MINT HILL, NC – On Sunday, March 28, Photographic Elegance celebrated 25 years of business with an open house at their Mint Hill studio. The event was a celebration of a remarkable quarter of a century in business.
Sunday’s event included several raffles for items like Photographic Elegance gift cards, original art by Harrison, and Photographic Elegance swag. Morris Park business neighbor Rubina Sylvester from Calitex International was thrilled to win a $250 gift certificate just in time to take photos to celebrate her 25th wedding anniversary.
Sylvester was one of many members of Mint Hill’s business community that played a part in the celebration, a testament to Mint Hill’s close-knit community of small business owners. Mint Hill Mayor Brad Simmons dropped by as well as three of Mint Hill’s four commissioners. “I’m so thankful to be supported by the town of Mint Hill,” said Harrison. “Their support means a great deal to a small business like mine.”
With 25 years in business, perhaps it’s no surprise that so many special people showed up to demonstrate their support. “Long time photographer friends and clients, Mint Hill friends, long-distance friends, the president of Mint Hill Arts, the president of The Matthews Art Guild, the Mint Hill Times, and, of course, my amazing family, all came together to celebrate this milestone with me,” said Harrison.
Tangible evidence of that support stretched from the back of the studio to the parking lot. Abbey Rose contributed to the ambiance with their beautiful flower arrangements. Create-a-Video crafted a PhotoMozaix poster – a 20×30 mosaic portrait image of Sandy and her husband – from 750 of Harrison’s most memorable images. In the back of the studio, guests enjoyed a video montage created by Sandy’s son Michael that showcased just a fraction of the special moments Harrison has been honored to capture throughout the years.
“We’re always very proud of any Mint Hill business owner that can sustain a business for 25 years,” said Renee Simmons. “That’s a huge accomplishment. We’ve known Sandy and Doug for a long time, and we are actually business neighbors with Logo Pros next door,” continued Simmons. “We’re so proud of them and glad they’re here!”
Simmons’ sentiments were shared by the numerous friends, family, and colleagues in attendance at Sunday’s gathering. “I am very proud of her,” said Harrison’s sister Sharon Alexander, who traveled from Gastonia to celebrate with Sandy. “She’s one smart cookie!”
“I am incredibly proud of Sandy,” said Libby from Abbey Rose, who considers Sandy both a business partner and a friend. “She’s not just a photographer. She’s an artist, and I think it comes through in every picture she takes. She can capture somebody’s essence. I’m not surprised that she’s made of 25 years!”
“2021 is a year to say thank you,” concludes Harrison. “Continuous trust and loyalty is the primary measure of our success. We thank each and every one of you who have supported us along our journey.”
