From Science Labs to International Creative Stages

Creative entrepreneurs Justin Nanak and Talia Hamid unveil Blvnc Studios, an ambitious new chapter for Durban’s growing creative economy.

What happens when two scientists trade their laboratories for cameras, creative direction, international productions and entrepreneurship?

In Durban, the answer is Blvnc Studios.

Co-owned by creative entrepreneur, strategist and producer Justin Nanak and internationally published commercial photographer Talia Hamid, Blvnc Studios represents the latest evolution of a creative business that began in 2019 and has grown into an ambitious investment in KwaZulu-Natal’s creative economy.

Located at Innovation Park in Durban North, the newly transformed 287-square-metre studio officially opened in July 2026, bringing together premium photography facilities, film production capabilities, podcast recording spaces and versatile creative environments under one roof.

But behind the striking new space is a story that extends far beyond photography.

It is the story of two creative entrepreneurs whose unconventional journeys from scientific backgrounds to the international creative industry have shaped a shared ambition: to demonstrate that world-class creativity doesn’t have to leave Durban to thrive.

And they’re putting their experience, resources and reputations behind that belief.

Seven Years. Three Chapters. One Vision.

The Blvnc story began in 2019 when Talia Hamid, a graduate in Biochemistry and Microbiology, followed her creative instincts and established Blanc Studios in Durban.

What started as a professional photography space for local creatives soon developed into a business supporting photographers, entrepreneurs, brands and an expanding community of visual storytellers.

In 2023, Hamid joined forces with her now brother-in-law, Justin Nanak, a creative strategist having graduated in Analytical Chemistry and an established career spanning brand management, talent representation, marketing and production.

Together, they launched the next chapter of Blanc Studios in Umhlanga, combining Hamid’s photographic expertise with Nanak’s experience in building brands, developing creative businesses and creating commercial opportunities.

The partnership brought together two complementary perspectives: the technical precision and visual artistry of a photographer and the strategic vision of a creative director and producer.

Three years later, they were ready to take another leap.

In July 2026, Blanc Studios officially evolved into Blvnc Studios.

Not merely a new name, but the third and most ambitious iteration of the business.

A larger, purpose-built production destination designed around the changing needs of commercial clients, creative professionals and the rapidly evolving content industry.

Version 3.0. Bigger. Bolder. Built for what comes next.

International Experience. A Proudly Durban Vision.

Although Blvnc Studios is firmly rooted in Durban, the experience behind its leadership extends well beyond South Africa’s borders.

Nanak and Hamid have worked internationally, including in Berlin, Germany, where they were involved in work at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival, Berlinale, alongside celebrated South African actress Dr Thembi Mtshali-Jones.

Nanak’s creative industry career has also taken him to the United States for the International Black Theatre Festival and to the United Kingdom, where his work includes serving as the official South African media partner for Africa Fashion Week London.

His professional journey across talent management, brand development, media and production has provided valuable exposure to international creative industries and the opportunities available to South African talent.

For Hamid, international recognition has also come through her photographic work, with her imagery featured in globally recognised publications including British Vogue, Glamour and GQ.

Specialising in fashion, lifestyle and commercial product imagery, Hamid has developed a distinctive approach that combines visual sophistication with technical precision and an understanding of brand identity.

Their international experiences have reinforced a shared belief: South African creatives possess the talent and ability to compete internationally, but access to infrastructure, professional networks and commercial opportunities remains critical.

“Working internationally has been incredibly valuable because you get to experience different creative environments, production standards and ways of doing business,” says Justin Nanak, Co-Owner and Creative Director of Blvnc Studios.

“But it also makes you realise how much extraordinary talent we have right here at home.”

“The biggest difference is often not talent. It’s access. Access to opportunities, infrastructure, professional networks and the resources that allow people to produce exceptional work.”

“We wanted to take those experiences, everything we’ve learned from working across different industries and markets, and invest that knowledge back into Durban.”

For the pair, Blvnc Studios represents a deliberate decision to build locally while thinking globally.

Why Durban? Because Someone Has to Invest in Its Potential.

For Nanak and Hamid, the decision to expand their investment in Durban was intentional.

While Johannesburg and Cape Town have traditionally attracted much of South Africa’s creative industry investment, the co-owners believe KwaZulu-Natal has an extraordinary pool of creative talent capable of producing work for national and international audiences.

What the region needs, they believe, is continued investment in professional infrastructure, skills development and opportunities for creative collaboration.

