Today we’d like to introduce you to Tekah Hall and Izaiah Clarke
Hi Tekah and Izaiah, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always loved taking photos. I dabbled in photography and even dreamed of one day having my own studio. My son, Izaiah was always my little assistant. He was only about 5 at the time but he knew how to take photos, anticipate my needs during a shoot, and help me stay on task. He was a cute little kid with great ideas and creativity. However, as much as I enjoyed photography, I had to put my dreams on hold until “the right time”. I was a single mother at the time and way too afraid to just go for it. Last year, I attended an “all decades” themed birthday party for my cousin. When I got there, there was a 360 Photo Booth, a selfie station, and a live attendant running both machines. The lights were flashing, the machine was going, and people were really enjoying taking turns on the devices. It was not my first time seeing one of these as I had tried one out once before back in 2022 during an anniversary program for Good News Magazine where I was the photographer. I remember thinking to myself, “I can totally do what this guy was doing”! I love parties, I grew up in a home that had loads of parties all the time. Indeed a nod to my Jamaican heritage, because we LOVE to party! I talked to my new husband and my son about it and it had always been a lifelong dream of mine to have a photography business with my son. I had always instilled work ethic, hard work, a business mindset, responsibility, and accountability into him. He was 16 at the time and getting closer to adulthood after all. He and I together designed a logo, started marketing, and getting our business paperwork in order and from there Twisted Teekie was born! I did a bit of digging to see where I could obtain the 360 Machine and decided to go all in and purchase both machines. Go hard or go home, am I right? Well, I had no idea what I signed up for when this super heavy machine arrived at our doorstep. I questioned my decision and even thought about returning or selling the devices. We thought long and hard on what to do about this. At the same time, I was working for an employer who undervalued me and as a result of this I was laid off. It was time to go all in and work for ourselves. One thing I always taught my son was if no one opens a door for you, open doors on your own. Nothing in life is guaranteed except God. I never opened my own studio, however, we bring our studio to amazing events across Central Florida. We are an amazing duo and I am a proud mom of a co-business owner.
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?
Our first challenge was realizing how heavy the machine actually was. I was not prepared for that. Good thing, I have a son who is strong and reassured me that we could do this and it will not be a problem! Our second challenge was with marketing. We had never actually done digital marketing before and it was way out of our realm. However, you learn as you go. I feel like a marketing wiz at this point and actually have a new found passion for it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a photo booth rental business that specializes in providing guests with amazing memories! We specialize in photography. We are known for helping to make our customer events spectacular. Our photo booths are something people talk about again and again and sometimes sits center stage for the event’s entertainment. We are incapable of being sick in the muds! I am most proud of getting where we are today after starting from nothing. We are constantly evolving to be better and we don’t compete with competitors, we compete within ourselves. I think that is what sets us apart from others.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Whatever it is that you feel passionate about, do it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can not. There may be a different road to travel but you can make it to the destination you were destined for. Never give up and follow your heart.
Pricing:
- 2 Hr Rental – Selfie Station $200/360 Machine $400
- 3 Hr Rental – Selfie Station $300/360 Machine $500
- 4 Hr Rental – Selfie Station $400/360 Machine $600
- 5 Hr Rental – Selfie Station $500/360 Machine $700
- Both – 2Hr $500, 3Hr $700, 4Hr $900, 5Hr $1,100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/twistedteekie
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twistedteekieevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557414141158
Image Credits
Photos provided by Twisted Teekie Events LLC
