We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carlee Robinson Britt Shepherd a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Carlee Robinson, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
Our journey in developing the ability to take risks has been shaped by our passion for the photo booth industry and a constant urge to innovate. From the early days of relying on guests’ phones to now using state-of-the-art GoPro Hero 10 footage, our decisions have always been underpinned by the belief that our clients deserve an unparalleled experience.
The decision to start our blog, ‘Weekly Wednesdays,’ was another pivotal moment in our risk-taking journey. Recognizing the power of digital platforms and the need for consistent engagement, I took the plunge into content creation. The blog not only serves as a platform to share our insights and discoveries in the photo booth industry but also underscores our commitment to transparency and community building. By sharing tips, tricks, and learnings, we’ve established ourselves as thought leaders, inviting feedback, and fostering a space for collaborative growth.
Taking risks, for us, has always been about pushing boundaries while staying grounded in the core principles of our business: delivering top-tier customer service and ensuring the highest quality in our offerings. As we expanded our services and reinvested in technology, we also believed in the power of sharing our journey. This commitment to both service and knowledge sharing has been central to our brand’s ethos.
‘Weekly Wednesdays’ also serves as a testament to our dedication to continuous learning. Every article, every tip is a reflection of our ongoing exploration of the photo booth industry. It’s our way of saying that we’re not just providers; we’re learners, constantly evolving and adapting.
In essence, our ability to take risks has been cultivated by a blend of experience, passion, and a deep-seated belief in staying connected with our community. Every decision, be it technological advancements or new content strategies, is driven by our desire to add value and push the envelope in what’s possible in the photo booth realm.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Britt, and I together, we’ve dived deep into the photo booth world. Now, our eyes are set on amplifying our brand even further.
We’re excited to share that we’re exploring the idea of launching a clothing line. For us, this isn’t just about fashion; it’s a way to wear our brand’s ethos and connect with people in a whole new avenue.
But, as much as we’re looking to expand, we’re also aiming to strengthen our ties right here at home. A lot of our events have taken us to far-off places, and while that’s been incredible, we feel it’s time to bring more of our work into our local city. There’s something special about serving the community that’s watched us grow.
Britt and I are all about genuine connections. Our goal isn’t just to be known but to truly engage and be a prominent, positive presence locally.
In essence, while we’re dreaming big with potential ventures like our clothing line, we’re equally passionate about deepening our roots and engagement with our hometown. Stick with us, and we promise, the best is yet to come!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Adaptability: In our line of work, no two events are the same, and trends in technology and entertainment change rapidly. We had to learn early on to be adaptable – to new tech, client needs, and market shifts. This adaptability allowed us to evolve from using guests’ phones to leveraging advanced equipment like the GoPro Hero 10. Or adding an ipad sharing station. To our newest edition our bubble and fog light machine.
Advice: Stay curious. The industry, technology, and client preferences are always evolving. Embrace change, invest time in learning about new trends, and be open to adjusting your strategies.
2. Understanding our Audience: Knowing what our clients wanted, be it the style of the photo booth or the specifics of the experience, was crucial. We dedicated time to research and constantly sought feedback, which helped us tailor our offerings and understand the market’s pulse. Understanding what people want with their design ideas has become a speciality of mine
just by asking the right questions.
Advice: Engage with your audience regularly. Whether through surveys, social media, or direct conversations, always be in the loop about their needs and preferences. This feedback is invaluable.
3. Community Building: From the beginning, Britt and I emphasized building strong relationships. Whether it was through our “Weekly Wednesdays” blog or our focus on local events, we recognized the importance of community. It wasn’t just about business growth; it was about creating a brand that people loved and felt connected to.
Advice: Invest in your community. It could be your online following, local clientele, or industry peers. Build genuine relationships, offer value, and stay engaged. Remember, business is as much about people as it is about products or services.
—
For individuals just starting out, remember that every journey has its bumps and curves. The key is to keep learning, stay connected with your audience, and never lose sight of the bigger picture: creating value and building genuine relationships.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
One book that has profoundly influenced my journey is Jen Sincero’s ‘You Are a Badass at Making Money.’ It’s more than just a guide to financial success; it delves deep into our perceptions about money, self-worth, and the mental barriers we often unknowingly put up.
A few impactful takeaways I’ve carried with me from the book are:
1. Mindset Matters: Sincero emphasizes that our relationship with money is deeply rooted in our mindset. Before we can achieve financial success, we need to first believe we’re capable and worthy of it. Our thoughts shape our reality.
2. Face Your Fears: The journey to financial growth often means stepping out of our comfort zones. Sincero stresses the importance of confronting our fears, challenging limiting beliefs, and taking risks – even if they feel scary.
3. Invest in Yourself: Whether it’s education, personal development, or business ventures, the book underlines the importance of investing in oneself. It’s a powerful reminder that our biggest asset is ourselves, and we need to nurture and grow that asset continuously.
Reading this book was a transformative experience. It not only provided practical advice but also helped reshape my thoughts around money, self-worth, and ambition. For anyone looking to break free from financial constraints and mental blocks, I can’t recommend this book enough.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.higherelevationevents.com
- Instagram: www.HigherElevationEvents/instagram.com
- Facebook: www.HigherElevationEvents/Facebook.com
Image Credits
All credits go to myself.