Today we’d like to introduce you to Frankie Toneto.
Frankie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
About a year ago, I came across a video of someone making photo magnets at home. Coming from an events and hospitality background, my first thought was: is anyone doing this live at events? When I realized they weren’t, I decided to figure out why and discovered there wasn’t a system that could receive and print guests’ photos in real time.
At the time, I was a stay-at-home mom ready to return to work, but I wanted to do it on my own terms. So, I taught myself to code and built the software that would make it possible. That project became PrintBooth Pro, a platform now used by photo magnet businesses across the U.S. to power their live events. Alongside that, I run Saudade Magnets ATX, my Austin-based brand known for turning event photos into custom magnets on the spot. Recently, I became an approved vendor through Visit Austin, and starting this week, my magnets will even be available at the Austin Marriott Downtown.
It’s been a wild and wonderful journey so far, blending creativity, technology, and community and I truly feel like this is only the beginning.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road. Learning to code on my own was difficult and, honestly, pretty frustrating at times. There were plenty of moments I wanted to give up, but I also knew I didn’t have a real events business without the software to power it. I’m one of those people who, when told something isn’t possible, takes that as a personal challenge. So every time I caught myself thinking I can’t do this, another part of me pushed back and said, absolutely not, you’re doing this.
That mindset carried me through the technical hurdles, but the next challenge was just as big, building trust. I had to prove to event organizers that this concept could truly elevate their guest experience, and at the same time, learn to trust myself as both a creator and a business owner.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Saudade Magnets ATX?
My business journey actually spans two connected worlds — Saudade Magnets ATX and PrintBooth Pro.
Saudade Magnets ATX is my Austin-based photo magnet brand that turns memories into keepsakes right there on the spot at markets, weddings, and corporate events. Guests take a photo, and within minutes, they’re holding a magnet to take home. It’s part photo booth, part art piece, part nostalgia. I like to say we’re “the tech behind tomorrow’s keepsakes,” because it’s this blend of innovation and sentiment that defines what I do.
Behind the scenes, I also built PrintBooth Pro, a custom software that automates the entire magnet-making process, from photo capture to printing, designed specifically for other creators and event businesses. It’s now being used by magnet makers all over the US.
What really sets both brands apart is the balance between tech and heart. Everything I make whether it’s software or a photo magnet is about preserving moments in a way that feels personal, tactile, and timeless. Saudade Magnets isn’t just a product; it’s an experience. And PrintBooth Pro isn’t just software; it’s a creative tool that helps small business owners grow.
Brand-wise, I’m proud that both sides of my work represent community and connection. From Austin markets to weddings to the growing number of creators using my platform, everything ties back to helping people capture and share memories in meaningful ways.
At the end of the day, I want readers to know that my mission is to make memory-making creative, accessible, and human again, whether that’s through the magnet you take home or the technology that makes it all possible.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I definitely believe in being in the right place at the right time, but I can’t really say luck has played a big part for me, at least not yet. What’s made the difference has been hard work, patience and just not giving up, even when it would’ve been easier to. I’ve learned how powerful it is to actually talk to people face to face and build real connections. And honestly, relying on my family, my friends, and myself to keep going has made all the difference not just in my business, but in life overall.
Pricing:
- Private events start at $1,200 for a full live photo magnet experience
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Saudademags.com
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@saudademagnetsatx?_t=ZP-90KJh3RFEBa&_r=1
