We were lucky to catch up with Sharone Reid recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sharone, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I came up with the idea for my business, “Focus and Fabulous Events,” a photo booth rental company specializing in photo booths, after experiencing a remarkable opportunity at an inauguration event. During this event, there was a green screen photo booth that allowed me to take a picture with none other than Barack Obama. This encounter ignited my passion for creating a business that offers a unique and engaging social experience for guests at various events.

The photo booth at the inauguration event left a lasting impression on me, as it not only provided a fun and interactive activity but also resulted in cherished memories and a tangible photo favor for guests to take home. Recognizing the potential for such an experience to enhance any event, I decided to launch my own business, “Focus and Fabulous Events,” centered around photo booth rentals.

Sharone, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am Sharone Reid, the proud owner of Focus and Fabulous Events, a Photo Booth Rental Company. I pursued my passion for business and marketing, earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the esteemed Howard University School of Business in 2000. In 2013, I took the leap and founded my own Photo Booth Rental Company, Focus and Fabulous Events, with a mission to provide interactive photo booth entertainment to social and corporate events in the Richmond, Virginia, and Washington Metro area.

My success in the industry can be attributed to my dynamic networking and relationship building skills, which have opened numerous opportunities for me. I’ve had the honor of speaking at various events within the photo booth industry, including the 2017 Photo Booth Expo and The Photo Booth Show, where I conducted an impactful training on “Growing your business through networking.”

In addition to my company’s success, I am proud to have contributed to the photo booth community by establishing “Chit Chat Photo Booth,” a platform that brings fellow photo booth owners together. As part of this initiative, I host photo booth owners retreats twice a year in different cities across the country, fostering collaboration, learning, and camaraderie among like-minded entrepreneurs.

My dedication to the industry has led me to serve on the Photo Booth Professional International Advisory Board and become a brand ambassador for PicPic Social Software. Furthermore, I actively contribute to the growth of the International Live Events Association Virginia Chapter, where I serve on the board of directors.

Recently, my efforts and commitment were recognized as I was nominated for the Metropolitan Business League Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Award. My journey as an entrepreneur has taught me the importance of doing what I love, and that’s why I live by the motto, “If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life.” It fuels my happiness, drive, and determination for continued success in the exciting world of photo booth entertainment.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In 2020, my business faced an unprecedented challenge with the outbreak of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. As the owner of a Photo Booth Rental Company that heavily relied on live in-person gatherings and events, the sudden shutdown of such activities threatened the very core of my business. With no events taking place, the future looked uncertain, and I had to find a way to adapt and pivot quickly.

For the first three to four months, I found myself grappling with the impact of the pandemic, unsure of how to keep my business afloat in the absence of traditional events. It was a challenging time, both personally and professionally, as I witnessed the industry I loved being brought to a standstill.

However, amidst the uncertainty, a glimmer of hope emerged. My software vendor came up with an innovative solution to address the changing landscape of events – the virtual photo booth. This novel invention provided a way to bring the photo booth experience into the virtual realm, allowing people to participate remotely from the safety of their homes.

Realizing the potential of this new virtual offering, I wasted no time in embracing it as a lifeline for my business. I quickly adapted my services to include virtual photo booths, and I was amazed by the response from clients who were eager to engage with this creative concept.

Although virtual events could never fully replace the charm of in-person gatherings, they provided a viable alternative during the pandemic. They allowed people to celebrate special occasions, engage with others, and capture cherished moments, all while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Through sheer determination and hard work, I managed to turn the tide for my business. Embracing the virtual photo booth concept, I began to see a gradual revival in my sales. While I couldn’t reach the levels of income I had pre-pandemic, the virtual events helped me recoup approximately 50% of my usual annual sales.

Throughout the pandemic, I hosted over 250 virtual photo booth events. Each event represented a victory, as it not only contributed to the survival of my business but also brought joy to individuals and families during a challenging time.

The experience of pivoting during the pandemic taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience as an entrepreneur. It also highlighted the power of innovation and how embracing new technologies can open doors to unexpected opportunities.

As the world gradually moves towards a new normal, I will forever carry the lessons learned during this time with me. While I eagerly look forward to returning to in-person events, I am grateful for the virtual photo booth’s contribution, which not only sustained my business but also brought smiles to countless faces during the most trying of times.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

The story of how I funded my business, Focus and Fabulous Photo Booths, begins with an unfortunate event that deeply impacted my life. Within six months of her retirement, my beloved aunt passed away suddenly. Her untimely death left me devastated, but it also presented an unexpected opportunity to honor her memory and make a meaningful contribution.

In her retirement, my aunt had accumulated savings from her teaching career, and she had entrusted me to manage these funds responsibly. I was determined to use this money in a way that would honor her legacy and not be wasteful. As I mourned her loss, I began contemplating how I could put this financial gift to good use.

Around that time, I had been considering starting my own business, and the idea of a photo booth rental company had been taking shape in my mind. However, I lacked the initial capital required to purchase the equipment and set up the business. It was during this soul-searching period that I realized the significance of the opportunity my aunt had unknowingly provided.

In her memory, I made the decision to utilize the funds she had left behind to invest in my dream of starting a photo booth rental company. I believed that this venture could not only be a tribute to her life but also a way to create a lasting impact and build a business that brought joy to others.

With unwavering determination and the support of my family, I used the money to purchase my first photo booth. It was a bittersweet moment, as I mourned the loss of my aunt but also felt a sense of gratitude for the chance to turn tragedy into something positive and meaningful.

As I set up Focus and Fabulous Photo Booths, I vowed to make my aunt proud by running the business with integrity, passion, and a commitment to excellence. Her retirement savings had become the foundation upon which my entrepreneurial journey began, and I was determined to make the most of this opportunity.

In the years that followed, my business grew and thrived. The initial capital from my aunt’s retirement enabled me to establish a reputable brand in the photo booth rental industry. I expanded my services, acquired more equipment, and provided memorable experiences for countless clients at various events.

The memory of my aunt’s selflessness and the financial gift she left behind served as a constant reminder of the responsibility I carried as a business owner. It instilled in me a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to making a positive impact not only in my business but also in the lives of those I served.

In this way, the tragic loss of my aunt turned into the catalyst for a new beginning and a journey filled with growth, gratitude, and meaningful connections. Her retirement became the seed that blossomed into Focus and Fabulous Photo Booths, a testament to the enduring impact of love, support, and the pursuit of dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.focusandfabulous.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ffphotobooth13/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FocusAndFabulousEvents
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharone-reid-635202/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5vFTww0kkBGj4KfVq_aR1g