Two scientists swapped laboratory coats for cameras, creative direction and entrepreneurship. Now, Justin Nanak and Talia Hamid are building something they hope will change how Durban’s creative industry does business.
Durban has never been short of creative talent. But having the talent and having somewhere to turn that talent into a sustainable business are two very different things.
It’s a gap that creative entrepreneurs Justin Nanak and Talia Hamid are hoping to close with Blvnc Studios, a 287-square-metre creative production space in Durban North.
And while opening a photography studio might not sound particularly revolutionary, the pair have considerably bigger ambitions.
They want to make it easier for photographers, filmmakers, content creators and brands to produce world-class work without having to pack their bags for Johannesburg, Cape Town or somewhere overseas.
From test tubes to camera lenses
Interestingly, neither Nanak nor Hamid started their professional journey in the creative industry.
Hamid studied Biochemistry and Microbiology, while Nanak’s academic background is in Analytical Chemistry.
Not exactly the qualifications you’d expect behind a photography and production studio.
But for Hamid, the connection between science and photography is closer than people might think.
“Science taught me to pay attention to detail, understand processes and approach every challenge with intention,” she explains.
“Photography allows me to apply those principles creatively. It’s incredibly technical, but it’s also emotional. The magic happens when you understand both.”
Hamid founded Blanc Studios in Durban in 2019, initially creating a professional photography space for local creatives.
By 2023, she had joined forces with her now brother-in-law, Nanak, whose experience spans brand strategy, talent management, marketing and creative production.
Together, they expanded the business into Umhlanga, combining Hamid’s photographic expertise with Nanak’s commercial and strategic approach.
In July 2026, the business entered its third chapter, rebranding as Blvnc Studios and opening its new home at Innovation Park in Durban North.
International experience, local ambition
Although their business is firmly rooted in KwaZulu-Natal, the duo’s professional experience extends considerably further.
Both have worked internationally, including in Berlin, where they were involved in work at the Berlin International Film Festival alongside South African actress Dr Thembi Mtshali-Jones.
Nanak’s career has also taken him to the International Black Theatre Festival in the United States, while his work in the United Kingdom includes serving as the official South African media partner for Africa Fashion Week London.
Hamid, meanwhile, has built an international photography portfolio, with her work appearing in publications including British Vogue, Glamour and GQ.
But rather than viewing international success as a reason to leave Durban behind, the pair see it as an opportunity to bring experience and investment back home.
“Working internationally has been incredibly valuable because you get to experience different creative environments, production standards and ways of doing business,” says Nanak.
“But it also makes you realise how much extraordinary talent we have right here at home.”
For him, the problem isn’t a shortage of ability.
“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.”
Why Durban deserves a bigger piece of the creative economy
South Africa’s creative industries have long gravitated towards Johannesburg and Cape Town, particularly when it comes to larger commercial productions and advertising campaigns.
Nanak believes there’s no reason Durban shouldn’t be part of that conversation.
“Durban has never lacked talent. What we’ve lacked is consistent investment in the infrastructure and opportunities that allow that talent to flourish,” he says.
“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.”
It’s a point worth considering, particularly when conversations around growing local economies often focus on attracting outside investment rather than supporting the entrepreneurs already building businesses in their communities.
“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?” asks Nanak.
More than a pretty backdrop
The new Blvnc Studios space has been designed to accommodate everything from commercial photography and fashion editorials to film production, podcasts, workshops and branded events.
At its centre is a professional infinity cyclorama cove, alongside adaptable production areas, hair and makeup stations, private changing facilities and a dedicated podcast and interview space.
There are also client lounges, a coffee station and equipment hire services.
For Hamid, the practical details matter just as much as the aesthetics.
“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.”
The idea is to create somewhere that works for established agencies producing large campaigns, but is equally accessible and welcoming to independent creatives building their portfolios.
“We wanted the studio to feel inspiring, but never intimidating. Professional, but still welcoming. A place where people genuinely enjoy creating.”
Building something bigger together
The studio’s evolution isn’t stopping with its July opening.
Nanak and Hamid are planning collaborations with South African businesses across furniture, décor, food and beverage, with developments expected through late 2026 and into early 2027.
The intention is to bring different creative and commercial industries into the same space, creating opportunities for collaboration beyond photography and film.
“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,” says Nanak.
“We want Blvnc Studios to become a place where those industries intersect.”
Both founders are also continuing their individual work.
Hamid remains active in commercial and editorial photography through Captures by Talia, while Nanak continues his work in brand strategy, creative direction, production and talent development. He founded Society 5.0 in 2017 and serves as Head of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of Talent-Etc.
A different measure of success
Seven years after Hamid first opened Blanc Studios, the business has grown into something considerably more ambitious than its original photography offering.
But for the pair, the real measure of success won’t necessarily be how impressive the studio looks or even how frequently it’s booked.
“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,” says Nanak.
And perhaps that’s the most interesting part of their story.
In an industry where talented people are often encouraged to move to wherever the opportunities are, these two entrepreneurs are taking a different approach.
They’re trying to build more of those opportunities right where they are.
Blvnc Studios is located at Innovation Park, Durban North. More information is available at www.blvnc.co.za or @blvncstudios on social media.
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