The death of their parents and the need for income prompted Ceres sisters Jasmin Aguilar and Kimberly Reyes to dream up a business. They came up with Infinite Memories, a portable photo booth service that caters to local festivals, community events, private parties and pop-ups.
“When you lose somebody it’s a horrible moment but you get to keep memories only,” said Reyes. “Some material things don’t really matter; it’s more of the memories you get to keep. So it was a nice sentiment to be able to provide that for others. We know it’s one of those random pictures that they’re going to be able to cherish forever – it’s fulfilling.”
Because the sisters care for a brother who was born with Downs Syndrome during the week, they needed a way to make money on the weekends outside of the regular 9-to-5 schedule. So the sisters started the part-time business from scratch in 2018, buying equipment and subscribing to a software service. They began staging at family gatherings and friends’ parties and became “official” in 2022.
The service is akin to the old photo booths one would find at county fairs, but instead of waiting to see a series of poses process as a photographic strip through a quick chemical bath and drop into a slot on the side, photos are emailed to the subjects in digital format.
Typically the set-up involves subjects standing in front of a green screen which allows a customized background, typically which highlights the event at the time. Infinite Memories also offers a 360 video of people.
Reyes explained that Infinite Memories likes to attend festivals – such as the Ube Festival in Stockton, DOMO Festival in Modesto, Chamber of Commerce gala and Festival of Hope – as sponsors to get public exposure where they often book private parties.
She found Manteca’s Brew Fest a rewarding experience, saying “That one is pretty cool because all of the money goes towards an afterschool program.”
The business has been at several events hosted by the Ceres Unified School District, such as the recent 10th anniversary celebration at Lucas Dual Language Academy. The photo booth has also been posted at Friday Modesto A’s games.
Growing the business has meant a lot of travel to participate in such events as the Fourth of July parade at Weber Point in Stockton. They are also sponsors of Club 67, a regular gathering in Merced to benefit adults with disabilities.
Getting people into the “booth” can be a challenge since everyone thinks there’s always a catch so the company makes an effort to say the service is “free” at events.
“You do have to say the word ‘free’ very loud,” said Reyes. “We say ‘don’t be scared, it’s free.’”
They do accept tips, however, after providing free service to attendees and faire goers.
Also involved in the business are their sister Michelle Nieto and brother Michael Nieto who likes to don the inflatable character of Pikachu to draw attention to the booth.
“We do offer the packages where you do printing. Personally we don’t really like it simply because it tends to glitch with so much technology these days … because there’s so many devices around you. Unless you ask, we don’t offer it.”
The business may be reached at (209) 496-1525.