News Summary
Dominick Lewis has launched Photodom, a Black-owned camera store in Brooklyn, after pursuing his passion for photography full-time. From college dropout to entrepreneur, Lewis emphasizes community support and resilience. Following a successful crowdfunding campaign, Photodom achieved significant sales in its first year, diversifying its offerings and plans for future expansion to better serve the community.
New York, NY – Dominick Lewis, a former Drexel University student, has turned his passion for photography into a thriving business with the opening of Photodom, a Black-owned camera store in Brooklyn. After dropping out of university to pursue photography full-time, Lewis has transformed his journey from a novice enthusiast into an entrepreneur, demonstrating the impact of community support and resilience amid challenging circumstances.
Initially enrolled in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program at Drexel University, Lewis left after two years to follow his creative passion. His interest in photography blossomed during his college years when he began taking pictures while exploring Philadelphia in his free time. At 18, he purchased his first camera, quickly developing an obsession with the craft through self-education and hands-on experience. Recognizing the importance of documenting personal journeys, especially to highlight Black joy, Lewis committed himself to photography as a profession.
In 2015, Lewis opened Palm Beach Photo Studio in Florida but faced challenges that led to its closure nine months later. This experience, however, equipped him with valuable insights into running a business. In 2017, he launched Photodom.shop, focusing on selling photography gear and merchandise he designed, operating from a storage unit in South Florida until he decided to return to New York for broader opportunities.
Upon settling in New York, Lewis lived with his grandmother while working to grow his photography brand. He organized photo walks to foster community engagement and in February 2020, he secured his first professional studio in Brooklyn. As the pandemic prompted the closing of many local film labs, Lewis shifted focus to film development services, filling a necessary gap.
Motivated by the events surrounding the murder of George Floyd, Lewis initiated a GoFundMe campaign, aiming to raise $25,000 for a storefront. This campaign surpassed expectations, garnering nearly $40,000, which enabled him to open the physical location of Photodom in September 2020. The business proved successful, generating $726,910 in sales during its first year, with Lewis employing five staff members and paying himself a salary of $50,000.
By 2021, Photodom had established itself as a valuable resource within the community, providing a range of photography services including passport photo applications. The store’s sales grew significantly, reaching $1,096,319 by 2023, alongside an increase in staff to ten members and a raised salary for Lewis to $97,000.
Recently, Photodom expanded its footprint by moving to a larger location and diversifying its offerings to include photography classes and workshops, reflecting Lewis’s commitment to community education and engagement. Plans are underway to install a darkroom in the store and potentially open a second location in Harlem or the South Bronx.
Lewis emphasizes the importance of understanding all aspects of business for aspiring entrepreneurs. He advises diversifying skills and revenue streams as critical components for success in any venture. With his journey from college dropout to successful business owner, Lewis serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to follow their passion and make a meaningful impact in their community.
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