Meet Lori Bousman | Party Curator & Balloon Stylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lori Bousman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lori, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Both my parents had their own businesses. Even working in corporate positions and companies I always had a side hustle that allowed me to express my creativity and business sense. It was something I hoped to grow into a full time opportunity as my family started to grow.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always been drawn to artistic, creative and expressive individuals. My mom was a landscape designer and artist. I grew up exposed to many different mediums and the art culture. We visited museums, went to art camps and in school that was more of my passion.
I graduated from Flager College in St. Augustine, FL with a graphic design major and advertising minor.
After college I drove cross-country to California to find the opportunities to express my creativity.
My dad had always said everything happens in California first then travels east. Once again I have to agree.
I fell in love with the laid back culture at the beach in college and was hoping to find that same vibe in Cali.
My first job was a graphic designer at Quicksilver in Huntington Beach. This was the surf Mecca of its time in the hey-day of the surf industry. Parties, trade shows, sales meetings, store openings, events you name it so much was going on. I learned so much being apart of the Visual Arts Department with an insanely group of talented individuals and life- long friends.

From Quicksilver I moved around looking to make more money and quickly realizing the costs associated with living in coastal California vs Florida. As I changed companies and positions I realized more of what I loved doing which was not always being behind the desk and computer but the connection with the people element and final product of a photo shoot, fashion show, event or opening. My other roles throughout my career helped shape and guide me to understand deadlines, project management, production, merchandising. And working on a team.

After landing what I thought was my dream job at a cosmetics company in a Director role, I quickly became familiar with office politics. Feeling like I needed to have my own creative outlet I started Foto Vibe.
In the beginning it was a Photo Booth company. I was sure I could execute and produce a visually stimulating, exciting and fun “Instagramable” moment for people during their special events. I specialized in quality photography, amazing graphics, unique and different props and backdrops in a modern and unique way in 2016. What was really a weekend hustle started to turn into more. I added balloon decor as a way to elevate the backdrops and then COVID happened.

I was able to pivot my business and use balloons as a way to help friends and clients celebrate in a contact-less way. Foto Vibe has been literally ‘poppin’ since!

Foto Vibe is unique in my background as a designer, visual merchandiser, stylist and event curation all bundled together helps to create such a unique experience and product for our clients.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Orange County truly has some of the best spots. I would book a Duffy and of course have Foto Vibe decor it out with our Party Vibes package.
Balloons, interior decor, food, etc. We’d cruise the harbor and look at the beautiful water front properties, catch the sunset and hope to see some dolphins or seals.

I love the vibe at Lido Marina Village with the many shops and restaurants there is something for everyone.
Walking to the beach in Newport is easy from this area or riding bikes. Anything outside with our pristine weather is always welcomed. Fashion Island is another favorite outdoor shopping experience with the fountains and koi fish to keep the kids entertained.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh my gosh, I have so many friends and family to be thankful for their support and encouragement along the way of growing my business. I’m always inspired by the women entrepreneurs of small businesses and fascinated in their stories of starting with an idea or concept and their path towards allowing the idea to grow. If I had to name one person, my dad (who is no longer with us), has been and will be my mentor.

Website: https://www.fotovibeparty.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fotovibeparty/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FotoVibeParty

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/foto-vibe-party-costa-mesa

Image Credits
Kylieandcompany