Local Realtor Jacqueline Little has launched the Hawaii franchise for Shrunk3D, a mobile booth that produces 3D figurines to commemorate moments and events.
Shrunk3D utilizes imaging software and 3D printing technology to create custom mini replicas of its subjects — which can include individuals, families, wedding parties, teams, pets and more. The company launched in 2019 in South Carolina, and according to its website, the Hawaii franchise is now among nine locations throughout the country.
Little, who also is the broker in charge at real estate and property management company Royal Realty, told PBN that she first learned about Shrunk3D by chance, when she stumbled across a blog that posted about the business.
“When I read it, I was like, ‘oh my God, I need to get involved.’ It was just so different than anything I had seen before,” Little recalled.
“All I knew is that when I saw it, I got fuzzy feelings. I thought it could be great for families, and I felt that we needed it in Hawaii,” she added.
Here’s how it works: Customers step inside the Shrunk3D booth, where their photo is taken. Shrunk3D then converts the photo into a high-resolution 3D image and sends it to a 3D printer. The miniature replica is then shipped to the customer within a month.
Little was drawn not only to the business’ innovative concept, but she said she also loved the emotional aspect of capturing people’s happy moments.
“When you buy real estate, it can be very stressful — there is a lot of information to process and a lot of different parties that need to be involved— and we’re there to support all of it. With Shrunk3D, you have a memory — you have a wedding, or a graduation, or any moment — and we’re here to capture it,” she said.
Little purchased the Hawaii franchise last February. She later also acquired the franchise for Las Vegas alongside two business partners, mother-and-son duo Sonya and Charles Milana. They debuted about five months ago in Vegas, where they now operate two trailers. Little then launched locally about three months ago.
She declined to share the cost of the purchases, but according to Shrunk3D’s website, the current investment level for starting a franchise location ranges between $169,100 - $246,350.
Little said that another thing that appealed to her about launching the business was the fact that she could provide job opportunities. Locally, she has about 10 people that she hires on an as-needed basis to work various events, and she is looking to increase staff as demand grows.
For the Hawaii market, Little said that most of her outreach strategy has been networking and word-of-mouth.
Since launching locally, the trailer has appeared at events including outdoor markets and weddings, and interest seems to be growing: Little said she’s in talks with a couple of prospective clients — a luau and a shopping center — for permanent locations.
“We are here to capture moments — whatever you’re wearing, whatever you’re feeling, whatever that environment is, we’re here for that,” she said.
