(1) LAEDA: Entrepreneurship is a very challenging path to take with many different possible directions. What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?

I was enjoying taking photos for free so much that I thought to myself; ‘If I enjoy it so much why not make a business out of it?’

(2) LAEDA: Why did you choose your industry?

I have always had a love of the arts including acting, modeling, photography and, most recently, videography. In addition, when I was a child I always dreamed of someday winning an Oscar for my work of art so this dream is also a motivator to be in this type of industry.

(3) LAEDA: Tell me about your experience while attending WBA. What have the major takeaways been from the program? Have you had any “Ah-ha!” moments? How did the program help you?

My main takeaway has been to make sure to charge my worth. This included doing the research on my competition in order to have an idea of how much I need to be charging. Taking the classes with LAEDA helped me to understand my niche as a photographer/videographer. Having all plans on paper helps with getting loans from banks and it also helps to see what you have to work with, what you need, how to get there and what kind of resources can help you to accomplish those goals.

(4) LAEDA: Tell me about your journey on the road to business start-up. What have been some of the challenges, successes, failures, etc.?

It has been great, but very busy! I have gone from working in Philadelphia, New York, and Atlantic City fashion week to my own fashion week in Camden through partnerships with I Say Yes Salon & Spa LLC, (an alumni of LAEDA) and Stellar Legacy LLC with Tawanda Jones (who is also the founder of Camden Sophisticated Sisters).

The challenges are figuring out the best networking events to attend without burning myself out as well as getting to a point where the business is running itself.

(5) LAEDA: Could you tell me a little about where your business is today?

I still have no employees as of yet, but I have been booked and busy. I have been the Creative Director for Camden Fashion Week so I am currently in charge of reaching out to the models and press. I worked to ensure the day of the show went as smoothly as possible. Through connections with other LAEDA alumni, I went to Jamaica on a fully paid trip to be the videographer for Nicole's (Nikki’s Pleasure Palace LLC) wedding and I worked with DeAngelo Berkeley of 3Dee Media LLC. 

(6) LAEDA: Do you have any advice for future (or existing) entrepreneurs?

Do not be afraid when you are not killing it in the first year or two. There will be points in the business where you will feel at your lowest, but that is when you push even harder to reach your goals.

More about Marcell Holiday:

Marcell Holiday is the owner of Holiday Focus Photography, a Philadelphia-based photography and videography business. Born and raised in North Philly, Holiday has always been a fan of the arts. He has trained in martial arts, drawing, acting, and modeling. He brings all of these talents to every shoot, knowing how to pose models, find the best angles, and edit photos to perfection. With 12 years of photography experience, Holiday is still looking to advance his skills, particularly in videography. He hopes to one day have his own production company.

In 2022, Holiday started attending Philly Create, a non-profit organization that provides arts education to underserved communities. It is a diverse community of models, photographers, designers, artists and content creators. The goal is to create a safe space for creatives to connect, collaborate and create together through events. Marcell has been to almost every event since, and Philly Create founder Sam Colon asked him to join the team as a second videographer.

When asked what inspired him to become a photographer, Holiday says, "It was the birth of my daughter and knowing I wanted to be the only person to capture all those precious moments."

Holiday is a creative and innovative photographer who is passionate about helping people tell their stories through images. He is also a patient and supportive educator, and he loves sharing his knowledge with others.

Consider also checking out the following article: Camden Fashion Week Debuts on Battleship New Jersey by TAPintoCamden where Marcell was also featured.

Marcell Holiday can be reached at:

Email: holidayentertainment@gmail.com

Cell Phone: 856-577-2171

Social media Instagram @holidayfocusphotos

Website: www.holidayfocusphotography.com

About the Women's Business Academy:

The Women's Business Academy (WBA) is a free, nine-week business skills training course offered in Camden, NJ in the Winter each year. Qualified entrepreneurs receive 72+ hours of training from industry professionals as well as business planning, business counseling, and continued technical assistance. Apply online at www.laedawbc.com or www.LAEDA.com.