We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Deborah Mena. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Deborah below.

Deborah , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered as someone who brought energy, warmth, and positivity into every space—a true vibe that left a lasting impression. My hope is that people remember how I made them feel: loved, cared for, and empowered.

I aspire to be known as a loving, empowering, and resilient woman who faced life’s challenges head-on and never gave up. A warrior who made sacrifices and worked tirelessly to ensure her family had everything they needed. As a wife and mother, my family’s happiness, well-being, and success mean the world to me, and I’ve always prioritized them above all else.

I also hope people remember my loyalty and the value I placed on relationships. To me, family isn’t just about blood—it’s about love, trust, and unwavering support. I want to leave behind a legacy of fearlessness and determination, as someone who not only climbed skyscrapers as a Union roofer but also transitioned into entrepreneurship against all odds.

Starting a photo booth business with no prior experience was a leap of faith, but I built something remarkable with passion and grit. My journey wasn’t easy, but I hope it inspires others to believe in themselves and show that starting from zero doesn’t mean you can’t reach extraordinary heights.

I want to be remembered as someone who could light up a room with humor, a loyal friend who went above and beyond, and a supporter of others—a true girl’s girl who believed in lifting others up.

Ultimately, I hope my legacy reflects love, strength, and empowerment. I want people to say, “She was a warrior, a provider, a supporter, and an inspiration who left the world better than she found it.”

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Here’s a quick story: Five weeks postpartum, I attended my cousin’s wedding, where they had a photo booth. The attendant wasn’t very engaging or fun, so, being myself, I took charge for about 10 minutes while my family was taking pictures. We had an absolute blast! The next day, my husband pitched a brilliant idea—“We’re going to open a photo booth company!” I was taken aback but trusted his vision, and it turned out to be the best decision we ever made.

I’ve always been that family member who’s constantly capturing photos at every event or occasion. My camera roll has over 20,000 photos because I truly believe in the power of preserving memories. Photos and videos aren’t just images; they’re time machines that transport us back to moments of joy, love, and connection. Capturing and creating these moments has always been a passion of mine, and it’s the driving force behind TrueVibes Photo Booths.

Owning a photo booth company is more than just a business for me—it’s about creating joyful experiences and lasting memories for our clients. Every event we’re a part of is an opportunity to bring happy, feel-good vibes to people. Seeing smiles, laughter, and excitement while clients use our booths is the best reward. Knowing that these moments are captured forever warms my heart.

TrueVibes Photo Booths has been in business for almost three years now, and I’m proud of how much we’ve grown. We recently expanded to include a third booth, offering even more options to our clients. Our two open-air photo booths are packed with amazing features like video, boomerangs, GIFs, Glam booth filters, and instant sharing via text, QR code, AirDrop, or email, plus high-quality prints. We also have a 360 photo booth, which adds a whole new dimension of fun and excitement to events.

What sets TrueVibes apart is our attention to detail and the energy we bring to each event. We’re not just there to set up a photo booth—we’re there to create an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, birthday, or gala, we focus on making every moment special and stress-free for our clients.

I’m most proud of the journey I’ve taken to get here. Starting this business was a leap of faith, especially as someone who came from a completely different background as a Union roofer. Learning everything from scratch and building TrueVibes from the ground up has been challenging but so rewarding.

I want potential clients and followers to know that at TrueVibes, it’s not just about the photo booths; it’s about the experience, the energy, and the memories. We’re here to make your event unforgettable, with top-notch service and a personal touch that makes every client feel special.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I attribute my resilience to my mother and the challenges we faced growing up in a single-parent household in Washington Heights, NYC. My mother, a courageous woman from the Dominican Republic, came to the United States at just 17 years old in search of better opportunities. With little to no help, she raised my sister and me with unwavering determination and strength.

Watching her face countless challenges while never giving up taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, hard work, and grit. She worked tirelessly, often juggling multiple jobs, to ensure that we had what we needed. Despite our limited resources, she made sure we were always loved, well-cared for, and equipped with the hope to dream big. She was the most resilient woman I’ve ever known—her ability to rise above adversity is something that inspires me to this day.

One memory that stands out is how she’d always find a way to make holidays and special occasions magical for us, even when the budget was tight. She taught me that true wealth isn’t about material things but about the love and effort you pour into the people around you.

Her example set the foundation for the person I am today. No matter what life throws my way, I know how to push through, adapt, and overcome because I saw her do it every single day. Her resilience wasn’t just about survival—it was about thriving, about finding joy even in tough times, and about never losing sight of what truly matters.

I carry those lessons with me in everything I do, from raising my own family to running my business. Resilience, to me, is more than just enduring hardships—it’s about learning, growing, and continuing to move forward, no matter the obstacles. My mother’s legacy lives on through me, and I hope to honor her by showing the same strength, love, and determination she did.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing our clientele at TrueVibes Photo Booths is built around our core value: Quality over quantity. Everything we do revolves around delivering an exceptional customer experience. From the very first call to the day of the event and even in our follow-up afterward, we ensure a seamless, stress-free process that leaves a lasting impression.

We pride ourselves on great customer service. We want our clients to feel supported, valued, and confident that their event is in the best hands. This commitment to excellence naturally leads to referrals—happy clients and their guests become our biggest advocates. Many of our new clients come from someone who experienced what we offer firsthand and immediately wanted to book us for their next event.

Another key strategy has been the power of networking and building community. I’m proud to be part of two incredible groups that have helped elevate both my business and my personal growth as an entrepreneur.

The first is the Bloom Social Club, a phenomenal community offering the ultimate space for enterprising women. Through the Bloom Vault, a curated directory of women-owned small businesses, I’ve connected with like-minded, passionate women entrepreneurs. The Bloom Vault is a one-stop destination for discovering and supporting women-owned businesses, offering everything from products to services. Being part of this community has been invaluable for both growing my business and fostering meaningful relationships.

I’m also a member of The Female Coterie, founded by the inspiring Noelle Alfonso. This vibrant group hosts Female Coterie Meetups, where women come together to celebrate, uplift, and support one another in all aspects of life. It’s a space where empowerment and connection truly come to life. Through these meetups, I’ve been able to connect with fierce Latina women entrepreneurs who inspire me to keep striving for excellence while giving back to others.

Ultimately, it’s our dedication to creating unforgettable experiences, coupled with the support of powerful communities like Bloom Social Club and The Female Coterie, that continues to grow our clientele. Networking, building relationships, and surrounding myself with passionate, driven women have been game-changers for both my business and my personal journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.truevibesphotobooths.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truevibesphotobooths/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TRUEVIBESPHOTOBOOTHS
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/truevibesphotobooths/

Image Credits

Mario W. Valladares- redstudios.tv, riarezvisions, Truevibes photobooths, michellet.media