We recently connected with DeAndre’ James and have shared our conversation below.
Hi DeAndre’, thanks for joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?
Consistency, quality, and personal growth is important when completing a task. One thing I have learned while working for an employer is if you ever feel like your the smartest person in the room, leave that room and find a room where you can learn and grow with like minded people who want to achieve similar goals as you. This has influenced me to convert my company into a full time entrepreneurship business. 
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
I always was one who took the initiative to see positive outcomes in any situation even if I failed; I take opportunities as a learning curve to achieve greater results and to be more efficient in the future. When I began doing research on this industry, I started looking into photobooth/photography manufacturers around the world and I would often question “how can I make my business different from the current market and how can I grow my business into a multi facet franchise by including vending services.” My outgoing personality, professionalism, great repour, and genuine compassion for others has placed me in the hands of clients who have seen the potential for my business to grow into something greater than I could imagine. Since launching business in August of 2021 I’ve collaborated with multiple organizations who have provided me the opportunity to enhance my skill set in photography with a number of reputable companies in the DMV area such as Diamonds On The Rise of Baltimore, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Models Inc of Washington DC, Brows and Co, Cohen and Company accounting firm and Grammy-winning recording Artist Tory Lanez of One Umbrella Management. Networking has always been a strong point for me because I genuinely want to learn and help people sustain goals and visions for their business or events through a photography/photobooth aspect; I would strongly encourage anyone who is looking to join this industry to network and don’t be afraid to fail! In business, I’ve learned that failing is only bad when you don’t learn and grow from your mistakes. This is the only way to sustain goals and I believe this is why my business has been successful thus far.
What sets me apart from others is my ability to be a conversationalist and control any room and probe to get the best results by being personable, compromising, and trustworthy with clients or potential clients in order to understand and achieve their vision or goal through my services. In doing this I’ve find that making my clients feel comfortable enough to trust my direction with my team and I to get the best results through our services. Being a creative director in a photography industry it’s all about getting the perfect shot. We strive for perfection in our work, and we tend to receive positive feedback and referrals from our clients due to our willingness to go the extra mile to make the experience we provide perfect and worthwhile.
Before I started my Photo Booth business it took me approximately 6-8 months to master the art of using a Photo Booth and its Photography accessories. I have successfully trained young entrepreneurs on how to maneuver in business. My training sessions will allow you to hit the ground running in business within 2 days following training. We are willing to provide essential tips and pointers which will be beneficial to your business and marketing tools to make you great in this industry because we want to see everyone, and every business excel and win! I am ecstatic about having the opportunity to impact and give back to my community.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Every idea is not a good idea or that idea may not be ideal for right now. Don’t jump on the first idea that comes to mind, instead list your goals in a chronological order. Be sure to create a Plan A, Plan B, Plan C for each goal and how you will achieve them. For example if Plan A doesn’t work you move on to Plan B, If Plan B doesn’t work you move on to Plan C. This is a good work around to make sure each of your goals are strategically thought out to avoid mishaps and/or errors.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
What helped me build my reputation in the market is always remembering that you are the face of your business. If your business fails, know that that failure will be attached to your name and brand. One bad customer experience can extend and reflect poorly on your brand. This is why rebranding is always important in business. Always look for solutions or work arounds to fix the negative results.
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Image Credits
Photocred: @mcglockshots on Instagram