Flick Factory

Richmond’s first selfie museum had its grand opening last Friday and its 16-year-old founder and CEO couldn’t be more thrilled. Na’Zyia Washington said her passion for taking pictures and bringing something to Richmond for families and teens her age to enjoy led to the creation of the museum.

“It feels really good [to be the owner of the first selfie museum], it’s definitely beyond [anything] I could’ve never imagined it so it feels good,” Washington said.

Washington presented the idea to her parents (and co-owners), Dr. Kevin and LaToya Washington, a year ago and they took their time to work on it so they could do proper research on owning and running a business.

Flick Factory is an all ages venue that features over a dozen themed rooms with a light stand and phone holder. Themes change every few months, which is a collaborative effort between Washington, her parents and customers. 

“We all come up with room ideas and I bring it to my parents, they give me feedback on it and from their feedback, I take it to my audience, get their feedback,” Washington said, “and then from there I’ll do research based on how much it may cost to do the room, how fast I can get the room up and going and also to make sure it’s good for all ages because Flick Factory is welcome to all ages.”

Flick Factory has received good feedback so far (the museum opened to the public May 31) and Washington said she’s already had requests for room themes and private parties, which she is hoping to explore. The museum was only allowed a maximum of 31 people (they’d been getting half of that), but Washington said she is looking to exceed that number since COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.

The museum isn’t Washington’s first foray with business as she had two small online businesses prior doing protective styling for grade aged kids and making jewelry respectively. Washington sees herself opening another museum within a year and has her eyes set on expanding the Flick Factory empire into other states so everyone can experience it.

Washington’s parents have been helping her juggle school and entrepreneurship, but her focus is on school first and she handles Flick Factory business when she has break or after school is over. Though the pandemic caused delays in opening the museum, Washington said they were still able to get a move on things and it mostly affected her schooling, which she has been able to handle well. 

Now that Flick Factory has fully opened its doors to the public, Washington said it feels really good and exciting and it’s unbelievable because it marks the official launch of her business. She hopes customers view the museum as a place “to come laugh, make memories and feel free” and mentioned what she finds rewarding about owning her own business.

“The most rewarding part is seeing the community enjoy the goods and services I am providing,” Washington said. “Also, seeing young teens and children inspired by me.”

For more information on the Flick Factory, find them on Instagram, Facebook and their official website.