Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremy Oberbeck.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It all began with an ad on a website during my lunch break. Something I had never seen before, a mirror photo booth, caught my eye and I immediately started researching it. While educating myself on the software and the newest technologies, my eyes were opened to a world of new possibilities. Suddenly there were so many options of what a “photo booth” could be.
A few weeks later, I attended a wedding and visited their photo booth. I was not impressed. The pictures were out of focus, the backdrop was crooked and flimsy, and the attendant was not interacting with anyone. I knew then that I could make this a far more exciting and professional experience. The next thing I knew, I was putting some logo ideas together and reserving a website domain. Before I knew it, the LLC was established. Mirror Me STL was created in early 2019 and has been growing rapidly ever since.
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?
The biggest challenge that has taken place thus far has been the Covid-19 pandemic. Starting a brand-new business just nine months before a pandemic was difficult to say the least. It is not easy to “grow” a business that relies on social events during shutdowns and quarantine. Most venues we had scheduled events for were either closed completely or limited to a small number of people. Luckily, many of our clients were able to reschedule their events for this year and we were so grateful to still be part of their special days. While quarantine and social distancing were obviously a challenge, we were able to think outside of the box and provide new options for our clients. Our Roamer was the perfect solution for social distancing events. We were able to maintain distance while capturing pictures that guests could send to themselves digitally. This started a fun, new trend for us and we are now known for being the “Home of the Free Roamer.”
A positive aspect of the pandemic was that it allowed me more time to research what people really wanted when it came to photos and a photo booth experience. I discovered that over 70% of people would prefer to have a digital photo (i.e., photos and GIFs). We immediately started offering this option with every package. Now guests don’t have to worry about losing their photo at an event or not being able to send a copy to family and friends. Our guests can type in their phone number or email address and the photo or GIF will be sent to them immediately.
One thing I have learned over the years is that change is constant. You have the choice to either deal with it as it comes or be held back. Focus on your passion and do not let off the gas. The moment you start second-guessing yourself, someone else is going to do it better.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Open Air Photo Booths – Our official Fotomaster products create their own party by providing an exciting, new experience. Say goodbye to the traditional, stuffy photo booths and hello to this modern, open air photo experience. No more trying to squeeze your group into a small space for photos. With our open air booths, you and your guests have the space to move, pose, and add more people to your group pictures. This innovative, modern technology will take your Big Day to the next level!
Mirror Me Photo Booth – The Mirror Me Booth is a unique photo-generating product offering the latest technology in interactive picture taking.
The full-length mirror offers a sleek design and a user-friendly interface, communicating with guests through a touch screen of colorful animations and entertaining voice guidance.
The 65″ Mirror is not only beautiful but will be sure to kick start your event and be the talk of the week.
One of the most exciting features of the Mirror Me Booth is the optional, built-in Signing & Stamping Feature. Participants love having the ability to personalize their keepsake with this unique and interactive feature. When the Signature feature is included in a workflow, participants will have the ability to draw or sign their name directly on the mirror, which will then be printed out on the final image.
Pylon Photo Booth – A party in a small package. Limited on space and still need to capture those memories from your big day?
Look no further!
The Pylon is our most versatile Photo Booth.
Whatever you need, we have it.
– Stand Alone Selfie-Station
– Roaming Mode (Have us walk around your Event)
– 4×6 Print Outs
– Video Boomerang
– Digital Photos sent directly to your Phone
We want each of our clients to have their own unique photo experience for their events, so customization is very important to us. Our online portal allows our clients to easily manage their accounts, select their own template, create their own unique start screen, and book all our services online. Our Mirror Me Booth allows you to customize the photos also, with emojis, digital props, and our signature feature. Games are even available upon request. Our Mirror Me Photo Booth comes with unlimited 4×6 prints. All of our photo devices can also send digital text uploads to your phone in just seconds.
Customer service is top priority to me. My #1 goal is and always will be to provide my clients with a friendly, helpful, and unique photo experience.
When you book our Mirror booth for 3+ hours, we add in our selfie station/roamer at no additional charge. This allows our clients and their guests to capture more memories with two different photo experiences. You can’t beat that deal – two photo booths for the price of one!
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I am the youngest of four siblings and have spent my life gravitating toward electronics. When I was in 5th grade, dial up internet was becoming more readily available, and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I’ve been fascinated with gadgets ever since. I’ve worked at Best Buy and AT&T, also staying up to date on the latest new technologies. Growing up, I spent many years playing indoor and outdoor soccer and later playing football for St. John Vianney High School. At the age of 19, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. After several surgeries, many different treatments, and many more years, I was finally diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. Some weeks can be tougher than others, but it taught me to be grateful for what I have and to always find the positives in life. You use the cards that you are dealt and play your best hand.
My biggest heroes are my parents. In every endeavor, they have always loved, supported, and encouraged me. Long ago, they taught me that if I really want something, I should go for it and give it my all. I owe much to my incredible parents, including my strong work ethic and determination. I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today without their positive influence on my life. I am forever grateful for these heroes of mine.
Pricing:
- Mirror starting at $599
- Pylon starting at $449
- All Day Selfie at $499
- Virtual Booth at $249
- 360 Booth Coming Soon
Contact Info:
- Email: Jeremy@mirrormestl.com
- Website: www.mirrormestl.com
- Instagram: @mirrormestl
- Facebook: @mirrormestl
- Twitter: mirrormestl
