Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jhonny Aguilar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jhonny, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Life is all about taking risks. I believe that risk is the key to moving forward, opening doors to success that we might not even imagine. Many people in the world prefer stability, a steady job, living paycheck to paycheck, and that’s completely fine. But I also believe that most of these people have dreams and goals they’re too afraid to pursue.

Fear can be paralyzing: the fear of losing a job, money, or security. So, they choose to stay where they are. But I’ve always asked myself, What if I take the risk and succeed? If you do, your life can change 100%. And if you don’t, you gain something just as valuable: experience. You learn, you grow, and you try again.

For me, the most important thing to understand is that life is short, and it’s worth taking those risks for what you believe in. If you have something you’re passionate about, you have to go for it. Forget about what people think, those who call you weird or different. It doesn’t matter. It’s your life, your moment, your dream, and your goal.

At the beginning, no one may believe in you, and you might face challenges alone. But once you succeed, everyone will want to know how you did it. That’s the journey of life. And I believe that our energy, power, and mindset are thanks to God. He is everything in our lives and in our journey.

So, take risks. Enjoy life. Love others. And above all, follow your heart. That’s the mindset that has guided me, and it’s something I strive to live by every day.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey in business began at a very young age, inspired by my parents. Growing up, I was exposed to different aspects of business that showed me how it could transform lives and how much there is to learn. This early exposure sparked my curiosity and drive to explore opportunities in the business world.

At 18, I started my first small business, selling industrial shoes. This experience taught me the basics of entrepreneurship, from making deals with international suppliers to understanding markets, pricing strategies, and sourcing products. As my curiosity grew, I began exploring new opportunities and expanded my business by working with the Chinese market.

One of my key ideas during this time was to create a business offering a variety of products. To achieve this, I began importing technology from China, including devices and gadgets, to expand my business. This decision not only allowed me to diversify my product offerings but also gave me valuable insights into market demand, product sourcing, and international trade.

I became part of the Cámara de Comercio Shanghai China-Ecuador, representing my home country, Ecuador. Through this, I furthered my understanding of importing and exporting processes while continuing to grow my business. During this time, I also gained experience in essential areas such as marketing, sales, shipping, receiving, customer service, and inventory management. These were my first steps into the world of business and a solid foundation for what was to come.

My second chapter began in the United States. Driven by a hunger to build something of my own, I started Photex, a photo booth business serving Texas and other parts of the U.S. At Photex, we pride ourselves on delivering excellence, quality, and a unique experience to our clients. In 2024 alone, we successfully completed over 100 events, ranging from corporate gatherings to birthdays, quinceañeras, baby showers, graduations, and weddings.

Our clients’ glowing reviews on social media are a testament to the dedication and hard work we pour into every event. We aim not just to meet expectations but to exceed them, creating unforgettable memories for our clients and their guests.

One lesson I’ve learned is that focus is the key to success. When you start a business, it’s essential to concentrate on your own growth and not get distracted by competition. Don’t waste time being jealous or upset about someone else’s success. Instead, focus on improving your business, your team, and your customer service. Take courses, read books, watch videos, and continuously expand your knowledge.

At the end of the day, your growth depends on your commitment to excellence and the effort you put into developing yourself and your business. I believe this mindset has been crucial to my journey and will continue to guide me in the future.

Have you ever had to pivot?

A pivotal moment in my life was transitioning from my studies in environmental engineering to a completely different career path. Environmental engineering is my degree, and when I started studying it, I never planned to take such a different direction in life. But I believe that life often unfolds in ways we don’t expect, guided by God’s plans.

That shift wasn’t something I initially envisioned, but I see it as part of a larger purpose. I don’t view the time I spent in university as wasted, quite the opposite. My studies taught me valuable skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and discipline, which have been instrumental in helping me navigate the challenges of running a business today.

If someone were to ask me whether education is important, my answer would be an absolute yes. The knowledge and experiences I gained during my studies gave me the tools and confidence to find opportunities and shape them into something meaningful.

This pivot in my life is a testament to how our paths can change, often in unexpected ways, and how those changes can lead to growth and success in areas we never imagined. It’s a reminder to embrace the journey, trust the process, and be open to new possibilities.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

In our business, we utilize multiple platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, and our website, to connect with clients and showcase our services. I believe that all these platforms need to work together seamlessly, each serving a specific purpose.

The world is constantly evolving, and businesses must adapt by maintaining a strong presence on social media. It’s essential to manage these platforms effectively and provide valuable information to clients. For example, we’ve had instances where a client discovers us on TikTok through a video, moves to Instagram to explore more content, transitions to Facebook for additional details, and finally reaches out to us on WhatsApp to start a conversation and close the deal. This journey demonstrates how interconnected these platforms are and why it’s critical to align them.

Pros: The biggest advantage of social media is its ability to reach a wide audience and share engaging content that builds awareness and trust. It allows businesses to showcase their products and services while fostering direct communication with potential clients.

Cons: On the other hand, while social media is incredibly useful, it can also be distracting and addictive. There’s a vast amount of content out there that lacks value, which can divert attention from meaningful objectives. That’s why it’s important to have a clear plan, stay focused, and prioritize activities that align with your business goals.

In conclusion, leveraging social media platforms effectively can be a game-changer for any business. But to make the most of it, we must use these tools intentionally, with a strategy that maximizes their potential while staying aligned with our objectives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://photexec.com
• Instagram: photexinc_
• Facebook: photex360
• Other: TikTok: _photexinc_

Image Credits

PhotexINC