There's a Boss Babe in Oklahoma City that I've had the pleasure of getting to know from the very early stages of her starting her business. She's my favorite Boss Babe in all of Oklahoma, not only because I know her personally, but because I can't help but love her! Her name is Mai, and she's one of the sweetest people you will ever have the chance to meet. Her bubbly personality and bright smile fit perfectly with the type of business that she chose to pursue - an open air photo booth company. Read on to learn more about her story!
Upon sharing our stories with each other, I quickly discovered that we both had a very similar job experience that impacted us in very big ways, which was a major influence for us wanting to pursue a more rewarding and fulfilling career path. It was a relief to know that I had someone to relate to and that I wasn't the only one that was trying to figure things out after what seemed like a life-changing experience. Interestingly, our negative job experiences both drove us to be self-employed, and here we were coming together and really supporting each other in that process.
It's amazing how having someone to relate to can easily put things into perspective because many times, we feel alone. Showing you that you aren't alone is one of the main reasons why I started doing these features. I want you to know that you have so many people and stories to fall back on and to be encouraged by.
I'm so proud of her and what's she accomplished so far, and I can't wait for you to get to know her. Without further ado, let's do just that!
WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST TURNING POINT IN YOUR LIFE THAT MADE YOU WANT TO PURSUE YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
After quitting my job that made me very unhappy, I started to seek new opportunities. My turning point was realizing I didn't want to continue my profession. My experience in the corporate world made me realize it wasn't for me. I decided to follow my passion and create a new path that lead me to pursuing my own business.
HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU MADE THAT DECISION?
I was definitely scared. Scared about the change, scared about the future, and scared about not making it. I still fear about it all, but I’m also very proud of myself for taking that first step, the hardest step.
WHAT INSPIRED AND MOTIVATED YOU TO FOLLOW THROUGH WITH YOUR DECISION?
100% my fiancé Jordan Trabue, he believes in me more than I believe in myself. It’s his love and support that keeps me going <3.
WHAT WERE THE FIRST STEPS YOU TOOK TO GET THE BALL ROLLING?
After deciding that I wanted to start my own business, I had to ask myself THE QUESTIONS: What do I enjoy doing? How can I incorporate that into a business? Is there a demand for this kind of business? Once I said yes confidently, I began to educate myself about the industry.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND WHY YOU CHOSE TO PURSUE THAT PARTICULAR BUSINESS.
pikCHER booth is an open air photo booth that can service to just about any kind of event you can think of. It is group friendly and made to be enjoyed by all ages. My clients and their guest have the time of their lives creating moments in the photo booth. It's a great feeling to be able to capture these moments and an even better feeling when the photos are proudly shared with their family and friends.
WHAT TYPES OF CHALLENGES HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED SO FAR AND HOW ARE YOU OVERCOMING THEM?
Honestly, it’s been a challenge from the very first day I decided to start my own business. My list can fill a couple of pages if I listed everything in detail. At this moment though, my biggest challenge is getting more bookings for this year. The bookings will exhibit how well I’ve done and set the tone on where my business stand for the upcoming year. I intend to reach out to local business in hopes of doing some promotional work and will also continue to push in my social media marketing efforts.
WHAT PRINCIPLES AND VALUES HAVE YOU BASED YOUR BUSINESS UPON AND HOW DO YOU HOPE TO CARRY THAT THROUGH TO YOUR CUSTOMERS?
One principle I can apply from my past business experience is how you serve your clients. Your clients will make or break your business. Serve your clients with respect, love, and passion, and success will follow.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT HAVING YOUR OWN BUSINESS AND BEING YOUR OWN BOSS?
I love the fact that I can utilize my creativity and talent on a daily basis. My personality is also able to shine through my business, from verbiage to presentation, I am presenting my authentic self. To be my own boss means I don’t have to worry about anyone telling me what to do and I get to set my own schedule. It is freakin' AWESOME but….that also means it’s up to me to get things done.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH AND WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOURSELF AND YOUR BUSINESS IN 5 YEARS?
To be featured in an Oklahoma magazine as a well respected and reputable business would be the ultimate accomplishment. In 5 years, I will expand and provide opportunities to those who desire to work in a non corporate environment. Entrust a team to help run the business so that I am able to focus more time on traveling the world with my love ones.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS CONSIDERING STARTING THEIR OWN BUSINESS?
Believe in yourself that you can do it, and don’t use excuses to keep you from moving forward.
I AM ...
authentic.
I BELIEVE ...
you can direct your destiny.
I LOVE …
life.
MY GREATEST FEAR IS …
not having enough time to do all the things I want to do with the people I love most.
MY GREATEST LESSON IN LIFE SO FAR IS …
truly loving myself and knowing my self worth.
I AM PROUD OF ...
the woman I’ve become and all that I’ve accomplished so far.
MY GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IS ...
graduating college. Poverty and war limited my parents from getting any kind of education, they lived vicariously through me, so when I became the 1st generation to graduate, it was a huge success for my parents and my family.
A QUOTE I LIVE BY IS ...
"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will” - Vincent T Lombardi
MY IDEA OF A PERFECT DAY IS ...
Waking up cuddled up next to my soon to be husband, followed by HIM cooking me a healthy delectable breakfast ;)
MY DREAM IS ...
to be financially stable enough to take care or my parents so that they can retire and enjoy life.
I WILL ...
keep pushing forward no matter what.
One thing that was most inspiring to me about Mai's story was that she left a job that made her unhappy and took a huge leap of faith to pursue a more rewarding path. She didn't have a back-up-plan, but she did have the drive and determination to see it through. Not everyone may want to do what she did or have the means to go to that extreme, but Mai's story proves that it is possible. If you are unhappy with where you're at in your professional career, you can change that. It's never too late! You will always have time to rewrite your story and to create a life that you are truly happy with.
If you're looking for an open air photo booth to service your event in Oklahoma City or the surrounding metro areas, Mai is your girl! pikCHER Booth was recently featured in Brides of Oklahoma in their Fab Finds for the Oklahoma Bride and is listed as a preferred vendor. Yes, she is your go-to woman and is the sweetest person to work with! She offers superior lighting with high resolution digital downloads, custom props and backdrops, and an online gallery. To see all of her available packages and samples of her work, click here. With wedding season just around the corner, this is the perfect time to book an event with her and start working out the details. Make sure to give her a follow at her social links listed above in case you ever need to book her for your future event!
I hope Mai's story adds a little fire to your day and that it inspires you to never settle for less than what you deserve! You deserve only the best, and if you aren't satisfied with your current position in life, you can change that! Take it from Mai to crush fear and face those goals of yours with the will to see them through no matter what. Have an amazing rest of your week, and as always, stay beautiful!
What inspired you the most about Mai's story? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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