Client Story: Upright Images
Client Name: Ryan Chouinard
Business Name: Upright Images
Business Website: uprightimages.com
Industry: Interior/Exterior Design
Location: Nashua, NH
SBDC Advisor's Name: Julie Glosner
SBDC Client: 1.5 Years
A Business That Makes You Look Twice
Maybe waIls can talk…
When you walk into a space transformed by Upright Images, you can feel the heartbeat and see the personality of the business, home, or organization.
Ryan Chouinard, owner of Upright Images in Nashua, NH, is dedicated to creating wall art with heart and soul as he transforms spaces with meaning and creativity.
A pivot from culinary to wall art might seem like a strange one, and Ryan’s the first to admit that his journey has been anything but ordinary! After a painful family loss, Ryan was challenged to consider what he really wanted to be doing with this short, precious life and what kind of impact he wanted to make in the world. Recognizing that life is too short not to follow your dreams, Ryan decided to create something of his own.
His requirements for his entrepreneurial venture were:
✔️It had to get him up in the morning with passion and excitement while making his clients and customers excited too.
✔️It had to have minimal overhead
✔️ It needed to either involve technology that wouldn’t become outdated or offer a service that wouldn’t be made redundant anytime soon
✔️ It also needed to have a viable ROI
The internet rabbit hole that changed everything
Led by his creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, Ryan found himself going down an internet rabbit hole one evening (as one does when the best ideas are about to hit). He was captivated by a beautiful wall image and started researching the technology that designed it. He found the creator of the technology in North Carolina and flew down to learn more about it and get trained in it. Once he saw the potential and learned the ins and outs of its transformative power, Ryan was SOLD.
Upright Images transforms walls into lasting impressions with murals and captivating art that speaks to and reflects the heart and soul of the space. Their clients are schools, homeowners, commercial and retail establishments, restaurants, office spaces, and anyone who wants to bring a dynamic and unique look to their space.
The advanced technology used by Upright delivers these vibrant, high-quality works of wall art to their clients without wait time for drying. The result is impeccable quality and personality infused in every detail.
Now what?
With his idea for a business in hand, Ryan had no idea what to do next! What’s involved in starting a business? What should the model be? How do you write a business plan? What are the different options and avenues?
Ryan knew he needed to establish a solid foundation and gain market exposure with his offering, and didn’t know where to begin. He reached out to the NH SBDC, where he connected with his current Advisor Julie Glosner.
Ryan shares that the SBDC’s support goes far beyond basic advice. Julie guided Ryan to refine his business plan, connect with local networks, access legal resources, tap into potential funding resources, and establish a business built for long-term success.
One of the resources Ryan has benefited most from (apart from advising) is the LeAF program. At no charge, he worked with an attorney to develop a contract and wording, and an accountant who guided him in determining deposit and payment terms, ensuring everything was in place for Upright Images to confidently provide services to their growing clientele.
“Julie stepped in and provided me with the knowledge I didn’t even know I was missing!”
- Ryan Chouinard
From the get-go, Ryan has found Julie’s advice to be invaluable and encourages anyone considering utilizing the SBDC’s services for help in their business to jump right in without hesitation!
“The SBDC is an incredible resource for business owners at any stage. They offer support that goes far beyond basic advice. They provide a foundation that sets you up for long-term success.”
Ryan is also quick to remind fellow small business owners that no matter the endeavor, what you get out of it is so often what you’re willing to put in. Your level of involvement makes all the difference.
“If you’re willing to stay engaged, be open to feedback, and take advantage of the opportunities and connections they offer, the results can be transformative.”
Ryan is grateful to Julie and the resources provided by the SBDC and relies on it not just as a one-time consultation but as an ongoing partnership with people who genuinely care about his success.
Where some see blank walls, Ryan sees possibility…
Ryan’s eye is on the future of Upright Images as he continues to build relationships and bring joy by creating memorable, remarkable spaces. He leads a team dedicated to elevating one surface at a time and loves the opportunities to get involved in his community and give back any way he can.
A big part of the future of Upright Images involves getting involved in community projects where they can use their creativity to make a difference. Whether it’s through uplifting spaces in schools, nonprofits, or local initiatives, they’re committed to having a positive impact while growing a business rooted in family, purpose, and innovation.
He’s always looking for ways to partner with schools and educational institutions to create something magical, eye-catching, and special that they get to enjoy every day.