Community Highlights: Meet Alondra Varela of Social Booth Llc

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alondra Varela

Hi Alondra, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Everyone who knows me personally understands that I am a highly ambitious woman, always pursuing both my small and big goals. Becoming a business owner has always been one of those aspirations, leading me on a journey to discover my true purpose.
Since 2017, I have dedicated my energy to the fitness industry, driven by a deep desire to help others take control of their lives. I found joy in transforming not just bodies but also confidence and outlooks on life. Yet, as fulfilling as this path was, I realized it wasn’t my ultimate destination.
In 2021, with all my credentials and experience, I landed a position working for a respected businessman whose success in the industry inspired me. Under his mentorship, I gained invaluable insights into running a thriving business–a masterclass in leadership and entrepreneurship.
With this newfound knowledge, I took the leap to help my father rebrand his well-established welding company in Midtown, GA. It was a rewarding challenge, and witnessing the company flourish instilled in me the confidence to begin thinking seriously about my own venture.
In October 2023, I launched Social Booth, a company dedicated to creating interactive photo booth and 360 booth experiences for events of all kinds, from weddings to social gatherings.
My entrepreneurial journey has been about self-discovery, self-improvement, and realizing my potential. Every step and events in my life has prepared me for this moment. And the best part? This is only the beginning.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the beginning, I underestimated the amount of space my equipment and other items would require in my car. Fortunately, my husband owns a truck, which allowed us to turn this challenge into an opportunity by using it as our travel vehicle for events. Keeping up with technology and facing technical difficulties at events has been a common challenge for me at times. To prepare for this, I set aside time each day to research and learn more about the software, photography equipment, and ways to enhance my services and the overall experience for my clients. When I encounter technical issues, I usually have an idea of what the problem might be, which helps me resolve it quickly.
Like many other businesses, we also experience slow periods. I understand that these times can be discouraging and may lead others to quit. However, when a slow period arises, I take the opportunity to reflect on how we can improve our services. I analyze what is working well and what isn’t, and I focus on increasing our marketing efforts. I don’t let it stress me out because I believe that allowing fear to take over only brings more negativity.
It’s important to stay calm and positive. In the end, everything will work out if you are putting in the effort and are sincere with your work.

I want to take this opportunity to publicly express my gratitude to my husband for his unwavering support. He thoughtfully plans his work schedule to assist me with my bookings and helps with all the heavy lifting and various hands-on tasks. His support has truly made running this business much easier for me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Social Booth is a photo booth company that offers premium rental services for both traditional and 360 photo booths for any special occasion. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional customer service and professionalism, ensuring that our clients feel understood and valued from start to finish. We have received outstanding feedback from clients expressing their wonderful experiences with us. In less than a year of operation, we have been personally contacted by several celebrities to service their private events, which has only given us motivation to keep doing what we do! Quality is also a top priority for us, so we invest in the best equipment and props to enhance everyone’s experience. For 2025, we plan to introduce more features and exciting add-ons, so stay tuned!

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I suggest taking the time to identify the skills and knowledge you want to acquire. Once you have a clear vision, actively seek out a mentor who aligns with your objectives. It’s perfectly acceptable to have multiple mentors, especially if you are pursuing various skills. For example, my first mentor was my boss in 2021, who taught me invaluable lessons in business and sales. Later, when I started my own business, I realized I had limited technical skills and minimal knowledge of photography. To address this, I sought out someone with expertise in those areas and found an excellent mentor on YouTube, who operates in the photo booth business, similar to my own. The truth is, that mentors can be found everywhere-whether through social media or networking events, there are many outstanding opportunities to connect with them. As I build my network, I leverage my social media platforms and interact with vendors at client events. This greatly enhances my support system and strengthens my business branding.

Pricing:

• 360 Booth starts at $175 per hour with a 2 hour minimum
• Photo Booth starts at $150 per hour with a 3 hour minimum

Contact Info:

• Website: https://socialboothrental.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialbooth.atlanta/