Meet Deborah (debbie) Mena

We were lucky to catch up with Deborah (debbie) Mena recently and have shared our conversation below.

Deborah (Debbie), thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I attribute my resilience to my mother and the adversity we faced living in a single-parent home in the heart of Washington Heights, NYC. Raised by a single mom who brought up two girls on her own with little to no help, I learned invaluable lessons about perseverance and strength.

My mother instilled in me the belief that with hard work and dedication, nothing is impossible. She taught me that, regardless of the odds, one must rise to the occasion and overcome challenges.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My husband, Jose, and I have been together for 15 wonderful years, during which we’ve built a beautiful blended family. Together, we’ve raised five amazing children: my niece Madison, who is now 25; my stepdaughter Nazzy, 23; my stepson Paul, 17; and my son Devin, 17. During the end of COVID, I became pregnant with our little love bug, Roman, who is now 3 years old.

After working as a Union roofer for 11 years, I never imagined that I would one day become an entrepreneur. But God, my husband, and the universe had other plans for me—a vision I didn’t initially see for myself. After having Roman, I knew I needed to pivot, and that’s when TrueVibes Photo Booth was born.

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 drive is packed with over 20,000 photos! Capturing and creating moments through photos or videos is incredibly important to me. It’s the only way to truly revisit those moments and feel that warm, fuzzy happiness again.

Owning a photo booth company isn’t just about generating income for me—it’s about bringing joyful, happy vibes to my clients. I want them to relive the amazing time they had every time they look at the photos TrueVibes captures for them. Making people smile and ensuring they have a great time truly is my calling, and it fills my heart with joy.

We’ve now been in business for almost 3 years, and it’s going great! We’ve recently added a third booth to our inventory. We have two open-air photo booths that offer cool features like video, boomerangs, GIFs, a Glam booth, filters, and instant photo sharing via text, QR code, AirDrop, or email, as well as prints. We also have a 360 photo booth. No matter which booth you choose, you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time!

Being a Latina entrepreneur has also given me the opportunity to connect with other like-minded, powerful businesswomen. The power of networking has been life-changing, not only for my business but also for my personal growth. This year, I completed the LETS program (Latina Entrepreneurship Training Series) provided by the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of NJ, which opened so many doors of opportunity for me.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities that were most impactful are adaptability, resilience, and a passion for connection.

Adaptability: The ability to pivot and embrace change has been crucial. Transitioning from a Union roofer to an entrepreneur was a huge shift, and being open to new opportunities allowed me to find my true calling. For those early in their journey, I recommend staying open to change and being willing to step outside your comfort zone. The more adaptable you are, the better you’ll navigate unexpected challenges and seize new opportunities.

Resilience: Entrepreneurship comes with its ups and downs, and resilience is what keeps you moving forward, even when things get tough. Building a business is a marathon, not a sprint, and there will be moments when you’ll question everything. My advice is to develop a strong mindset and stay focused on your goals. Surround yourself with a support system—whether it’s family, mentors, or fellow entrepreneurs—who can help you stay resilient during challenging times.

Passion for Connection: Building and nurturing relationships has been a game-changer for my business. Networking with other entrepreneurs, especially through programs like LETS, and Bloom Social club has opened doors I never knew existed. If you’re early in your journey, invest time in building genuine connections with others in your industry or community. Attend events, join groups, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people you admire. The connections you make can lead to invaluable opportunities and collaborations.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my mother did for me was to instill a strong sense of independence and unwavering self-belief. As a single mother raising two daughters in the heart of New York City, she came to the U.S. at a young age seeking better opportunities. Despite having little, she ensured that my sister and I never went without. We were loved, well-dressed, and always had a hot meal on the table, all within a home filled with hope and dreams.

My mother’s determination and strength were the foundation of our upbringing. She taught me to never give up, to keep moving forward no matter the obstacles, to be independent, and to believe in myself even when the odds were against me. Her example shaped the way I approach life and business, giving me the courage to pursue my dreams with the same perseverance she demonstrated every day.

Contact Info:

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