Meet Sara Sanchez | Photographer/Entrepreneur

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

Hi Sara, what do you attribute your success to?
I can say, single handedly, the most important factors behind the success of my businesses is relationships. I did not get here alone. I have so much gratitude for the relationships I have made and continue to make along the way. When your focus is not “what can you do for me” but genuinely get to know those who cross your path both in business and in life, you will be amazed at how well you can build from there. Some of my most successful business transactions have been more serendipitous rather than me working to gain the attention of a particular person with the intention to just get their business. When you are true to genuinely building a working or personal relationship, we tend to thrive when our intentions are pure. We are in a very egocentric society with social media dictating much of how we seek business. But if you take a moment to think about interactions with a business owner that put your needs first, really stopped and genuinely showed interest in you and how you needed help, how did it make you feel? I know that it makes me feel valued and more importantly, gives that memorable wow factor. I leave with this feeling of, how can I help connect them the way they wanted to help me? Be the change. Be memorable. Be valuable in a way that may not bring value to you in the moment, but will be the gift that keeps on giving. When you connect with others in a way that you can build value and trust, you know you can rely on them and you are in it together. We were not meant to do life alone. So why do business alone? There is so much value in numbers so let’s build together!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would say, what sets me apart from others is that I don’t worry about what others think. It was a huge learning lesson for me and I am still consciously applying it daily. I definitely get imposture syndrome sneak up in the most inopportune times, but by tuning those thoughts out and just doing what I love is what got me to where I am today. Photography has not always been my full time business. I am an entrepreneur and investor. At one point I was working 2 jobs and 7 days a week while raising my daughter. It was not easy but with hard work and the right partner it set me on a path to where I am today. I may not have been doing what I loved this entire time but I had my photography as an outlet. Having a creative outlet was incredibly helpful in keeping me motivated. It was fuel for my soul. My partner and I got to build a business that would essentially land me here today. With the right relationships to build out a business and then a creative outlet, I was able to eventually utilize what I learned and chase my ultimate dream to make them a reality. Sometimes we may have to work with what opportunities life gives us. With hard work and dedication, keep your eye on your dream, make it your therapeutic outlet as a hobby or side hustle. One day it can be your full time job where you will not work another day again because you are doing something you love.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love getting to show people around where I live. Living in Orange County, we are in the middle of some incredible places to see. Beaches and local restaurants are my go to for local fun. If someone had a week trip here the first stop would be my favorite beach towns. Laguna Beach is my ultimate stop for great views, shopping small businesses and delicious rooftop restaurants. Day trips are a great way to go and explore. Temecula is a great place to visit the wineries and grab lunch. San Diego is another fun day trip with both beach and city going wherever the day takes you. Winter or summer, taking a trip to the local mountains for snow or lake time is a great way to get out and explore.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I love getting. to share who I recognize as my reason for success. It’s the backbone of my story. As mentioned, it comes down to relationships. In my case, both personal and business. I have found that everyone has a place. My 6 year old daughter is my number one contributor and the reason I find balance in the hustle. She keeps me grounded. I am not chasing money but a dream. She is a wildfire and fiercely independent and I hope she can channel that the way I have been able to.  Be the wild flower that grows from weeds into something beautiful. 
My support system is the people I do life with daily. My business partners, growing together, checking in and challenging each other to be better than we were the day before. My personal life relationships are so valuable in my success too. They are the ones that keep me grounded and the importance of maintaining work/life balance. 
Specifically speaking to my photography business. My Mom is my inspiration and purpose. The last time I saw her, I had asked her to be apart of my daughters 1st birthday photos. Not just posed photos in the park, but a lifestyle session where I could capture us as a family interacting and capturing us being in the moment. Just as we would be if the camera wasn’t there. But I now have those memories frozen in time. A single picture that tells a story. Our story. I pursued lifestyle photography in memory of her and what I would want to do for others. Time passes quickly and our kids don’t stay little forever. Life is short and I learned that more times than I can count. I’m fueled by what those pictures did for me and what they can do for other families.

Instagram: @TomCatMediaPR

Other: @Rooted_Photos

Partnerships:
@tequilagrandiamante
@Platinumdigital

Image Credits
TOMCAT MEDIA PR & Rooted Photos