We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yolanda Navarro a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Yolanda, appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I first started PiXieTouch Photo Booth in February 2019, but I didn’t just jump in. I always knew I wanted to have my own business of some sort. I put together a list of things I like and dislike, then pros and cons when I narrowed it down to entertainment. After doing much research and seeing photo booths at a few events I attended, I realized that’s what I wanted to invest in. Then it still took several more years before I actually started because I had a full time job. Well after getting laid off work three times in a row, is when I knew I had to have a backup plan to continue to bring in funds.

Since I wasn’t working I also decided to get my life insurance license while at the same time I’m telling people I have a photo booth business; without purchasing one yet. Then I got a call for an event. I immediately put a rush order for a new booth. I picked up the booth and went straight to work. I was very nervous since I didn’t know how ot run it and or how to use the software. I just prayed for the and everything turned out great! I’ve been busy ever since. Happy to say my photo booth business has done very well and I stay busy every weekend.

Since I now have a life license, I started selling insurance and went to work for a one person company for 5 years. My boss very flexible since he was a small business which allowed me to continue working the photo booth. When he sold the business, I instantly knew I would start my own insurance company. I knew if I could make my photo booth business successful, then I can do the same with insurance.

January 1, 2024 I started the process to start NavaCare Insurance, but then I became my worst critic and started talking myself out of the idea. I put it on hold, until one day I woke up and told myself I can do this. I finished my certifications and officially started NavaCare Insurance October 2024. Using the same technique of marketing, networking, referrals and social media, I’m hoping to grow and succeed in that well.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

The photo booth industry is saturated with competition. I had to study and learn how to use the booth, software and learn how to troubleshoot if something crashes and shuts down. For the first 6 months I couldn’t sleep since there was so much to learn. There are many different types of booths, but since I bought the larger better booth it was more complicated than if I would’ve started with a smaller booth. There were also many challenges, for example the booth didn’t fit in my care and I didn’t have the funds to purchase a large vehicle. I had to rely on my family and even a few friends to help me transport the equipment. Thankfully I had enough jobs to buy a cash van. I had to be my own motivation to continue and not give up. Then covid hit in 2020 and the business I had worked on building came to stand still. Finally the following came along and I had to start at step 1 again. I just continued to work and bought my second photo booth. I learned as I kept going since I didn’t have a mentor. I didn’t know anyone in the business. Thankfully now we are in 2025 and I have 9 photo booths, a lot of repeat clients, venues that I work with and a team I can rely on. The business is successful because I have great team which helps make things run smoothly. I have a right hand go to person that I have fully trained on all booths and is always available. Without a team it would be impossible for me to do it all. We strive to provide a great service, from personality, flexibility and photo quality.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

I am a risk taker, which probably isn’t the best way to start a business. I basically took $10,000 from my savings and bought the equipment I needed to get started cash. I decided to do it this way because I didn’t have a full time job and I figured this way I wouldn’t have to pay back a credit card or bank. My concern was if it didn’t work out, then how would I pay back a loan. Also I know myself and when I commit to something I follow through 100% so in the back of mind I knew I would eventually get the money back. That purchase allowed me to get started and do about 8-10 before I had to purchase any supplies.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy is having a good personality, having a good product and doing great work. In this business it also helped me to partner with venues and get referred. Usually when I receive a call from someone that was referred, its usually an instant booking.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pixietouchphotobooth.com
• Instagram: pxietouchpb
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/yolandanavarroster
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolanda-navarro-0a8842a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Twitter: pixietouchpb

Image Credits

N/A