By Logan B. Anderson

DOVER — Are you tired of taking selfies in your bathroom or in your car?

Then, why not try swinging on a rope in front of a wall of flowers? Or walking into an exclusive nightclub, complete with red velvet ropes, or get put behind bars?

Courage, determination, entrepreneurship and the idea that people should look good in their selfies guided a Townsend couple to open a unique business in the Dover Mall.

The Selfie Experience is a self-service studio that provides its customers lighting, photography support and, most importantly, a plethora of backgrounds in which to shoot their images.

The business, in the main corridor of the mall by Dick’s Sporting Goods, has a large space filled with mini photo studios. Each spot has a unique theme, perfect for fun social media profile images or professional headshots.

“We are all about the experience,” said Tashay “Shay” Martin, who owns and operates The Selfie Experience with her husband, Andwar “Andy” Martin.

Unlike other studios, customers can use their own devices to take their images.

For an hourly fee, folks get the use of a ring light, a Bluetooth remote and access to the many backgrounds.

Ms. Martin discovered the idea of a self-serve photo studio a few years ago while on vacation. She was intrigued by the concept but also thought, “I could do that differently.”

Soon after, she brought her idea up to her husband. “He was like, ‘I have no clue what you’re talking about. But if you want to do it, let’s do it,’” she said, laughing.

How it works

Customers can make appointments online or just walk in. Once they are checked in, they are issued a tripod with a ring light that comes with a holder for a handheld device, a remote that is paired with the device and the choice of a number of backdrops.
There are more than 20 places to shoot from. There is a purple-and-gold room with a playground swing for kids’ shots. There is a ball pit, a black-and-white room and a yellow room. There is a room that has a washing machine filled with fake cash, called “Dirty Money.”

And since The Selfie Experience is in the Dover Mall, across the street from Delaware State University, there is a DSU-themed space.

There is also a newspaper wall, a balloon wall and traditional roll-down backdrops.

The space is set for multiple uses, with four dressing rooms for outfit changes. It’s not just for someone wanting to update a dating profile picture — the Martins have held birthday parties and photography-themed events, as well.
Traditional photography and lights are welcome, too. Furthermore, portrait photographers can rent the space for shoots.

Recently, a music producer and videographer came to the store to film a music video using The Selfie Experience’s backdrops.
The cost for adults is $20 per hour. College students can come in for $18. Teens pay $15, and children are $5 with a chaperone.

There are separate rates for professional photographers.

Beyond the access to lighting and locations, The Selfie Experience team is there to help make sure you have a good experience.

“We don’t mind helping. We recently had a guy that was completely shy. We made him laugh, got him to loosen up. Pictures came out amazing,” Ms. Martin said.
The shop also has a back entrance, so it can accommodate different needs, like certain animals, or hours by appointment.

Look good in your photos

Together, the Martins have a drive, an almost fearless energy to build their business empire. Some of it comes from their desire to support their family and build a life of their dreams.
And some comes from their service to their country, as Mr. Martin medically retired from the military after being injured in 2012 in Afghanistan. Additionally, Ms. Martin has been a member of the National Guard for 18 years.

She is currently deployed for the Guard’s mission against COVID-19.

“We assisted with the big vaccine drives. My team did a lot with that. We did the vaccine deliveries to pharmacies throughout the state. I have been full time since January 2021, when the mission started,” Ms. Martin said.

An example of their bravery in business is their other recent venture, Salon 818.

Mr. Martin runs the establishment, which has full-time stylists, a regular barber and other beauticians, including manicurists.
“This is the only nail place inside the mall now,” Mr. Martin said.
One day, while working in the studio, a fellow mall merchant suggested the couple take over the vacant salon next door. For

Mr. Martin, it felt like a chance to fulfill a dream.

“I’ve always wanted to open a barbershop, but I never knew what it entailed to open a barbershop,” he said.
After the couple talked it over, they decided to take the plunge, and Salon 818 opened in September 2021.

“The worst thing that can happen is that you fail,” he said.
A friend with salon experience was hired as the manager, “and it’s been going really well.”

The name is a bit of a love letter to his wife: Their anniversary is Aug. 18.

The full-service multicultural salon accepts walk-in customers and appointments. Mr. Martin said the barber is also a teacher, so he’s available after school and on weekends.

With the two shops, the Martins hope customers get their hair and nails done at Salon 818, then go take some photos at The Selfie Experience next door.

Visit The Selfie Experience at theselfieexperiencede.com or on Instagram @TheSelfieExperienceDE. You can also find it on Facebook.
Salon 818 is on Instagram @Salon818DE.