May 03, 2024

Hawkins transitions photography studio with sale to Discover Hope

By Jocelyn Sheets

Bob and Beth Hawkins sold the Bob Hawkins Studio Inc. building to Robbie Robinson, middle, and Discover Hope 517 this week. The building at 733 First Ave. E. in Newton will be the new home of the faith-based organization founded by Robinson, who is its director. Hawkins is downsizing to a small in-home studio but will continue his 41-year-old professional photography business. (Jocelyn Sheets)

Change can be a good thing.

Bob Hawkins is changing how he does his professional photography business.

This week Hawkins sold his 8,000-square foot building — Bob Hawkins Photography Studio at 733 First Ave. E. — to Discover Hope 517, a faith-based organization dedicated to providing recovery and restoration for those struggling with addiction.

“I’m still in business, but I don’t need the big building any more. It’s time to turn the page,” Hawkins said of the decision he and his wife Beth made. “Most of the photography work I do now is done on location.”

Hawkins said when Robbie Robinson, director and founder of Discover Hope 517, came into his studio to pick up some photos, the two men began just talking. He said a voice kept urging him to show Robinson around the building.

“It just seemed like this was suppose to happen. Robbie and Discover Hope offer great services for the community,” Hawkins said. “My first wife, Sari, who died in 2010, always fought for people to get second chances. That is what Discover Hope is about.”

Hawkins and his second wife, Beth, were married in 2015. He said the couple discussed and prayed on the decision.

“Discover Hope will have such great visibility to the community being in this building on this avenue,” Beth Hawkins said.

Robinson said he was excited for the new home for Discover Hope. He has also been blessed to build a relationship with the Hawkins.

“I have been praying and working to find a permanent home for Discover Hope. We kept looking for a building which fit our vision,” Robinson said. “I met Bob at my daughter’s preschool Princess and Papa Ball six years ago. Then I came in here in July to pick up my daughter’s softball photos and he said ‘hey you gotta a minute.’”

Robinson said that’s how the journey began between Hawkins and himself. Robinson said he told Hawkins he had just made the decision he was done looking for buildings and told God, He would have to bring a building to Discover Hope.

“He gave me a tour of his building, and it confirmed in my heart this was the place for our ministry,” Robinson said. “Bob and Beth are playing a part in the growth of Discover Hope’s ministry. Bob has built a legacy here which touched families and we want to build on his legacy to change people’s lives.”

Hawkins, who began his photography business in 1977 and built the building in 1997, said he will be setting up a small studio in their home.

“I’ll learn a new way of working. I’ve been fortunate for 41 years with the help of two great women to be able to make a good living with photography,” Hawkins said. “I’m grateful to Newton and the surrounding communities for the support of my business over the years. I’m looking forward to the new chapter of my business.”

Hawkins grew up in Reasnor and went to high school in Monroe. He said he has had a lot of help through the years from the community.

“I’ve got an awesome career from my photography business. I can’t even imagine not doing it. I enjoy it so much,” Hawkins said. “I’ve been enriched in so many ways by the people I’ve met.”

Hawkins said he knows this is the right decision to sell to Discover Hope. He said Robinson and those involved with the ministry outreach enrich people’s lives.

“I just wanted to let everyone know I’m still in business. I’m going to step back a bit and take a breath then get back to doing the job I love — shooting photographs,” Hawkins said.

Contact Jocelyn Sheets at jsheets@newtondailynews.com