Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emerald Bonds. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Emerald , thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I threw an extravagant party for my 25th birthday. My party featured multiple vendors that provided entertainment services. What really had the crowds attention was the photo booth. Everyone was having so much fun utilizing the booth, I ended up paying extra for the vendors to stay all night. After my birthday party concluded, I sat back and reflected on everything. In that moment I realized that I paid a chunk of change for the photo booth; and that’s when the light bulb when off in my head. I said to myself “they made easy money off of me, and all they did was push a button.” My “hustler instincts” immediately kicked in and I began doing my research! My birthday is in February, and I managed to launch my business by June of that same year. The idea of PhotoBonds aligned perfectly with my personality because I love capturing the moment. To know me is to know that my camera is always out recording and hyping people up.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I started PhotoBonds because I love capturing the moment. To know me is to know that my camera is always out recording and hyping people up. PhotoBonds was a result of my desire to have my own business, combined with the excitement that I get from capturing great moments. Having my photo booth company has allowed me to curate awesome experiences that becomes lasting memories, and that is truly rewarding.
What sets me apart from others is my energy and my drive! My energy is contagious, and my drive is unmatched!
I am proud of myself for not allowing the obstacles that comes with running a business get to me. It’s so easy to lose your drive when you are constantly facing challenges! Operating a business and working a full time job is the biggest challenge, and can be very overwhelming! It really just boils down to prioritizing and organization.
I am extremely proud of PhotoBonds for not only being in business for one full year, but also our recent collaboration with the Atlanta Falcons!
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Operating a photo booth business is a little different from managing the day to day 9-5. I don’t see/talk to my team members often because we are a service that operates off of seasons (holidays, graduations, wedding seasons, etc). However, I make it my point to check in, and frequently meet with my team during the slow season just to keep the relationships strong. Whether it’s a quick FaceTime call, or meeting up for drinks, I like to check in to make sure everyone is well and to let them know I am always a phone call away!
During our peak season to keep the morale high I am constantly thanking them for their hard work, I allow them to lead and make executive decisions to remind them that I trust them, and share all feedback from clients to remind them of awesome they are!
Since I do have a small team of three, I make it my priority to show them that they are family to me!
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
A few books that I read that impacted entrepreneurial skills were: -Playing the Game Without a Coach – Benjamin Raymond
-Succeeding Against the Odds – John H. Johnson
-How to Succeed in Business Without Being White – Earl G. Graves
-You’ve Got to Be Hungry – Les Brown
-Real Money Answers for Every Woman – Patrice C. Washington
I would like to add that these books are for Black Entrepreneurs, written by Black Entrepreneurs!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @photobonds_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photobonds/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emeraldbonds/
Image Credits
@visualeyesphotos