Meet Adrian Jean-Philippe | The 360 Xperience Photobooth Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adrian Jean-Philippe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adrian, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My journey to starting my own business really began with a childhood dream. I always envisioned myself being a boss one day—someone in charge, a leader. It was less about having a specific business idea at first and more about the belief that I’d eventually be a CEO of something. A big part of that dream was also being able to take care of my family—especially buying my mom a house one day.

Fast forward to adulthood, I found that the hardest part of starting a business is usually figuring out what to do—or how to afford it. The turning point for me came during a conversation with a coworker. We were planning a company holiday party, and she asked me about renting a photo booth. As we talked about the different options, something just clicked. I thought, “Wait…this could actually be a solid business idea.”

What really drew me in was the low overhead. Unlike a lot of other businesses that require a ton of capital up front, this was something I could actually afford to start. So over the next few months, I saved up, bought all the equipment I needed, and launched the business. Just like that—it was showtime.

I never imagined I’d own a photo booth company, but it’s truly been a blessing in disguise. While it may not be my final destination, it’s a major stepping stone on the path I want to be on. It’s taught me so much about ownership, execution, and just believing in the vision—even when it’s still unfolding.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Currently, I’m working as a Data Analyst at a company called Kantar, and honestly—I’m proud just to be able to say that. Getting here wasn’t easy. 2023 ended on a tough note when I got laid off, and for most of 2024, I was working at Target—stocking shelves, helping customers, the whole retail grind. I’ll be real—it was humbling. I was grateful to have a job, but I also knew that wasn’t where my story ended. Not even close.

At the same time, I made a commitment to myself: I enrolled in a cybersecurity program because I wanted to pivot into tech. Juggling work and school wasn’t easy, but I kept going because I believed there was gold at the end of the rainbow. After earning my cybersecurity certificate, I started applying for jobs—hard. I probably sent out over 400 applications between late 2024 and early 2025. Some days were discouraging, others were hopeful, but the experience taught me resilience on a whole new level.

What kept me going was my faith in God and the fact that I’ve faced hard times before—and made it through. I refused to give up. I told myself, “No matter what, I’m going to make it.” And when you’re a believer, you know you’re going to make it.

So to answer your question: how did I get where I am professionally? It took resilience, faith, grit, and a mindset that refused to take no for an answer. It wasn’t easy—nothing worth having ever is. But one of the biggest lessons I learned through all of this is that I truly can do anything I set my mind to. I know that sounds cliché, but when you live it, you realize it’s real.

And I want the world to know that I am—and my business is—a reflection of individuals with big dreams who will stop at nothing to make them happen. Because at the end of the day, the only person who can stop you… is you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to town, I’d show them the best of Atlanta. For food, we’d hit JJs Fish & Chicken, Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen, Rock Steady, and of course, Waffle House. For drinks, The James Room offers a classy vibe with great music, The Battery is perfect for a fun, casual scene, Holiday Bar gives you that indoor-outdoor summer feel, and for club vibes, Revel never disappoints.

Atlanta truly has something for everyone—whether it’s sports, nightlife, fitness, or relaxing at a wine tasting like Chateau Elan. That’s what makes living here so exciting—it’s a city full of options and energy

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Outside of God, of course—my biggest shoutout goes to my mother. That woman deserves all the praise in the world. Growing up in a single-parent household in the hood, especially as the firstborn, you see and experience a lot at a young age. And while I didn’t understand everything back then, one thing I always knew was that my mother would do whatever it took to provide for me and my siblings.

No matter what we needed—or wanted—she always found a way to make it happen. And even as a kid, I was aware enough to be amazed by that, because I knew our situation. To this day, even as an adult, I know I can call my mom and she’ll be there without hesitation. But honestly, what inspired me the most wasn’t just what she did—it was the effort she put in. The fact that she tried, day in and day out, made me love and admire her even more.

She’s the one who always preached to me: “Never be a follower, always be a leader.” That mindset has stuck with me my whole life. And on top of everything else, she’s a true hustler—resilient, resourceful, and relentless. She even has her own businesses now, and watching her move through challenges and still get it done is what keeps me motivated. She’s a warrior, and I strive every day to carry that same spirit.

Website: https://www.the360xperience.com/

Instagram: Adrian.jeanphilippe

Linkedin: Adrian Jean Philippe

Image Credits
Barnabhey Molin