“Durban has never lacked talent. What we’ve lacked is consistent investment in the infrastructure and opportunities that allow that talent to flourish,” says Nanak.

“We constantly talk about growing the creative economy, but growth doesn’t happen through conversation alone. Someone has to take the risk. Someone has to build the spaces, develop the platforms and create the opportunities.”

“Why shouldn’t a national advertising campaign be produced here? Why shouldn’t international brands shoot here? Why shouldn’t Durban’s creators have access to environments that inspire them to compete at the highest level?”

“If we don’t invest in our own creative economy, how can we expect anyone else to?”

It is a philosophy that extends beyond the studio’s commercial ambitions.

The co-owners envision Blvnc Studios as a collaborative environment for photographers, filmmakers, content creators, entrepreneurs, agencies and emerging creative professionals.

A space where established production teams can execute ambitious campaigns, while independent creators can develop their craft, connect with other professionals and access production facilities that support their growth.

Two Scientists. Two Creative Minds. One Shared Ambition.

At first glance, the co-owners’ academic backgrounds may seem far removed from the worlds of fashion, photography, marketing and film.

Yet both credit their scientific training with shaping the way they approach creativity and entrepreneurship.

For Hamid, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Microbiology, photography combines technical understanding with artistic expression.

Her work draws on a meticulous understanding of lighting, colour theory, composition and advanced post-production, alongside an instinctive ability to interpret different brand identities.

“Science taught me to pay attention to detail, understand processes and approach every challenge with intention,” explains Hamid.

“Photography allows me to apply those principles creatively. It’s incredibly technical, but it’s also emotional. The magic happens when you understand both.”

“I want to create imagery that is beautiful, but also purposeful. Every image should communicate something about the brand, the product or the person.”

Through her photography business, Captures by Talia, Hamid has developed a portfolio spanning commercial, editorial, fashion, lifestyle and product photography.

Her ability to create clean, sophisticated visuals tailored to diverse brand aesthetics has earned her recognition both locally and internationally.

Her photographic work appearing in publications such as British Vogue, Glamour and GQ reflects the international reach of her creative output.

For Nanak, whose career began with an academic background in Analytical Chemistry, the move into the creative industries was driven by a fascination with people, storytelling, brands and the commercial potential of creativity.

In 2017, he established Society 5.0, a creative brand management business operating across brand strategy, digital marketing, production and talent management.

Over the years, he has worked with businesses, artists and organisations to develop brands, produce campaigns and create opportunities that connect creative talent with commercial markets.

He also serves as Head of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of Talent-Etc, contributing to talent development and opportunities within South Africa’s performing arts industry.

His work across these disciplines has shaped his approach to creative entrepreneurship.

“Science teaches you to question things, experiment and solve problems. Creativity asks you to do exactly the same thing, just with a different set of tools,” says Nanak.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the relationship between creativity and commerce.”

“An idea can be beautiful, but how do you make it sustainable? How do you turn talent into a career? How do you build a brand that has real commercial value?”

“That’s where my passion lies. I don’t just want to create beautiful things. I want to create opportunities, businesses and platforms that have lasting value.”

Together, the pair combine commercial photography, brand strategy, creative direction, production and business development expertise.

Their ambition is to connect exceptional creative work with meaningful commercial opportunity.

A Production Destination Designed Without Limits

Occupying approximately 287 square metres at Innovation Park in Durban North, the new Blvnc Studios has been designed to combine flexibility, functionality and a premium client experience.

At its centre is a professional infinity cyclorama cove, complemented by adaptable production environments, movable set elements, hair and makeup stations, private changing facilities and a dedicated podcast and interview area.

Contemporary client lounges, a coffee station and practical production amenities complete a space intended to support both the creative process and the people behind it.

From fashion editorials and advertising campaigns to product photography, film productions, podcasts, workshops and branded events, the studio is designed to accommodate an increasingly diverse range of creative requirements.

The business also offers production services and equipment hire, allowing brands and agencies to access professional creative support beyond the physical space.

For Hamid, creating the right environment was fundamental to the new studio’s design.

“We’ve spent years working in these environments ourselves. We understand what photographers need, what clients expect and how important it is for a production to run smoothly.”

“Every decision has been considered from that perspective.”

“We wanted the studio to feel inspiring, but never intimidating. Professional, but still welcoming. A place where people genuinely enjoy creating.”

The result is a destination that balances the visual appeal of a contemporary creative studio with the practical requirements of commercial production.

