Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacy Smith
Hi Jacy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my professional journey as a musician in 2009 after graduating with a degree in Vocal Performance. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of performing as both a solo artist and as part of various groups, including wedding/cover bands and most noteably, Duelly Noted (my all-female dueling pianos business founded in 2015). In 2014, I began producing for Bluewater Kings Band, while continuing to sing lead in the band. This role allowed me to work closely with clients to plan all of the musical aspects for their events.
In 2015, I joined National Renewable Solutions, a small renewable energy development company of just five people at the time, as their bookkeeper and office manager. As the company grew, so did my roles, eventually leading me to my current position as Communications and Events Manager, where I plan both internal and external events. I’ve always enjoyed the detailed work involved in event planning, managing budgets, and coordinating with our team to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Last year, my husband and I were brainstorming ideas for a side hustle and decided on starting a photo booth business. We wanted it to be simple, easy to set up (5 mins!), and a seamless addition to the events we already worked on—he’s a Senior Project Manager for a local production company. After some research, we found the perfect photo booth and decided to name it SimpleSnap Booth. While setting up my business organization for the photo booth, I also realized it was the perfect time to pursue my long-time passion for event planning and created a DBA for SimpleSnap Events.
Now, almost a year later, SimpleSnap Booth & Events is gaining momentum, and it’s been incredibly exciting to be apart of. The photo booth side of the business has been particularly consistent, especially with the support of Bluewater Kings Band and Duelly Noted. I’m looking forward to seeing what the next year holds for SimpleSnap!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting SimpleSnap Booth & Events has certainly not been a smooth road. There are so many behind-the-scenes expenses and considerations you don’t initially think of, like choosing a name, setting up the business organization, covering startup costs, designing a website and logo, and creating promotional materials. On top of that, managing everything outside of my regular jobs, while balancing family and other obligations, added even more time and effort. The photo booth industry is also highly competitive, so we’re still figuring out the best way to market ourselves.
That said, we’ve had great success with word-of-mouth exposure and direct bookings through Bluewater Kings Band, which has been a big help. One of our ongoing struggles, though, is getting the word out about the small corporate events planning side of the business. We’d love to help small to mid-size companies with their internal and external events, especially those that don’t have the resources to handle it in-house. However, larger event production companies dominate this space, and we’re still working on finding our unique way in. We will keep going, though!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
With over 15 years of experience in the event industry, including music production, I’m known for my attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to manage both the logistics and entertainment aspects of events. In addition to my event planning business, I co-own Duelly Noted, an all-female dueling pianos act with my best friend, Cassondra Ruprecht, which has been one of the proudest accomplishments of my career. I also regularly perform solo piano/voice shows and lead bands, which demonstrates my musical abilities, attention to detail, and ability to manage and engage a crowd.
A highlight of my year is being part of the annual Happy Birthday Janis – A Janis Joplin tribute show put on by First Avenue each January—an experience I always look forward to. I take great pride in creating memorable, well-executed events that exceed expectations. My background in both music and event planning sets me apart from others, offering a unique perspective and the versatility to manage any event, ensuring it’s unforgettable.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
The biggest risk I’ve taken so far has been starting a business while balancing everything else in my life. As a musician, my career has always meant juggling multiple gigs and projects at once, managing a million little details behind the scenes. My goal is to eventually reduce my other commitments and have more time with my family, but right now, I’m sacrificing time with loved ones to keep everything running. However, I’m hopeful that in the long run, this will give me more freedom and time with my family. I also see it as something I can build with and for my kids—something that will hopefully pay off in the future and be a legacy for them. I view this risk as necessary for achieving those long-term goals, and it’s worth the investment while I still have the energy and motivation to keep moving forward.
Pricing:
- Photo Booth Rentals starting at $280 for 3hr in-town events – unlimited text message delivery + props + personalized gallery + custom photo overlays
- $75 – Gold/Black/Silver Backdrop Rental Option
- Corporate Event Planning – 12% of event cost
- Corporate Event Consulting – can be arranged as an hourly fee or contract basis
Contact Info:
- Website: https://simplesnapbooth.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplesnapbooth/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplesnapbooth
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacyclaresmith/
