We recently connected with Lexi Tamburrelli and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lexi, thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

When I first had the idea to launch my business, it was a culmination of years of passion, experiences, and influences that finally clicked into place. The idea wasn’t something that came out of the blue—it was more like a realization that all the things I loved and had been involved in could come together into something meaningful.

The Spark of an Idea:
The idea really took shape during my junior year at Arizona State University. I had always been passionate about event planning, and my love for creating memorable experiences had only grown stronger over the years. It was during one of those late-night brainstorming sessions that it hit me: I could combine my love for events with something fresh and innovative. That’s when the idea for a portable photo booth company started to take form. I envisioned it as something versatile, something that could seamlessly fit into various events while adding a layer of fun and excitement.

Moving Beyond the Idea Phase:
The next day, I woke up with a sense of determination. I knew I had to act quickly while the inspiration was still fresh. The first thing I did was research. I spent hours looking into the photo booth industry—what was out there, what was trending, what people loved, and where there was room for something different. I looked at competitors, read articles, and even attended a few events just to see how photo booths were being used and how I could innovate.

Planning and Preparation:
Once I had a solid understanding of the market, I moved on to the practicalities. I had to figure out how to finance the business, so I began budgeting and looking into the costs of equipment, software, and other essentials. I also reached out to a few mentors—people I trusted who had experience in business—and asked for their advice. They helped me refine my business plan, which was crucial for staying focused on my goals.

Next, I started looking into the legal aspects. I registered my business name, Prep the Party Co., and made sure I had all the necessary permits and licenses. This step was a bit daunting because I had to navigate through a lot of paperwork and legal jargon, but I knew it was essential to get everything in order from the start.

Execution and Launch:
With the legal side sorted, I turned my attention to branding. I wanted Prep the Party Co. to stand out, so I spent time developing a brand identity that reflected the joy and excitement I wanted to bring to every event. I worked on my website, designed marketing materials, and started building a social media presence.

Then came the big investment—I purchased my first portable photo booth. It was a significant moment because it made everything feel real. I spent weeks testing it, learning the software inside and out, and figuring out the logistics of transporting and setting it up at events.

The First Event:
Finally, after months of preparation, I booked my first event. It was nerve-wracking but also incredibly exciting. I meticulously planned every detail to make sure everything would go smoothly. When the day came, seeing people interact with the photo booth, laughing, and creating memories confirmed that all the hard work had paid off.

Growth and Reflection:
The months following the launch were all about learning and adapting. I listened to feedback, refined my services, and started building relationships with clients. Each event taught me something new, and with each experience, I grew more confident in what I was doing.

Looking back, the journey from idea to execution was a mix of excitement, challenges, and a lot of learning. It was about taking one step at a time, from research and planning to legalities and branding, and finally, to launching and growing. It wasn’t always easy, but every step was crucial in turning my idea into a thriving business.

Lexi, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey into the world of event planning and entrepreneurship began at a young age, deeply influenced by my parents’ hard work and dedication. My father’s climb up the corporate ladder taught me the value of perseverance and excellence, while my mother’s fearless approach to starting her own business while raising three young children showed me the power of determination and passion. These experiences shaped my mindset and ignited a love for creating memorable experiences.

How I Got into My Industry:
My passion for events started early on, but it really flourished during my high school and college years. In high school, I was part of the Hamilton Varsity Pom line, where I discovered a love for putting on performances and creating themed events. This passion only grew stronger in college, where I found myself drawn to party planning, whether it was organizing sorority events or hosting “girls’ night” gatherings.

The turning point came when I had the opportunity to serve as a wedding coordinator for a family friend. That experience solidified my love for event planning and made me realize that I wanted to turn this passion into a business. I wanted to create something that not only brought joy to others but also made their special moments unforgettable.

What I Offer:
That’s how Prep the Party Co. was born. I launched my business with a focus on providing a unique service—a portable photo booth that could seamlessly fit into any event, from weddings and corporate events to birthday parties and more. My goal is to add a layer of fun, excitement, and creativity to each event, helping clients capture and preserve the memories they create with their loved ones.

What sets Prep the Party Co. apart is our commitment to innovation and personalization. We don’t just offer a standard photo booth experience; we tailor our services to match the theme and vibe of each event. Whether it’s customizing the photo booth backdrop, designing personalized photo templates, or providing themed props, we go the extra mile to ensure that each event is unique and reflective of our clients’ vision.

Solving Problems and Making Memories:
One of the main problems we solve for our clients is the challenge of creating engaging, interactive experiences at their events. In today’s world, where people are looking for something more than just a traditional gathering, our photo booths provide a fun, memorable way for guests to interact and create lasting memories. We take care of all the details, from setup to operation, so our clients can focus on enjoying their event.

What I’m Most Proud Of:
I’m most proud of the impact our services have on our clients. Seeing the smiles, hearing the laughter, and knowing that we’ve played a part in making someone’s special day even more memorable is incredibly rewarding. Every event we’ve been a part of has been an opportunity to bring joy and capture memories that will be cherished for years to come.

