Today we’d like to introduce you to Toni Brookins.
Hi Toni, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Antonisha but I go by Toni. I am a photographer and crafter located in Jacksonville, FL. Owner of Phlash Photography and Charmed Creations. I often say 85% of my craftiness stems from being frugal. It started when I had my son and became obsessed with family photos! Any milestone or holiday we were in front of a camera. As you can imagine that can be pretty expensive. For his 4th birthday, we went to a portrait studio and I spent $450 on pictures! After that, I begged my dad (who has a nice camera collection) for a full year for a camera, that Christmas my begging was not in vain he bought me a Canon and I was super excited and then realized I have no clue what to do with it! My then boyfriend now husband as a birthday gift enrolled me in a photography class at the local college. I learned how to properly use the camera and I hit the ground running and Phlash Photography was born. My goal is to provide quality and affordable photos. If you can’t tell I am big on family so where ever we go we either have on matching or coordinating shirts or outfits and I was also paying someone to make the shirts. I did some research and decided I now wanted a Cricut machine so I can make our shirts. For Christmas the next year the aforementioned boyfriend bought me a Cricut heat-press, not the actual machine I said I will buy the machine but he beat me to it and for Valentine’s Day he showed up to my job with flowers, candy and a huge gift bag containing the machine. I couldn’t think of a name but eventually came up with Charmed Creations to honor our angel baby. I would refer to the baby as Baby Charm he hated the name and I loved it. Which started at just shirts and has grown so much. I am currently in the process of rebranding but I am combing both business and merging into one creative powerhouse. Versatile Visions is coming soon.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been smooth but it hasn’t been too bumpy either! My biggest challenge has been myself honestly…. I get in my head alot but I have family and friends to who I bring ideas too and they hype me up! I’ve learned to just take the leap and let everything fall in place. I am a rockstar when it comes to creativity and I am now embracing it. That’s why I’ve started referring to myself as the creative connoisseur.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a literal jack of all trades. I started out in photography and now I have added creative designs which include custom and personalized shirts, cups, hats, bags, keychains, and anything that can be customized/personalized. Invitations for any occasion. I also make floral maternity sets and much more.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I moved to Jacksonville in 2017 on a whim. Just me and my son. I did not know anyone here. I had no family here no friends. Just a fresh start. I loved that this city has given me independence and I’ve learned to stand on my own two feet and navigate through life as an independent woman. Speaking of navigation that would have to be the one dislike! Jacksonville is way bigger than my hometown. I am always getting lost or missing an exit on the expressway when I am going somewhere new I automatically include lost time in my travel time.
Pricing:
- Custom Shirts $20
- 45 min photo session $100
- Watching me DIY Free on TikTok
- Custom Cups $10-$15
- Floral Maternity Set $125
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/phlash.photographs/ | https://m.facebook.com/Charmed-Creations-105881834470422/?__tn__=%2As-R
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecreativeconnoisseur_?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@thecreativeconnoisseur
Image Credits
Toni Brookins
