Immersive 'selfie' bar set to open in Robinson

Selfie lovers will soon have a new place to snap creative content in Pittsburgh.

Catwalk Selfie Bar is a new custom selfie experience set to host a grand opening celebration on Nov. 11 in Robinson.

The selfie concept invites paying guests to elevate their selfie content by purchasing hour-long selfie sessions that provide access to a custom model runway and 20 permanent and rotating installation backgrounds.

Owner, creator and CEO Rachel Palm of Sewickley works a full-time corporate job in the technology industry but was determined to open up a brick-and-mortal permanent selfie-themed business.

The studio is located at 195 Montour Run Road and features 20 custom selfie scenes for filming videos and snapping selfies.

Selfie seekers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and operates with a ticketed only admission policy.

Installations are updated often and recent scenes included an upright coffin funeral backdrop, Barbie box decked out in pink, guitar-themed rock star shimmer scene, Lady Whistledown and a nightclub setting.

Palm drew inspiration for the business after taking her all-time favorite selfie snap on a whimsical lip-shaped couch while on holiday in London.

The venture is a collaborative effort with her photographer husband Ryan Palm, who serves as manager at Catwalk.

"I love theme parties and decorating and after covid people want to do fun and immersive activities together," said Palm, 47.

Palm is giving back too.

Every month, Catwalk will donate a portion of its earnings to various charities and November's cause-of-the-month benefits metastatic breast cancer charity MBC Travelers, a nonprofit who helps terminal breast cancer patients to travel to dream vacations spots.

"It's personal to me because I have stage 4 metastatic breast cancer and I care a lot about calling attention to this cause," Palm said.

Palm is unaware of any other permanent selfie bar in the Pittsburgh region.

The grand opening kicks off at 12:30 and will run until 8 p.m.

Permanent installations include a Vogue photobooth where guests pose behind glass and the photo simulates being a model on the cover of the popular magazine.

Another installation features a luxury private jet scene, complete with champagne glasses.

The fashion runaway that inspired the name of the business is six feet long and has a wall and logo behind as guests strut their selfie stuff.

"The others will change all of the time and now we're gearing up for Christmas," Palm said.

Palm grew up in Chippewa and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in psychology.

She anticipates females will comprise the bulk of her business, but all are welcome.

"I think our target market is women from 15-50 and I'm most excited to see people's reactions. This is new to Pittsburgh," Palm said.

Palm encouraged guests to bring outfit changes and props.

Ring lights with phone holders to provide optimal lighting are provided at each selfie station.

A remote that pairs with each visitor's phone allows for hands-free selfies and makes for easier selfie photography.

Palm signed a three-year lease at the new location and thinks the concept will attract folks looking to elevate their content creation. She set a goal to operate the business full-time and leave her corporate job next year.

She also wants to obtain a PA liquor license.

Ticket prices are purchased in hourly increments and start at $25 for one person and $140 accommodates a group of eight people. Guests are permitted to bring their favorite alcoholic beverage and the maximum number of guests admitted during any one-hour session is 30.

Palm is currently hiring Selfie Bar Attendants to greet guests and help with taking photos as needed and suggest poses, angles and ensure a fun experience.

Customers book sessions online on their website, catwalkselfiebar.com

Tickets are non-refundable.