Did you know that “prom” is short for Promenade? Or that proms originated as an event for college students? How about that the last school to integrate prom did so in 2013? With each decade comes a new discovery or groundbreaking change to the popular school event. This year, Gary Comer College Prep took prom to new heights by working with a record number of Black-owned businesses and vendors to serve our students. In honor of Juneteenth this past week, check out these awesome businesses and learn more about them below.
P.S. Make sure to hire them for your events and parties, too!
X Brand Photo
Rick Brand of X Brand Photo captured the night through his creative lens. This was his second time working with GCCP for their prom.
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Students take a look of the photos taken.
How did your business start?
“My love for the art of photography. I saw a friend just start taking pics and thought I could do that.”
Why did you decide to work with GCCP?
“I was referred by a friend at that park district last year. That session went great and I was called back.”
What is the impact of working with a predominantly black high school?
“Putting out great photographs of beautiful young Black men and women at their best.”
Share your struggles and successes as a Black business owner?
“Getting the word out and having people respect the quality and price of the service.”
If you had to give high schoolers starting a business some advice, what would it be?
“Find something you love to do and do your best. Then, sell it to the public.”
Check out X Brand Photo and contact them to do photography for your event here.
Sweet Sparkle Creations
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Students lining up for the 360° photo booth.
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Contact information for Sweet Sparkle Creations.
Sweet Sparkle Creations, run by Kisha Boyland-DuBose, set up our crowd-favorite 360° Photo Booth at prom. They are a full service event planning and rental company that provides balloon services, sweets, tables, and more!
How did your business start?
“I actually started in 2015 when my daughter was going to prom. We were looking for decor and everything was so expensive. I went on YouTube to learn and that is where it all started. I eventually took classes to perfect my skills, and I also began to build my inventory which includes the 360° Photo Booth.”
Why did you decide to work with GCCP?
“I was referred to GCCP from a trusted business. I thought it would be cool to work with GCCP because of all the good work I heard about them doing and how they value their students.”
What is the impact of working with a predominantly Black high school?
“The impact of working with a predominantly Black high school is awesome because I am Black and it shows them that they can be successful. They can see people that look like them run a successful business.”
Share your struggles and successes as a black business owner.
“Some of my struggles with being a Black business owner is not having enough help or having trouble trusting people. I sometimes have to realize I can’t do everything, and I have to delegate tasks and trust the people that work for me.”
If you had to give high schoolers starting a business some advice, what would it be?
“If I had to give advice to high schoolers starting a business, it would be to believe in yourself, be confident, perfect your craft and strive to be the best at what you do.”
Check out Sweet Sparkle Creations and contact them to set up your event here.
Taking prom to new heights, GCCP hit it right on the nail. All around, seniors had a fantastic prom night surrounded by Black businesses supporting them and making their night even better. Don’t forget to check out the businesses mentioned and support their work as well!
