Vintage photo booth van helps non-profits | News, Sports, Jobs
Andie Balenger photo Tiffany Olsick poses in her 1974 Volkswagen Westfalia camper minibus, a vehicle she has long been searching for. Since acquiring the bus, she has transformed it into a portable photo booth that donates a portion of the proceeds to local 501c3 organizations.
GLADSTONE — The recent “van life” movement has left those looking for adventure on the road pinning for a vehicle they can live out of. From Sprinter vans to renovated school buses, it seems anything with four wheels and enough space for living essentials can be considered a home.
But those who prefer a laid-back lifestyle defined by cool music, local art, and good vibes often opt for a vintage Volkswagen bus. At least this is true for Tiffany Olsick, a Gladstone woman who acquired a white 1974 Volkswagen Westfalia camper minibus two summers ago in Indiana. After several years of hunting for the perfect “hippie van,” she finally had June – the chosen namesake of the ’74 bus in remembrance of her grandmother – to call her own.
“I have been looking for a very long time for a bus, and [me and my husband] would constantly check this website that lists them,” Olsick said. “We finally found one that we liked, so we went and picked it up.”
When searching for a bus, Olsick had always planned to take it in the “van life” routine of campground hopping with her family. After visiting family in California, however, he was inspired to elevate the casual encounters many passers-by had with VW buses. Determined to share her love for the beloved vehicle with her community, a meeting with a VW photo booth bus inspired Olsick to transform June into a neighborhood spectacle.
The bus Olsick stumbled upon while visiting the Golden State was fully equipped with a camera, printer, and all of the classic trimmings. Reminiscent of the small photo booths often seen in arcades and malls, the owners of the bus welcomed people to climb into the backseat of the vintage bus and pose for four photos. The photos would then be printed out on-site in a keepsake strip.
“I saw the VW photo booth bus and thought to myself ‘what a wonderful, unique, and creative business,’” Olsick said. “Since then I have wanted to introduce this unique business to the Upper Peninsula and surrounding areas.”
Since purchasing June in July 2021, Olsick has been preparing the van for its first public appearance. Deciding on a musical theme, the bus’s floor is plastered with posters of classic musical acts of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. After the interior design of the bus was complete, Olsick’s husband, Jim, built and installed the camera and printer just behind the driver and passenger seats. Because the vehicle is prone to breaking down, a trailer was also acquired to haul long distances.
After two years of planning, constructing, and designing, June’s Booth Bus debuted in 2023. The VW bus has already been stationed at several locations across Delta County, including The Log Cabin and The Dew Drop Family Restaurant, both of which are in Gladstone
Using the booth is simple. Those looking to be photographed climbing into the backseat of the bus, where various hand-held props and sunglasses await. After getting situated, the camera has a touch screen that allows you to choose between a digital GIF or a physical copy of the photo. After choosing a medium, filters can be applied to the photos.
“I really like taking pictures and I thought this was a nice way to do that,” Olsick said. “I know that everyone has their phones, but it’s nice to have something real that you can have printed right away.”
However, June’s Booth Bus extends beyond just a unique small business. When deciding to transform her bus into a commodity for others, Olsick vowed to devote some of the revenue June generated to 501c3 non-profit organizations in Delta County. According to Olsick, this is another way she plans to positively impact her community with the VW bus.
For the 2023 summer season, Olsick has selected UP Honor Flight, United Way of Delta County, Dream Weaver Children’s Museum, and UP Foster Closet as donation recipients. Along with collecting funds for these organizations, Olsick promotes them when positioning the bus at local events.
“I am really trying to advocate and provide the community with knowledge and education on what these programs do, not just give donations,” Olsick said. “I am always trying to raise awareness for those types of programs.”
In addition to championing non-profit organizations, Olsick has chosen to support other small businesses in Delta County by featuring their products in the VW bus or including their information on her website, junesboothbus.com.
June can be spotted at several upcoming events in Delta County, including Rock the Dock (Escanaba, July 1), Summer Concert Series at Van Cleve Park (Gladstone, every Thursday), and the Waterfront Art Festival (Escanaba, August 5). June can also be rented for private parties, from baby showers to weddings. The bus will be tailored for the occasion.
In the years that Olsick had owned the ’74 Volkswagen minibus, he had noticed that it was an alluring relic that unites those in its presence. Instantly recognizable, VWs are a symbol of free-spiritedness, peace, and love. To Olsick, this is what makes the van attractive and accessible to all.
“What I am amazed by most is how people of all ages connect with these VW buses,” Olsick said. “Everyone instantly smiles, flashes a peace sign, waves, and many people even stop to share their memories and adventures with a VW bus. It’s just a good thing all around that I enjoy.”