Jabrille Brown

When Jabrille Brown moved from Dallas, Texas to Danville in 2022, she brought with her a lifelong dream: to create a space where people could gather, laugh, and connect. That vision became reality with Sundae School Selfie Studio, an interactive space filled with colorful backdrops, whimsical props, and a spirit of joy.

Entrepreneurship has been part of Jabrille’s life for decades. Her first business, Mommy Hugs Daycare, was born out of a desire to keep her young daughter at home until she could fully express herself. While caring for her own children, Jabrille also provided care for other families, establishing a warm and welcoming home-based business.

With a degree in Human Services, Jabrille spent over a decade in education and social services, working as a special education aide and later as a program coordinator helping individuals reenter the workforce. Still, she knew she wanted to return to business ownership.

The idea for a selfie studio took root when her daughter began working at one in Dallas. Initially skeptical, Jabrille was surprised by how uplifting and fun the environment felt. “It was such a vibrant place, filled with creativity and laughter. I knew it was something special,” she says.

After moving to Danville to be closer to extended family, Jabrille explored various business ideas, including a family-style ice cream shop. While that concept evolved into the selfie studio, her love of ice cream became a central feature of the business. As a child, she fondly remembers making sundaes at home with her mother and brothers, complete with glass sundae dishes, whipped cream, and cherries on top. For Jabrille, those moments represented togetherness and joy.

That tradition now lives on at Sundae School Selfie Studio. Every guest is invited to enjoy a complimentary sundae as part of their admission. “It is not just about the ice cream,” Jabrille explains. “It is about creating an opportunity for people to slow down, sit together, and enjoy each other’s company. Just like I did with my family.”

Jabrille’s business journey in Danville began with the Dream Launch entrepreneurship program, followed by participation in the Rev Up Pitch Competition, where she won funding through a partnership with CIC. With the grant, she purchased a mobile tent, generator, and on-site photo printer to expand into festivals and events. She also invested in upgrading her website, making it easier for customers to book sessions.

The studio offers more than 20 themed backdrops, from an enchanted forest to ice cream-inspired scenes, along with costumes and props that invite imagination. Guests use mobile tripods and Bluetooth remotes to capture their own photos, making the experience as interactive as it is creative. The space hosts birthday parties, friend outings, and even visits from guests in their seventies who come simply to dress up and have fun.

While Jabrille still works part-time as a substitute teacher and job coach, Sundae School Selfie Studio remains her creative outlet and her way of giving back to the community. She describes it as “a play place where you just happen to take pictures,” designed for people of all ages to unplug from daily pressures and reconnect with one another.

“Everyone needs time to play,” she says. “We focus so much on work that we forget how important it is to laugh, be creative, and spend time with the people we love.”

From $10 Tuesday specials to festival pop-ups, Jabrille keeps her business accessible and welcoming. Looking ahead, she is developing a self-esteem and creativity curriculum to complement the studio’s mission, ensuring that Sundae School Selfie Studio remains a place where joy, connection, and confidence flourish.