We caught up with one of our newest vendors, Flash Photo Booth Events, to discuss their experience with their last gig through Vendorspace. They were hired for an exclusive private event with Liquid I.V.during Super Bowl LVI Weekend in California! Learn more about their journey in events and their experience working with our team below:
1. What got you into running your own photobooth event service?
I’ve worked in catering for the last 12 years back home in Florida and over the years I noticed photo booths kept getting more and more popular. They get such amazing crowd engagement while also capturing memories people will cherish for a lifetime. After chatting with a few of the operators, I realized they can also be very profitable. I had always wanted to start my own business as an event vendor and owning a photo booth seemed just the perfect place to start.
2. How has your experience getting discovered by and getting booked with Vendorspace?
Stephanie, from Vendorspace reached out to me on Instagram for a very exciting event on Superbowl weekend. Not only did she link me with the client, Liquid I.V., but she worked very hard alongside me to make sure all the details came together for the client’s “Home Coming” theme photo booth. She even made these amazing custom Home Coming King and Queen photo booth props!
3. What are you most excited about for events for the rest of 2022 and beyond?
Being new to the Los Angels area, I’m most excited about getting to learn more and more about the market and building my contacts. The area is home to so many motivated and creative people like Stephaine and the folks at Vendorspace! Plus it’s just an exciting time to be in the event industry no matter where you are no that the world is ready to start celebrating again.
Check out their profile to see how you can get this photo booth activation for your next event: Flash Photo Booth Events LA
If you’re a vendor interested in booking more gigs, sign up for a free account to be considered for upcoming events at vendorspace.co.
As we close out Women’s History Month, we are leaving you with some inspiration from a female vendor who is killing the industry! Meet Carmen Rad, the founder and president of CR&A Custom Inc.
What began in 1993 as a two-person, custom-embroidery clothing business in downtown Los Angeles, has been transformed into a large-format, digital printing company. Today, they specialize in made-to-order advertising products like billboards, event booths, and displays that wrap around buildings. Her clients range from the Lakers and Clippers to Paramount Pictures and Microsoft Theater.
About
I am the Founder/President of CR&A Custom – a large format digital printer with over 27 years of experience producing and installing all types of signage from retractable banners to wall murals to vehicle wraps to billboards. A combination of an award winning, in-house design team and owning the latest state-of-the-art equipment available, allows us to assist customers from concept to manufacturing to installation. Our service capabilities reach all 50 U.S. states, Canada, South & Central America, plus the Caribbean.
Getting Started
While I was 4 months pregnant, and extremely frustrated by the difficulty of getting paid by my employer at the time, I self-funded the launch of CR&A out of my home. Over the last 2 decades, I have spearheaded the growth of CR&A to 43 employees and we now operate out of 34,000 square foot headquarters in the heart of LA that exceeds all City of LA environmental requirements.
Company Milestones
• From small businesses to non-profits to Fortune 500 Corporations, we have served nearly 2,000 clients.
• In 2013, CR&A exceeded $5 million in annual revenues.
• Only certified Minority/Women Owned Business Enterprise in the U.S. with large format
printing capabilities.
• First printer in the U.S. to purchase the eco-friendly HP Latex 3000 – a water based printer, with
• CR&A featured on Fox News for success as a booming Latina-owned business despite economic
hardships.
Community Involvement
I am the former President for the LA Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). With far-reaching clout and impact, NAWBO is a one-stop resource to propelling women business owners into greater economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide.
I also participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. In 2009, I was a member of the Speedo team that raised approximately $498,000, the second largest amount in California.
Carmen is definitely a female that fuels events and we’re so excited to have her company in our network! Connect with her at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmenrad/
As we closeout Black History Month, we leave you with a presentation from August Spree on “Intentional Inclusion: Creating More Opportunity for Diversity in Vendors” that first aired at The Vendor Summit 2021.
This session is particularly important this month because it reminds planners and organizers of ways to change our thinking and be intentional about seeking out vendors and businesses owned by historically marginalized people for the purpose of building and supporting a diverse community.
Watch the full session below and check out our list of black-owned vendor recommendations. This is just a reference list to get you started but hopefully gets you thinking in the right direction. For more black-owned vendors to work with, visit our marketplace.
