In just four years, Photodom, one of New York City’s few Black-owned camera stores, has grown from a GoFundMe campaign into a $1.15 million-a-year business, according to CNBC.
Founded by photographer Dominick Lewis in Brooklyn, the shop’s rise reflects the resilience and innovation at the heart of Black Business Month, a national celebration of the more than 3 million Black-owned businesses that drive U.S. economic growth.
Starting from humble beginnings, Lewis launched Photodom.shop as an e‑commerce brand in 2017, selling gear and custom photography merchandise. By 2020, amid social unrest and a nationwide call for racial equity in business, he leveraged this momentum to open a physical storefront in Brooklyn via a GoFundMe campaign, raising nearly $40,000 —doubling his initial goal of $25,000.
Since opening in September 2020 as one of the few Black‑owned camera stores in New York City, Photodom has seen remarkable growth. In 2021, revenue reached approximately $727,000; by 2023, it soared past $1.09 million, climbing even further to roughly $1.15 million in 2024. The staff has expanded from five to ten, and Lewis now earns a salary of nearly $97,000, reports Black Enterprise.
“The neighborhood loves us being here. People can feel comfortable going to and asking any type of questions that they want about cameras and photography,” Lewis shared with CNBC. He also emphasized the significance of being “one of the only Black‑owned camera stores,” noting that it carries a responsibility to foster a sense of belonging.
As Patrons celebrate Black Business Month, Photodom serves as a vivid example of how Black-owned businesses can flourish when buoyed by community support, creative vision, and a commitment to service. Beyond commerce, Photodom now offers photography classes and workshops, and Lewis aims to expand further, with plans for additional locations in Harlem or the South Bronx.
