Hidden Gems: Meet Christa Ellis of Luxe Photos KC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christa Ellis.

Hi Christa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a single mom of a handsome ten-year-old son named Kaden! Everything that I do, I do it for him. I had been in sales for over 20 years and went back to school in 2014 and obtained my bachelor’s degree in business and continued on to get my Master’s in Organizational Leadership. I got out of sales in 2019 and got a Sr. Project Manager position in Learning & Development. I am always trying to better myself and go to the next level in whatever it may be. 2020 was a bad year for me mentally and at the beginning of 2021, I decided to do things differently. In May, right before my 40th birthday I decided I wanted to start a side hustle and Luxe Photos KC (photo booth rental) came about. I’m using the skills that I have obtained throughout my 20 years in sales, making and creating relationships. I love creating memories with pictures, I have tons of pictures in my phone and from time to time, I go back and look at them and think of the memory it had brought and 9 times out of 10 it puts a smile on my face.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Things are not always smooth when first starting out. I had never started a business and I did a lot of research on what I needed to get the business started. I read a lot of books, reaching out to friends or others in the industry to help me get started. The biggest struggle is having the capital to get going. Sometimes, you can find yourself overextending yourself. I still have a full-time job which I love, and then this new baby of mine that I find myself waking up in the middle of the night with new ideas. Time management is key!

We’ve been impressed with Luxe Photos KC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Luxe Photos KC is a photo booth rental & backdrop service in Lees Summit, MO that adds a fun, whimsical touch to any event. Our rentals are made with a sleek, compact design that fits easily with any event design and venue size. Its touch screen and built-in ring light will give you and your guests a quick and easy process to one-of-a-kind photos.

I started Luxe Photos KC as a way to bring a whimsical, lighthearted touch to even the most elegant celebrations. With my keen eye for style and love for photography, I work to make sure guests can create instant memorabilia instantly. She and her team happily serve at venues throughout the Kansas City area to make sure everyone can enjoy their high-quality equipment.

You will have a variety of packages to choose from. The team can also customize their options for a completely personal experience. An attendant will be present during your big day to ensure everything runs smoothly throughout the evening. Your photos, GIFs, and Boomerangs can be sent to you instantly to your mobile device for easy viewing and sharing. With up to six filters to choose from and a variety of backdrops, Luxe Photos KC will work to match your event theme and aesthetic.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think one of my biggest risks was starting Luxe Photos KC as a single mom. Stepping out on faith and using my money to start this business while maintaining things that my son needs and his extra activities. When I was thinking of my word for 2021, I came up with “Elevate,” I have always been strategic on the things that I do, but I really laser-focused on my next goal in life and started this new business venture right before my 40th birthday. I am doing things differently, not just for me but for my son. I want to break generational curses and set him up for success. I’m constantly learning and growing.

Pricing:

• $375 for 2 hour rental
• Hi-Res Unlimited Printing- $150
• Customized Overlays – $100

Contact Info:

• Email: info@luxephotoskc.com
• Website: www.luxephotoskc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxephotoskc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luxephotoskc
• Other: https://g.page/r/CYH0glNH5HSxEAE