David Stample is a trained chef and certified Reiki practitioner who believes in the healing power of food. Throughout his career, David has been guided by the idea of “culinary philanthropy,” his belief that food is a powerful medium through which we can take care of ourselves and others. His passion for community involvement and bringing people together around the table has informed his work as a chef and culinary instructor, as well as in food banks, and other nonprofit organizations and purpose-driven food brands.
Venue 56 is a rich, elegant facility that can be used for: Weddings, Family Reunions, Class Reunions, Retirement Parties, Corporate functions, Church Services, training classes, and Concerts
Fansub is an all-in-one tool for fan engagement, live streaming, and event ticketing. Fansub was founded in Atlanta in 2020 as the simplest way for creators and organizers to create special, ticketed experiences for their fans — no matter where they are in the world.
PinkSugar is a vegan cupcakery preparing cupcakes fresh to order! All of our cupcakes are deliciously prepared fresh to order using all-natural, plant based, vegan ingredients. We refrain from using any dairy, and animal by products in our desserts!
Kamon Sherriff is an Atlanta-based visual artist; painter, illustrator, and designer. Throughout his life, Kamon has always had an interest in drawing and creating. But after suffering a spinal cord injury in 2010 while in school for software engineering, he found himself with a lot more time to focus on art. After a journey into creating music, Kamon has settled into and found his purpose through creating visual artwork.
Melas Media, LLC. is an innovatively ground-breaking media production company created in 2010 under the Melas division of Myriad Entertainment Group, LLC. Boasting a diverse portfolio of photography, video production, and design projects, Melas Media is poised to be one of the world’s cutting edge media companies. Centered around developing captivating creative content and high definition videos with high quality special fx, Melas Media caters to all industries looking for effective and strategic marketing campaigns.
Pretty Luxe Picnics & Affairs Atlanta is a full service luxury picnic company, that specializes in creating luxurious and upscale picnics settings and beautiful table-scapes for any gathering, whether large or intimate. We love nothing more than creating beautiful designs for each of our clients, from a sophisticated high-class afternoon tea picnic with the girls to a romantic & intimate evening that ignites the love between two people.
As a DJ/Audio-Visual Technician/Music Producer, DJ-HD can creatively combine Sound, Lighting, and Video to get you the outcome that you’re in search of. “My aim is to combine skill, technology, interactivity, fun, and quality to provide a professional service for all of my clients. Being passionate about the craft of DJ’ing, assisting others with their important moments, and getting a kick out of seeing people have fun, is what makes this the best profession (for me anyway).
TableMade is your one stop shop for all your entertaining needs. Our assortment is expansive and unique. We have everything from 24K lined charger plates to specialty dyed glassware. Simply rent from our collection of curated collections and return once the party is over! So, call an old friend. Treat your loved one to an at-home dinner for two or dream up the most amazing tablescape at your reception. Bring together the gals, or guys, and reconnect at the table.
Machee Creates is a creative business owned by Machee Kelly. Machee is a Washington DC native and creative enthusiast. Since her youth, creating has been her passion. In high school, she would design fashion illustrations and transform them into garments, but soon realized she enjoyed illustrating more than sewing textiles. Her entrepreneurial journey began in college, as she worked to create extra income for education expenses and her daughter. During that time she focused on print design and
Amara Ikeji, the woman behind the lens of Amarachi Ikeji Photography, first picked up a camera during a fashion internship in college and hasn’t put one down since. She serves clients in New York City, Philadelphia, and Europe and strives to capture “stylish moments of love and beauty.” She has been featured BRIDES, New York Times & more and was also named Best Wedding Photographer in America by Brides.
GetPlated is locally owned by a husband and wife team: Keyon & Alexandria Hammond! This duo shares a love for the kitchen and family. Keyon is the leader of the squad, a classically trained chef with an edge that brings bold flavors, refinement, approachability and more than 12 years experience as a platinum country club chef.
The Jam Band is a Port Saint Lucie, FL-based wedding band that services the coasts of Florida and beyond. Owner Jamilia Anderson, otherwise known as Jamilia Hall, started this band in 2013. Since then, this group of talented performers has thrilled wedding guests with a high standard of live musical entertainment.
We are Daneka and Karadai we are 2 sisters and qualified fitness coaches who have come together to bring soca power fitness to you, we run fitness sessions and instruct online to power music that gets people moving.
We are a photo booth and photo installation company that specializes in brand and corporate events. The company is run by a photographer who has a high level of attention to details, highly organized, with the creative expertise to develop the best photo experience for your event. We have digital booths, virtual booths, printing booths, event photography, and 360 video booths.
