Today we’d like to introduce you to ALEX (AVEE) VIERA.
Hi ALEX (AVEE), we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey began in 2006 after I was laid off due to financial struggles within the company I worked for. That moment forced me to reevaluate everything and ultimately pushed me toward entrepreneurship. I realized I wanted to create my own path — one where I could control my time, my income, and my future.
At the time, I was running a small marketing agency as an additional source of income, and I initially became interested in photography. However, the market felt heavily saturated, and I knew that if I was going to enter the space, I needed to do something different. That’s when the idea for a photobooth business came to me.
Before launching my own company, I spent time working part-time for another event company, learning the industry from the ground up. I worked weddings, corporate events, and private parties, paying close attention to what clients actually wanted and where I felt the industry was falling short. Over time, I began combining those observations with my own creative ideas, and eventually THE SOCIAL BOOTH was born.
One of the biggest things that set us apart was innovation. At a time when most companies were still focused on printed photo strips that faded over time, I created one of the first photobooth experiences that delivered images directly to guests’ mobile devices instantly. My thought process was simple: people live on their phones, and most of their memories are stored digitally already. Why not make the experience more convenient and give them high-resolution keepsakes they could save forever, print later, or store in the cloud?
Of course, the journey wasn’t easy. In the beginning, I didn’t have the biggest budget or the most advanced equipment. In fact, I built my very first photobooth myself using supplies from Home Depot — definitely a story for another day. Meanwhile, competitors had professionally manufactured setups and larger resources. I knew I needed a different edge.
Thankfully, my background in graphic design became a major advantage. I started creating completely custom templates and themed experiences tailored to each event rather than offering generic designs. I also challenged the pricing model within the industry. At the time, many companies charged $700+ for only two hours of service, which I felt didn’t truly serve the client — especially for weddings and milestone events where the full experience matters from beginning to end.
So I disrupted the model. I introduced flat-rate pricing: one simple price that included the full VIP experience for the entire duration of the event. No confusing packages, no hidden fees, no upselling — just a premium experience every single time.
As the company grew, I eventually transitioned to professionally manufactured booths designed and built overseas, but one thing never changed: my commitment to accessibility and client experience. Even today, I still offer flexible options for clients with smaller budgets, including simplified booth setups that event planners can customize around creatively.
I’ve always believed that people remember how you make them feel more than anything else. That philosophy has carried THE SOCIAL BOOTH through years of growth, challenges, reinvention, and an ever-changing industry. It hasn’t been a perfect journey — there were definitely bumps and bruises along the way — but I’m proud to say that in 2026, we’re still here, still evolving, and still creating unforgettable experiences for people’s biggest moments.
And honestly, I think that says everything.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Like most entrepreneurs, I faced financial struggles, long hours, self-doubt, and the challenge of competing against larger companies with bigger budgets and better equipment. In the beginning, I was literally building booths myself and figuring things out as I went. There were also challenges educating clients on a newer, more modern photobooth experience when traditional setups were still the norm. But every obstacle forced me to become more creative, more adaptable, and more focused on delivering an experience that truly stood out.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about THE SOCIAL BOOTH / SINCE 06 MARKETING ?
What really sets my business apart is that everything we create starts with connection and emotion first. Whether it’s through graphic design, branding, marketing, or experiential services like THE SOCIAL BOOTH, I genuinely love bringing people’s visions and ideas to life. As a designer, creativity has always come naturally to me. I can sit at my desk, lock in mentally, and let the ideas flow. I honestly can’t fully explain where the concepts, colors, and layouts come from — they just do.
One of the most important parts of my process is understanding the client beyond the project itself. I like to have real conversations, feel their energy, understand their passion, and then translate that into visuals and marketing that feel authentic to them. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter work. Every brand, every event, and every design should have its own identity and personality.
Of course, creativity isn’t always linear. There are days where my mind is overloaded and the ideas don’t come as easily, and as a creative that can definitely be frustrating. But I think that’s also what makes the work so personal and meaningful when it does come together.
What I’m most proud of brand-wise is that people know we truly care. We don’t just provide a service — we curate experiences. Whether it’s a custom design project, a marketing concept, or an event activation, I put my heart and soul into everything I create. I want people to remember not only how the final product looked, but how it made them feel.
At the end of the day, my brand is built on passion, creativity, authenticity, and experience. That’s what continues to separate us from others and keeps clients coming back year after year.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I believe the event and experiential marketing industry is going to become even more technology-driven, immersive, and personalized. People no longer want simple “services” — they want memorable experiences they can instantly share, engage with, and emotionally connect to.
We’re already seeing a major shift toward AI-powered experiences, instant digital sharing, 360° content, augmented reality, and interactive activations at weddings, corporate events, and brand experiences. The global photo booth market alone is projected to surpass $1 billion over the next several years, with steady annual growth being fueled by social media culture and the increasing demand
I also think personalization will become one of the biggest differentiators in the industry. Clients and guests want experiences tailored specifically to them — custom branding, AI-enhanced visuals,
Another major shift will be the continued blending of live events with digital engagement. Brands are investing heavily into experiential marketing because people crave authentic human connection more than ever
At the same time, I think authenticity and creativity will matter even more moving forward. Technology can enhance an experience, but it can’t replace genuine creativity, emotion, and human connection. The companies that will thrive are the ones that know how to combine innovation with unforgettable customer experiences.
For me personally, that’s exciting because that mindset has always been the foundation of my brand. We’ve always focused on creating experiences that feel personal, modern, and memorable rather than simply providing a product or service.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WWW.BOOKTHESOCIALBOOTH.COM
- Instagram: _imjustavee_
