What do property investment, online learning, and shoot location hosting have in common? More than you’d think. In this blog, we reflect on our latest podcast guest, Jennifer Olivier – a Scottish property investor and course creator who’s turning empty homes into smart income. We talk confidence, side hustles, and why online learning can be such a powerful tool for change.

Property, Shoots and Creativity

One of the best things about the world we work in is how it overlaps with other creative paths.

Our latest podcast guest, Jennifer Olivier, is a great example of that. She’s the founder of Olivier Shaw, a property transformation business based in Scotland, and someone who knows exactly how to unlock the hidden potential in a space.

Jennifer renovates and styles unloved homes, turning them into beautiful, functional properties – many of which she rents out as holiday lets or opens up as shoot locations. Her business blends creativity with clever property thinking.

"Something like hosting – shoots – really just brings life back to a space. There's people there again, there's movement, there's just a sense that the space has more of a purpose again."

Learning That Fits Into Real Life

What stood out to us in our chat with Jennifer was the way she shares her knowledge with homeowners. Jennifer has developed a series of online Zoom-based courses to teach others how to approach property projects with confidence. Her lessons are designed to be accessible, affordable and practical, whether you’re exploring your first renovation or wondering how to style a space for better rental returns.

“I wanted to offer what I had learned for a few hundred pounds… I wanted to, like you have, to make it accessible.”

At The Shoot Academy, we’re firm believers in the power of online learning. It gives people the flexibility to fit new skills around real life – whether that’s during a toddler's nap time, a lunch break, or an evening glass of wine. Hearing Jennifer speak about the clarity and connection her courses create really hit home.

Her students get the kind of confidence boost that comes from seeing things done in real homes, not just glossy design magazines.

From Styling to Side Hustles

While Jennifer's world isn’t identical to ours, there’s definitely crossover. Many of our members are exploring ways to generate income from their homes, be that through shoot bookings, property lets, or thoughtful transformations.

“Short-term lets are expensive to run… If you have occupancy gaps, that’s a very expensive thing… using it as a location just makes absolute sense.”

Jennifer’s work – and the honesty with which she shares it – is a brilliant reminder that everyone's home has the opportunity to make money in new and exciting ways. You just need a willingness to learn, experiment, and back yourself.

💬 Join the Conversation

Have you ever thought about using your home as a shoot location, or stepping into the world of property? What’s held you back – confidence, time, money, not knowing where to start?

We’d love to hear your thoughts.

🎧 Listen to our full podcast episode with Jennifer here

📚 Explore Jennifer’s insta here

📸 Learn more about our online course for shoot location hosts here