Encaptivating venue is perfect for: Bridal Shower, Baby Shower, Corporate Meetings, Pop Up Shops, Private Dinners, Rehearsal Dinner Tailgate party, Wedding Reception, Wedding Ceremony and so much more!
Great photographers visually reflect truth, inform or educate audiences by making images which provoke thought and promote “Life-Stylized” as well as narratives of hope, beauty and culture rather than highlight ugliness or mockery. Axum Creative is for community-conscious businesses using social-first strategies to redefine the negative visual landscape, represent identity and cultivate community. We champion advocacy for equity in education, entertainment and social justice sectors by crafting distinct photographic images which result in positively shifting societal perceptions of the mis-represented.
Lesia is a freelance photographer beginning her journey on September 1, 2018. She has been an integral part of grand openings, engagement sessions, graduations, maternity shoots, etc. where the clients are most full of JOY! We pride ourselves on quality customer service and lightening fast return on images.
Quinn Conyers has over 16 years of in-person and virtual public speaking and event hosting experience. She has served as an engaging Event Emcee for organizations such as Nike, Tedx, Black Speakers Network, Maryland Public Television annual Women’s Conference, and the Better Business Bureau to name a few. Quinn’s superpower is her E-Factor which includes a beautiful blend of Energy, Engagement, and Excitement resulting in the transformation of an average event into an epic experience.
A velvety mix of Erykah Badu & Billie Holiday paired with the cool grooves of her 007 on bass” is how one reviewer described Acute Inflections, New York’s sultry duo led by a former Broadway singer. They can often be found entertaining their clients (United Nations, Mercedes-Benz, etc.) at high-end events across the country. They have shared the stage with Jennifer Hudson, Keith Urban, and other notable artists at some of these events. Their albums are always favorites on the jazz charts, and their shows are both fun and enchanting. Just prepare yourself, because these sassy artists love engaging their audiences!
Promotional Products are tools used to market, create visibility and generate conversation about a Brand. Branding is about what you’re known for and who you are. It’s about the style in which you market yourself and how your distinct from everyone else. Think of a Corporate Gift as not just a gift but an investment in your Brand! Unlike other advertising media, Promotional Products are much more than simply a way to publicize a business or Brand. Their physical presence and long-lasting usefulness increase recipients’ engagement with the team, reinforcing the logo or message through multiple impressions.
Nywele Luxe is a luxury haircare company where your crown is our inspiration. We believe that there is a better, easier, and more affordable way to keep your protective styles and natural hair preserved, fresh, and most importantly long-lasting with our long bonnets, shower caps, and refresher kits. Our hair products refresh, soothe, stimulate and speak to all senses.
Make customizable metal tumblers, keychains, pens, and badge holders. I make bariatric gowns that are customizable w/the option to add vinyl images 3D mask and scrub caps
We are a black and woman owned book publisher dedicated to developing and promoting books with a focus on diversity and inclusion. We also offer self-publishing coaching services.
The Emerald Effect Co. was started from a love a crafting and creativity. The month of May is near and dear to my family. From this an EMERALD was born. The Emerald is a symbol of inspiration, patience, embodies unity, compassion & unconditional love. Wouldn’t you like to experience The Emerald Effect?
Mommies Beauty is the creator and maker of the organic rice water, hair oil, shampoo and conditioner. Made with love and care, our products ensures and promotes blood circulation and hair growth.
Oil On My Hands’ creates organic ingredient items to soothe the body and soul. Organic ingredients such as Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Vitamin E, Sweet Almond Oil to name a few that will help nourish and moisturize your skin with their natural properties. Oil On My Hands’ products are handmade with love for every “Beautifully Flawed” person! We hope that you love our organic-made to order products just as much as our family and friends.
Ways to support these vendors:
Book them for an upcoming event.
Refer them to an organizer or agency that plans events.
Follow, like and share their work.
If you’ve worked with them, leave them a review.
If they are product based, buy something!
Invite them to speak, sponsor or vend at your event where they can meet potential clients and customers.
These are just a few examples but there are several ways to support. Let’s be more intentional with our vendor relationships and help make events a more inclusive industry.
In the spirit of love for Valentine’s Day, today’s feature vendors can create any experience your heart desires. Whether you’re planning a last-minute celebration for a loved one or creating a love-inspired activation at your next event, check out these vendors to pull together your best event experience yet!
