Meet Shequira Hall | CEO & Director

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

Hi Shequira, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was to create my own avenue to generate additional income. As a mom who is single, I was tired of the check to check lifestyle. I studied business at St. Xavier University, where I attained my degree in Business Management. I’ve always had a passion for business but outside of Corporate America, I was unsure what I wanted to do. I’ve also always had a passion for photography both in front of and behind the lens. During quarantine, I had a lot of time to brainstorm and simply think for myself instead of always working and running from point A to point B!

One morning while aimlessly scrolling through instagram, I saw a video of singer Teyana Taylor on a 360 photobooth at Cardi B’s birthday party. A light bulb went off! I logged off of instagram and immediately began researching the ins and out of the photo booth industry. I didn’t want to limit myself to the 360 as it could’ve just been a trend. I realized how drawn I am to photo booths whenever one is in an establishment and decided this is my industry. I wanted to be the person behind the photobooth instead of just being in front it, taking cute pictures. From there, DEGREES was born.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Senior Rail Fleet Manager. As a young black woman in Corporate, I don’t see many women that look like me in the transportation industry. I have been in the Logistics & Transportation industry since 2006. Thanks to a summer Internship that my Auntie help me attain while I was in high school. Once I graduated, Fortune 500 companies sought me out. I started off at CH Robinson, a well known and respected 3PL (third party logistics aka the middle man) and my career blossomed from there. It has not been an easy journey but definitely worth it. My goal is mentor young people and groom the next transportation leaders of color. Especially girls. This is a male dominated industry but it wouldn’t be ‘nothing’ without a woman or a girl!

I have been blessed to work for many Fortune 500 companies but I have not always been given the respect I deserve due to both my age and race. I have been dismissed and challenged by companies, CEOs and drivers that I’ve managed. I managed 50+ overnight drivers shortly after I had my daughter ( I took an overnight job as new mom so I wouldn’t have to send my newborn to daycare). That was by far the most challenging time in my career. My drivers on average were 10-35 years older than me. They openly expressed that they rather take orders from a man and not a woman who was “younger than their children.” I openly expressed to them that I was here and very capable to do my job rather they respected me or not. Eventually I gained their trust and respect. I overcame many challenges by standing ten toes down, educating myself, being very knowledgeable of my position, asking questions and being honest with management, my team of drivers and customers. Honesty and not backing down has been the key to my success

Corporate has prepared me to be a business owner in more ways than I can name. Most importantly, customer service. My brand is professionalism yet fun. You may just be renting a photo booth but with me, you’re renting a professional experience. I understand the importance communication and time management. My customer are always impressed by our timelessness, professionalism and beautiful spirits.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am from Chicago, one of the most beautiful cities in America! There is plenty for us to do, especially during summer time Chi! During the weekdays, I would take my best friend to all of the popular food spots. First stop, Portillo’s, Uncle Remus, Harold’s or Cleos on Cottage for a lunch. Afterwards I would take them to my job, the famous Sears Tower (Willis Tower for non Chicagoan’s) to check out the sky deck and overlook the city. Afterwards, we would head to Ceres for drinks! The next day we would check out a museum, preferably the Shedd Aquarium followed by City Winery for drinks by the water and people/boat watch. Later in the week, I would set up a picnic in the park and possibly catch a summer concert series. Over the weekend, we would visit several “secret bars” around the city. Wicker Park has so many cool hidden bars. My faves are The Violet Hour and The Bordel. We’d definitely have to go to Ocean Prime for dinner followed by the rooftop bar at the London House. Nothing like a rooftop during the summer. After that we would go to the Bassment downtown to enjoy a live cover band! Lastly, Sunday funday would be all about a nice boat tour followed by Brunch! The day is pretty much over after brunch because…bottomless mimosas!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow, I have such an awesome support system from friends and extended family to strangers! From my T-shirt producer to my graphic designer. However, I don’t know what I’d do without my Parents, Aunt and Brother. My parents & Aunt help me tremendously when it comes to my daughter. As a parent, I’m faced with mom guilt often. But when I began to allow my village to help me, the guilt subsided. Parents have a village for a reason, our job is not meant for one person. My parents and my Aunt are always willing to step in babysit when I have photobooth bookings. They also promote my business when I’m not in the room, that is important to me. As a Virgo, I plan ahead as much as possible. However, as a business-woman, I get last minute bookings all of the time. My family is aways there, ready to support and help.

My brother who is a fellow Virgo has been my backbone in this business. Running a photo booth business requires a lot of equipment and heavy lifting, in which I need a healthy strong male to assist me with. Although he has his own life, career and things to do, he always makes time to assist me at events. Him and my daughter are also my top equipment testers lol. I believe practice makes perfect and he is always there to be my muse so I can make sure lighting and angles are up to par.

Website: www.degreesphotobooths.com

Instagram: @degreespbs

Linkedin: Shequira Hall

Facebook: Degrees

Youtube: DegreesPBS

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