Today we’d like to introduce you to Valheria Sanchez.
Hi Valheria, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Sure! I started out freelancing taking on photography and video projects that allowed me to learn hands-on, build relationships, and explore different creative roles. Along the way, I met Emmanuel Gallegos and Mariana Alarza, two incredibly talented creatives who shared a similar vision. We crossed paths through freelance work, and over time, realized we wanted to build something bigger together.
That vision became Studio 124. The three of us designed it to be more than just a rental space it’s a creative playground, a place where people can experiment, collaborate, and feel supported. We wanted to build the kind of space we wished we had earlier in our careers: professional but welcoming, resourceful but accessible.
With my background in visual direction and production through Hazelnut, I naturally took on roles across studio coordination, branding, and community development. I’ve helped shape the visual identity of the studio, the way we communicate with our audience, and the systems we use to make the experience smooth for every artist who walks through the door.
Today, Studio 124 reflects all three of us, our shared values, our different strengths, and our commitment to supporting the creative community from the ground up.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, creating the space itself felt easy like it was meant to happen. Every part of designing Studio 124 brand, from the lighting layout to the smallest details, felt intuitive. It was one of the few times in my life where I felt completely aligned with what I was building.
But the road getting there and the road outside those studio walls hasn’t always been smooth. Freelancing, especially early on, came with a lot of uncertainty—financial instability, inconsistent work, and the constant pressure to prove yourself. And when you move from freelancing into building an agency, the pressure multiplies. It’s not just your vision anymore it’s your team’s, your clients’, your community’s. The stakes get higher, and so do the risks.
What’s kept me grounded is the team. Emmanuel, Mariana, and I have built a relationship that’s based on trust, transparency, and creative respect. Even when things get overwhelming when we don’t have all the answers we face it together. We’ve had to make tough calls, navigate burnout, and stretch ourselves in ways we didn’t expect. But every challenge has made the vision clearer, and the space stronger.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I’m a visual storyteller but my work lives at the intersection of creative direction, audiovisual branding, and production. I specialize in crafting environments both physical and visual that help people and brands communicate their identity with clarity and emotion. That can look like directing a documentary, curating the set for a shoot, capturing an event, designing a studio experience, or helping an artist shape their visual presence from the ground up. Yep, it’s a lot but I love it.
I think what I’m known for is bringing intentionality to every layer of the creative process. Whether I’m working on a shoot or building out a brand narrative, I go deep. I care about mood, tone, texture, light. I’m interested in how things feel not just how they look. That’s something I’ve carried into Studio 124 as well; from the gear we use to the colors in the space, everything is designed to support the creative flow of whoever walks in.
What I’m most proud of is building community through that process seeing how my work has opened doors for others to show up, express themselves, and feel seen. Studio 124 is a reflection of that. It’s not just my work it’s a living collaboration that keeps evolving through everyone who uses the space.
What sets me apart is probably the balance I strike between vision and execution. I’m both the dreamer and the person who figures out how to make it happen. I love making things beautiful but I also love making things “work”. That blend has allowed me to create experiences that are not only visually striking, but meaningful and grounded.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Nothing I’ve done has been in isolation. I’ve been incredibly lucky to grow alongside people who believe in building together, not just building alone.
First and foremost, my teammates Emmanuel Gallegos and Mariana Alarza have been essential. We met through freelancing, and over time we developed a creative language that goes beyond words. They’ve challenged me, supported me, and stood beside me through every pivot and big idea. Studio 124 wouldn’t exist without the trust and creative power we share.
I also owe so much to the artists, collaborators, and clients who took a chance on me early on those who trusted my vision before it was fully formed. Their belief gave me space to evolve, and their feedback made me sharper and more intentional.
On a personal level, I’ve had mentors, friends and family who have reminded me of my voice when I was losing sight of it. People who told me to rest, to risk, to stay grounded. Those quiet moments of support made a huge difference.
And of course, the creative community around us whether they’ve come through the studio doors or connected with our work online have played a massive role in shaping what we do. Their presence, energy, and trust fuel this entire project. We built this space for them, but they’ve also built it with us.
Pricing:
- Studio hour rental $90 (two hours min) $180
- Podcast Production starting from $750
- Hour-Photo Sessions starting from $275
- Newborn Photo Session $350
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thestudio124.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestudio124/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-studio-124/posts/
- Other: https://g.co/kgs/yjWW5us
Image Credits
Valheria Sanchez
Emmanuel gallegos
Mariana Alarza
Laura Gimenez – Groupgimedia
