We had the good fortune of connecting with Ivann Castillo and Juanita Jimenez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ivann Castillo and, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
My photobooth business idea started after attending my friends Birthday party earlier this year. There was a digital photobooth setup where everyone received their photos through text. Then days later while talking to my mom and looking through the photos we took that night, I mentioned to her how that could possibly be a cool fun way to start my business. Both my parents have been very encouraging to start early on, in hopes to set me up for success. So after doing some research we found out more about the photobooth business and how it could be a great fit for us considering it wouldn’t affect my school and sports schedule. Since most events are late evenings on the weekends. Then just 3 weeks later after coming up with the idea we purchased our first booth and have added 2 more since.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
We are a small, family owned photobooth business here in Dallas, TX. We’re a mother/son duo that help capture memories for our clients and their guests. As a family we all play a very important part of making our photobooth business successful. My mom handles all the marketing and behind the scenes that involves hiring a photobooth for your parties. I organize and clean our booths and props before and during the events, while also taking turns interacting with the guests. My stepdad helps us with the setup and the breakdown of the bigger booths. We try to have the newest and coolest props that we know everyone will love. Our custom made templates and screens are designed by my mom, she makes sure to match each  parties theme and adds a custom touchto all. We even help make templates for other photobooth businesses that don’t have the time or patience for it. Just another way for our business to continue to grow and be recognized. I’m truly grateful to have my mom’s support through it all. She’s always been my #1 fan, and has always encouraged me to push myself and be the best I can be. From trying out for a new sport to now starting my own business. I’m glad she’s helped me create something even my younger siblings will one day get to be a part of. Family means everything to me and I’m so happy to have them by my side.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Any family and friends that visit Dallas get to come out and watch me play, they know how much I’ve worked and pushed myself in hopes to play in college and hopefully one day play professionally. Our weekends consist of nothing but sports and different events. Which is one of the best parts of the business, considering no weekend or party is ever the same. Helps keep it interesting.

Alright, so let’s jump right in! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there a person, group, organization, book, etc. that you want to dedicate your shoutout to? Who else deserves a little credit and recognition in your story?  
We owe a lot of our early success thanks to our family and friends. They’ve helped share and promote our business early on. Also very grateful for my school’s PTO moms, teachers and principals for all their support and words of encouragement. We’ve had local restaurants like Senaidas Mexican Kitchen and The Bagel Lady, setup at their locations to help get our name out. We’ve even partnered with a few other vendors and small businesses to help promote each other and has been a super rewarding experience for all.

Website: www.premierfotobooth.com

Instagram: @premier.fotobooth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Premier.FotoBooth/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC1AppZx1SvM1slzKJQqWu9Q

Other: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRDekAd9/

Image Credits
Photos and Template Designs all by Premier FotoBooth

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.