We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lannie Stabile a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lannie, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s talk about innovation. What’s the most innovative thing you’ve done in your career?

My business is new, less than a year old, so I have the exciting task of figuring out what works and what doesn’t. I’ve tried flyers, promoting small businesses, giveaways, post cards, magnets, different groups and networking, and so much more. Sometimes it’s a hit, sometimes it’s a flop, but I keep brainstorming. I call it “the spaghetti method.” Throw something at the wall and see what sticks.

In 2025, I plan on introducing a Party Fly digital frame. I’ll have it at my home desk most days, but I will also bring it with me to vendor events. I’ll provide a code for any clients who wish to include one of their photos in the display. It’s just another way for folks to be involved in the business. This idea could very well flop too, but I won’t know ’til I try it. And trying things is part of the fun!

Lannie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Party Fly Photography sort of happened by accident. I’d been thinking of starting a small business for years, but I couldn’t get excited about any of the ideas I came up with. But when a friend forgot to take photos at her daughter’s birthday party and was devastated, something in my heart went “DING!” I didn’t want another parent to feel that way if I could help it.

So, yeah, Party Fly covers birthday parties, but I also cover book launches, grand openings, holiday parties, showers, conferences, and more. I like celebrating with you.

Something I need clients and potential clients to know is that I never want to gatekeep. When it comes to folks throwing parties for their loved ones or small businesses throwing parties to promote their goods and services, my prices are negotiable. Yes, I need to make money, as I am also a parent and small business owner, but it started with and has always been about community.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The whole genesis of Party Fly Photography is me pivoting!

The business was the result of finding out my wife was pregnant with our second child and knowing I needed a way to boost our income. I took inventory of my skills and passions, targeted a need in the community, and nine days after receiving the wonderful news had an EIN!

Additionally, being a new business owner requires a lot of agility, a lot of pivoting. I’m constantly learning. I made decisions in the beginning that I certainly wouldn’t make now. I’ve signed up for apps that ultimately didn’t work for me. I’ve been getting acquainted with editing software I’ve never used before. I’ve had to get very comfortable with mistakes and imperfections. But, like Maya Angelou said, “When you know better, do better.”

This first year has been all about being a messy, eager, vulnerable, agile sponge.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

Before Party Fly was a twinkle in my eye, my family and I went to Target (as we so often do). While there, my daughter Dawson was being super cute. She was wearing this red, fuzzy pullover and a big, red bow, carrying an oversized Target basket on her tiny, little toddler arm. I snapped a picture and posted it on Facebook. My friends went feral over it. This gave me the idea of doing a Target photoshoot with my daughter. Which turned out adorable! Party Fly was born by then, so I made a FB post seeking a toddler model for another shoot. Ellie was a natural!

Ellie’s mom gave my name to one mom and then another, and those moms have scheduled multiple sessions with me. I’d had maybe one or two paid sessions before this, but that initial referral really got the ball rolling.

It’s easy to see why I’m so thankful for community and the folks who say my name when I’m not in the room.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.partyflyphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/partyflyphotography/profilecard/?igsh=MWRtY3E0dHNscGkyNg==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15UoUAqpLo/

Image Credits

Kaitlyn Stabile