Each week during Black History Month, we’ll feature 7 new black-owned businesses that have services and solutions for your events. These vendors range from chefs and musicians to digital platforms and exhibitors…and everything in between!
We believe it’s important to diversify your event team and encourage organizers to hire black vendors for contracts and gigs . Vendorspace works establish these relationships by promoting black-owned businesses that are ready to work!
Pretty Luxe Picnics & Affairs Atlanta is a full service luxury picnic company, that specializes in creating luxurious and upscale picnics settings and beautiful table-scapes for any gathering, whether large or intimate. We love nothing more than creating beautiful designs for each of our clients, from a sophisticated high-class afternoon tea picnic with the girls to a romantic & intimate evening that ignites the love between two people.
The team at Pretty Luxe have an engraved belief and appreciation for living life extraordinarily, celebrating life out loud because yes you are royalty!! living in the moment and creating magical and extraordinary memories with the people we love and those that makes us the happiest.
IG: @prettyluxepicnics
Ideal Media Category: DJ, Audio Visual Solutions, Draping, Uplighting, Photobooth
As a DJ/Audio-Visual Technician/Music Producer, DJ-HD can creatively combine Sound, Lighting, and Video to get you the outcome that you’re in search of. “My aim is to combine skill, technology, interactivity, fun, and quality to provide a professional service for all of my clients. Being passionate about the craft of DJ’ing, assisting others with their important moments, and getting a kick out of seeing people have fun, is what makes this the best profession (for me anyway). ”
IG: @idealmediaevents
Table Made Category: Decor, Curated Tableware, Table-scaping, Event RENTAL
TableMade is your one stop shop for all your entertaining needs. Our assortment is expansive and unique. We have everything from 24K lined charger plates to specialty dyed glassware. Simply rent from our collection of curated collections and return once the party is over! So, call an old friend. Treat your loved one to an at-home dinner for two or dream up the most amazing tablescape at your reception. Bring together the gals, or guys, and reconnect at the table.
IG: @tablemadeco
Machee Creates Category: Art & Stationery
Machee Creates is a creative business owned by Machee Kelly. Machee is a Washington DC native and creative enthusiast. Since her youth, creating has been her passion. In high school, she would design fashion illustrations and transform them into garments, but soon realized she enjoyed illustrating more than sewing textiles. Her entrepreneurial journey began in college, as she worked to create extra income for education expenses and her daughter. During that time she focused on print design and decor for events.
Machee then took her passion to the classroom, teaching graphic design to elementary and middle school youth, inspiring young people to discover their own passion. As a young professional she’s designed for schools, non-profits, and most frequently local women-owned businesses.
Today Machee creates art and products inspired by women, their beauty and versatility, and colors that evoke joy.
IG: @macheecreates
Amarachi Ikeji Photography Category: Photographer
Amara Ikeji, the woman behind the lens of Amarachi Ikeji Photography, first picked up a camera during a fashion internship in college and hasn’t put one down since. She serves clients in New York City, Philadelphia, and Europe and strives to capture “stylish moments of love and beauty.” She has been featured BRIDES, New York Times & more and was also named Best Wedding Photographer in America by Brides.
IG: @amarachiikejiphotography
Get Plated Category: Catering
GetPlated is locally owned by a husband and wife team: Keyon & Alexandria Hammond! This duo shares a love for the kitchen and family. Keyon is the leader of the squad, a classically trained chef with an edge that brings bold flavors, refinement, approachability and more than 12 years experience as a platinum country club chef.
Alexandria brings the distinct eye for details; from the logistics to the plates for every event. Her keen ear for listening has proven invaluable to bringing our private and corporate clients’ vision to fruition. Have a crazy idea-she’s definitely your girl to chat with.
Together they bring a well-defined palette, fun culinary attitude and most importantly love to GetPlated. The guy loved the food! The girl loved the guy! Together they created GetPlated!
IG: @getplateddc
The Jam Band Category: Musicians, Entertainment
The Jam Band is a Port Saint Lucie, FL-based wedding band that services the coasts of Florida and beyond. Owner Jamilia Anderson, otherwise known as Jamilia Hall, started this band in 2013. Since then, this group of talented performers has thrilled wedding guests with a high standard of live musical entertainment.
