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

Mai, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

Being a business owner has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I am incredibly proud of what I have built and feel truly happy, blessed, and grateful for how far I have come. However, there are moments when I miss the structure of a regular job—the built-in work family that shares your daily experiences and supports you in ways that are different from being a business owner.

When I first started this journey nearly eight years ago, there was so much excitement. The support from my friends and family was a huge motivator. But as the years have passed, things have naturally changed. The novelty has worn off for them, and while they are still supportive, it’s different. They have adjusted to the idea that this is what I do, and that initial excitement has faded.

Despite it all, I wouldn’t trade being a business owner for anything. This is where I am happiest and fully committed to seeing it through.

Mai, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello, everyone; I’m Mai Trabue, the founder and owner of Pikcher Booth. My journey in the photo booth industry started eight years ago, fueled by my passion for taking pictures of everything and everyone with my cellphone, that is (lol). What initially started as a small idea for weddings and a way to bring joy to people has now evolved into a successful business with endless possibilities to enhance social gatherings.

At Pikcher Booth, we provide a wide range of photography services for all types of events. Our aim is to bring people together, foster genuine connections, and enhance the overall experience.I would say that we are proud of our B&W Glam service. We were one of the first photo booth companies to begin this trend in our area. We have created a unique beauty filter designed in-house for the perfect monochromatic elegance.

We are a dedicated team that is always learning and growing to better understand our clients’ needs and bring their vision to life. Whether it’s adding the perfect touch to a wedding celebration or helping a brand achieve its goals through impactful campaigns, we are here to make it happen.

I want to assure you that if you are considering Pikcher Booth, we are committed to providing a seamless, high-quality experience and want you to be proud to choose us.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

2019-2020 was a transformative period for me. I juggled several major life changes: planning/getting married and relocating from Oklahoma to Texas. Just as I was getting settled into my new home and business environment, the pandemic hit. This unexpected challenge forced me to rethink and reinvent my business from the ground up.

Relocating to a new state already required a significant shift, but the pandemic made it necessary to adapt even further. My business, Pikcher Booth, faced the challenge of shutdowns and restrictions, which meant reimagining how we could continue to connect with clients without physical interaction. I dove into learning about virtual platforms and services that could bridge the gap between people who were physically apart.

Despite the steep learning curve and the pressure to quickly generate income, I discovered new virtual tools and platforms that allowed me to offer innovative services. While this pivot wasn’t without its challenges and wasn’t the most immediately profitable, it led to unexpected opportunities and growth that I could have never anticipated. The experience taught me the value of adaptability and opened doors to exciting possibilities that have enriched both my personal and professional life.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

There are two books that have really shaped how I think about management and entrepreneurship: *How to Win Friends and Influence People* by Dale Carnegie and *The Four Agreements* by Don Miguel Ruiz. Carnegie’s book has been a game-changer for me in terms of building better relationships and communicating more effectively. Ruiz’s book has given me a fresh perspective on personal growth and staying true to my values.

These books have made a huge difference in my life and work, and I keep going back to them for a refresher because they’re just that impactful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pikcherbooth.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/pikcherbooth.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pikcherbooth
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maithitrabue/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pikcher-booth-dallas-2
• Other: tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@pikcherbooth?lang=en

Image Credits

One photo of me is by Grace Ebbinghouse photography
All the photo sampe credit @ Pikcher booth