This lux photo booth delivers high-tech 360 spinning photography to Brockton

BROCKTON — Zion's Photo Booths started as small goals getting checked off a lined notepad — until it became much bigger. 

Kelly Alves, the owner of Zion's Photo Booths, drafted a business plan and worked on it daily.

The young entrepreneur always had an eye for owning a business and building a legacy for her family, who moved to America from Cape Verde to give Alves a better opportunity. 

"My parents didn't have the opportunity to go to school. It's crazy to think how much our lives have changed. It wasn't easy for them. They worked in factories to provide me with a chance to graduate college and create a business," Alves said. 

While attending a family party, Alves felt like something was missing — the main attraction. At that time, there wasn't a Brockton-based photo booth company, so she decided to create one. 

The photo business started in October 2020 as a way for Alves to explore her creativity while making an income. 

While conducting her research for six months on digital photo booths, she discovered she was the first person to order one in Massachusetts from her vendor.  

During this time, many friends and family cast doubt on Alves' business, saying it wouldn't be a good idea because of COVID, people aren't partying as much, and the list of excuses went on.

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But Alves is so stranger to challenges: She knows nothing in life is easy, and there will always be obstacles. 

"I decided to launch my business anyway and got so much support from Brockton. This city is a major reason why I am now expanding my services. I appreciate Brockton so much. I got nothing but support and love," Alves said. 

Once the pandemic restrictions lightened, Alves found her business booked every weekend for events ranging from weddings, proms, baby showers and gender reveals to any special moment where a person would like a photo booth to capture the memories. 

The business started slowly, but with the help of her boyfriend and sister Eliane Alves with marketing and rebranding, they attracted a slight buzz even during the pandemic. 

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Alves said that good reviews travel fast in Brockton, and many people started to take an interest in the advanced photo booths, and they became a party favorite.

The first booth Alves purchased was a mirror touch screen photoshoot that makes comments to the user and the second one was a 360 spinning photo booth. 

The 360 photo booth records video in slow motion and sends it to your cell phone, similar to the 2020 Grammy's 360 camera.

Alves has five machines and counting. 

"Starting a business is a risk, but it's very rewarding if you're passionate about what you're doing. My favorite part of being a business owner is being creative, changing things instantly, and having endless growth opportunities," Alves said. 

Zion's Photo Booths was named after Alves' son, Zion. Alves enjoys building a business she can one day pass on to her son if he chooses to take over. 

Becoming a business owner gave Alves the freedom to be a stay-at-home mom with her two kids while simultaneously running a successful business, she said.

"My lifestyle has completely changed compared to a few years ago," Alves said. 

Recently, the budding entrepreneur purchased a home and fulfilled her idea of the American dream and suggests everyone start their own business and become a boss. 

"I'm so happy to create a foundation for my family. Even if you start small, just start whatever it is. I did things little by little every day until I got to where I wanted to be, and it takes time but don't rush it," Alves said. 

Alves mentors new business owners on how to open their own photo booth company.

So far, Alves has helped two clients launch their businesses in different states. 

"You could start a business like this with $5,000 or less and gradually buy stuff as needed and build your business from the ground up," Alves said. 

To book a photo booth, visit www.zionsphotobooths.com/

Enterprise staff reporter Alisha Saint-Ciel can be reached by email at stciela@gannett.com. You can follow her on Twitter at @alishaspeakss and Instagram at Alishaatv. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Enterprise today.