Today we’d like to introduce you to Estefanie Mendez.
Estefanie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story began almost two years ago, when I became a mom for the first time. When my daughter Isabella was born, I found myself constantly taking photos of her every little milestone, every expression, every new thing she did. I didn’t want to forget a single moment. That’s where Sweet Bella Photography was born. The name comes from Isabella’s nickname, “Bella.” She’s my inspiration and my motivation behind everything I do.
Through documenting her growth, I realized just how quickly time flies. Those tiny newborn features, the first smile, the sleepy cuddles, they all pass in the blink of an eye. Capturing those memories became more than just a hobby for me; it became a passion. I wanted other families to have the same gift to be able to freeze those moments and look back on them for years to come.
Now, I’m a mom of two. We welcomed our second baby girl Juliette just five months ago and that passion has only grown stronger. There’s nothing more fulfilling to me than delivering photos that my clients can truly cherish forever. So really, Sweet Bella Photography started with love; love for my children, for photography, and for preserving the little things that matter most.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has been part of the journey. I started Sweet Bella Photography while adjusting to life as a new mom, which was both exciting and overwhelming. I was learning how to care for a newborn, running on little sleep, and trying to build a business from the ground up there were plenty of nights spent editing with a baby in one arm and my laptop in the other! One of the hardest parts has been finding a balance between being present for my family and giving my clients the best experience possible. On top of that, I had moments of self-doubt early on wondering if I was good enough or if I could really turn my passion into something more. But with every session, my confidence grew. Seeing how much these memories mean to people reminded me why I started in the first place. It hasn’t always been easy, but each struggle has helped me grow as a photographer, a mom, and a business owner and I’m truly proud of how far I’ve come.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a lifestyle natural light photographer. I photograph a little bit of everything from families, maternity, birthdays, couples ,senior portraits, and small events. I treat each session like it’s my own. I know how important these moments are, and I want to help people look back and feel all the love, laughter, and connection that was there in that moment. What I’m most proud of is the connection I build with my clients. I don’t just show up with a camera I take the time to get to know you and your story, so I can reflect that love and personality in your photos. What sets me apart is the heart I bring to every session. I care deeply about what I do, and I treat every shoot like it’s for my own family. Your memories matter to me, and I want you to walk away with images that truly feel like you.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about Houston is how diverse and full of life it is. I get to work with people from so many different backgrounds, cultures, and stories and I absolutely love that. There’s always something beautiful to capture, whether it’s a quiet park tucked away in the suburbs, colorful murals downtown, or the warm golden light out in the open fields. Houston really has it all when it comes to location options for photoshoots. Plus, the community here is strong people support small businesses, and I’ve met so many amazing families through word of mouth and local events.
What I like least? Honestly… the weather! The heat and humidity can be a lot, especially during outdoor sessions in the summer. And Houston’s unpredictable rain can definitely make scheduling a bit tricky. But even with that, we always find a way to make it work and sometimes those cloudy skies or post-rain sunsets end up making for the most beautiful photos.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sweetbellaphotography.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetbellaphotography?igsh=MW4zNDN3eGd4OXczag%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DAUhfkScx/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sweetbellaphotography?_t=ZP-901nKLNIeNi&_r=1
Image Credits
First image : E Photo
Sweet Bella Photography
