We had the good fortune of connecting with Krystle Acayan Bree Ravelo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Krystle Acayan, what principle do you value most?
Krystle: Community has always meant everything to me whether it’s with family, friends, with my colleagues, or in the neighborhoods I frequent or reside. Even as a kid, I understood the importance of showing up for others—and that value has only grown stronger over time.
Bree and I live in Kearny Mesa, and we’re intentional about supporting local businesses, especially in the Convoy District. As first-gen Filipino Americans, we immediately felt a strong sense of pride and connection within the AAPI community there. It’s a place where culture, family, and entrepreneurship all come together—and it feels like home.
What I love most is the unspoken support within our community. There’s this shared drive to see each other succeed. Since launching Pixel Pop Social in 2024, we’ve had the chance to connect with so many amazing people through events like Convoy Nights, the Lotus Mag Pop-Up Market, and K-Pop Fest at the San Diego County Fair.
It’s that sense of belonging and mutual support that keeps us inspired—and makes us want to keep giving back however we can.

Bree:
My family is at the center of everything I do. Prioritizing them has shaped how I make decisions, how I show up for others, and the kind of future I want to build. I’ve always believed that how we spend our time says a lot about what we truly value—and for me, it’s about being present, creating meaningful memories, and making sure the people I love feel supported and secure.
That mindset naturally extends into the work we do. Whether it’s how we connect with our clients, show up in our community, or support other small businesses—we lead with intention. I want to use what I’ve learned through my own experiences to create something bigger than just a service. It’s about building relationships, giving back, and making sure we’re contributing to something that reflects who we are and what we care about.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Krystle & Bree: Pixel Pop Social Photo Booth started as a dream—to create something joyful, creative, and rooted in connection. We wanted to build a business that made people feel good. When we came across the idea of starting a photo booth company, it just felt right. It was the perfect mix of fun, creativity, and the kind of energy we love bringing into people’s lives.

Krystle:
I’ve always been drawn to design and self-expression, so this was a natural fit. But more than anything, I wanted to create something that aligned with my values—something I could be proud of. From the beginning, we’ve poured our heart into making every experience feel personal, from the custom designs to the way we hype people up in the booth. We want every guest to feel celebrated and seen.

Bree:
What excited me most was the opportunity to help people create lasting memories. There’s something special about being part of someone’s milestone—whether it’s a wedding, birthday, or just a moment worth capturing. We’re not just taking photos; we’re creating a vibe that people remember. That’s what I love most about what we do.

Getting here definitely hasn’t been easy. We both work full-time, raise our kids, and still manage the business day to day. We’ve faced challenges—from budgeting and time management to personal things, like caring for our dog Amadeus when he got sick. But we’ve learned to take things step by step, communicate openly, and lean into our strengths as partners.

Krystle:
There have been a lot of learning curves, but we’ve grown so much—both as a couple and as business owners. I’m especially proud of the relationships we’ve built in our community. Being invited to events like Convoy Nights, Lotus Mag Pop-Up, and K-Pop Fest at the San Diego County Fair has been such an honor. The support we’ve received has reminded us that we’re on the right path.

Bree:
If there’s one thing we want people to know about our story, it’s that we lead with heart. We’re thoughtful about the details, and we care deeply about the people we serve. Pixel Pop Social isn’t just a business—it’s a reflection of who we are, where we come from, and where we’re going. We’re just getting started, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Krystle’s Itinerary:

If my best friend came to San Diego for a week, I’d want to show them my version of the city—the fun, local, feel-good kind of trip that blends sunshine, creativity, and incredible food.

We’d start with a beach day at Mission Beach. There’s nothing like soaking up the sun, catching waves, and hanging out at Belmont Park. It’s nostalgic, full of energy, and instantly puts you in vacation mode.

At night, I’d take them to one of my favorite spots—Realm of the 52 Remedies in Kearny Mesa. It’s a hidden gem with beautifully crafted cocktails and an incredible atmosphere that feels like stepping into another world.

When it comes to food, we’d go big. First stop: Regents Pizza in La Jolla—it’s hands-down my favorite. Then maybe The Balboa in Bankers Hill for the best burger and garlic fries in town. And we definitely wouldn’t miss Dumpling Inn Shanghai Saloon in the Convoy District for incredible Chinese food and dumplings.

If they’re visiting during Comic-Con, even without passes, we’d head downtown to check out the activations and offsite events open to the public. The cosplay, the energy, the crowds—it’s such a unique and fun experience just to be in the mix.

