Today we’d like to introduce you to Clem Webb.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
By training, I am a photographer/businessman, with degrees in Marketing and Photography. As I aged, my hair and beard became whiter and whiter. For a miserably brief few years, I was Santa at the local mall and grew to really dislike it. When diagnosed with diabetes, I was forced to stop because of the inherent stress involved with the process.
When digital printers became affordable, I partnered with a colleague to form Santa by Appointment. We set out to create a situation that corrected what we perceive as flaws in the prevailing approach to photos with Santa Claus: We work by appointment, which alleviated the interminable waiting; we have a professional photographer, which yields improved lighting and imagery; we schedule enough time for each appointment, which allows our clients to not be rushed; and we encourage our clients to participate in the choice of their favorite images – including re-photographing if satisfaction didn’t happen with the first set.
We are now in our 14th year, serving 400-500 families plus multiple businesses and Daycares each season.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our first year, we barely broke even, and then only because one of our clients went viral on Facebook telling of their experience with us. Since that time, we’ve had modest but steady increases each year. We were the only Santa photo operation in our area doing photos with masks-optional during the COVID pandemic, exercising stringent protocols to maintain good health. NO ONE got sick that season, either among staff or clients, and it solidified our place in the market.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As an old coot, I have the luxury of having had several seasons during my career. With a fine arts degree in photography, I was able to teach (adjunct) at Lamar University for more than 8 years, while operating a small studio doing commercial, portrait and event photography. Having done over 1400 weddings, countless portraits and events, my work always revolved around being with people in mostly happy times. I made it my business to be efficient with other people’s time by being prepared and swift in carrying out my photos, especially after a wedding and before the reception, becoming known as the Pastor’s photographer. (Most of the preachers and pastors in my area used my services for their son’s and daughter’s weddings.)
Another big season was the work I did in ministry. I have travelled internationally documenting my friend’s missions work in order to help him raise necessary funds to do his leadership training around the world. Clem Webb Ministries (www.clemwebbministries.com) is my non-profit. The website outlines some of that work, as well as my missions approach to being Santa Claus. As part of that work, I became involved with Lone Star Santas Charities® (www.lonestarsantas.org) doing Convoy of Toys® events after disasters in Texas, once FEMA and the Red Cross have completed their work. For several years I was Co-director for Convoy of Toys® and a member of the Executive Board of Directors – a really full and rewarding time.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
My city of Beaumont is big enough to have amenities I like, but small enough that traffic isn’t a big issue.
The political scene of local government is less to my liking or approval.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.clemwebbministries.com
- Instagram: santaappointment
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/brunchwithsanta/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clem-webb-927431b/
- Other: https://facebook.com/clem.t.webb/
Image Credits
Clem T. Webb
