Just like your custom coffee order, your photography should be made exactly the way you want it. That's why I built Spilt Coffee Studio to be more than just a place to get your photo taken—it's where real life gets celebrated. The messy moments, the milestones, the personal wins, and the professional ones too. Whether you're here for family portraits, a love story, a brand shoot for your website, or to explore local art in our gallery, I want you to feel seen, supported, and maybe even a little pampered. Because you deserve it.
Wife, mama of three, and creative entrepreneur. Just like you, I wear a lot of hats. My secret? Coffee, intention, and knowing when to ask for help.
I'm Nikki Allen Creative
It started with a sleepless night, two rowdy kids, and one very full pot of coffee that I desperately needed.
I was running late (because, of course), juggling my camera bag and keys when—crash—I spilled my entire cup all over the counter. Cue the tears. My husband looked at me and said, "Don't cry over spilt coffee."
The phrase stuck with me. And honestly? It felt full circle. I'd spent 15+ years as a barista and mixologist. Now here I was—a photographer and mom, still living coffee culture in a whole new way.
Because motherhood, entrepreneurship, and life? It's messy. Things spill. Plans change. But those imperfect moments are also the most real and worth remembering.
And that's the story of Spilt Coffee Studio. I'm here for the authentic stuff—the in-between moments, the professional wins, and the personal memories. And I'll make it easy, because you've already got enough going on.
So grab your coffee (carefully this time), and let's create something beautiful together. ☕
Let me tell you about the morning that started it all (and why it's called Spilt Coffee Studio).
BEHIND
THE NAME
The Story
Couch Naps
Networking
Iced Lattes
things I enjoy
"Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life."
words to live by
Galena, IL! Visit our rental home... there's a hot tub! ;)
my go-to vacation getaway
Cooking and entertaining in my home.
a hobby that i love
Walking in the woods with my family and dogs.
My favorite weekend activity
Fun facts!
- Dolly Parton
That coffee ring in my logo isn't just a nod to my 15+ years in hospitality—it also represents the round lens of my camera. I started taking photos as a nationally known mixologist, capturing cocktails for social media between shifts. My images ended up in high-profile publications, and I realized I loved the craft just as much behind the camera as I did behind the bar. The spill that once made me cry became the symbol of a business built on capturing life's chaos and milestones. It's all come full circle—and now I'm here to document yours.
Located at 53 Summit Ave, Spilt Coffee Studio is steps from the NW Metra line with street parking available. The space has minimalistic, earthy vibes with vintage touches—southwest-facing windows for natural light, multiple backdrops, a curated wardrobe in muted tones, and an art gallery wall featuring rotating local artists. We're not a cookie-cutter photography business. Just like you order your coffee exactly how you want it, your photos and videos are made to order too—intentional, customizable, and designed around your story. This is part photography studio, part art gallery, and entirely a creative hub where real life gets celebrated: the messy, the beautiful, the professional, the personal. Park Ridge offers small-town charm with cafés and shops nearby, while Rosemont and downtown Chicago are close for a full day out. Whether you're local or from greater Chicagoland, this is your stroller-friendly, podcast-ready, thoughtfully designed creative base. Grab a cup of coffee, and let's create something that feels genuinely you.
This is Spilt Coffee Studio: a creative hub in uptown Park Ridge where your story comes to life.
Ready to get started?
I'll capture the magic. Then we'll choose your favorites and create something you'll love.
CREATE WITH Spilt coffee studio
We'll talk through the details: location, styling, timeline. This is where I get to know what makes your story yours.
Follow UP with
Consult Call
Tell me your vision. Like your coffee order, every session is customized to you—your vibe, your needs, your story.
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