Photographer Fanny Jorda-Iniguez made a strategic decision ten years ago that has proven crucial to her business survival - purchasing her own studio space in Saint-Siffret, a village of one thousand inhabitants in the Gard region between Uzès and Pont-du-Gard. The self-employed entrepreneur believes this real estate investment has been fundamental to maintaining her photography business through challenging times.

"I bought these premises ten years ago, five years after starting my business," explains Jorda-Iniguez, whose studio occupies the first floor of a large building that also houses a senior citizens' association, a medical office, and a local grocery store. The 43-year-old photographer had no family background in entrepreneurship, having previously worked as a school supervisor in a middle school before launching her photography career at age 33.

Jorda-Iniguez initially started her business from home, converting her house's attic into a makeshift studio to ensure financial security during the transition from employee to entrepreneur. However, she quickly recognized the need for a more professional environment to meet clients and prospects. "Very quickly, I wanted to receive my clients and prospects in a more neutral and professional setting," she recalls.

The decision to purchase rather than rent came through an unexpected recommendation from an architect she had originally commissioned to create a studio on her residential property. This professional contact suggested she consider buying an existing commercial space instead, which ultimately led to her current location in the village center.

Jorda-Iniguez estimates that without owning her studio space, she likely would have been forced to permanently close her photography business during difficult periods. The stability of ownership has provided her with the foundation needed to weather economic uncertainties and maintain her practice in the competitive photography market.

Now, as she considers the future of her business, Jorda-Iniguez is exploring the creation of a real estate investment company (SCI) for succession planning purposes. This potential restructuring reflects her long-term strategic thinking about both her business operations and eventual transition plans, demonstrating how property ownership has evolved from a survival necessity to a tool for future business development.