Meet Mai Trabue

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mai Trabue a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mai, 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?

My resilience comes from my parents, Dy and Ba Nguyen, whose names deserve to be honored. They inspire me every day with their incredible strength. They arrived in the U.S. as refugees, carrying nothing but hope and the clothes on their backs. They didn’t speak a word of English and had to navigate a world that was foreign in every sense. With limited education and few resources, yet they never let those challenges stop them. They sacrificed, worked endlessly, and redefined what the American dream could mean—showing me through every struggle and triumph that anything is possible if you keep moving forward. Their story has shaped the resilience in me, showing that with courage and determination, no obstacle is too big to overcome.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I think it’s important for me to state that I am the first in my family to go to college, a milestone that feels especially meaningful as a proud first-generation Cambodian/Vietnamese. My journey is built on the sacrifices and dreams of my parents, who believed in me and pushed me to aim higher. I carry their hopes with me in everything I do—from taking care of them when they need me to pursuing a career that truly fulfills me.

I worked my way up the corporate ladder and realized something was missing. I wanted a life that didn’t just check off society’s boxes but brought real meaning and fulfillment. That’s when I decided to step away and build something of my own—a business that fosters connection and happiness with people.

In the early days, it was just me, working long hours. I poured my heart into every detail, constantly improving to give people the best experience. Eventually, the demand for my services grew, and I found myself needing to bring on a team. Now, one of my greatest joys is teaching them not just the skills but the spirit behind what we do. I want them to see the beauty in making people feel seen and celebrated. And while I guide them, they, too, teach me so much about resilience, creativity, and the power of working together.

We’ve recently added the 360 Video Booth, and it’s been such a hit! We’ve had it at a few corporate events already, and the feedback has been amazing. What I’m really excited about, though, is bringing it into the wedding world. While it’s not brand new to weddings, we’re excited to bring a level of quality and experience that couples are really looking for. I can’t wait to see how it takes events to the next level!

As my business has grown, so has my desire to give back to my community. This journey into philanthropy is still new, but it fills me with hope. I dream of blending my business acumen with a greater purpose, creating a legacy that brings people closer and uplifts the world around me. My wish is to honor my parents’ sacrifices, my team’s dedication, and the love of my community by building something that truly matters—a life and a business that makes a difference, one memory at a time.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, there are three qualities that have truly shaped my journey: adaptability, self-awareness, and a growth mindset. I grew up in a humble, diverse neighborhood where I learned early on that people’s worth isn’t determined by what they have, but by who they are. Surrounded by a mix of backgrounds and cultures, I learned how to connect with others and navigate different perspectives. These lessons became the foundation that carried me through every challenge, especially when I moved into a new environment in college, where my ability to adapt and relate to others was tested in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

For much of my life, I was quiet, unsure of myself, and felt disconnected from the world around me. I didn’t like who I was, especially when I struggled in a demanding math and science program at Rogers State University. I didn’t feel like I belonged. But something inside me started to change—there came a moment when I realized I didn’t have to stay hidden. I wanted to become the person I knew I was meant to be, someone who embraced life fully. I found an article one day that spoke directly to my soul, and it sparked a fire in me. That was the turning point, the moment I decided to stop holding myself back and begin embracing the person I am capable of becoming

For anyone just starting their own journey, my advice is this: Don’t be afraid to accept who you are, even when it feels hard or uncomfortable. Every experience, even the painful ones, is an opportunity to grow. Be willing to step outside your comfort zone, challenge yourself, and face the discomfort—it’s often in those moments that we learn the most about ourselves. Trust the process, and remember that growth isn’t always immediate, but every small step forward is a victory. You have everything within you to become the person you are meant to be.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Real talk, I’m trying to figure out how to grow my business in an industry that’s already so saturated. I want my team and me to have the freedom to create and innovate, but I know that takes both money and risk. My goal is to provide my team with livable wages while still following our passion for creativity. I could use a mentor—someone who has experience in entrepreneurship and can guide me as I navigate this next chapter. I’m open to opportunities or advice, just saying!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Headshot by Grace Ebbinghouse photography
BTS by Instagram user @kimfeasts

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