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

Hi Mikel, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process of starting my business was to create something that I wanted to use. Instead of waiting for someone else to make it, why don’t I build it myself? I wanted a photo studio with multiple different backgrounds, props, and dressing rooms. I wanted a place for photographers/ videographers, people looking for parties, and the everyday person who just loves to take selfies.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It took me a while to get here professionally. It was not an easy task, it took a lot of patience, determination, discipline, and the will to want to succeed. I overcame these challenges by doing the things that make me happy and taking time for myself once I am done working. Being able to have time to myself so I don’t burn myself out with the work I love doing. I surround myself with like-minded people who can give me that extra push when I feel like I can’t go anymore. This has taught me how to be self-sufficient, to use the tools around me, to take breaks, and to lean on the people around me. I want people to know about Mikel is that he never quits or gives up. That he will work as hard and study as hard as he can to make his dreams come true. Even when things don’t work I pivot and figure it out. I have a team that helps with a lot and how important it is to have a good team to push you to your goals. What I want people to know about Philly Photo Spot is that it is a place for everyone whether its a photographer, videographer, podcaster, the everyday selfie taker, or people looking for party venues. We are a one-stop shop for everyone once you cross that door to Philly Photo Spot we make you an honorary family member because I want you to feel comfortable in your skin, be able to have as much fun as possible, and be creative.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So if someone is new coming to Philly I would take them to Belmont Platuae It is an over where you can view the entire city skyline from it is a beautiful site to see during the day and night. A good place to hang out at would Bonchon or Kpot they both Korean restaurants that have good food, sports, drinks, and fun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A group of people that will shout out is my family and friends because without them none of this would be possible. From helping me build and move drywall into my store when I first opened, helping with different events, painting backgrounds, helping build different sets, and being there so I could vent about all the stress/ the ups and downs/ the journey to even open my own store. Last but not least I have the biggest shout out to my Mom. She has been there every step of the way. She has believed and seen my vision from day one. The day I came home and told her I had quit my job at Target she knew I was serious about my goal and dream. She showed me the ins and outs of owning a business.

Website: https://www.phillyphotospot.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillyphotospot/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhillyPhotoSpot

Other: https://www.instagram.com/locviewproduction

Image Credits
Mikel Thomas @LocViewProduction

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