Finding Magic in Every Moment: The Story of Alisa and Undone Studio
BY EMMA GEARY - NOVEMBER 21, 2024
Some journeys feel like destiny, while others come together piece by piece, building a path without a clear blueprint. For Alisa, her career has been a little of both. Today, we’re talking with Alisa Moen, a Collective Member and founder of Undone Studio, to learn how she took her career from dancing with the Minnesota Timberwolves to running a thriving, creative company, and how she finds the magic in the unexpected.
The Leap to Undone Studio
Alisa of Undone Studio
"I've always had dreams of owning a creative business," Alisa shares, "but the reality is that I've been blindly and unintentionally making my way to where I am now."
Her journey began as a dancer for the Minnesota Timberwolves while in college, quickly becoming a team captain. The experience gave her confidence and introduced her to a mentor, who would shape the next decade of her career. Working full-time for his creative tech company, Alisa built a solid foundation in marketing and production.
But in 2021, when Alisa welcomed her first son, everything shifted. "My drive to climb, climb, climb, and hustle evaporated," she says. Her focus turned to balancing the work she loved with her deep love for her family. Over the next year, Alisa transitioned to contract work and started her own LLC, which eventually evolved into Undone Studio.
Now, Undone Studio embodies her passion for creativity and family. From producing shoots for Once Upon A Child, a national kids' resale franchise, to hosting photographers in her stunning home, Alisa has created a business rooted in home, family, and storytelling.
The Creative Process
For Alisa, the secret to a successful shoot lies in the details. "The magic is in the location," she explains. She approaches each project with an eye for beauty and accessibility, scouting for spaces that inspire her. Sometimes, the inspiration strikes when she's least expecting it—a library visit with her sons or a walk through the park can spark the perfect vision for a shoot.
Her ultimate goal? To tell a story through her work. "Whether I'm producing for Once Upon A Child, photographing my home, or capturing a friend's dinner party, I aim to make the images feel alive, warm, and like art," she says.
A Dream Realized: Chateau Ches Mar
Alisa’s home, which she’s created into a living photo studio perfect for content creation, reflects her love for storytelling and her appreciation for history. She calls the magical space Chateau Ches Mar, pronounced "Chez Mar," and welcomes photographers, and content creators alike. The home is an old farmhouse with French country charm inside and forest vibes outside, making it perfect for gorgeous photos in every season..
"My dream is to live in a place that feels romantic and inspiring," Alisa says. "We’re designing around the home’s original antique furniture—a mix of ornate and masculine 1940s vibes—and updating where needed."
Alisa envisions her home as a gathering place for art, culture, and creativity, mirroring her own values.
Words of Wisdom
When I asked Alisa my favorite question, what advice she’d give her younger self, Alisa shared that she still feels like she’s in the early stages of business. "I would tell myself to stop worrying about how it looks on the outside," she reflects. "Not all businesses are a brand. For me, it’s about creating magic for the people already in my life."
From crafting content libraries for her clients to capturing intimate family moments, Alisa focuses on authenticity and connection. "Romanticizing life through stories and photographs," she says, "is what brings me success."
Through Undone Studio, Alisa is living proof that success doesn’t come from chasing the flashy or the Instagram-worthy. Instead, it’s found in the meaningful work that lights you up—and in finding magic, even in the smallest details.
To learn more about Undone Studio, visit their website.
Emma Geary
Emma is the one writing it all down. She's been with LAB since 2021 and is finishing her MFA in Creative Writing in her spare time. Her favorite color right now is cobalt blue.
