Kent State alum opens selfie lounge near campus
April 20, 2022
When you walk into Cultura Selfie Lounge, the first thing you notice is color–the packed studio is filled with 15 curated photo backdrop setups and plenty of funky props to use.
The lounge, which opened in March, is owned by Kent State alumni Alaysi Avila. Cultura provides an immersive photographic experience– an art gallery designed to help customers achieve the “perfect” Instagram photo.
As a former fashion merchandising student, Avila said Cultura is exactly the place she needed as a student.
“I just want more activities that are accessible and that are affordable in the area,” Avila said. “I mean, everything that’s fun is usually outside of Kent.”
Avila wants an expansion of entertainment that goes beyond the bar scene.
“I definitely envision this being definitely a creative hub,” Avila said. “I really want this place to be the place that I wish I had when I was on campus.”
Cultura also has an event space where Avila plans to host pop-up shops, workshops and networking events, including potential collaborations with Kent State’s Fashion Student Organization. Avila also wants to rotate her booths every semester and invite Kent State students to be a part of the booth creation.
“I want this to be a place where people can come collaborate with other people…meet other creatives, work on projects together,” Avila said.
Cultura is located at 1464 S Water St Courtyard Unit #5A, Kent, OH. It is open by appointment Wednesday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Cultura charges $15 for a one-hour selfie museum experience.
Emma MacNiven is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
