Today we’d like to introduce you to Amari Samya.
Hi Amari, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
As a Cincinnati native with a passion for art and creativity, I felt there was a void in downtown Cincinnati for a nontraditional museum with interactive elements that caters to all walks of life. After traveling for two years and exploring tourism throughout vibrant cities such as Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. I crossed paths with a gem of an experience that was not yet visible in Cincinnati. As you step inside each selfie booth you thought about how to share your love for photography and art with the world, and it struck me – a selfie museum. I envisioned bringing a place where people could immerse themselves in art and create their own masterpieces with the simple click of a smartphone to my hometown.
The concept excited me, but I knew it had to be more than just a place for selfies. Selfie Cincy is a museum that highlights Cincinnati-based franchises, small businesses, and artists. Our presence at 1316 Main Street is designed for Cincinnati natives, tourists, families, and local content creatures to capture fun posts and share to all social platforms to promote the true essence of Cincinnati and all it has to offer. An experience, a journey through different themes, seasons, and creative elements. We spent months researching, planning, and designing the space, transforming the storefront into a world of creativity.
Selfie Cincy attracts visitors from all walks of life. It is not just about taking pictures; it’s about telling stories, expressing emotions, and finding new facets of creativity. Each room is a unique chapter in the visual interpretation of our visitors’ lives. As a tenant of 3cdc Main Street Pop Up Initiative we have also taken on the challenge to reduce crime on Main Street upon operating a once vacant storefront in downtown Cincinnati steps away from the new vibrant Zeigler Park. Selfie Cincy is a symbol of self-expression, joy, inspiration for community, and connection to everyone who walks through our doors. We realized that through this business, we were not only pursuing passion but also enriching the lives of others, one selfie at a time. This “why” in opening Selfie Cincy is a testament to the power of following your heart and turning passion into a thriving business that touched the lives of countless people. Selfie Cincy is not just a place; it is a museum dedicated to creativity, vision, and the belief that art changes lives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it was smooth I would say I made the journey gracefully. I had to go back to the drawing board multiple times and in that time I started to feel like Picasso. The concept took over 2 years to come into fruition but 90 days to execute. Which was a tough and swift mount of my very first museum. I traveled in that time did lots of research and by the grace of God everything one day fell into place.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have always had a vision for art, media, and live entertainment. I own my own Production Consulting agency Samya Production’s which I founded in my dorm room in 2019. Now, in 2023, after four short years in the production industry and over 10 years of creative tenacity. I have brought a plethora of experiences together to create Downtown Cincinnati’s first Selfie Museum that captivates all the City of Cincinnati has to offer in one space. I first realized that there was a need for a creative space like Selfie Cincy when every day in high school some friends and I would go to local businesses like Holtman’s Donuts, Skyline Chili, and Kroger just to take pictures.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
My faith in God, my tenacity, and being a creative. As a Cincinnati native, and a 24-year-old serial entrepreneur servicing the industries of film, music & entertainment, travel, and motivational speaking. Life forces us to pivot and adapt and I strongly believe you have to show grace and tenacity in those uncertain moments. I received my Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in December 2020. Which is hilarious because I received a Theatre degree the same year all theatres shut down due to COVID. My faith got me through that uncertain time and as I pivot to now a full time entrepreneur and wear the hat of a first time museum owner/curator I know God will continue to pivot my path in the direction that is most impactful.
Pricing:
- Adult Admission $25
- Kids Under 3 FREE
- Students $20
- Call for Private Event Pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: www.selfiecincy.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/selfiecincy?igshid=MmVlMjlkMTBhMg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095325933290&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@selfiecincy?_t=8fumcGzyNDv&_r=1
Image Credits
@manmanstudios
