Duluth Creative Co.’s Asher Carlson describes himself as a “photographer, filmmaker, podcaster, entrepreneur and serial hobbyist. My toxic trait is that whenever I get interested in something, I have to learn everything about it and then turn it into a business, which I wish I didn’t do, but it’s just a fun and easy way to share interests and art with others.”
While working on a photography business between 2021 and 2023, Carlson learned a friend in Chicago had a creative space he shared with other artists. “I thought it was so cool – a place to work alongside friends, all pursuing your own goals, like coworkers but without answering to anyone,” he recalled. “I thought Duluth needed something like that, and since it didn’t exist, I could either complain about it or be the one to make it happen.”
With the help of some local friends, Duluth Creative Co. opened in spring 2023. It was originally a photography space, but that plan quickly changed. “I started getting a lot of people reaching out asking if we had a dark, dusty corner where they could set up a laptop and do some remote work,” Carlson said. “I saw an opportunity.”
Today, DCC is a co-working and studio space for a number of people in different fields. “I think people come to work with us,” Carlson said, “because they’re looking for elevated storytelling and visuals that help their brand connect with people in a human way – content that tells their story, educates their audience and honors the entrepreneurial risk they’re taking in this community.”
Duluth Creative Co. 218-608-0310 – www.duluthcreativeco.com
