We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ciarra Schenk a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ciarra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

In June of 2024, I got engaged to the love of my life, and I was ecstatic to start wedding planning. Within just 48 hours of saying “yes,” I had already booked our photographer, hair stylist, caterer, and a couple venue tours. Being a teacher, I wanted to get as much wedding planning as possible completed before summer’s end.

I had attended a wedding with a photo booth before and immediately knew I wanted one at my own wedding. I loved how much fun it was and the way the photos captured candid, joyful moments with my fiancé. When I sat down to Google nearby photo booths, I realized there weren’t many local options in my area.

That sparked an idea to start my own photo booth business to serve Fort Smith and the River Valley. My mission is to give other brides the fun, easy, and memorable experience I wanted for my own big day.

Ciarra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

At heart, I’m a small-town girl from rural Arkansas, a teacher by profession, currently teaching fifth-grade language arts, as well as someone who loves celebrating life’s special moments. My journey into the events industry began right after my own wedding, because I wanted to share the kind of experience I dreamed of for my wedding day with other couples and event hosts in Fort Smith and the surrounding rural areas.

Our services include interactive, customizable photo booth rentals for weddings, parties, and special events. We provide themed props, personalized prints, professional backdrops, and even guest books to treasure the memories long after the event ends.

What sets us apart is the personal touch and dedication we bring to every event. Because I’ve planned my own wedding, I understand what clients want—fun, memorable experiences that leave guests talking long after the day is over. I’m proud to have built a business that fills a local need, brings joy to my community, and helps people capture moments that matter most.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Starting my photo booth business was an exercise in resilience from day one. I had no prior experience running a business, marketing, or operating photo booths, but I was determined to turn an idea into reality. I spent countless hours researching and reading through websites, reviews and Facebook groups created for photo booth professionals. I absorbed everything I could from those communities and learned to navigate challenges I had never faced before.

Balancing this with my full-time teaching job was not easy. Long days in the classroom were followed by late nights researching equipment, planning packages, and figuring out the logistics of running a business. There were moments of doubt, moments when it felt overwhelming, but I refused to give up. Every challenge became an opportunity to learn, problem-solve, and grow.

What makes me proud is that persistence and hard work turned a personal need—wanting a photo booth for my own wedding—into a business serving couples across the River Valley. That journey taught me that curiosity, determination, and a willingness to learn are just as important as experience, and that tackling challenges head-on can lead to something truly rewarding.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Funding my business was one of the most intimidating parts of the journey. I had spent years saving for my future, and when it came time to invest in my dream, I realized I would be putting a significant portion of my savings account toward startup costs. It was scary to take that leap, but I knew I had to believe in myself and my vision.

That fear became motivation. Knowing that I had personally invested in my dream pushed me to work harder, plan carefully, and make every decision count. Using my own savings taught me accountability, resourcefulness, and the importance of fully committing to my business. Looking back, taking that risk was the moment my idea truly became real—and it gave me the drive to make my business succeed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rivervalleyphotobooth.com/
• Instagram: river_valley_photobooth
• Facebook: River Valley Photobooth
• Other: Tik-Tok: @ciarraandrvphotobooth

Image Credits

Brook Emerson Photography