Our membership has helped us expand new business in many ways
THE POWELL STUDIO SCRANTON , PA WWW . THEPOWELLSTUDIO . COM MEMBER SINCE 2005
When thinking of landmark Scranton businesses , The Powell Studio in Green Ridge stands out . The photography studio just celebrated its 75th year in business , having started by noted photographer James Boniface Schriever , whose works are housed in the Library of Congress . The Powell Studio has changed hands several times with Gigi Holmes and her husband , Paul , purchasing it in 1997 . In this month ’ s Small Business Spotlight , Mrs . Holmes discusses the business ’ s evolution over its storied history .
The Powell Studio is a long-standing business in our area — what made you take it over ?
I started working at Powell Studio in 1983 while I was attending the University of Scranton . I would work in the day and go to school in the evening . My degree is in Business Administration . After I graduated , I knew I loved the photography business , so I began to work at the studio fulltime and haven ’ t looked back . I have worked here for 35 years and have owned it for the past 21 years .
What do you love most about what you do ?
I can honestly say that I love to come to work every day – I get to see people at the happiest times of their lives . I have seen generations of customers grow up in front of my lens . It makes me feel that I am a part of their lives . Our customers , young and old , always say , “ There is nothing like a Powell Portrait ,” when picking up their images because you don ’ t often see the traditional black-andwhite images that we do .
Our membership has helped us expand new business in many ways
In the age of digital and cell phone cameras , why should people still go to a professional photographer ?
One main reason to still go with a professional photographer to capture your special moments is the quality and the customer service that you get with us . We , as professionals , can bring out the best of a person in our photos — we also have special tools to help enhance photos that apps don ’ t have .
How does your business give back to the local community ?
We give back to the community by supporting a wide variety of charities and fundraisers .
How has your Chamber membership helped your business ?
Our membership has helped us expand new business in many ways – for example , we have had clients tell us they discovered us through the annual Business and Buyers ’ Guide .
Get in the Spotlight !
Every month , The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce features a member small business in the Small Business Spotlight . Don ’ t miss your chance to be seen ! Visit scrantonchamber . com to apply for membership or to fill out a Small Business Spotlight application today !
4 • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce