ROCHELLE — On Thursday, Dec. 5, a ribbon cutting was held for Destiny Studios at its new location at 148 May Mart Drive in Rochelle. Destiny Studios is owned by Erin Bacon and offers family, newborns, weddings, events and professional photography.

The event was hosted by the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and speakers on Dec. 5 included Chamber Executive Director Tricia Herrera, Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows, and Bacon. Herrera said the chamber is excited to have the photography studio in Rochelle. 

“When we spoke a few weeks ago, you told me how you got into photography and how you got here and that the things that are important to you are that you're local and that you wanted to work within your community,” Herrera said. “Those are things that are important to us at the chamber as well. We love to have business owners that are local people raising families in our community. We thank you for that. We know you work all around Northern Illinois and we're very happy and excited that you chose Rochelle.”

Bearrows welcomed Bacon on behalf of the city and said he’s excited that the ownership of the May Mart Shopping Center is working with businesses to offer spaces that fit their needs. 

“We're very thankful for that work to enhance new businesses and give them a place to start and make a successful business,” Bearrows said. “The city and chamber are here to help you as partners. Welcome to Rochelle.”

Bacon has worked as a photographer for many years. It started as a hobby when she was in junior high school. She was a yearbook photographer in high school and did it as a hobby after that and people started paying her to do weddings and events. She worked in a retail photography job for several years in a studio before deciding to go out on her own. 

“My husband has been so supportive of this,” Bacon said. “I started doing some kids photography and that's where my passion is now. I decided I wanted to do this on my own in my hometown where my family is. The studio is named after my first child. I have five kids. It's very special to me to have a studio because we live in the midwest and can't do headshots in the winter outside. It's so great that I can offer these services like newborn photography in a studio. I just got moved in yesterday. We have holiday photography going now. I'm here for everyone's photography needs. I just want to thank everyone for coming. I feel so loved.”