For a night out, we’d explore North Park and hit up Bivouac Ciderworks for some delicious hard cider, followed by True North Tavern for music and good vibes. It’s the kind of area where the night unfolds naturally—you just follow the energy.

And of course, we’d have to grab a California burrito from Trujillo’s near SDSU before they leave. It’s a San Diego classic and always a crowd-pleaser.

San Diego has this way of feeling both exciting and relaxing at the same time. It’s full of character, community, and creativity—and I’d want my best friend to experience every bit of that.

Bree’s Itinerary:

If I had a friend visiting for the week, I’d want them to see the city through my eyes—family-friendly, fun, and full of cool things to explore.

We’d spend a full day at one of our local favorites: the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, or SeaWorld. Each one is different, but you can easily get lost in the exhibits, shows, and scenery for the whole day. It’s something you don’t get in a lot of cities.

Old Town San Diego is another must. It’s historic and full of charm. We’d stop for dinner at Café Coyote where they make fresh tortillas right in front of you, then go on a nighttime Whaley House tour—spooky, but fun.

One of my favorite daytime spots is the Embarcadero, where you can walk by the water, grab a bite, and check out the USS Midway Museum. For dinner one night, I’d take them to Ruth’s Chris Steak House downtown for a solid ribeye steak and a classic San Diego evening.

For brunch, we’re going to Morning Glory. The place has an electric style and some of the best food you’ll find—it’s worth the wait.

A fun night out wouldn’t be complete without heading to Min Sok Chon in Convoy. We’d grab Korean food, sip on some soju, and sing our hearts out with karaoke—it’s always a great time.

And when it comes to tacos, we’ve got options. I’d take them to Birria La Loteria in Lemon Grove for some of the best birria around or Tacos El Gordo in Chula Vista—both are unforgettable.

There’s a rhythm to this city—laid-back, full of flavor, and rich in culture. I’d want my friend to leave with great memories and maybe even thinking about when they’ll come back.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Krystle: I was born and raised in San Diego, and I’m a proud daughter of Filipino immigrants—Shirley and Fidel. They came from large families and very humble beginnings, and despite the challenges, they worked incredibly hard to support not just us, but their extended families back home. After marrying and having my older sister, Shiriedel, they made the brave decision to leave everything familiar behind and start a new life in the U.S., where they eventually had me and my younger brother, Kirk.

Their version of the American dream wasn’t about status or material things—it was about giving their kids a chance at a life filled with opportunities they never had. I grew up watching them lead with sacrifice, resilience, and unconditional love—values deeply rooted in Filipino culture.
As I’ve grown into adulthood, I’ve continued learning from my siblings too. My sister, Shiriedel’s fierce leadership and confidence, and my brother Kirk’s courage to follow his creative dreams, have both inspired me in different ways. Last but not least, my puppy Love, Amadeus, who has taught me the courage to love unconditionally and to fight for what’s important to me. My family is the reason I carry myself the way I do—in life, in business, in everything. They laid the foundation, and I carry our story with so much pride. Every step forward is a way to honor them and the sacrifices they made.

Bree:
My parents also imigrated to the United States from the Philippines. I was born in Ventura but moved to San Diego with my family when I was just 3, so I’ve really grown up here. San Diego’s diversity and energy shaped a lot of who I am, but the biggest influence has always been my family. From day one, they’ve been my constant—celebrating the good times, holding it down during the tough ones, and reminding me what it means to show up for the people you love. That kind of support gave me a solid foundation, and it’s something I carry with pride.
I’ve also been lucky to grow up around a wide range of people and perspectives. Being exposed to so many different viewpoints helped me stay open-minded and grounded. Instead of feeling pulled in different directions, I’ve learned to take it all in and use it to see things more clearly—from multiple angles. That’s shaped how I navigate relationships, challenges, and how I carry myself in both life and business.
I’ve always felt a deep responsibility to pay that support forward. Whether it’s being there for my kids, encouraging others, or giving back to the community, I try to lead with that same energy my family gave me. It’s about continuing the cycle of support, connection, and purpose—and that’s something I’m proud to stand on.

Website: www.pixelpopsocialphotobooth.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pixelpopsocialphotobooth?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PixelPopSocialPhotobooth?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Other: Link tree https://linktr.ee/PixelPopSocialPhotobooth?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLmPq5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp7WGZtIb5gPQWdTKMjZywVDv1c8BA3unoiVL50NRDDZeSFqmHnMumRqMtes6_aem_t7jTJHg_gKr0rk9VE3V95A

Image Credits
Image credits: Krystle Acayan and Aubrey Ravelo

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