised how far one message can take you. I have reached out and never heard back, but I have also built important connections, and friendships. Several times they have responded with I wanted to reach out to you too!
Starting a business and balancing family life required a lot of grit and belief in myself. There were moments of doubt and challenges to overcome, but staying committed to my vision and trusting my instincts made all the difference. My advice for this is, believe in your potential and don’t let fear stop you from pursuing your dreams. Challenges are inevitable, but perseverance is what separates success from stagnation. Surround yourself with a supportive network, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
Embrace the process. Growth isn’t linear, and sometimes the most impactful lessons come from unexpected detours. Stay curious, stay passionate, and remember that your journey is uniquely yours—don’t compare it to anyone else’s. I cant stress this enough!!
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Collaboration is one of my favorite aspects of owning a business. The possibilities are truly endless, and I’m always looking for new ways to partner with others to create unique and memorable experiences.
I’ve collaborated with so many different types of businesses from clothing boutiques to bakers! I recently started a partnership with a cigar lounge on The Hill. This exciting new venture provides groomsmen with a sophisticated and comfortable space to get ready for the big day, complementing the bridal suite experience we offer at Studio Magnolia.
We also work with a variety of professionals in the beauty industry. Brides are welcome to bring their own makeup and hair stylists to the studio, and we provide a detailed preferred vendor list to every bride. This list includes recommendations for everything from travel agents to plan the perfect honeymoon, real estate agents for finding that first home, Botox, IV hydration, and more.
Studio Magnolia is also the ideal spot for a bachelorette party or a full day of pre-wedding glam. We offer teeth whitening packages, permanent jewelry, and custom bridal experiences. Our collaborations extend to clothing boutiques, which can host private shopping events, and the gym next door, which offers fun and energetic bachelorette party workouts.
Collaborating with other local businesses is not just about growing Studio Magnolia; it’s about building a supportive community and creating unforgettable moments for our clients. I’m always eager to explore new partnerships and ideas, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.studiomagnoliastl.com
- Instagram: studiomagnoliastl
- Facebook: Studio Magnolia
Image Credits
Esther Lens Photography for my professional shot
Photo 1, 2, 3 Esther Lens
Photo 4 Kate Colton Studios
Photo 5 Juliana Brooke Photography
Photo 6 Honor Bright Photography
Photo 6 Esther Lens
Photo 7 Kelly Laramore Photo and Film
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
