Host Spotlight: Boosting Revenue and Simplifying Operations with Instant Book

Maria Yarmakovich is the founder of Shutter Studios and owner of River Rose Photography. As a photographer in Charlotte, North Carolina, Maria saw growing demand for space within the creative community. “There was a lack of bright and modern studio spaces,” she explained. “I had a lot of photographer friends who wanted to use my space, but manually booking people became overwhelming. There was a real need in Charlotte.”

Since launching her first rentable studio in Charlotte in 2022, Maria has expanded her portfolio to include three Peerspaces that she lists for productions and events. Her minimalist spaces with ample natural light have since become a favorite among local photographers, branding professionals, and event planners alike.

From family portraits and brand photoshoots to engagements and baby showers, Maria’s spaces have seen it all, and what started as a single studio quickly grew into a thriving business. “Creatives love bringing their own style to a minimalistic space.”

As her business grows, Peerspace’s Instant Book feature has helped Maria streamline her business operations, and makes it easier for clients to book her spaces quickly and effortlessly—especially when last-minute needs arise. As a host, she no longer needs to manually approve each request, which has saved hours of admin time and allows her to focus on other areas of her business. According to Maria however, the greatest value lies in how convenient it is for her clients.

“We get a lot of last-minute bookings, especially because the weather in Charlotte is so unpredictable,” she explained. “If someone had an outdoor shoot planned but it starts raining, they can instantly book my space without having to wait for approval. It removes the stress for both of us.”

While Instant Book is great for last-minute changes, Maria noted that the feature is useful for all types of bookings, even those planned in advance. “People still use Instant Book, even if their event is further out, just because it’s convenient. It’s not just for same-day bookings—people like having the flexibility to confirm their plans quickly, no matter when they are.”

Maria emphasized that having a system in place is essential for any host considering turning on Instant Book. “Having a lockbox or digital keypad for easy access, along with clear instructions and rules, makes a big difference,” she said. She also has her clients send photos of the space after their session, to ensure everything stays in top shape for the next booking.

For hosts who may be hesitant about enabling Instant Book, Maria suggests starting with a streamlined process. “If your space is organized and you have a good system in place, it’s very easy to make Instant Book work for you. The convenience it offers to both you and your guests is worth it.”

If you’re inspired by Maria’s success and want to activate Instant Book for your space, you can learn more about instant book here and follow a step-by-step guide to activate it here.