Meet Rick Jr Villanueva | Small business owner & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rick Jr Villanueva and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rick Jr, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I decided to start my very own business, it wasn’t because i had planned well and thought this through very well. I did it because a thought came, that became an idea, and I just started ordering things that came to mind. At the time I was doing this, it had been a year since the mask mandate so like everyone else, I was at a place where I didn’t really have much to do, and a relatives 15 celebration was going to be able to happen so I got onboard with helping my aunt. I put my all into creating a photobooth for that event and really that is what helped me get prepared as far as the fun part goes. I started also getting ideas from watching other businesses that do the same to get ideas, and I just molded it into what I wanted. My BEST Side photobooth is called that just for the fun fact that everyone always wants to get their good side when taking a photo. My Best Side for me is really the start of me trying to become my best self, so this business is just part of the start to my own journey of recovery. I really am giving it 100% trying to really learn how to live my life a way where my mental health, physical health, are in a good place at the same time. Although, it is fairly new, I believe I am now coming to a place where I am sure of what direction to take, how to take it, and have no doubts it will only get better. So to sum it up, my thought process behind starting my own business is similar to one thing I live by, just one day at a time!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
MY BEST SIDE Photobooth is simply a photobooth that gets set up at events for entertainment and party favor gifts. We show up, set up the photobooth and while it’s going, we just navigate them, correct any errors if any and most importantly, encourage them to just take the picture. We text, email, provide virtual gallery, 2×6 strips hand out because of the printer on site, We are just getting started, so from fabric shopping to make backdrops, to brainstorming for catch phrases to put on props, or even attempting to decorate balloon arches, we are still learning how to walk.. Challenges are what makes it fun because I had no clue what photobooth’s made as far as money,, or the different details photobooths include, or feature or offer, so the challenge is daily, and I enjoy that because it just keeps me headed somewhere and i don’t know where that is, The one thing I am practicing on is to not stress and just fix whatever i got in front of me. My brand and my story is me. I am trying to make something of my brand and I am investing with a vision, and because I am doing the same with my life which has been difficult, and a crazy ride, I feel that this business venture is what is keeping me in a better place spritually, which is the reason for the name My Best Side. Putting my effort into trying to bring something to client’s celebration makes me happy, because they are happy, and because I then feel accomplished, and I get ready for the next because I know if I just keep putting into, it will be more than just a photobooth, and same with me, if I just keep trying and making this business something I do, I have joy knowing that I am doing something different and new and that there is no right or wrong answer. That’s what makes me stand out, it was started as a hobby, and when people began to call and book me, I knew I wanted to make them feel as happy as I was that they called me, so that alone makes this more than a rental, its a job I take pride in and I love the connections being made at these events, and the joy it brings.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well let’s say they got here Monday, definitely keep it low key but hit up a cute place that has Margarita Monday’s, but still has the atmosphere to get you excited to explore, the city,so Manny’s Uptown and stop by Alternative Mondays at JR’s Bar and Grill, to be able to feel comfortable, while hearing bands we listened to growing up and of course rep our LBGT community. Tuesday, Te Deseo for taco Tuesday if that’s a thing there, if not, it’s still taco Tuesday for us and don’t have to commute far to pop in at Happiest Hour for a few appetizers and drinks.

Wednesday and Thursday, I would suggest Dallas Museum of Illusion, and if we have to have a drink, maybe plan on going over to Upstairs CIrcus, where you have drinks, and arts and crafts.. A lot funnier, than it sounds.
Bishop Arts is cute to check out during the week, when it’s not busy so you can see, the shops. Fetish out there is always my favorite. If we hadn’t even enough tacos, definitely grab those at The Last Stand. Best tacos, and they are not even made by Hispanics!

Friday and Saturday, any place, Villa-O for dinner and drinks, or Uno Mas off of Knox, Yellowrosa is this hidden place in Deep Ellum that is fabulous. I am still trying to get in on their Brunch. It is always reserved and hard to get in.

I didn’t realize I’d be a good person to show someone new the city until now. Haha. Definitely would hope that a Cowboys Game was on that week, so they could see the cowboys experience at Live!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family, friends, and instagram! I always have an idea, and another idea so ideas come all the time. When I started to buy little things that I felt my photobooth needed, I would share every purchase and even it was just to be rant about what I think I wanted to do next, everyone listened and rode the ride with me which made it all so much more fun! I have to say thanks to my aunt Lisa Marie Sigala for teaching me how to be cool, and thank you for standing by my side on this new business venture!

Instagram: Mybestsidephotobooth / cardoviijr

Facebook: My Best Side Photobooth/ Ricardo Villanueva

Image Credits
My Best Side Photobooth Rick Jr Photography Yasmine Villanueva Photography