Meet Mariah Sanchez

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mariah Sanchez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mariah, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my business, Memory Lab SoCal, at the end of the pandemic after quitting a full-time job that left me feeling unfulfilled. I wanted to pursue something that genuinely made me happy. Around that time, I began accompanying my brother, a photographer and videographer, to his events. Seeing the joy on people’s faces when their special moments were captured was inspiring, and it planted the idea of Memory Lab in my mind.

My family had always been involved in party planning in one way or another. My dad has been a DJ as a hobby since I was young, my mom used to choreograph dances for special events, and my brother works in photography and videography. Being so, I was naturally drawn to the event industry.

Starting a photo booth business felt like a perfect fit—it allowed me to channel my creativity, bring joy to others, and build something of my own.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When it came to starting with just one photo booth, I wanted to make sure it stood out. I remember using a few 360 photo booths at events and feeling limited by how many people could fit in one take. Coming from a big family, it was always difficult to capture a moment with just one or two others. That’s why I chose an overhead 360 photo booth that can fit over 15 people, making it perfect for big groups.

I also prioritized safety and comfort. My photo booth is designed to be extremely accessible and inclusive, ensuring everyone can join in on the fun, no matter their needs or abilities.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some of my favorite things are coffee shops, great food, and stunning views. If I had a perfect trip, I’d start with a walk along Zuma Beach in Malibu, followed by a peaceful stroll through the Venice Canals. For lunch, I’d grab sandwiches from Mamie Italian Kitchen or tacos from Tacos El Negro.

Next, I’d make a stop in Laguna Beach to explore the tide pools and enjoy the beautiful beaches—plus, I’d treat myself to the best gelato while I’m there. To top it all off, I’d spend a few days in San Diego. I’d share my list of favorite coffee spots, like Hinar, go kayaking, and unwind by the beach. It’s my ideal combination of relaxation, adventure, and great food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My brother, Robert Sanchez, deserves so much recognition for inspiring me. Watching him capture memories for others showed me just how meaningful and joyful it is to be part of those special moments. He made me realize how rewarding it can be to be the one in charge of preserving those memories. Robert has been running his own photography and videography business for a few years now, and he started it all on his own with just his first camera. That journey really resonated with me, because it’s how I feel about starting Memory Lab SoCal with my first 360 photo booth.

Website: bit.ly/memorylabsocal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/memorylab.socal/profilecard/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Facebook: https://facebook.com/memorylab.socal

Other: bit.ly/memorylabLinks

Image Credits
Robert Sanchez, RSMEDIA