I stopped by Boost Mobile yesterday and was floored by the growth of this pre-paid phone service company that launched in 2002 in Irvine.

Cheri Quigley, the media person, said that when she joined Boost two years ago, there were about 50 employees. Today, it’s pushing 300. The space just south of Interstate 405 is so packed with people that some employees must sit in the rest area by the vending machines.

Who knew that pre-paid was doing so well? Well, Boost did, apparently. The company continues to launch new products and services, partly to make sure they keep customers coming back. With no contract to commit to, customers can come and go as they choose. Hence, new services like Boost Call Tones, which is music or a funny message your caller will hear if you’re on the other line or just don’t want to talk to them.

But of course, the new ladies line of cell phones caught my eye. Gina Scollick, one of three female designers at Boost Mobile, took a Motorola i835 phone and prettied it up. Notice that intricate swirlies tattooed on this grape-colored phone (the i835g). Gina also designed the exterior speaker vent into four paisley shapes. The phone comes with matching wallpapers and screensavers and is available now for $130.

See more photos of older Boost phones including some from Roxy and Retail Mafia …

The i835w phone, a white phone with subtle stripes, is gender neutral and internally dubbed ‘the Ryan Seacrest phone.’ is available in October.

The only thing I didn’t like was that these phones don’t have cameras, though other Boost models do. It’s probably because cell phones are typically heavily subsidized by cell phone companies who make their money on monthly fees. But Boost Mobile is pay-as-you go. No contract, no committment, no ongoing fees. Why do cell phones cost so much?

Anyway, at its Irvine office, Boost also has a glass case with older versions of its phone. I had to snap some photos because I don’t remember all of these.

Speaking of cell phones, there’s sure to be some interesting news next week as the cellular convention, CTIA, begins. Stay tuned…

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