Interview source: https://voyagetampa.com/interview/meet-maria-dakhlalla-of-smart-things-for-events

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Dakhlalla

Maria, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
From Ukraine to Florida: Building a New Life Through Events

When the war in Ukraine reached my doorstep, my life changed overnight. My once peaceful home in nice community surrounded by forest near Kyiv became unrecognizable—bridges were destroyed, homes lay in ruins, and lives were tragically lost. With my children, I left everything behind and moved to Sarasota, Florida, a place I knew offered safety and opportunity.

Back in Ukraine, I had built a successful career in the event industry. As a partner in one of the country’s top three event agencies, I orchestrated events for global brands like Coca-Cola, Bacardi, McDonald’s, JTI and L’Oréal. I rose from sponsorship manager to CEO and partner, creating extraordinary experiences that brought people together in ways that truly mattered. Events weren’t just my profession—they were my passion.

In Florida, I’ve channeled that same passion into my company, Smart Things for Events. We provide the largest selection of photo and video booths in the state, ranging from classic open-air setups to innovative experiences like AI-powered photo booths, Glambot robotic camera, LED tunnels, and kaleidoscope booths. These unique offerings have already earned us clients across Florida and neighboring states. But this is only the beginning.

My ultimate dream is to organize large-scale events that bring joy to tens of thousands of people and attract more visitors to Tampa Bay. I want to showcase this region’s incredible potential, attracting visitors from across the country and showing them what makes it so special.

Starting over in a new country hasn’t been easy, but it’s given me the chance to reimagine what’s possible. Smart Things for Events is more than just a photo booth business—it’s been my way of connecting with people, understanding local culture, and learning about myself through the feedback and experiences of my clients. Tampa Bay has so much energy and potential, and I’m proud to be part of a community where creativity and connection thrive.

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?
I’ve been in the event industry for over 20 years, and while I’ve faced my fair share of challenges, one of the toughest was the global impact of COVID-19. It disrupted the industry worldwide, but I managed to keep my business in great shape during those uncertain times.

Now, starting fresh in a new country comes with its own unique struggles. Back home, I was the person everyone loved to listen to—the one who could bring people together with a good story or a sharp sense of humor. Here, I’m still learning how to express myself in a way that connects with people in a new culture and language. It’s humbling, but I’ve embraced this challenge. Every day, I’m focused on learning, growing, and closing the gaps to build something meaningful.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Smart Things for Events?
At Smart Things for Events, we specialize in creating one-of-a-kind experiences for all types of celebrations—weddings, corporate events, birthdays, and more. We provide the largest selection of photo and video booths in Florida, including options that are exclusive to our company. What makes us unique is that we don’t just source equipment—we also design and manufacture several of our photo booths ourselves. This allows us to offer creative, customized solutions that you won’t find anywhere else.

Our lineup includes everything from AI photo booths to Open-Air Photo Booth, from Glambot robotic cameras (like those used on red carpets) to immersive LED tunnels and kaleidoscope setups. Each product is chosen or crafted to give guests something fun, interactive, and memorable. Our goal is to bring people together through innovative technology and attention to detail that transforms any event into a truly special experience.

What I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve built in the Florida event market in such a short time. Starting fresh in a new country has been a challenge, but seeing the joy and excitement our booths bring to people’s events motivates me every day.

Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large corporate event, our mission is to bring something unique and exciting to every celebration.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something most people don’t know about me is that when I first came to the U.S., my first job was with the Department of Public Works (DPW) of the Burning Man Project. It was an incredible experience to be part of something so creative and collaborative. On top of that, I had the chance to bring my own art project to Burning Man—a multi-layer plywood frog brought to life with 3D mapping projection. Watching people interact with it and seeing how art can spark connection and joy was unforgettable. It was a perfect blend of my passion for events, creativity, and technology, and it’s a moment that will always inspire me in my work.

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