Meet Gabrielle Lyles

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gabrielle Lyles. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Gabrielle , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic comes from watching my parents get up and grind every single day. My father was one of the few Black engineers to not only work at, but also lead, a local steel plant — a true example of perseverance and excellence. My mother, a dedicated government worker, made sure I stayed busy and well-rounded, enrolling me in every extracurricular you could imagine: dance, cheer, volleyball, softball, and more.

I also owe a huge part of my work ethic to Anthony Redd Williams, my dance instructor growing up. He never allowed us to feel sorry for ourselves for too long. He taught us that hard work and dedication weren’t optional — they were essential.

Thanks to the foundation my parents and mentors built in me, launching Moments to Memories Photobooth came naturally. I was able to get the business off the ground in just two weeks because the drive, discipline, and determination had been deeply instilled in me from a young age.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m the founder and owner of Moments to Memories Photobooth, a company built around creating joyful, unforgettable experiences for all kinds of events — weddings, corporate parties, birthdays, and everything in between. We specialize in providing modern, customizable photo booth services that turn simple moments into lifelong memories. Whether it’s a traditional printout, a fun digital GIF, or a customized backdrop that matches the theme of an event perfectly, everything we offer is about celebrating happiness and connection.

What excites me most about this work is seeing people light up when they step in front of the booth. No one comes to a photo booth upset — it naturally brings out laughter, playfulness, and genuine joy. It’s a small moment in an event that ends up meaning so much to people, and I feel proud knowing I get to create that space for them.

Right now, I’m focused on growing Moments to Memories even further. We’re expanding into offering new backdrop designs, themed packages, and more interactive digital experiences to keep up with the latest event trends. We also plan to add a 360 photo booth to our collection and hope to expand to new cities soon! I’m also working on building even stronger partnerships with local event venues and planners to make our services even more accessible.

At the core of it all, Moments to Memories isn’t just about pictures — it’s about people. It’s about making sure that when guests leave an event, they take a little piece of that joy home with them.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey were networking, believing in myself, and trusting in my abilities to excel. Networking opened so many doors for me — not just for new clients, but also for mentorship, partnerships, and opportunities I might have never found on my own. Belief in myself was critical, especially during the early days when there was no roadmap, just a dream. And trusting in my skills gave me the confidence to move quickly, take smart risks, and build Moments to Memories from the ground up.

For anyone early in their journey, my biggest advice is to expel imposter syndrome early on. Don’t let self-doubt take up space in your mind — you belong in the room and at the table. Also, take time to truly do your market research. Study your industry inside and out, and understand your specific geographic market: what people want, what’s missing, and how you can fill that gap. And most importantly, never be afraid to ask questions. Curiosity and humility will take you further than you think

How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal client is someone who values creating memorable experiences and is looking for a fun, engaging way to bring people together at their event. They’re often individuals or event planners who want something more than just a standard service — they want a unique, customizable experience that makes their guests feel special. They understand the power of a photo booth to create lasting memories and are excited to incorporate it into their event, whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or birthday celebration.

The ideal client is also someone who values collaboration. I love working with clients who are open to sharing their vision and ideas, so we can design the perfect photo booth experience for their needs. Whether it’s a creative backdrop, a fun theme, or personalized photo templates, I thrive on working together to bring their event to life in a way that leaves guests talking about it for years to come.

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