Leslie Croyle transformed her adore of photography and knack for
framing into a full-fledged photo decorating organization.
Leslie and two good friends supplied for sale enlarged photos of
preferred Cleveland occasions such as the begin in the
Revco-Cleveland Marathon & 10K, and a spectacular shot of your
United Way Kickoff’s release of thousands of colored balloons in
Public Square.
“We hired several photographers to cover the activities and used the
best photographs in the bunch,” say Leslie. Advertisements for
photo promotion proved common. The trio sold 600 photos at
prices ranging from $8 to $10 a piece, gathering a bit less than
$5,400 in revenues. Not bad for the first venture.
Unfortunately, the combined costs of ads, fees for the
photographers ate up the $5,400 and more. “Although we ended up
with a loss, it gave us a lot of market exposure and a proven
track record,” says Leslie.
Next, Leslie and her good friends put together a portfolio of
photographs and contacted local businesses. This marketing move
landed them a job of photograph decorating PJ McIntyre’s Restaurant
in a Cleveland shopping center. “We tied into nostalgia theme of
the restaurant by contacting area historical societies and
arranging to have their vintage photographs copied. It’s
important to make sure you have the right to reuse the prints.
Ask for proper releases and permission to use whatever pictures
you have copied,” advises Leslie.
She stresses the importance of networking industry contacts. A
decorating firm they worked with on one project led to
additional work when that firm recommended Leslie and her
partners to some of their other clients.
Since 1987, the photo decorating company has progressed well
since its initial unprofitable picture event ventures. Major
projects include picture decorating the guest rooms and suites for
the historic Glidden House, which has been made right into a unique
bed and breakfast, and an all-sports photo motif for the Grand
Slam Bar & Restaurant in the refurbished Cleveland Flats night
spot area.
“From our humble beginnings, we’re now getting into some pretty
good sized jobs,” says Leslie. “Just keep bumbling along – don’t
give up.”


