The Father-Son Duo Who Brought Korea’s Photobooth Craze To Singapore | Singapore Hour

Key Concepts

• Solace Studios: A Singapore-based photo booth business distinguished by unique, themed outlets and an express-service model.
• Themed Photo Booths: Each Solace Studios location features a distinct aesthetic, ranging from vintage 1960s to subway stations and Christmas villages.
• Translucent Prints & Specialized Outputs: Solace Studios offers unique print formats like translucent photos, A3 newspaper prints, and flipbooks.
• Father-Son Business Relationship: The video explores the evolving dynamic between Keith (founder) and his father, highlighting initial skepticism, financial support, and eventual collaboration.
• Design Perfectionism: Keith’s commitment to detail and quality, sometimes at a higher cost, is a recurring theme.
• Pop-Up Events & Collaboration: Solace Studios actively engages in pop-up events and collaborations with malls like Star Vista.

Solace Studios: A Deep Dive into Themed Photo Booths & a Father-Son Partnership

I. The Solace Studios Concept & Business Model

Solace Studios differentiates itself from traditional photo studios by offering a walk-in, express service experience. Unlike studios requiring appointments, customers can immediately enter an available booth and begin taking photos. Each of the 20 outlets boasts a unique theme, creating a diverse range of experiences. Keith and Noelle, the founders, emphasize the importance of these distinct environments. The Cathay Mall outlet, for example, is designed with a 1960s vintage aesthetic, complete with a vanity area for styling and a dedicated props section featuring spectacles, handheld props, and caps. The studio currently operates nine rooms within this location, including a “dark room” producing translucent photos – a unique offering – and a “newspaper room” printing A3-sized photos formatted as newspapers with customizable headlines. A “flipbook room” allows customers to create short, animated flipbooks.

II. Origins & Initial Funding

The inspiration for Solace Studios stemmed from Keith’s experience visiting a viral photo booth in South Korea during a post-polytechnic graduation trip. Upon returning to Singapore, he identified a gap in the market, noting the prevalence of reservation-based self-photo studios rather than the immediate accessibility he’d experienced abroad. Securing initial funding proved challenging. Keith approached his father, who was initially skeptical about the business’s profitability. However, Keith’s confidence in identifying a market gap ultimately convinced his father to provide financial support, even going so far as to pawn his watch – a gesture described as “quite touching.”

III. The Father-Son Dynamic: From Resentment to Collaboration

The video delves deeply into the complex relationship between Keith and his father. The father acknowledges past regrets, specifically his absence during a critical medical emergency when Keith was in Secondary Two, leading to feelings of neglect. He admits to being an introvert and struggling with open communication with his son. Keith initially harbored resentment towards his father due to his divorce and perceived abandonment. However, the launch and operation of Solace Studios have fostered a closer bond. The father actively supports the business, offering his expertise and confidence, exemplified by his enthusiastic involvement in the Star Vista project. He states, “I will go all out to support him,” even if it means accepting potential financial losses. He also expresses a desire to improve their relationship, viewing the business as a “blessing in disguise.” The father’s initial assessment of Keith’s entrepreneurial spirit – “How confident are you?” followed by “I'm super confident about this business” – proved pivotal in securing his support.

IV. Expansion & The Star Vista Project

Solace Studios’ growth trajectory includes collaborations with shopping malls. The initial tenant relationship with Star Vista led to a proposal for a Christmas-themed pop-up event. The father spearheaded the viewing of the Star Vista location, initially expressing reservations about its suitability. However, Keith ultimately trusted his father’s judgment. The resulting “Starlight Village” studio was designed with a subway station theme, featuring an “elevator photo booth” constructed from stainless steel and a “subway photo booth” mimicking a New York subway car, complete with train map graphics listing all Solace Studios locations as an “Easter egg.” The father’s involvement extended to the design phase, where Keith’s perfectionism was highlighted. For instance, Keith insisted on using more expensive rubber tiles (S$25 per piece) instead of cheaper alternatives (S$2 per piece) to maintain a high level of detail.

V. Design Process & Ideation

Keith’s design process begins with Google searches and image collection, utilizing an iPad to create mock-ups and visualize themes. He emphasizes the importance of creating a specific “look and feel.” The Christmas Village at Star Vista was inspired by experiences like visiting Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay and general Christmas imagery. The design philosophy focused on creating unique themes for each booth within the village, avoiding repetition and offering a diverse range of festive backdrops, including a cafe and a cozy fireplace.

VI. Customer Feedback & Event Success

Customer feedback highlights the positive impact of Solace Studios’ atmosphere and offerings. One customer reported spending five hours at the Cathay outlet, appreciating the “cosy and warm” vibe and the opportunity to create lasting memories. The Star Vista pop-up was deemed “one of the best events” by Solace Studios fans, praised for its props, ambience, and overall setup. The event’s success, particularly its pet-friendly facilities, was noted, with the father suggesting further promotion of pet-friendly options.

VII. Future Outlook & Personal Reflections

Keith expresses relief at the success of the Star Vista event and acknowledges the need for his father to develop his networking skills to further expand the business. He also suggests his father should pace himself to avoid burnout. While the initial motivation wasn’t to improve their relationship, Keith views the strengthened bond as a positive outcome. The father expresses happiness that Keith approached him for help and emphasizes his commitment to supporting his son’s venture. Noelle concludes by expressing her gratitude for the business bringing them together.

Technical Terms & Concepts:

• Translucent Prints: Photos printed on a material that allows light to pass through, creating a unique visual effect.
• Flipbook: A series of images printed on the pages of a small book, which when flipped rapidly, creates the illusion of animation.
• Easter Egg: A hidden feature or message within a design or program, intended to be discovered by users.
• Pop-Up Event: A temporary retail space or event, often used to create buzz and generate excitement.

Conclusion:

Solace Studios’ success is rooted in its innovative business model, unique themed experiences, and a commitment to quality. However, the video also reveals a compelling narrative of a father-son relationship revitalized through entrepreneurship. The dynamic between Keith’s perfectionism and his father’s pragmatic support, coupled with a willingness to adapt and collaborate, has been instrumental in the company’s growth and success. The story highlights the power of shared ventures to bridge personal divides and foster stronger family bonds.