Community Highlights: Meet The Fletcher Family Dr. Fletcher, James Fletcher, NeizhaB & Tasha2funny_ of ACHI Studios

Today we’d like to introduce you to The Fletcher Family Dr. Fletcher, James Fletcher, NeizhaB & Tasha2funny_.

Hi The Fletcher Family, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Thank you for asking. Our story really begins with a shared family passion for creativity and a deep desire to build a community where artists and visionaries can thrive. We, the Fletcher family – Dr. Juanita Fletcher, Taneisha Fletcher-Batten, Natasha Fletcher-Ealey, and James Fletcher – embarked on this journey together, and it’s evolved into something truly special: the ACHI ecosystem.  

It all started back in 2013 with ACHI Magazine. Initially, it was conceived as a women’s fashion and lifestyle publication, but we quickly saw a greater need. Under the leadership of Dr. Juanita, Taneisha, and Natasha, it grew into a broader resource, offering business insights and lifestyle strategies specifically for women, all grounded in the idea of “strength in sisterhood”. The magazine allowed us to connect with a global audience and share empowering stories.  

As the magazine grew, we realized the importance of nurturing the next wave of talent. That led us to establish The ACHI Foundation in 2014. Its mission is purely focused on empowerment – providing young filmmakers, photographers, and screenwriters with mentorship, resources, and an inclusive space to learn and experiment. We wanted to create a supportive environment where young creators feel encouraged to find their voice and share their unique perspectives.  

The final piece, ACHI Studios, came together in 2020. Founded by the mother-daughter team of Dr. Juanita Fletcher and Taneisha Fletcher-Batten, the studio, located just outside Atlanta in Austell, GA , serves multiple purposes. It’s a professional film production company creating our own independent films, but it’s also a 7,000 sq ft creative hub designed for collaboration. We offer the space for rent and run programs like acting classes for young performers, aiming to build their confidence and skills.  

Today, all three entities work in synergy, fueled by our family’s collective efforts. Dr. Juanita brings her strategic leadership, honed by her Doctorate in Strategic Leadership, and her passion for storytelling as a writer and educator. Taneisha, who also leads ACHI Magazine as CEO , is the driving creative force behind our productions, directing, editing, and acting. Natasha focuses on ensuring a positive experience for everyone who interacts with the studio, managing client and talent relations. And James provides the crucial foundation, overseeing the construction and maintenance of the physical spaces where all this creativity happens.  
So, from that initial magazine concept to the interconnected network we have today, our journey has always been about more than just business. It’s about building a supportive ecosystem, fostering connections, amplifying diverse voices, and empowering creativity at every level. That’s the heart of ACHI, and that’s what drives us forward.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
That’s a great question. While we’re incredibly proud of where ACHI is today, the journey hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like any growing venture, especially one built from the ground up by family, we’ve faced our share of hurdles along the way.

One significant challenge was navigating the physical moves – relocating the core of our operations from Chesapeake, Virginia, where ACHI Magazine started , to the Atlanta area in 2016, and eventually establishing ACHI Studios in Austell more recently. Each move brought logistical complexities and the need to re-establish ourselves in a new community.  

Perhaps the most persistent challenge, common to many small businesses, has been securing capital. We’ve been entirely self-funded from the beginning. That means the family pooling personal resources, making sacrifices, and really bootstrapping to bring each vision – the Magazine, the Foundation, the Studios – to life and keep them running. This commitment extends beyond just the business; we all live together under one roof, so pooling resources and supporting each other is woven into the fabric of our daily lives, both personally and professionally.

Expanding our scope into television, film production, and publishing also presented its own learning curve. Moving into new creative territories required us to adapt quickly and learn through experience. It reinforced the importance of relying on our tight-knit family circle.

We truly live by our family motto: “Every able body does what’s necessary to keep the family strong.” That unity has been crucial in overcoming obstacles.

There’s also the constant balancing act – the challenge of working in the day-to-day business, whether that’s directing a film , teaching a class , or managing the studio , while simultaneously working on the business – the strategy, the growth, the big picture.  

