Today we’d like to introduce you to Mickie Thornell.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Spending 20 years in the Medical Industry, I was traveling via plane 6/7 days a week. I was never home, working 24/7 determined to help Drs save the world, one patient at a time. Meanwhile, my close friend at the time was getting married at Defauskie Island. She, like most people, wanted a fun photo booth Or way to capture memories of her wedding. People spend thousands of dollars on weddings and special events in their lives. Her photo booth company was overpriced, a huge eye soar, and had the same “cheesy props” that every other photo booth company has. Anyone in my life will tell you that I photo document every moment of my 14 yr old son and all my friends’ lives. I knew there had to be a way to connect social media, capture moments, yet customize it to the event and make each event special and unique. I researched extensively until I found Selfie Stations. I was “over” corporate America and ready to have some fun. I’ve always painted and loved photography. I originally started a photography business on the side when my son was 2 called Captured by Mickie. I was newly divorced at the time and quickly realized that my hobby/side business wouldn’t pay the bills like my career as a Medical Device Rep. 2016 was the year to take a leap of faith and try once again to do what I love most…. I know have a way to add social media to the world of photography. It’s a win/win for everyone. All corporate events, weddings, holiday parties, Barmitzvahs, proms, sporting events, trade shows now can have a sleek selfie station that’s custom to each event, allowing instant marketing, hashtags, social media posts and photos in your hand at the event.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was terrifying at first. I was used to having a corporate income with corporate benefits. I have a 14-year-old son that still was used to having those same benefits. I had never made a website and had zero training with some of the software involved. My business partner quit months after we started and my background was science, not marketing or computer.
Southern Selfies – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Southern Selfies is unique in many ways. We customize every background, template, and logo based on the client’s needs. We customize their social media messages and we only use high-end props that are made for each event. We are known for being the “life of the party”. Our attendants take great care of our customers and we ensure every client gets exactly the service they ask for and deserve. As a company, I’m most proud of how quickly the business has grown and spread by word of mouth. We have had several repeat clients. Most of our clients are well known like Georgia Tech, Auburn University, Capital One, Accenture, Pace Academy, Coca-Cola, Pride Atlanta, Blue Med Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, NATAS Southeast, countless weddings, bar/Barmitzvahs, Restorative Health, just to name a few. We haven’t even had our one year anniversary so for me personally, I couldn’t be more pleased to watch this baby company grow and meet so many amazing people and share their special moments with
them!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is getting to spend time with family and friends and not be gone every day of the week. I love being able to say that I haven’t had one single bad review. I love the notes, emails, and reviews that people send me that are so genuine and sincere thanking me for making their event something they will remember forever.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1528 Habershal Rd
Atlanta, Ga 30318 - Website: www.Southernselfies.com
- Phone: 404-309-1991
- Email: mickie@southernselfies.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/southern_selfies
- Facebook: Facebook.com/southernstyleselfies
- Twitter: @southern_selfie
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/southern-selfies-atlanta?uid=7iIY3hne08ejctiGsW91cQ&utm_source=ishare&utm_medium=s_nb_i_mg
Ann Pittard
February 4, 2017 at 3:30 pm
Having Southern selfies at our wedding reception was one of the biggest talked about things for months after the party.
Held at the Jule Collins Museum in Auburn Alabama, Mickey had mini backdrops and props that not only coordinated our wedding but also with the Museum and Auburn . I love these pictures just as much as I love the ones taken by the professional photographer at the party