And They’re Only Getting Started: A New Chapter of South African Collaboration

While Blvnc Studios has already opened its doors, the co-owners say the space is far from reaching its final form.

A series of planned collaborations with proudly South African businesses across the furniture, décor, food and beverage industries is expected to see the studio continue evolving through late 2026 and into early 2027.

These partnerships form part of a broader vision to create an environment that celebrates local design, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and hospitality while introducing fresh creative experiences for the studio’s clients and visitors.

The collaborations are intended to bring new dimensions to the space, from its interiors and curated furnishings to its hospitality offering and the experiences available to clients.

For Nanak and Hamid, the partnerships are about more than adding new elements to an already premium environment.

They are an opportunity to bring complementary South African businesses together and create a platform for shared visibility, collaboration and creative expression.

“We don’t believe a creative space should ever become static,” says Hamid.

“Creativity evolves, trends evolve and the way people interact with spaces continues to change. We want Blvnc Studios to reflect that.”

“We’re excited about the opportunity to collaborate with South African businesses whose products, design philosophies and commitment to quality complement what we’re building.”

Nanak sees the collaborations as another opportunity to strengthen the commercial connections between creative industries.

“The creative economy isn’t limited to photography, film or advertising. It includes designers, furniture makers, artists, food entrepreneurs and so many other businesses that contribute to how we experience creativity.”

“We want Blvnc Studios to become a place where those industries intersect.”

“Some of the most exciting developments are still ahead of us, and we’re looking forward to introducing these collaborations as the space continues to evolve.”

Further partnership announcements and studio developments are planned for late 2026 and early 2027.

More Than a Studio. A Creative Business Built on Collaboration.

Although the studio itself is an important milestone, Nanak and Hamid remain actively involved in their respective creative disciplines.

Hamid continues to work as a commercial and editorial photographer, specialising in fashion, beauty, lifestyle and product imagery.

Nanak continues his work across creative direction, production, brand strategy, talent management and business development.

Together, they offer brands and agencies a multidisciplinary perspective that connects visual storytelling with broader commercial objectives.

The pair also recognise the importance of working alongside other creative professionals.

Rather than positioning Blvnc Studios as a closed production company, their vision is to create an environment where independent photographers, filmmakers, producers, agencies and brands can collaborate.

“We’re not trying to be everything to everyone,” says Nanak.

“We want to be the people you call when you have an ambitious idea and need the right environment, creative thinking and people to bring it to life.”

“Sometimes that’s a photographer needing a studio for a few hours. Sometimes it’s a brand looking to produce an entire campaign. Sometimes it’s an entrepreneur who has a great idea but doesn’t know where to begin.”

“We want Blvnc Studios to be part of those conversations.”

The Bigger Picture

For Nanak and Hamid, Blvnc Studios is both a business investment and a statement of confidence in the city they call home.

It represents seven years of learning, adapting and building a creative business through changing industry demands.

But perhaps more importantly, it reflects their belief that South African creative entrepreneurs do not have to wait for someone else to build the environments they need.

They can create them.

“We’re proud of what we’ve built, but we’re even more excited about what other people will create here,” says Nanak.

“Success for us isn’t just a fully booked studio. It’s seeing campaigns produced here, collaborations formed here, careers developed here and creative businesses growing because spaces like this exist.”

“We want Durban to be recognised not just as a city with creative potential, but as a city where exceptional creative work is actually being made.”

For Hamid, the evolution from Blanc Studios to Blvnc Studios is a reminder of how far a single idea can travel.

“What started as a dream in 2019 has become something much bigger than I imagined.”

“But the heart of it hasn’t changed. It’s still about creating a space where people feel inspired, supported and able to do their best work.”

Seven years. Three evolutions. One shared ambition.

Blvnc Studios is open. And Durban is invited to create without limits.

About Blvnc Studios

Blvnc Studios is a premium creative production studio located at Innovation Park in Durban North.

Originally established as Blanc Studios by commercial photographer Talia Hamid in 2019, the business expanded to Umhlanga in 2023 through a partnership with creative entrepreneur Justin Nanak, before evolving into Blvnc Studios in July 2026.

The studio provides production facilities for photography, film, podcast production, branded content, workshops and creative events, alongside equipment hire and creative production services.

Co-owned by Nanak and Hamid, Blvnc Studios is committed to strengthening Durban’s creator economy through professional creative infrastructure, commercial collaboration and the development of meaningful opportunities for creative professionals.

Website: www.blvnc.co.za

Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & LinkedIn: @blvncstudios