Our team is thrilled to welcome you to our space and cannot wait to see the amazing creative work you’ll produce here. We believe in fostering an inspiring environment where your creativity can flourish, and we look forward to supporting you on your journey.
Co-Owner
Hi I am Asantae!
Being apart of the Urban Studios team has been such an amazing experience and I have loved seeing the impact that it has had in the creative community since first opening in January!
I recently made the move to San Diego, California and am still looking forward to helping the studio through helping assist on the social media, creating content, and helping plan future events and ideas for the studio!
Outside of Urban Studios, I own a photography business called Asantae Photography, in which I specialize in weddings and portraits.
My photography business is what initially sparked the idea of creating a space like Urban Studios as I am so passionate about the purpose it has here in the 417 area. I am so thrilled that other photographers and creatives can find a home here at Urban as well!
Co-Owner
Hey guys, this is Rafa!
I was born and raised in Saltillo, Mexico and moved to Springfield in 2013 to go to college at Missouri State University.
I’ve worked in marketing since 2014 and in 2020 I founded Primate Digital Marketing, a full-service digital agency serving established businesses wanting make the jump to digital marketing.
I’m so excited to be part of this team and help bring a place downtown where local photographers and content creators have the opportunity to express their art and talents.
On my free time, I enjoy exercising, learning, and spending time with my wife Bailey and two Mexican hairless dogs.
Feel free to connect with me on Instagram @rafavite.
We look forward to having you at Urban Studios!
Co-Owner
I’m Lexi Weatherford!
I’m a proud 417 local currently pursuing my degree in Fashion and Marketing at Missouri State University! I have a huge passion for all things social media and content creation so joining the Urban Studios team has been a dream.
My journey in content creation started back in 2020, and it’s been an incredible ride. I currently own Lexx Connect, a 417 Marketing Agency!
I am so excited to be a part of Urban Studios and can’t wait to bring the love of content creation to the 417 community!
Studio Coordinator
Hello everyone, I’m Ethan Hannaford, the proud owner of EH Photo since 2016. As a passionate Wedding + Portrait Photographer, I’ve had the privilege of documenting countless love stories and creating timeless memories for my clients in Springfield, MO.
I’m happily married to love of my life, Alexander, and we celebrated our destination wedding with our closest friends + family on September 23, 2023, in Winter Park, CO. We share our cozy downtown loft with our two cats and two dogs.
Excitingly, I’m also the Studio Coordinator at Urban Studios, where I can expand my creative horizons and share my knowledge with others in the 417 area and beyond. From urban-themed shoots, to modern portraits, cutting-edge projects, and events of your dreams I’m dedicated to curating an exceptional experience for every person that comes through our doors.
Cannot wait to meet you – come and visit me at the studio!
Studio Assistant
Hey I’m Jasmine!
I grew up in the St.Louis area and moved to the Springfield area for school where I attended Missouri State University with a degree in Marketing. I have since after graduating moved full-time into being a wedding + portrait photographer (JasmineLeePhoto.graphy) here in the 417 and love the community that it has brought me!
More about me. I’m a 2025 bride EKKK, I enjoy running, spending time with friends, going out to eat (Raising Cane’s all day everyday), thrifting, and all things creative!
I am so so honored and excited to be a part of the Urban Studio team as a Studio Assistant and help strengthen the community and be a smile for those who walk in our doors and see all the creative individuals who come to visit. See you in the Studio!!
Studio Assistant
Hi! I’m Emily!
I grew up local to the Springfield area and am about to graduate from Missouri State with a degree in interior design! I love being able to connect with people and see their vision come to life.
Love thrifting, you will catch me in some sort of antique store at least once a week (p.s. always with a coffee in hand) Fashion, design, and everything creative are big parts of my life and Urban Studios is the place for it!
I am beyond excited for this new opportunity and to be able to use my knowledge with this amazing team! Can’t wait to meet you in the studio!
