Success Story: Studio 17

Studio 17 – Grand Forks, 2025

GRAFTON – Studio 17, a chic rental booth space business founded by Amy Suda in 2023, offers a flexible, community-focused space for local professionals. Located in Grafton, the business was born from Amy’s passion for wellness and beauty and her desire to expand the services she was already providing through her first venture, Skin Rehab Dermatology and Aesthetics. With a vision to create a collaborative environment for professionals in the beauty and wellness industry, Amy transformed a neighboring building into a space that now houses five rental booths for various services such as laser treatments, spray tans, and mental health care.

Amy’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2020 when she launched Skin Rehab,
but it was her long-term vision for the community that inspired her to create Studio 17. “I was focused on creating a space that not only served the community but also aligned with the values and vision of Skin Rehab. It felt like a natural extension of what I was already doing, and it was clear this would be the perfect fit,” she explains.

Revamping an old building into a functional, inviting space required both substantial financial investment and careful planning. Amy faced the difficulties of managing a significant investment while navigating several business hurdles. That’s when she turned to the North Dakota Small Business Development Center (ND SBDC) for expert guidance.

From her experience with Skin Rehab, Amy understood how valuable the right support could be when launching a business. So when she met Nicole Evans, Grand Forks Center Director at the ND SBDC, she recognized a great fit for her new venture. Nicole worked with Amy from the ground up—helping her to refine her business plan, gathering bids, and guiding her through key steps, including preparation for funding conversations.

Nicole’s expertise proved invaluable, especially in helping Amy feel more confident in presenting her business plan to potential investors and banks. “With Nicole’s guidance, I had a clearer understanding of what I needed to present to the bank, particularly from a financial standpoint. She was incredibly thorough and gave me the confidence to approach funding and other aspects with much more assurance,” Amy recalls.

In just one year, Studio 17 has expanded its range and grown steadily, with plans for further growth on the horizon. The business has added services like laser treatments and now includes a mental health professional. There are also plans to bring in professionals for hair, makeup, and massage. Currently, Studio 17 has two open rental spaces and continues to attract professionals eager to be part of a supportive and growing community.

Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, Amy has this advice for other aspiring business owners: “If owning your own business is a dream in your heart, starting with the SBDC is one of the best things you can do. They offer valuable resources and guidance that can help you get started on the right foot. You have nothing to lose by utilizing their services, and the support you get can set you up for long-term success.”

Studio 17 has established itself as a trusted presence in Grafton’s beauty and wellness scene. Amy’s work with the ND SBDC underscores the value of thoughtful planning and steady determination in building a business that serves both her clients and her community.