Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Mayes.
Hi Tina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have owned & operated multiple businesses over the years, so I came into this venture with a strong foundation in service, systems, & client experience. When I started this photo booth business, the goal was simple – create an additional stream of income while doing something genuinely fun.
I wanted work that allowed me to be social, creative, & energetic without needing to be in bar or nightclub environments. I love music, dancing, & celebrating people, but those settings were never the right fit for me since I don’t drink or smoke. Photo booth events became the perfect middle ground. I get to bring the energy, hype up guests, sing & dance at the booth while still being part of the celebration in a way that feels authentic & comfortable. I don’t have to worry about people asking – “why aren’t you drinking” a million times or explaining a million times that I am a control freak and don’t want to put anything in my body that alters my mind – it’s the control thing that people don’t understand.
What made it even better was the ability to work alongside friends & family. Each event feels collaborative rather than transactional, which shows in how we interact with guests & support one another behind the scenes. At the same time, we deliver a high level of professionalism & excellence for our clients. As the business grew, so did my creative involvement. Designing custom templates, helping with décor concepts, & supporting the overall event vision became a natural extension of my skill set. What started as a fun, flexible idea evolved into a refined service built on intention, creativity, & strong execution. Today, the business reflects exactly what I set out to build for our family – an experience that blends joy & professionalism, creativity & structure, fun & excellence – all with additional income. Blue Haven Events Co allows me to show up fully, serve clients well, & create memorable experiences without compromising who I am or what my values are.
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?
Has it been a smooth road? No, not at all. I honestly thought it would be easy. Buy a booth, set it up, & make money. BUT, that is not how it works. Building a successful photo booth business takes a significant amount of time, energy, & education. I had to learn new software, & in some cases relearn it multiple times as platforms changed or upgraded. My fiance handles much of the technical side, which has been a huge help & allows me to focus more on the creative side, but that does not mean I avoided the learning curve.
I also had to learn how to show up correctly on social media, how to use a new CRM, how to manage invoicing, & how to run everything through QuickBooks. All of this was happening while I was earning my doctorate in business. I am a lifelong learner, but starting & growing a business requires a level of time & commitment that many people underestimate. I know I did. About a year in, we made the decision to rebrand. That meant a new marketing team, a new website, a new name, & essentially a new identity. It was exciting, but it was also a lot of work, a lot more learning, & a lot more money. None of it has been effortless, but every challenge has strengthened the business. Each learning curve sharpened our systems, clarified our vision, & pushed us to operate at a higher level. Looking back, the road was not smooth, but it was absolutely worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Roger & I create elevated photo booth experiences that go far beyond taking pictures. Our work blends technology, design, & guest engagement to turn moments into shareable memories that feel intentional & high-end. This is where we both specialize.
We curate modern, interactive photo experiences for corporate events, weddings, celebrations, & brand activations. From sleek selfie stations and instant print experiences to immersive 360 and interactive mirror setups, every experience is curated to match the tone, space, and goals of the event & host/hostess.. We are especially known for our ability to read a room, adapt in real time, & ensure guests feel comfortable, confident, & excited to participate. Just ask ANY of our previous clients. We have only 5 star reviews because we both think on our feet and adapt well to make sure our clients are happy. We like to think of them as family.
What we are most proud of is our reputation for reliability and professionalism. Clients trust us because we show up prepared, polished, & always solutions-focused. If something unexpected happens, we handle it seamlessly without disrupting the event. That level of calm, behind-the-scenes problem-solving is something our clients consistently appreciate and remember. Now, that doesn’t mean that we don’t whisper argue like ninja’s until we reach an agreement but we are always professional & we always make sure the outcome is spectacular.
What truly sets us apart is our attention to detail and our people-first approach. We do not offer one-size-fits-all packages. Every setup is customized, every interaction is intentional, & every guest is treated like they matter. We understand events from the inside out, which allows us to support planners, hosts, & corporate brands rather than add another thing to manage.
At the end of the day, we are known for creating experiences that feel effortless for our clients & unforgettable for their guests. That balance is our sweet spot & it is what keeps people inviting us back. Over and Over!!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about our city is the people. There is a strong sense of pride, hospitality, & community here. People genuinely show up for one another, support local businesses, & know how to celebrate life. The views & scenery add to that energy, whether it’s the waterfront, historic areas, or the way different neighborhoods each have their own personality. Fort McHenry is a favorite for walking and picnicing on the water & also the riverwalk in Fell’s Point / Canton. Everyone loves the Inner Harbor & of course, the sports culture is huge. Our teams (Ravens & Orioles) bring people together in a way that creates excitement, loyalty, & shared experiences across the city – even when we lose.
What I like least is the crime rate, window washers, and homelessness. Like many cities, these things impact how people move, gather, & feel in certain areas. I would love to see continued investment in safety, youth programs, & community resources that help strengthen neighborhoods & create more opportunities for everyone. The city has so much potential, & addressing those challenges would allow it to shine even brighter.
Pricing:
- All day Self Service Kiosk – $500
- Attended Digital Kiosk from $600
- Prints in hand from $900
- 360 Videos from $700
- Interactive Magic Mirror from $1100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bluehaveneventsco.com
- Instagram: @bluehaveneventsco
- Facebook: @bluehaveneventsco
- Other: @bluehaveneventsco (tiktok)