What I Want You to Know About Prep the Party Co.:
At Prep the Party Co., we’re more than just a photo booth company—we’re memory makers. We’re passionate about what we do, and that passion shows in the quality of our work and the satisfaction of our clients. We’re committed to providing an exceptional experience from start to finish, ensuring that every event we’re a part of is as unique and special as the people we serve.

Whether you’re planning a wedding, a corporate event, or a small gathering with friends, Prep the Party Co. is here to add that extra touch of fun and excitement. We believe that life’s moments deserve to be celebrated in style, and we’re here to help you do just that.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building an audience on social media was a critical part of launching Prep the Party Co., and it was something I approached with both creativity and strategy. Given my background as a marketing intern, I had some experience with content creation and social media algorithms, which gave me a bit of a head start. However, building a following for my own business required a lot of trial, error, and persistence.

The Story of Building My Audience:
When I first started, I knew that I needed to create a distinct identity for Prep the Party Co. on social media—something that would make people stop scrolling and pay attention. I began by thoroughly researching my competitors and analyzing what worked well for them. I took note of popular trends, successful content formats, and the types of posts that generated the most engagement.

Armed with this knowledge, I decided to focus on Instagram as my primary platform. I chose Instagram because of its visual nature, which was perfect for showcasing the energy and excitement of events. I curated a specific theme for my profile, ensuring that every post adhered to a cohesive aesthetic that reflected my brand’s personality.

Content Creation and Strategy:
One of the key strategies I used was prioritizing video content. I realized early on that videos were more engaging and allowed me to tell a more dynamic story about the events I was part of. I started creating behind-the-scenes clips, event highlights, and even time-lapse videos of the setup process. This type of content not only grabbed attention but also gave potential clients a glimpse into the quality and creativity of my work.

Another important aspect was consistency. I made it a point to post regularly and interact with my audience. I engaged with comments, responded to direct messages, and even reached out to followers who showed interest in my services. Building a community around my brand was just as important as the content itself.

Leveraging Collaborations and Hashtags:
Collaborations played a huge role in expanding my audience. By networking with other vendors and participating in mock photoshoots, I was able to cross-promote with other businesses in the event industry. This helped me tap into their audiences and gain followers who were already interested in events and celebrations.

I also made strategic use of hashtags. I researched and used hashtags that were relevant to my industry, location, and target audience. This helped increase the visibility of my posts and allowed people who were searching for event-related content to discover my page.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Sure! Here’s the story with the focus on extending offerings to include flower wall backdrops:

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One of the most significant pivots I had to make in my business journey occurred shortly after launching Prep the Party Co. Initially, I was laser-focused on the idea that my portable photo booth service would be the core offering that would drive my business. I was confident that this unique and fun element would be the key to setting my brand apart in the event industry. However, I quickly realized that while the photo booth was popular, clients were often looking for more options to enhance their event experiences.

In the first few months, I noticed that although clients loved the photo booth, they frequently asked if I could provide other decorative elements—particularly eye-catching backdrops to complement the booth. Flower wall backdrops were trending at the time, and many clients mentioned how much they admired them when discussing their event vision. It became clear that while the photo booth was a great attraction, offering additional décor options like flower walls could add significant value to my services and attract more clients.

Recognizing this opportunity, I decided to expand Prep the Party Co.’s offerings to include flower wall backdrops. This was a big shift from my original plan, and it required me to learn a new set of skills and make additional investments. I started by researching different types of flower walls, materials, and design techniques. I also reached out to vendors and suppliers to source high-quality materials that would make my flower walls stand out.

Once I had the basics down, I began designing and creating a few signature flower wall backdrops. I wanted them to be versatile enough to fit various event themes while maintaining a distinct style that aligned with the Prep the Party Co. brand. After crafting a few prototypes, I showcased them on my social media platforms and incorporated them into some of the mock photoshoots I was already participating in.

Adding flower wall backdrops to my offerings turned out to be a game-changer for my business. Clients loved the new option, and it quickly became one of the most requested features. The flower walls provided a stunning visual element that enhanced the overall aesthetic of events, making them even more memorable. It also allowed me to package the photo booth and flower walls together, creating a more comprehensive and appealing service offering.

This pivot not only attracted new clients but also helped me to differentiate Prep the Party Co. in a competitive market. By listening to what my clients were asking for and being willing to adapt, I was able to grow my business in a way that felt natural and aligned with my original vision of creating unforgettable experiences.

The biggest lesson I learned from this pivot is the importance of staying flexible and open to new ideas. Sometimes, the market will guide you toward opportunities you hadn’t initially considered, and being able to pivot can open up new avenues for growth. Offering flower wall backdrops started as a response to client demand but quickly became a core part of what made Prep the Party Co. unique.

This experience also reinforced the value of listening to your clients. Their feedback and requests can provide invaluable insights into what your business needs to thrive. By expanding my services to include flower wall backdrops, I was able to meet a growing demand and create more meaningful, aesthetically pleasing events for my clients.

In business, as in life, being adaptable and responsive to change can turn a good idea into a great one.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://prepthepartyco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prepthepartyco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093277193933&ref=xav_ig_profile_web
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexi-tamburrelli-a68385251/