Unveiling Entrepreneurial Dreams: The Inspiring Journey of Sherricka Day and The Photoshop Selfie House Museum
In a world brimming with creativity and uncharted possibilities, there are individuals who dare to forge their own path. Sherricka Day, a vivacious spirit with an unquenchable love for life and exploration, is one such individual. Raised with the backdrop of a traditional upbringing that advocated the usual milestones of education and steady employment, Sherricka's journey took an exciting twist as she ventured into the realm of entrepreneurship. Her story is a testament to resilience, continuous learning, and the power of community. From unconventional career choices to igniting a thriving venture, Sherricka's story embodies the essence of embracing change and crafting a unique narrative of success.
Tell us about yourself and your journey to entrepreneurship/business ownership.
I’m a free spirit, with a love for life and different ventures. My parents raised me with a traditional upbringing - graduate from high school, go to college, and get a job with good benefits. That’s the path I went down. But along the way, I became curious about having my own “something.” I knew I didn’t want to work for a company forever, so I explored different business ventures like Primerica, tax prep, and eBay. In 2016, I began working at a nonprofit to teach youth about turning their hobbies into their own businesses. I launched Minor in Business Inc. the following year. I love working with youth and helping them to develop skills like communication skills, networking, and budgeting. So, when 2020 happened and different people in my circle told me I needed to open up a selfie museum, it only made sense.
I attended Columbus State University, majoring in English. I originally wanted to be a teacher, but I changed my major from Education to English because I couldn’t afford to quit my job to do the student teaching portion of the curriculum.
Can you give us some insight into your entrepreneurial experience?
It’s been an experience like no other. Let me be honest, I knew very little about being a business owner. I’m still learning! But I’m not one to let a lack of knowledge stop me from doing something I want to do. I know too many people with the knowledge and resources that I can tap into. And that’s what I did. I reached out to friends and subject matter experts to learn what I needed to do. I partnered with two friends, Franki Foster, and Nedra Young, and we came together to open up The Photoshop. It took us about four months from the time we got the keys to our space, to the day our doors opened.
What is the hardest lesson you have learned throughout your experience as an entrepreneur?
You’re never off! We are working, even when we aren’t working. You can have a solid, well-thought-out plan on how you want things to go; and you may have to take your plan and toss it in the trash because it’s not working. You definitely have to take the bad days with the good days.
What are your greatest accomplishments earned throughout your experience as an entrepreneur?
Our journey has been an inspiration to so many people. I have had many conversations with guests that have come to the selfie house - they walk in the doors in awe and walk out saying how much their visit has inspired them to move forward with their ideas.
Another accomplishment is having a space to display artwork from so many local artists. It introduces our visitors to their art in a creative way without it feeling formal.
We’ve been open for a little under a year and we won the Emerging Business Woman of the Year from the River Valley Black Chamber of Commerce. That was a special moment for us.
How has your business evolved since its inception?
We have become an event space, in addition to our original plan of being a selfie museum.
Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when starting your business?
How many times can I say yes?? Lol. We put our personal finances into our business to start and get it started. I think I would have used business loans instead. I would also have budgeted more for marketing.
What are your hopes for the future of your business? Do you have any hopes for our community's aspiring entrepreneurs?
I hope we’re around for years to come. I want us to make our services mobile so we can go to the areas of our community that have no way to get to us.
I hope that our city leaders and those with the means begin to support us newbies more, from a financial aspect. We need more people willing to invest their money and resources just to get started. It’s hard. And it would make a world of difference if another well-established business owner took us under their wings to give entrepreneurs the footing needed to start their businesses.
What advice would you give other entrepreneurs looking to take that leap of faith and find their ‘start?'
Jump! Go for it. If you keep doubting yourself or live in fear, you’re not going to do anything. You have to take forward steps. And honestly, the fear never goes away. And that’s probably a good thing because I believe it keeps you from getting comfortable and stagnant.
What do you think makes Columbus an exceptional community for startups to thrive? How can our community better support entrepreneurs?
We have a giving community. And we have other successful startups to look up to. Aflac wasn’t always the insurance giant that it is today. It started out small, with three brothers that knew they had something that people needed. They never gave up and now everyone quacks “Aflac!”
Our community has to support entrepreneurs. It goes beyond verbal support. Support is getting rid of the barriers that keep some people from becoming business owners, embracing innovation and creativity, and money and resources!
Sherricka’s journey is a vivid thread that weaves inspiration and empowerment. From her unyielding passion for nurturing young talents to co-founding The Photoshop Selfie House Museum, her path is paved with unwavering determination and a spirit unafraid of challenges. Her experience serves as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs, resonating with the message that stepping into the unknown is a dance with fear that propels growth and innovation. As we explore her entrepreneurial odyssey, we're reminded that the road less traveled often leads to the most extraordinary destinations.
To learn more about Sherricka and The Photoshop Selfie House Museum, visit thephotoshopga.com, follow them on Facebook at The Photoshop Selfie House Museum, and catch their moments on Instagram @theselfiehousega.
