Boston entrepreneur and creative leader Titciana “Tonya” Barros, owner of Snapped Boston, recently joined the Everything Goes podcast to discuss the rapid rise of her photo booth brand and the community-driven mission behind her work. Her business has become a staple at events throughout the city, where long lines for her booth have become a familiar sight and a testament to the quality and experience she delivers.
Barros operates with a dual commitment: serving her community and building a standout creative business. By day, she works with The Teachers Lounge, an organization that supports educators. Outside of her education role, she runs Snap Boston, which has expanded from a single 360° photo booth setup into a full-service operation offering traditional booths, 360 experiences, and on-site content creation for events.
Her entry into photography began as a personal challenge. After returning to the education sector, she decided to learn a new skill and invested in equipment that would eventually shape an entire business. The result is a brand known for making people feel confident in front of the camera and delivering images that often become profile photos and social media highlights.
Barros is also recognized for amplifying Black excellence across Boston’s event scene. She has built strong relationships with local vendors and is known for referring clients to other photographers when she is fully booked, a reflection of her belief in collaboration over competition.
Her Cape Verdean heritage plays a central role in her work and community engagement. Raised by parents who immigrated from Cape Verde nearly five decades ago, Barros grew up with a deep understanding of service and cultural pride. That influence led her to help organize Cape Verde Night at Fenway Park, an annual community celebration that recently drew thousands of attendees. This year’s events include a 50th Independence Day collection and a companion soccer match at Gillette Stadium.
Despite her success, Barros has navigated profound personal hardship. In January, she lost her nephew Christian to neuroblastoma at 13 months old. The city plans to honor his memory by renaming a local street Christian J. Barros Way. Throughout her grief, she has remained committed to her work and community while prioritizing mental health. She has openly encouraged therapy, particularly within communities of color, and during a recent sabbatical, engaged in multiple forms of care to address the physical and emotional impact of loss.
As she looks ahead, Barros is considering returning to the classroom full-time and exploring new expansions for Snap Boston. While she has not revealed details, she has hinted at additional creative ventures that will build on the brand’s momentum.
Her message to emerging entrepreneurs remains consistent: pursue what excites you, seek guidance, embrace collaboration, and safeguard your mental well-being. For Barros, success is grounded in purpose, resilience, and community. Through Snap Boston and her broader work, she continues to create spaces for joy, representation, and cultural pride across the city.
