Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandy Virgo
Sandy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Sandy Virgo, and I am a wedding photographer alongside my husband, Kareem. Together, we own REEM Photography, which we started back in October 2017. Recently, we launched our sister company, DREEM Team Weddings, in January 2022, made up of talented photographers we’ve worked with over the years. Our passion is traveling the world and capturing beautiful love stories.
Entrepreneurship has always been in my blood. I’ve been an entrepreneur at heart since I was 9 years old, thanks to the strong influence of my mother and grandmother, who were both businesswomen. They taught me the value of hard work and independence from a very young age. After I graduated college with a degree in Business Administration, I decided to further my mother’s cleaning service, which I had been a part of since I was a little girl. We went from cleaning thousands of homes in South Florida to pivoting post-COVID by transitioning to commercial cleaning with our business Messaway, now servicing businesses in the South Florida area.
Last summer, in 2023, I began pursuing content creation and influencer marketing, which was a completely new and intimidating space for me. I started a YouTube channel and consistently posted on Instagram and TikTok, sharing my experiences with travel, mom life, and our new home journey. To my surprise, this led to multiple brand and sponsorship opportunities, which I hadn’t anticipated turning into an additional source of income. The journey has been unexpected, but I’m loving it and excited to see where it takes me next!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s what makes the journey so rewarding. One of the biggest challenges was balancing everything — being a mom, wife, business owner, and now a content creator. There were many moments where I felt overwhelmed, trying to juggle all the roles while still wanting to give my best in each one.
When I first started content creation, it was scary. Putting myself out there and sharing my personal life online made me feel vulnerable. There were a lot of self-doubts at the beginning. I didn’t know if people would connect with me or even care about what I had to share. Learning the ropes of influencer marketing, understanding algorithms, and building a community all took time and effort. It was definitely a learning curve, and I’ve had moments where I questioned if I was doing the right thing.
On top of that, transitioning my mom’s cleaning business from residential to commercial after COVID wasn’t easy either. We had to navigate a completely different clientele and adjust our processes, which came with its own set of challenges. But through it all, I’ve learned to take things one step at a time and focus on what truly matters — my family, my passion, and growing both personally and professionally.
Despite the struggles, I’ve always been determined to push forward. Every hurdle has taught me valuable lessons, and I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s all part of the growth process, and I’m thankful for the journey.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What sets us apart is our ability to connect with our clients on a deeper level. We don’t just show up with a camera; we take the time to get to know each couple and capture their unique story. It’s important to us that their love and personalities shine through in every shot. Our clients trust us to tell their story authentically, and I think that’s what we’re most known for.
On the content creation side, I’ve been sharing my personal journey as a mom, wife, and entrepreneur. I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve built a community of people who relate to my experiences. Whether it’s sharing our travels, home decor, or mom life, I always aim to be relatable and real. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with some incredible brands, which is something I never expected when I first started.
What I believe sets me apart is my authenticity. I’m not trying to portray a perfect life; I’m just sharing the real ups and downs. I think people connect with that, and it’s helped me build trust with my audience. At the end of the day, I’m just doing what I love — capturing beautiful moments and sharing them with the world.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
For me, my Bible is my greatest resource. It grounds me and gives me the guidance and strength I need to get through both the highs and lows. Faith-based books are also a big part of my life, helping me grow spiritually and stay focused on what truly matters.
Outside of that, my family and friends are my biggest support system. They keep me balanced and remind me of the importance of taking time for myself and staying present. My husband Kareem, especially, has been my rock through everything. He’s not only my partner in business but in life, and I couldn’t do what I do without him. My son Isaac also keeps me grounded and brings so much joy into my life.
Having that combination of faith, family, and community really helps me be my best in both my work and personal life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sandyvirgo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesandyvirgo/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sandyvirgo
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesandyvirgo
Image Credits
Reem Photography @photosbyreem