Through all of it, our faith has been a foundational element, giving us strength and guidance during the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

So, no, not always smooth. But overcoming these struggles together, driven by our commitment to each other and our mission of empowering creativity and community, is what has allowed ACHI not just to survive, but to get to where we are today, and we believe, to thrive.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At ACHI Studios, we are more than just a film studio; we are dedicated partners in bringing the visions of independent filmmakers to life. We understand the significant hurdle that affordable location scouting presents, and we’ve built our entire organization around solving that problem.

What You Should Know About ACHI Studios:

Focus on Independent Filmmakers:
Our core mission is to empower independent creators by providing a high-quality yet budget-friendly space to realize their cinematic dreams. We are deeply invested in fostering the independent film community.
Versatile and Adaptable Stages: Our standout feature is our nine preset stages, each designed with flexibility in mind. These aren’t static spaces; they can be easily and cost-effectively transformed to suit a wide range of creative projects, from narrative films and music videos to commercials and photoshoots. This adaptability makes us a unique and valuable resource in the film production industry.
Affordability Without Compromise: We firmly believe that budget constraints shouldn’t stifle creativity. ACHI Studios offers competitive pricing without sacrificing essential amenities and a professional environment. This commitment to affordable film production is central to our identity.

What We Do and Specialize In:
Studio Space Rental: Our primary service is the rental of our nine versatile stages, providing filmmakers with the foundational space they need for their shoots.
Location Solutions: We specialize in offering diverse and adaptable locations within a single facility, saving filmmakers time and money on scouting multiple sites.
Supporting Independent Productions: We are known for our commitment to the independent film sector, offering an environment that understands and caters to their specific needs and challenges.

What Sets Us Apart:
The Flexibility of Nine Preset Stages: Unlike traditional studios with fixed sets, our easily transformable stages offer unparalleled adaptability for various production requirements. This inherent flexibility is a significant advantage for filmmakers with diverse creative needs.
Our Deep Understanding of Independent Filmmaking: We’re not just renting space; we’re providing a supportive ecosystem for independent creators. We understand the budget sensitivities and the need for resourcefulness in this sector.
Our Commitment to Affordability: We actively strive to maintain competitive pricing, making professional studio space accessible to a wider range of independent projects.

What We Are Most Proud of Brand Wise:
We are most proud of the success stories of the independent filmmakers who have brought their visions to life within our walls. Seeing their creativity flourish in our space and knowing we played a part in their journey is the ultimate validation of our mission. Our brand represents opportunity, accessibility, and a genuine passion for supporting the art of independent cinema.

What We Want Your Readers to Know About Our Brand, Offerings, and Services:
ACHI Studios is your dedicated partner for independent film production.

We offer:
Affordable and versatile studio rentals with nine adaptable stages.
A supportive environment that understands the unique needs of independent filmmakers.
A cost-effective solution for diverse location requirements within a single facility.
A commitment to helping you bring your creative vision to the screen without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re shooting a short film, a feature, a music video, or commercial content, ACHI Studios provides the flexible and affordable foundation you need to succeed. We encourage you to explore how our unique space can empower your next project. Contact us today to learn more about our stages and availability!

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk-taking is a fundamental part of our journey at ACHI Studios, and it often comes hand in hand with faith and determination. One of the most significant risks we have taken is our current location. Signing a lease for a 7,000 square foot space was a bold move, especially as a new company without established roots in the community. The sheer scale of that commitment was daunting, but it was necessary for us to create the environment we envisioned for independent filmmakers.

Faith plays a crucial role in how we approach risk. As a family, we pray together daily, seeking guidance and clarity as we navigate these challenges. We believe that stepping out in faith is essential to achieving growth and reaching our goals. While it can be intimidating to embrace uncertainty, that willingness to take chances has opened doors for us and allowed us to create a space where creativity can flouris.

Ultimately, risk is an opportunity for growth, innovation, and learning. While it’s important to weigh potential rewards against the possible downsides, we embrace the notion that taking risks is often the pathway to realizing our dreams. Each risk we’ve taken has not only defined who we are but has also brought us closer as a family and as a brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://achistudios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/achitvfilm/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACHIStudios/
• Yelp: https://www.facebook.com/ACHIStudios/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@achistudios