Ep. 001: Designing a Video Podcast Studio w/ Paige Snaadt
- Mar 23
- 4 min read
Building a brand is a lot like building a house: it requires a solid foundation, a clear vision, and a fair amount of "brawn" to get the job done. In the inaugural episode of the Rhymes with Odd Podcast, host Ryan Snaadt (owner of Snaadt Media Group) sits down with his wife and creative partner, Paige Snaadt, to discuss the intersection of design, entrepreneurship, and the reality of growing a business in the heart of Iowa.
Whether you are a Des Moines business owner looking to level up your space or a local marketer trying to balance passion with profit, this episode offers a refreshing look at how intentional design and personal history shape professional success.
The Power of DIY: Transforming the Snaadt Media Studio
One of the most impressive feats discussed in the episode is the total transformation of the Snaadt Media Group podcast studio. For many entrepreneurs in Ankeny, Des Moines, and the surrounding suburbs, the "home office" is a reality. However, Paige highlights that a workspace shouldn't just be functional—it should be inspiring.
"It’s cool seeing something go from something so ugly... to picturing something in your head and then seeing it finished. I love the satisfaction of it." — Paige Snaadt
Paige, a veteran hair stylist of 10 years, served as the "brain and brawn" for the studio. Drawing on her father’s lifelong career in carpentry, she managed the DIY renovations that took the room from a dated space to a professional-grade media hub.
Why Design Matters for Iowa Entrepreneurs
For Des Moines business owners, your physical or digital environment is a reflection of your brand. Paige’s approach to the studio—mixing modern, sleek lines with industrial farmhouse elements—is a testament to the "Joanna Gaines" influence that has swept through the Midwest, but with a professional, media-ready twist.
The Pivot: Choosing a Trade Over a Degree
In an era where the Des Moines metro is seeing a massive surge in both tech startups and trade services, Paige’s career path is particularly relevant. Originally intending to be an architect, Paige made a bold choice in high school to pivot toward cosmetology.
The Math vs. The Passion
Paige recalls the moment she realized architecture might not be the right fit:
The Time Commitment: A six-year program felt daunting.
The Calculus Barrier: A "B" in pre-calculus signaled a future of high-stakes math that didn't align with her creative spirit.
The Board Exams: The risk of studying for six years only to potentially fail the boards was a deterrent.
By choosing hair styling, she didn't abandon design; she simply changed her canvas. This is a vital lesson for Iowa marketers: sometimes the "traditional" path isn't the most profitable or fulfilling. As Paige points out, a stylist’s salary in the Des Moines area is entirely dependent on how you structure your business and your level of skill.
Building a Business in the "Silicon Prairie"
Ryan Snaadt’s journey into videography and podcasting mirrors the growth of many Iowa creative agencies. During the episode, Ryan reflects on his time at Simpson College in Indianola, where he initially pursued a general business degree because he wasn't sure how to turn his interests into a career.
From Hobbyist to Agency Owner
Paige notes that she saw the potential in Ryan’s work before he did. "Once you started doing it, I could see the potential... I didn't know how big of a career you could make with videography."
This transition is common in the Des Moines business scene:
The "Hobbyist" Phase: Doing music videos or small projects for friends.
The "Corporate" Safety Net: Planning for a standard climb up the corporate ladder.
The "Entrepreneurial" Leap: Realizing that the skill set—talking, sales, and creative execution—can sustain a full-fledged media group.
Today, Snaadt Media Group is part of the burgeoning community of Iowa-based content creators helping local brands tell their stories through high-end video and audio production.
Balancing Business and Parenthood in Iowa
One of the most candid segments of the podcast deals with the "mom era" and the "six-month pause." For many business owners in the Polk County area, the struggle of "having it all" is real.
The "Six-Month Pause"
Ryan and Paige discuss the reality of welcoming their son, Rome, and the upcoming arrival of their second child. Ryan notes that your life essentially stops for six months while you figure out how to care for an infant. For a business owner, this means:
Re-adjusting gym and work schedules.
Prioritizing the marriage to ensure the partnership remains the foundation.
Learning to "co-parent" while "co-working."
Paige highlights the physical and mental shifts that come with motherhood, emphasizing that support from a partner is crucial for maintaining the confidence needed to keep a career moving forward.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Snaadt Media Group
The episode concludes with a look at what’s next for the Rhymes with Odd Podcast and the media group. Ryan has set an ambitious goal of hiring his first employee by the end of the year—a major milestone for any Ankeny-based small business.
Paige’s design influence continues to be a secret weapon for the brand, and she hints at a potential future in interior design once she decides to "retire" her shears. Her philosophy? Creative independence. Much like her approach to hair, she wants to be her own boss, choosing projects that align with her aesthetic rather than being told what to build.
Key Takeaways for Local Business Leaders:
Invest in your space: Professional environments yield professional results.
Don't fear the pivot: Your skills are often transferable across different industries.
Lean into your community: Whether it's the baseball fields of Fort Madison or the boardrooms of Des Moines, relationships are everything.
Connect with the Show
If you’re a business owner in Iowa looking to improve your health, wealth, relationships, or faith, the Rhymes with Odd Podcast is your new go-to resource.
Connect with Paige at www.luxsalon.co
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