New selfie studio is the first of its kind in Columbia. Here's what it offers
Katrina Daniels and her husband, Ernest, have opened a new business in the Columbia Mall, touting it as the first of its kind in Columbia.
The name of their venture: Dungeon Games Selfie Wall.
The couple, which also owns the hair salon Exclusive Cuts in the mall, is adding another business to its roster in hopes of bringing an internet-focused generation together.
The studio has been open for a few weeks, but the couple will celebrate the official grand opening from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday.
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The selfie studio is located in the Target wing of the mall next to Journeys.
Visitors on Wednesday will be able to take free tours of the studio, which features different photo experiences that were loosely modeled after others in major cities, including The Selfie Room in St. Louis and Selfie WRLD in Kansas City.
The business is currently planned as a pop-up shop, with plans to be open for about three to six months, depending on reception from the community, Katrina said.
Why open a selfie studio?
"Teens spend so much time on their phone and miss out on real social connections," Katrina said. "We are hoping this will bring people together, even if they are on their phones."
The couple expressed hope that the studio will become a hangout for teens and young adults who are already spending time at the mall.
"It's new and it's exciting," Katrina said. "There isn't anything else like this here."
For parties, the couple will make plans for catering, with options including VooDoo Daddy's and Mya's Gourmet Popcorn.
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Groups can also request a lip gloss party with the couple's daughter Meyah Jae, in which attendees will be able to make and bottle their personalized lip gloss.
"The whole idea really centers around bringing people together," Ernest said of their motivation for opening.
"If it takes off, we would look into locations outside of the mall with bigger spaces," Katrina said.
What should visitors expect?
Guests can purchase a selfie session and bring their own cell phone or camera to take photos in 10 different-themed booths, including a ball pit and wall of donuts.
One-hour sessions will cost $15 per person through Feb. 11, after which the price for sessions will increase to $30 for adults and remain at $15 for children under 18. More information is available on the business' social media pages or by calling 573-268-2810.
Ernest, with the help of his clients at Exclusive Cuts, came up with the themes for the booths before he began assembling the sections.
There is also a green screen available for livestreams and recording podcasts.
"We just want to help make a positive and fun experience for kids and teens in Columbia," Ernest said. "They can still spend time on their phones, but they will be together."
One feature unique to Columbia's first selfie studio is the small dance floor, Ernest said, adding he has not heard of any other selfie location having this.
The studio can also be used for family photos as it provides more backgrounds and a more casual setting than traditional photo studios, Katrina said.
The themes could be changed depending on the popularity of the pop-up shop.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Dungeon Games Selfie Wall opens as first selfie studio in Columbia