Jamilia began her entertainment career in Miami, FL, at The Edwin Holland School of Dance. She followed her passion to NYC to train to the standard she dreamed about. Jamilia has performed in music videos, a hip-hop company, and on cruises as a production singer. Gathering together experienced and diverse music professionals, Jamilia created The Jam Band.
Wedding services offered by The Jam Band include live music, DJ service, MC service, and sound and lighting equipment. These musical professionals include vocalists, pianists, guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, brass instrumentalists, and percussionists. You may draw on their talents for your wedding ceremony and reception as well as your rehearsal dinner and after-party.
IG: @thejamband
Ways to support these vendors:
Book them for an upcoming event.
Refer them to an organizer or agency that plans events.
Follow, like and share their work.
If you’ve worked with them, leave them a review.
If they are product based, buy something!
Invite them to speak, sponsor or vend at your event where they can meet potential clients and customers.
These are just a few examples but there are several ways to support. Let’s be more intentional with our vendor relationships and help make events a more inclusive industry.
If you know are black vendor in events or know one we should feature, send us an email at: hello@vendorspace.co
In honor of Black History Month, we’re highlighting 28 black owned vendors you should consider for your next event.
Each week, we’ll feature 7 black event businesses that have services and solutions you should know about. These vendors range from chefs and musicians to digital platforms and exhibitors…and everything in between!
We believe it’s important to diversify your event team and encourage organizers to hire black vendors for more contracts and gigs. Vendorspace works to foster these vendor relationships by promoting black-owned businesses in our platform that are ready to work!
David Stample is a trained chef and certified Reiki practitioner who believes in the healing power of food. Throughout his career, David has been guided by the idea of “culinary philanthropy,” his belief that food is a powerful medium through which we can take care of ourselves and others.
His passion for community involvement and bringing people together around the table has informed his work as a chef and culinary instructor, as well as in food banks, and other nonprofit organizations and purpose-driven food brands.
IG: @chefdavidstample
Venue 56 Event Spaces Category: Venues
Venue 56 is a rich, elegant facility that can be used for: Weddings, Family Reunions, Class Reunions, Retirement Parties, Corporate functions, Church Services, training classes, and Concerts. Venue 56 is currently accepting bookings for the 2022 event season.
Fansub is an all-in-one tool for fan engagement, live streaming, and event ticketing. Fansub was founded in Atlanta in 2020 as the simplest way for creators and organizers to create special, ticketed experiences for their fans — no matter where they are in the world.
PinkSugar is a vegan cupcakery preparing cupcakes fresh to order! All of our cupcakes are deliciously prepared fresh to order using all-natural, plant based, vegan ingredients. We refrain from using any dairy, and animal by products in our desserts!
IG: @pinksugar
Kamon Sherriff Category: Artist, Illustrator, Art Vendor
Kamon Sherriff is an Atlanta-based visual artist; painter, illustrator, and designer. Throughout his life, Kamon has always had an interest in drawing and creating. But after suffering a spinal cord injury in 2010 while in school for software engineering, he found himself with a lot more time to focus on art. After a journey into creating music, Kamon has settled into and found his purpose through creating visual artwork.
We create organic ingredient items to soothe the body and soul. Organic ingredients such as Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Vitamin E, Sweet Almond Oil to name a few that will help nourish and moisturize your skin with their natural properties.
Oil On My Hands’ products are handmade with love for every “Beautifully Flawed” person! We hope that you love our organic-made to order products just as much as our family and friends. IG: @oilonmyhands
Melas Media Category: Photographer/Videographer/ Audio-Visual
Melas Media, LLC. is an innovatively ground-breaking media production company created in 2010 under the Melas division of Myriad Entertainment Group, LLC. Boasting a diverse portfolio of photography, video production, and design projects, Melas Media is poised to be one of the world’s cutting edge media companies. Centered around developing captivating creative content and high definition videos with high quality special fx, Melas Media caters to all industries looking for effective and strategic marketing campaigns. From runways to mixers, we want to help you capture the moment or show people what they missed
IG: @melasmedia
Here are some ways you can support these vendors:
Book them for an upcoming event.
Refer them to an organizer or agency that plans events.
Follow, like and share their work.
Leave them a review.
Invite them to speak, sponsor or vend at your event to find new customers/clients.
If you are a black vendor in events or know one we should feature, send us an email at: hello@vendorspace.co
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