Inside Enchanted Fairies' Journey From Flea Market Startup to 40 Studios Across the Country

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-- Enchanted Fairies, the luxury children's portrait studio that transforms photography sessions into immersive storybook experiences, today announced the opening of its 40th studio location, marking a significant milestone in the company's expansion from a single Texas location to a nationwide presence across 25 states. Founded in 2012 as a modest flea market booth, the company has experienced 341% revenue growth between 2021 and 2024, reaching annual revenue of $30 million while serving over 135,000 families.


The company's growth accelerated in recent years, starting with 1 studio in 2020, and then expanding from 7 studios in 2021 to 12 in 2022, before reaching the current 40 locations. This expansion coincides with the appointment of Decha Brooks as CEO in July 2024, who previously served as VP of People Operations for the company.


"Our mission has always been to create art that speaks life into children," said Decha Brooks, CEO of Enchanted Fairies. "We don't do extensive editing or photoshopping of the children because we want them to embrace their full beauty and know who they are. This philosophy resonates deeply with millennial parents who are now in their prime family-forming years and seeking meaningful experiences for their children."


The company's origin story is rooted in personal experience. Co-founders Aileen Avikova-Rensink and Chris Rensink, along with Aileen's brother Dan Gutier, developed the concept after creating a personalized storybook for their daughter Alaska, who was born with a disability that initially prevented her from speaking. The custom storybook, which cast Alaska as the hero, was read to her nightly and eventually helped her begin to speak.


This personal connection to the transformative power of storytelling became the foundation for Enchanted Fairies' business model, which combines photography sessions with personalized storybooks where children become the protagonists in fairy, knight, or other storybook-themed narratives.


The company has built a reputation not only for its unique photography experience but also for its charitable initiatives. To date, Enchanted Fairies has donated over $3 million to children's charities, including a recent $250,000 contribution to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital announced in early 2025.

The company's business model has proven particularly appealing to millennial parents seeking experiential services for their children. With over 33,000 four and five-star reviews, Enchanted Fairies has cultivated a loyal customer base willing to invest in premium portrait packages that average between $1,200 and $3,500, according to industry analysts.


Enchanted Fairies' employee-centered approach has also contributed to its success. The company was recently ranked #26 on Fortune's Best (Small & Medium) Workplaces in Texas™ 2024 list, with 90% of employees reporting it is a great place to work compared to 57% at typical U.S. companies. The company implements innovative employee recognition programs, including monthly "Magic Maker" awards that provide winners with Royal Caribbean cruises or cash prizes.


"As we continue our expansion into new markets, we remain committed to our founding principles of creating magical experiences that empower children while giving back to the community," concluded Brooks. "Our growth is a testament to the power of combining meaningful experiences with quality products and a mission-driven approach to business."


About Enchanted Fairies


Enchanted Fairies is a luxury children's portrait studio offering immersive photography experiences and personalized storybooks across 40 locations in 25 states. Founded in 2012, the company has served over 135,000 families and donated more than $3 million to children's charities. Enchanted Fairies specializes in creating magical fairy and knight-themed portrait sessions that preserve childhood memories while empowering children through storytelling. For more information, visit www.enchanted-fairies.com.

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Name: Decha Brooks
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Organization: Enchanted Fairies
Website: http://www.enchanted-fairies.com

Release ID: 89159775

CONTACT ISSUER
Name: Decha Brooks
Email: Send Email
Organization: Enchanted Fairies
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