An Inspired Chat with Gilbert Holguin of Rancho Cucamonga

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Gilbert Holguin. Check out our conversation below.

Gilbert, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. When was the last time you felt true joy?
True joy for me comes from my faith in Jesus Christ. It’s a deep, lasting peace that doesn’t depend on circumstances. I find joy in knowing that God’s hand is over my life, my family, and our business. Seeing my wife Gloria and our daughters, Addison and Aliyah, happy and thriving always fills my heart. And when I see our business bringing joy to others—when people step into our VW photobus, start laughing, and create memories they’ll cherish—that’s another reminder of how good God is. He’s the one who opened the doors for this business, guided every step of the journey, and continues to sustain it. My faith, my family, and the love that flows through our work are where I find true joy.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Gilbert Holguin, founder of Designed by Love Photobus. Our business is all about creating joyful, memorable experiences through our VW photo booths. What makes us unique is not just the fun, nostalgic appeal of our 23-window VW bus and white bay window bus, but the way we combine high-quality photography, lounge-style décor, and a full audio guestbook setup to make every event feel personalized and special. My family, friends, and I personally work each event, bringing our own energy, care, and attention to detail—making every experience something we take pride in and ensuring our clients feel truly celebrated.

Our story is deeply rooted in patience, planning, and love. We spent years dreaming and preparing before launching in 2020, and the instant connection we felt with our clients showed us we were on the right path. For me, this business isn’t just about photos—it’s about bringing people together, celebrating life, and creating memories that last long after the event ends. We’re always looking for new ways to spread joy and elevate the event experience, and that’s what keeps me inspired every day.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What often breaks the bonds between people is a lack of love, understanding, or communication—when pride, selfishness, or misunderstandings take over, relationships can easily fray. On the other hand, what restores them is humility, forgiveness, and intentional care. Taking the time to listen, show compassion, and truly value the other person’s perspective can rebuild trust and strengthen connections. For me, faith plays a big role in this too, guiding how I approach reconciliation and reminding me that love and grace are always the first steps toward restoring any relationship.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me lessons that success never could—patience, humility, and reliance on God. Challenges and setbacks show you what truly matters, revealing your strength, character, and faith in ways that easy victories never do. While success can bring pride or confidence, suffering teaches resilience, perspective, and the value of persistence. It’s through those hard moments that I’ve learned to lead with empathy, love, and care, appreciate the small victories, and stay grounded in both life and business.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I try hard to make the public version of me match the real me. A dear friend of my wife and I once told us, “Live your life like you live in a glass house,” and we’ve never forgotten it. That advice has shaped how I carry myself in both business and life—striving to be transparent, authentic, and full of integrity, whether people see it or not. It’s about being consistent in your words and actions, treating others with respect, and making decisions guided by honesty and love. Living this way isn’t always easy, but it builds trust, strengthens relationships, and allows me to lead in a way that reflects my values both personally and professionally.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me when I’m gone is that I was a man of faith, love, and purpose. That my faith in Jesus Christ guided every decision I made, shaping the way I led, worked, and cared for others. I hope they remember my deep love for my family, the joy we shared together, and the way I poured myself into creating meaningful experiences for those around me. I want to be known as someone who genuinely cared for people—whether family, friends, clients, or community—and who led with love, integrity, and humility. Ultimately, I hope my life is remembered as one that brought joy, left a positive impact, and reflected the values I held most dear.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.designedbylovephotobus.com
• Instagram: @designedbylovephotobus
• Facebook: @designedbylovephotobus