Celebrity Sighting in Scarsdale...Every Day

Mark Jessamy is certainly a local celebrity. ...Don't know him?

Have you been to Starbucks in the Village and been greeted with a warm and friendly smile as early as 6:00 AM with a genuine, "How are you today? Really, I want to know?" Have you been to a sporting event at a Scarsdale elementary school and caught sight of the photographer that seems to know every single person by name?

Then you know Mark Jessamy. He's a true local celebrity here in the 'Dale. And if you don't know him, then he'll put a spark in your step and a bit of sunshine in your life simply by taking the time to say "good morning" and remembering your name (and probably your drink) the next time you come in to Starbucks. He's the name that comes up on Facebook when people on local sites seek photographer recommendations. And I was lucky enough to have the chance to sit down and chat with him about the ins-and-outs of Scarsdale and its people. We thought meeting at the Eastchester Starbucks would be a safer bet than meeting in Scarsdale where so many stop to say hello --but apparently he's just as popular in Eastchester.

How do you do it? Some complain that Scarsdale doesn't have a friendly vibe but you prove them wrong each morning.

I like to know people...really know them. I'm a firm believer that if I'm talking to you, I'm actively listening to you. I stay engaged. You have my attention and hopefully I have yours. That's important to me. I believe in neighborhoods and I love the Scarsdale neighborhood. I like the people I meet. Everybody has a story. It's like being in a library. There's always something interesting on the shelves in terms of people. And if you listen, if you take the time to listen, everyone tells their story and some people don't even realize they're doing it. Everybody wants to be heard...even little kids. And the kids tell you everything. I listen to everyone. I'm fortunate to have people trust in me and with my professional photography business, my brand is me, so I'm upholding that brand at all times. I approach life every day in a positive way. It works for me.

There can be 15 people in the line at Starbucks but you still give each person a moment of your time to show that you care to know how their morning or afternoon is going.

I understand that I might be the first person that you talk to in the morning. Your kids and spouse might not even be up yet. Your coffee is important to you. You have two minutes until your train is coming. I understand all of this and I try to show that I care, because I genuinely do.

You love working at Starbucks 20 hours a week but your other passion is photography and you have a professional photography business. Tell me more!

Well, I took art, music, and photography in high school as electives and when I realized I couldn't draw, I discovered that I could capture art through pictures. Film was my canvas. I pursued a college degree at FIT. It took me a few years until I believed that I could make a career of it, but I started with school pictures and sports and realized I was good at it. Now I do school photos at several of the elementary schools, sports photography for Scarsdale rec leagues, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, portraits...really anything and everything. I also teach photography 101. I love what I do. It's nice to be able to make a living doing what I love to do.

Working here, you consider Scarsdale part of your community. What do you love about Scarsdale?

I have friends in the community, I eat in the community, I work in the community. I'm really comfortable here. It's not just a place of work, it's a meeting place for me. I'm a cigar smoker. A couple guys and I go out and smoke cigars on a regular basis. And the kids around here are amazing. I love watching them grow up. I've embraced the village of Scarsdale and the village of Scarsdale has embraced me back. I feel very lucky.

What do you do for fun?

I love cooking, I enjoy a cigar every once in a while, and my photography is also my fun. I love jazz. I enjoy people; I consider people a hobby.

What's your drink?

I have 6 shots of espresso with a tall portion of milk. That's all the caffeine I have for the day. I love our teas. I like the earl gray and chai.

And with that, we concluded our interview and Mr. Mark gave me the biggest, tightest, most genuine hug goodbye. I highly recommend his hugs.