Meet Ashley Bowes of The Foto Booth Bus in North Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Bowes.

Ashley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My husband, Josh and I got engaged in 2014 and I quickly began looking for inspiration for our wedding day. We both love unique things/ideas. I started to follow an Instagram page that featured all sorts of ideas for your wedding day, from floras to bridal dresses, color schemes, different vendors, etc. One day, a photo booth bus popped up. It was located in South Carolina. It was a bright yellow, total surfer vibe. I LOVED the concept but the style wasn’t totally us. I immediately looked to see if there was one to rent here in AZ. I searched HARD. I was determined to have one of these at our wedding. There wasn’t one to be found, I was so bummed and so was Josh. For weeks, he and I would bring that bus up and he would joke about us creating one here in AZ. We would, of course, use it for our wedding and also have a new business. I didn’t take him too seriously until he told me that a guy from work just randomly brought up how his friend is trying to get rid of a 74 VW Bus and he has plans to go check it out after he gets off. He sent me pictures and I was in love. I was sold. It was the perfect bus and it just felt right. Her name is Lois. We worked hard creating the booth and totally gutting the inside all while planning a wedding! Our wedding wasn’t the first event she did but it was the first wedding and that is so special to us. Now, Lois is apart of a GREAT deal of weddings, private and corporate parties. This coming March will mark our 5-year anniversary. And we feel so grateful to be apart of some of the happiest days.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No way! But nothing worth having is easy, right? I am not a professional photographer nor did I have any experience in photo booths. Lighting is extremely important so I really had to do my research and go through a little trial and error until I found the “sweet spot.” I learned how to drive stick on that bus and it wasn’t easy!

The Foto Booth Bus – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am the Owner and Operator of The Foto Booth Bus! Customers start talking to me from the very beginning. I answer emails/phone calls and write up all the proposals. I handle our social media accounts (which I could be so much better at). I love being creative with the bus. Last year, I came up with 3 new themes. I wanted to try and make the bus more customizable, something that fits into your wedding or event better. It took me a little bit to search for the perfect pieces but it was all worth it. I design the photo strip and I work the events! Something that I feel like sets us apart is our customer interaction. Customer service is something that I feel so strongly about. I want to make sure I show the guests a good time. I want them to let loose and have fun. I want them to feel comfortable around me so they can be as silly as they want and feel no judgment. I want them to walk away with a really fun memory that they will be able to look back on for years to come.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
That is such a great question. I am not sure if I have that all figured out yet, but I do know that I feel passion for what I do and I work hard at it. I just got an email tonight from a woman who worked with us three years ago for her sister’s bridal shower. She is now getting married. She said that I was such a joy to work with and she wanted to reach out to me first. I was just so taken back. I felt so honored that she remembered me and the bus. My biggest hope for every event I work is that the client feels that they made a great decision in hiring us. So, when I get emails similar to the one above, I feel that I have succeeded.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thefotoboothbus.com/
• Phone: 6023209532
• Email: ashley@thefotoboothbus.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefotoboothbus/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefotoboothbus/

Image Credit:
Logan Cole Photo, Jessica Q Photography, Ashley Rae Photography, Lisa Carter Photography, Elyse Hall Photography, Kaylee Chelsea Photography and Shalyn Davis Photo

Suggest a story: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.