Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariah Sandova.
Mariah, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My background is in teaching. I have a degree in biology and was middle and high school science teacher for 10 years. After having kids, I stopped teaching to stay home and take care of them. During that time, my husband and I would brainstorm about the different business we wanted to start and maybe I don’t go back to teaching but branch out on my own. Unfortunately, last year, my husband unexpectedly died in a work accident. I was a stay at home mom with three little boys, the youngest being only five months old. It seemed the right time to figure out what I was doing. My kids still being so little and losing their father made going back to work full-time seem unreasonable given out current situation. So, I began to think about all those ideas we used to have. From that, came Hey Girl Friday. A Girl Friday is like a Jack of All Trades and that is kind of how I am. Under the name, I am now working as a lifestyle and family photographer and also I do a lot of custom succulent arrangements.
Has it been a smooth road?
Being a recently widowed mother of three young children has made is extremely difficult. Not only do I have very little time but I am still learning how to carry my grief from losing my husband.
My advice would be to just start. Maybe it is one thing a day or one thing a week but move in the direction you want to go.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Hey Girl Friday story. Tell us more about it.
As a photographer, I am working mostly with families. I enjoy the candid and lifestyle photography the most because I want to capture the raw and real moments. Since losing my husband and searching through all of our pictures, I have realized the most touching and deep ones are the unposed. I have always liked taking photos but now I know I want to give people the gift of those real, everyday moments that make up so much of the richness of life.
As a succulent lady, I have always had a green thumb but succulents bring something special. After my husband died I felt inspired by their resistance and toughness and the ability to thrive in harsh environments. I take old, used containers and upcycle them into succulent arrangements. Everything is second hand and repurposed to create beautiful planters.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
The culture is the biggest barrier. Women are still not taking seriously or given the credit they deserve.
Contact Info:
- Address: 8924 Rocket Ridge Rd
Lakeside, Ca 92040 - Website: https://heygirlfridayphotography.mypixieset.com
- Phone: 6195588215
- Email: hgfphotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: hey_girl_friday
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hey-Girl-Friday-617645405327917/
Image Credit:
Photo with myself at the beach in the leather jacket is @beingmrsparry on Instagram
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