Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Brooks.
Hi Erika, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Throwing parties was always my thing. I started decorating my children’s parties and creating things for them. I was good at it. I began to think about doing this professionally but had yet to move on it. When the pandemic happened, I was trying to think of ways to make more money and what I could do to start my own business. One day I was lying in bed, and I thought of a photo booth. I ran upstairs and talked it over with my teenage daughter. She immediately got excited, and we started thinking about packages and the events we would like to service. I ran the idea by my husband, and he was like, go for it. As I began to look deeper into the photo booth business, I said well, offer Décor. You are good at it, and people would love not to have to do all that work. The only thing I could not come up with was a name for the company. I kept thinking but moving forward with the process. I took business classes and brushed up on my design skills. An amazing friend of mine asked me if I had bought any equipment yet because she would like to book us for an event. I was nervous, but I knew it was the only way to get out there, so I told her I would do it. My daughter and I did that event, and it was such an overwhelming enjoyment seeing everyone happy and knowing I contributed to the lasting memories that they would have. Finally, Creative Eye LLC was born.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For the most part, it was a smooth road. The bookings begin to come back to back—more than I expected. We almost had to hire people to help, but I did not know what that would look like as we were starting. And, of course, you can never trust technology. There were some struggles. I did an event one time, and my printer just stopped working. Brand new photo printer, so I was not prepared for that at all. I did not have a backup plan or anything, and I was discouraged and embarrassed. I got the prints to my customer the next day with a refund. It was such a learning experience. Before my next event, I purchased two more printers to ensure this never happened again. Financing my business was a struggle. I had to figure out where to get funds from. I began to put money into my business as I got paid to purchase better equipment. As I get a booking, I pay for the things I need for my business. But the Struggles are what make you better at what you do. The Struggles help me to think outside the box for a better outcome.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Creative Eye LLC is a business that brings all your event/party needs. We supply a creative touch of décor; sweet chocolate dipped treats, a photo/360 booth, and personalized custom party treats. We began taking customers in March of 2021; we are family-owned and operated. If you are planning an event, we can help take the frustration off you with our attention to detail on your décor. We guarantee that all your guests will have a night to remember with our photo booth that captures fun photos and our 360 booth that captures amazing HD videos. Our Photo booth is what we specialize in. We custom-make overlays and props if needed to make your event stand out. Your event is guaranteed to be the talk of the town. What sets us apart from the others is that not only will we capture your memories, but we can help create a beautiful atmosphere for your memories to happen in. We can provide treats for your events as well. Just think of us as a one-stop shop. I am proud of how far the photo booth part of the business is excelling. People come to us and never know what to do at the booth. They end up being the same people who can not get enough of how much fun they have, whether taking photos or standing on the platform giving us all they called for the 360 booths. The shyest person becomes so outgoing on the 360 booths, and it amazes me every time. Creative Eye, LLC is a brand you will hear about for years. It may be for our photobooths, it could be for our décor, or it could just be for our treats. But one thing people will always talk about is how much fun they had and how great our customer service is.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is knowing I was able to contribute to someone’s special day. Seeing others around me happy and having a good time brings joy to my heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.creativeeyellc.com/
- Instagram: creativeeyellc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Creative-Eye-LLC/100065708550512/#
