Meet Deja Barthell | Teacher and Photobooth Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deja Barthell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deja, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I never thought about starting my own business until I was inspired at one of my cousin’s birthday parties in 2021 in Florida. There was this super cool, interactive 6 foot tall mirror photobooth that I’d never experienced before. I stepped right up the photobooth, snapped three pictures with my two younger sisters and was in awe of how exciting the process and product were. I love being in front of the camera and I witnessed how impressive and fun the photobooth was to myself and the guests at my cousin’s party. I talked with the owner of the booth and generated ideas about how I could bring such fun and excitement to parties, weddings, school events, baby showers and more in Atlanta, Georgia. I immersed myself into photobooth research, came up with my brand, brought the necessary equipment and the rest is history!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the owner of a 2- year old photobooth business called Oh Snap! Photo Booth GA, where we make memories one snap at a time. One thing I am super proud of about my business is simply getting to where I am today. While I have a long way to go in terms of consistent clientele and events booked, I am proud of myself for being so hard- working and never giving up.

Becoming a successful business owner is not easy and it comes with many challenges. There are two main lessons I’ve learned along the way:

1. Persistence and Adaptability: It’s crucial to stay persistent and adaptable when faced with challenges. The photobooth industry may change, customer preferences may evolve, and unforeseen obstacles may arise. Being adaptable allows me to adjust my strategies and find new opportunities for growth.

2. Embracing Feedback: It is important for me to embrace feedback from my customers and learn from it. By continuously improving my services based on their suggestions and address any concerns promptly fosters customer loyalty and helps me deliver a better experience over time.

There are multiple things that set my photobooth apart from others. First, my photobooth is an actual touch screen mirror, so guests are super excited to step up to the booth and see a mirror where they can actually see a reflection of themselves. The photobooth is a 32 inch interactive digital mirror screen with changeable LED lights, enjoyable voice guidance, and fun animations. We also offer personalized props, digital copies for instant social media sharing, and physical copies to take home. Additionally, we offer exceptional customer service by responding promptly to inquiries, being attentive to clients’ needs during events, and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. By making memories one snap at a time, guests will always enjoy an experience that will last a lifetime!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love planning trips, so if my best friend was visiting Atlanta for a week long trip, here’s a small snippet of an itinerary:

Day 1: Start the day with a visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, a beautiful location featuring various themed gardens and stunning plant collections. Explore the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, including the MLK Birth Home and the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King preached. Head to Ponce City Market, a vibrant scene, for dinner. Ponce City Market features a number of food options here, ranging from local delights to international cuisines.

Day 2: Visit the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world, housing a diverse range of marine life. Take a stroll through the historic neighborhood of Inman Park. Experience the nightlife of Buckhead, an upscale district with a wide range of bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Day 3: Take a day trip to Stone Mountain Park, located just outside Atlanta. Hike up the mountain for breathtaking views or enjoy various recreational activities within the park. Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Little Five Points, known for its eclectic shops, street art, and alternative music scene. Catch a performance at the Fox Theatre, a stunning historic venue known for its Broadway shows, concerts, and performances.

Day 4: Explore the World of Coca-Cola, where you can learn about the history and taste various Coca-Cola products from around the world. Visit the High Museum of Art, featuring an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, as well as special exhibitions. Experience live music at the historic and iconic venue, The Tabernacle, which hosts concerts of various genres.

We’d definitely need some chill days, because that’s a lot to visit in a short amount of time!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I certainly would like to shoutout the owner of Carefree Creations in Florida (carefreecreationsphoto on IG). He and his photobooth were my inspirations for looking into the business and getting started on my own. The advice he shared and his willingness to help myself as a young business owner helped tremendously. Working a photobooth at events alone is no easy feat, so I’d also like to shoutout those who have helped me set up, break down, and attend the booth- my sister, my cousin, and my business assistant. Also, shoutout to my mother for allowing me to set up my business office in her home!

Website: www.ohsnapphotoboothga.com

Instagram: ohsnapphoto_ga

Facebook: Oh Snap Photo Booth