Meet Manny Herrera | Founder & Owner of Valr Studios Photography

We had the good fortune of connecting with Manny Herrera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Manny, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
At Valr Studios Photography, our mission goes beyond capturing beautiful moments, we’re committed to making a meaningful impact. As a veteran myself, supporting the military and veteran community is at the heart of my business. My brother Miguel was my biggest inspiration, both in life and in my career. After multiple wartime deployments, he struggled with PTSD, and like too many veterans, he lost his battle. His story is one of many and in his honor, I’ve made it my mission to give back to those who have served.

We offer exclusive discounts to service members and veterans as a small way to say thank you. Beyond that, we dedicate May and November to giving back, donating 10% of all bookings to organizations that provide mental health resources for veterans.

This isn’t just about photography; it’s about honoring those who’ve given so much. To learn more about how we give back, visit: https://www.valrstudios.com/veterans

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My path hasn’t been easy, but I never expected it to be. I served six years in the military, went off to college, and then spent another seven years in public education, working with kids who needed that one teacher to believe in them. I helped students turn the chip on their shoulder into a weapon to prove the world wrong. Now, my biggest challenge is proving to myself that I can build something of my own.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that resilience is everything. The military taught me how to harness my drive, to push past obstacles, to outwork the doubt, to embrace the grind. I know it’s not the most glamorous thing to be proud of, but I can say with absolute certainty: not many people will outwork me. My motivation comes from the drive itself.

Over my computer, I keep a quote that I turn to when I feel down or defeated: “I never dreamed about success, I worked for it.” – Estée Lauder. That’s the philosophy that fuels me every single day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Whenever I leave Miami, there are a few things I miss immediately, good Cuban food, a proper cafecito, and the kind of energy you can only find here. So, if a friend was visiting for a week, we’d start by diving straight into the heart of it.

First stop: food. No visit to Miami is complete without a Cuban sandwich and a cafecito, and for that, we’re heading to Breadman Miami. Their bakery delights hit just right, and trust me, once you’ve had their pastelitos, there’s no going back.

Next up: drinks. As a Hialeah boy, it’s sad to see so many great local breweries shut down (RIP Unbranded), but there are still some gems. If we’re in the mood for a laid-back spot with solid craft beer, The Tank Brewing Co. is the move. If we’re feeling a drive up north, Funky Buddha Brewery is always a good time. No bottle service, no pretense, just good drinks and good company.

And, of course, the beach. It’s funny how easy it is to take it for granted when you live here, but there’s nothing quite like a Miami sunrise (or sunset) over the water. Whether it’s South Pointe Park, Bill Baggs, or a quiet spot away from the crowds, we’d find a place to soak it all in. Because no matter where I go, Miami’s energy always calls me back.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Without a doubt, my biggest shoutout goes to my brother, Miguel. He was more than just my older brother, he was my mentor, my inspiration, and at times, my guiding force. When he left for the Army, he left behind his old sketchbooks, and as a kid, I spent hours drawing because of him. He was the reason I got my first job in high school, which led to me buying my very first camera. And ultimately, he was the reason I joined the Army myself.

Life is filled with crossroads, and I could have taken a thousand different paths, but the one constant in shaping where I ended up was always him. His impact on my life is immeasurable, and I can say with absolute certainty that I wouldn’t be here today, doing what I love, without him.

Website: https://www.valrstudios.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valr_studios

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Valrstudio/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/valr-studios-colorado-springs-2

Other: https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-photographers/valr-studios-photography

Image Credits
Valr Studios Photography