TapSnap 1050, the Santa Clara County franchise of TapSnap, is an innovative photo booth company that offers digital props, green screen capabilities, and social media integration.
Since certifying TapSnap 1050 in 2015, owners Kristen Welch and Poli Aki have successfully leveraged their position as LGBT business owners to discover new clients and expand their reach. Recently named one of Silicon Valley’s top 20 LGBT-owned companies by the Silicon Valley Business Journal, TapSnap 1050 has discovered new opportunities through their certification and their involvement with the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce of Silicon Valley.
It all began when Welch met Robert Robledo, Audience Development Director for the Silicon Valley Business Journal. Robledo acted as a mentor to Welch and worked with her to find new business opportunities, leading to her inclusion in the top 20 list.
“A big factor was our presence,” said Welch. “They saw us often and could see that we were active in the community.”
But it didn’t stop there. Robledo also introduced TapSnap 1050 to the business journal’s events team, who hired Welch and Aki for several events. As a result, TapSnap generated new business and signed a partnership with Club Auto Sport to offer the TapSnap package to all of the event center’s clients. Through Robledo’s mentorship, Welch and Aki also secured an opportunity to set up a photo booth with Bank of America at Silicon Valley Pride to support Bank of America’s participation in the Ad Council’s Love Has No Labels campaign.
This August, TapSnap 1050 provided entertainment and created memories at the NGLCC’s 2016 International Business & Leadership Conference in Palm Springs. Their photo booth was an instant hit at the Thursday evening reception, with attendees lining up to take their picture even after the reception ended.
“Our time was up, and I didn’t want to stop,” said Welch. “When you look at a picture, it brings back a feeling.”
During the conference, Welch took full advantage of everything the event has to offer. She met with other LGBTBEs, promoted the TapSnap brand, and learned about the possibilities available through LGBTBE certification.
“Coming out of the conference, I have a much broader perspective of the opportunities that are available,” said Welch. “The whole world of being involved with the NGLCC and the LGBT space is new to me. I have lived in a bubble where being an LGBT business owner hasn’t been something I think about or focus on, and I'm glad the NGLCC is teaching me about diversity.”
Over the last year and a half, TapSnap 1050 has deepened its engagement with the LGBT business community. Looking to the future, Welch and Aki see a world of possibility, bringing not only an excellent product but also a diverse perspective to the table.