Today we’d like to introduce you to Meivys Reyes and David Suarez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
David and I started our photography company in 2012 when we graduated college. We paired my love for photography and his entrepreneur mindset to create something together. When we started, we wanted to do it all, we did planning, photography, DJ services and more. While it went well for us, we realized that we needed to become true experts in one field and from the start until today we have worked on ourselves, our skills, our relationship and our business at the SAME time, talk about a challenge! It was a struggle being college grads trying to start a business and a place to call home. We definitely had obstacles throughout the way and to where we are now, but the best thing about it is the journey. We learned together and supported each other, we succeeded in some areas and failed in others, we learned through making mistakes and even more by watching others.
Last year, we changed our business name and created a brand that describes our journey. After much thought, we found that everything we wanted to represent as a brand was in each of us everyday. Our brand stems from our upbringing. We grew up in humble, caring and lively homes. We love natural and clean images that portray genuine emotion. Our style is bright and airy and our ideal clients are family-oriented, fun and value great experiences and friendships. We are more than photographers, we are friends, we are storytellers and journalists.
We thrive on two ideas: First, that love is the most powerful thing on this earth; no matter where it comes from or who it involves, and two, the harder you work at your craft, the better you become. We have loved each other through every step of the way, through business planning, budget-making, website-building, etc. Even though, we do not always meet eye to eye, we know we have each other’s support regardless of what the logo looks like or a clients might say. We know that at the end of the day, we are building something together and that’s the most beautiful thing. Working hard = results is not a secret, it is a known fact, it is just the way things go. But, as a couple, it can take a toll on your relationship. Work hard but don’t forget to take a break, a date night within the busy schedule! Trust us, it will make a difference. We believe that if you can combine your love and passion for your business or industry, you’ll strengthen your relationship in many ways.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It was a struggle to start a business out of college without the help of a mentor in the industry. Back then, it was so hard to find people who are willing to help and to lend a hand. Even though, it’s only been a few years since we started, our industry has changed and there are more opportunities to learn and grow any business. The fact that we have access to people near and far makes a huge difference.
Another struggle we found was the steps to start our business. There is a ton of information out there but to be honest, it sounds and looks intimidating and complicated. Again, the guidance that there is now cannot compare to what it was like a few years ago. There are plenty of checklists, guides and resources that can be helpful when starting a business.
Last, but not least, we struggled with finding our style and our ideal client. However, once we found it, we have not looked back. As I mentioned before, our style is bright and airy. We love to focus on the person or people in the photo versus the backgrounds. Of course, the background is the cherry on top but we are photographers because we want to capture moments, freeze emotion and most importantly, revisit the feelings from that day. For us, light is very important and shooting with natural light is our favorite! After trying many different styles, we found that a clean, crisp and natural image was our favorite, each and every time.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We began our business specializing in Quinceañeras, but soon fell in love with weddings. All the love and detail of a wedding day makes us feel at home. It is an adventure each time we meet a bride and groom! Everyone’s story is amazing and so different. What can I say, we love, love!
We feel that our job is not just to be a fly on the wall and snap photos. For us, being photographers is so much more; its becoming friends with our clients, listening to their ideas and making them come to life, personalizing sessions, mingling with the families, sharing special moments, going on double dates, laughing and having a great time, getting to know each other, surprising and spoiling our clients. Overall, creating a unique and memorable experience.
Our client experience is what sets us apart and what we are most proud of. We are very outgoing photographers and we enjoying hosting and spoiling our clients. We enjoy giving back to the community and educating. More than ever, we have realized how difficult and stressful it is to be planning one of the most important days in any person’s life. We get married in April and are experiencing the same things as a bride and groom… we understand our clients and therefore, try our best to educate them and to spoil them, because they deserve it!
What were you like growing up?
Meivys: I was always a creative child. I enjoyed the arts and loved school. I was a bubbly, straight-A student, top of my class, class president-type of girl. I used to take photos of my baby sister all the time, I’d dress her, pose her and even edit her photos. I always had an interest in photography, but never thought of it as a career. I developed my interest in other ways. I was involved in school, in every club you can imagine and throughout high school, I was very active in my school’s student government and TV production class. I was very driven (still am, lol!) and was determined to be the first in my family to go to college.
I was fortunate enough to get a full ride to The Florida State University and studied Hospitality. I continued to be active in FSU and pledged Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. There, I met some of my best friends and learned a ton about myself and about what my strengths are. I graduated with my bachelors and was very proud of my accomplishments but soon realized, I did not want to do what I went to school for… my mom (the most amazing woman in the world, by the way) has always pushed me to do what I love and I finally decided to get serious about my dreams. Meeting David was the first step to making a hobby into a business. We have been inseparable ever since.
David: As long as I can remember, I have been on the go. I have always been very active and outgoing. While I have tried many different activities and interests; karate, trumpet, computer graphics and more. I always knew there was one thing I was passionate about: people. Everything I did always revolved around working with others and making each day an adventure and experience. From a very young age, my parents put me to play soccer and that carried me through school. I looked forward to going to school to meet others and interact with different people, to learn about their cultures and their personalities. In high school, I dreamt of a full -ride to a university on a soccer scholarship but my dream was put on pause, when I dislocated my shoulder in my senior year. This unfortunate event, led me to find my true calling – business and leadership.
Throughout my time in Georgia State University, I founded multiple student organizations and mentored Latino students. I created one of the biggest Latino events on my campus that became the Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff and was able to graduate a proud brother of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. and with a degree in Managerial Science with a focus on Entrepreneurship. When Meivys’ and my path combined in my last year of school, I knew not only had I gained a soulmate, but also a business partner.
Pricing:
- Weddings begin at $1,600
- Quinceañeras begin at $1,000
- Portraits begin at $500
Contact Info:
- Website: www.msuarezphotography.com
- Phone: 7544441194
- Email: info@msuarezphotography.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/msuarezphotography
- Facebook: facebook.com/msuarezphotography
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/m-suarez-photography-hollywood
Image Credit:
M Suarez Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
