Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Bousman.
Hi Lori, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I was working in a corporate job (actually loving what I was doing) but not loving the culture and my boss. I needed a creative outlet and literally heard a commercial on the radio about a photo booth business. I kept hearing it on my way to work, so I took it as my sign that was telling me to follow up. SO, I jumped all in with the photo booth business and thought I can do this and make it work. My work experience as a graphic designer, visual merchandiser, and marketing director helped prepare me for my future business. I invested heavily on creating custom backdrops and creating a universally branded look that showcased a Pinterest-worthy aesthetic. Foto Vibe was born in October of 2017!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
HA! Nothing is smooth in business. It was a slow build up from a weekend hustle to a full time 7 days a week grind. But when you do love what you’re doing (most) of the time, it doesn’t feel like work! Growing the business beyond a photo booth company happened with Covid. WE had to pivot. With all group events halted due to Covid, we showcased the balloons as an add-on or a drop off option for people wanting to still celebrate their families, friends and loved ones. We also created a unique niche of decorating Duffy’s and boats in the harbors from SD to Long Beach for unique gatherings and celebrations. This pivot has helped our business thrive, and Foto Vibe now specializes more in unique balloon styling and decor than the photo booth side of business.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Foto Vibe, Brings The Fun to your event, celebration or occasion. We create a unique experience by creating custom balloon decorations, backdrops, photo booth experiences, or party curation. We can execute an entire concept for sales meetings, stage design, corporate decor, holiday celebrations, backyard parties, and more- literally any occasion or theme. We can plan or execute just the decorations. If we’re hired to help plan it, we have a team that will be onsite the day of for setup and installation. Create and provide mockups for clients to get a visual idea of the look and placement. No detail is too small from custom bar menu signs, welcome signs, drink-stirrers or tiny to large bows. We can make your experience so unique the guests will be talking about your event for weeks afterwards. The details do matter, and we make sure that they are executed with a friendly, professional, and flawless execution.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Anyone just starting out… definitely do your research. There are many moving parts to running a business. If you’re going to do something, go all in. Get your licenses, business bank account and give yourself a timeline of 2-4 years to see the results. Invest in your staff and employees, build out SOP’s and recipes for staff and the possibility of selling your business one day. You can’t grow if you’re the only one who knows how to do everything. Definitely find a group or business mentorship that can help you. Entrepreneurship is a wild ride. BUT having your own business feels so empowering. You control the shots, and no one can take that away from you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fotovibeparty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fotovibeparty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FotoVibeParty/
Image Credits
@FotoVibeParty
