Small Business Saturday: Photobooth Masters of Houston | Katy Moms
Local Business Feature: Photobooth Masters of Houston + Owners Wayne & Whitney Branigan

 

We are thrilled to feature this amazing, husband/wife duo who we had the pleasure of working with at our last Mom’s Night out event in November. Wayne & Whitney truly helped to make that night what it was and gave all our mamas something to remember the night by. Who doesn’t love a good photobooth, to us they take an event or celebration to the next level. These guys were such a joy to work with and we’ve let them know they’re stuck with us – for every event we ever do!

Wayne & Whitney said after spending two decades working for others, they wanted to work for themselves, build something for them. They’re parents to two beautiful boys, they realized a job isn’t something they could leave for them.

A business is something they can. In 2018, Wayne took the leap away from the corporate world and Photobooth Masters of Houston was born.

We’ve been honored to work with these guys and so excited to give them the spotlight today. Read the full interview feature below!

 

 

 

Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the Katy area?

 

We are originally from Memphis, TN. We have lived in the area for 3 years collectively (2015-2017 & 2019-present)

 

Are you two are parents! How old are your kiddos?

 

We have two wonderful boys, ages10 and 2.

 

What did you do before becoming a business owner?

 

For the last 20 years, Wayne has had many roles with a large telecommunications company and most recently a Sales Manager. Whitney was a stay-at-home mom.

 

Tell us how your business came to be. What was the inspiration behind it and when did you start?

 

After Wayne left his sales career to become a full-time photographer, he was looking to expand his business. Whitney brought the photobooth idea to me one day after scrolling through Instagram. We did some research and weighed the pros and cons. After that, we made the initial investment, and Photobooth Masters of Houston was born in the fall of 2019.

 

What makes your guys different than other photobooth companies in Houston?

 

To be honest, when you look at all the photo booth companies in the city, they are all very similar. Features, packages, props, etc. What we do here is focus on the benefit to the client, providing an extraordinary experience for their guests, and bringing a family-friendly feel to the event. Our booths are sleek, modern, and state of the art. We do not just through an iPad in a box.

 

 

 

How has the Houston community impacted your business?

 

Houston has been home to us for the past five years. We started our business here, we are growing our business here, and the event community here have embraced us with open arms.

 

 

 Tell us the best things and hardest things about starting a business with your spouse!

 

We can talk about this all day! We would say the best thing is that we fully trust each other, no questions asked. We know each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and limits. The hardest thing would be that we are married! It can be difficult to separate business and personal at times. We are still learning how to balance it all, but we look at it as being part of the journey. This is a new challenge for our marriage and if you can get through working together; you can get through anything.

 

 

What’s been the biggest challenge as a business owner?

 

Knowing you have the sole responsibility of handling everything. Clients, sales, social media, marketing, accounting, and I mean everything. Having a small business, you initially do not have other departments that can handle things for you, it all falls on your shoulders. This can be intimidating yet rewarding. Again, we look at it as being a part of the journey. Even when we do expand, we will have learned from many mistakes.

 

Tell us some of your favorite events you’ve been a part of?

 

Not to be cliché but all our events have been a favorite. Each one has been so different! They have given us the experience to handle anything. From Halloween parties to fashion shows to moms wanting to get out and be social, we have done it.

 

What keeps you inspired and driven every day?

 

Our family. Many people talk about starting businesses but never do. Many people start businesses but give up after 6 months or so because it is difficult. We want to grow our businesses not only to build wealth for our family but to show our children that it is possible to set a goal and achieve it.

 

 

How has Covid effected your business and how are you staying positive?

 

It has slowed down our business for sure, but it has also allowed us the time to look at areas of opportunity. We have been able to self-reflect and restructure the business to come back bigger and better. We must stay positive because we put in the work. We know what we do now pays off in a big way later.

 

Who inspires you most in business?

 

Gary Vaynerchuk has been a great inspiration throughout our journey. Steve Harvey’s motivational speech “Jump” kick-started the fire within to invest in us. Last, but certainly not least, we inspire each other.

 

 

When things get hard, what’s one thing you tell yourself to keep going when running this business?

 

We know that other people want to get started in business or want to give up as well. We are an inspiration to many, so, therefore we cannot stop.

 

 

How do you balance family life and running your company?

 

One of the advantages of being self-employed is having a work-life balance. We simply make it work. Our schedule is based around family-first, but we never forego the needs of our clients. Being a husband and wife team, we can share the load of both family and business demands.

 

 

Future plans for your business?

 

We will grow our staff, move into a warehouse, and expand into other markets. We are always looking at new features and products to add to better support the needs of the people of our community.

 

 

How can the Katy Mom community support you?

 

Be sure to follow us on all social media platforms. We love referrals, so if anyone is having an event or know of someone that is, please give us a shoutout. Whatever we can do to give back to our community, we all in.

 

Any special deals or events our Katy Moms can look out for?

 

As of right now, we are offering $50 off all our packages until the end of the year.

 

For more information on Photobooth Masters of Houston you can visit their website and follow along with them on social media!

 

Website & Social Media: www.photoboothmastersofhouston.com

Facebook & Instagram – @photoboothmastersofhouston

 

 

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