Cristian Beas shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Cristian, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Legos! I can spend hours putting legos and puzzles together loosing sense of time. I like to set goals and these activities can certainly keep me going for hours.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Cristian Beas, the owner of PicMe! Photobooths, where we bring events to life with unforgettable photo experiences. We specialize in high-quality, interactive photobooths (from sleek 360 video booths to classic open-air setups) designed to capture not just moments, but memories your guests will talk about long after the event. What makes us unique is our focus on personalization; every event gets custom templates that match the vibe perfectly. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or holiday party, we’re all about creating fun, shareable content that guests love and hosts are proud of. Right now, we’re working on adding even more cutting-edge features and equipment to make each celebration stand out.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents taught me the value of showing up, doing the work, and treating people with respect. In the photobooth world, that translates into being early, prepared, and making sure every guest feels special. Over the past nine years, I’ve combined that work ethic with my love for creating fun, stylish experiences.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes — back in college, I faced a big turning point. Several universities turned me down, and the only one that accepted me was in Los Angeles. Giving was on the table several times given the circumstances. All I wanted was to continue growing. I took the chance, even though it meant driving back and forth from San Diego to LA for school. Because of that commute, I couldn’t keep a regular job… and that’s when PicMe Photobooths was born. It started as a way to make my own schedule, but it quickly became my passion. Looking back, what felt like a setback was actually the start of everything I love doing today
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire Pepe Mujica for the way he chooses to live. He keeps life simple, focuses on relationships over material things, and believes happiness comes from appreciating the little moments. His philosophy is a reminder that true wealth isn’t in possessions, but in how you live and how you treat others. I try to carry a bit of that into my own life and business — making genuine connections and creating moments people will always remember.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, I’ve always tried to give my best, even when no one was watching. In the early days of PicMe Photobooths, I was juggling school, long drives between Los Angeles and San Diego, and learning the business from scratch. There were events where I set up the equipment, handled every technical detail, and made sure guests were having a great time — and yet, most people didn’t even know I was behind it all. It would have been easy to get discouraged, but I realized that the value of your work isn’t measured by recognition; it’s in the effort you put in, the care you take, and the experiences you create. That philosophy has stayed with me throughout my nine years in the business, shaping the way I approach every event and every guest.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.picmephotoboothsd.com
- Instagram: @picme.boothsd
- Facebook: PicMe! Photobooths
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/picme-photo-booth-and-snack-bar-san-diego
Image Credits
Hernán Osnaya
