Meet Maribel Angulo Bender | Mom of Two & Founder, Peek-A-Photo

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maribel Angulo Bender and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maribel, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When my first daughter was born, I was determined to make reading an intricate part of our daily routine. What began as simple storytime quickly evolved into our favorite bonding experience – her eyes lighting up as we turned each page together. Despite this joy, I wished she could share similar moments with her distant grandparents. Living far from family made it difficult to build strong connections, especially during those formative early years. That’s when the idea for Peek-A-Photo sparked: what if I could blend the closeness of storytime with the discovery of family photos? By creating lift-the-flap books with hidden photo pockets, I found a way to make reading not just enjoyable but deeply personal. That same enthusiasm continues today. Each time she lifts a flap and discovers a beloved face, her surprise and joy reminds me why I started this journey. At its heart, Peek-A-Photo is about helping children feel connected to their loved ones through the magical everyday ritual of reading, no matter the distance that separates them.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Peek-A-Photo stands apart in the children’s book market because we’ve created something that doesn’t just entertain children – it strengthens their most important relationships during their formative years. Unlike typical children’s books or photo albums, our lift-the-flap storybook albums combine beautiful storytelling with the surprise element of discovering family photos behind interactive flaps. This combination creates magical moments where reading becomes deeply personal for each child.

What makes me most proud is seeing children’s genuine reactions when they lift a flap and discover someone they love. At a recent event, a mother tearfully told me our book would be perfect for her autistic son who struggles to remember family members, and another saw it as a precious link to relatives they rarely see in person. These moments confirm we’re creating more than just books – we’re building bridges between children and their loved ones.

The journey to where we are today has been a winding road of late nights, learning curves, and moments of doubt. After receiving our patent filing this January, we’re finally ready to bring these books to families everywhere. The business side has been a crash course in everything from manufacturing and safety certification to website development and marketing – all while maintaining my full-time job and raising two young children.

Overcoming challenges meant learning to let go of perfectionism, which was perhaps my biggest obstacle. I initially spent weeks agonizing over minor illustration details, paralyzed by the fear of making mistakes. The breakthrough came when I realized that progress matters more than perfection – especially when you’re building something meaningful from scratch.
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that purpose sustains you through difficult times. There were countless moments when the easier path would have been to walk away, but the vision of creating something that strengthens family bonds kept me going. Most of my product development happened between 8 PM and midnight after my children were asleep – challenging hours that were worth every sacrifice.

What I want others to know about Peek-A-Photo is that we recognize those early years are precious and fleeting. Our brand is dedicated to helping babies connect with and recognize loved ones through joyful reading experiences. We’re not just selling books – we’re creating opportunities for discovery, recognition, and bonding that will shape how children relate to both reading and family throughout their lives. The excitement in a child’s eyes when they recognize someone they love behind a flap is what drives everything we do, and we hope to bring that same joy to families everywhere.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A perfect San Diego day for our family starts with breakfast at Parkhouse Eatery, where their kid-friendly atmosphere makes wrangling little ones during brunch so much easier. After fueling up, we head to Old Trolley Barn Park where the kids can burn energy on the playground while we soak up some sunshine.

After the all-important nap time (a sacred ritual in any parent’s day!), we’ll grab burritos from Brother’s in North Park – their fresh, flavorful food is always a hit. Then we’ll drive to either Kate Sessions Park for those stunning panoramic views or down to the bay, spreading out a blanket for an impromptu picnic where the kids can watch boats and birds.

We cap off the evening with pizza from Filippis in Little Italy. While it might not win any gourmet awards, their reasonably priced pies hit that Brooklyn-style sweet spot that satisfies everyone’s cravings. It’s these simple family moments, strung together across our beautiful city, that make for the most memorable days.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my parents, whose influence is woven into every page of Peek-A-Photo. To my mother, who sacrificed her career to raise our family of four – her selflessness taught me what it means to put love first. And to my father, an entrepreneur himself, who instilled in me the courage to transform passion into purpose. His unwavering belief that we should take risks for what matters most gave me the confidence to build this business. My father’s core values have always centered around family, bringing together relatives across distances, and it’s with that same spirit that I hope to nurture connections for children everywhere. The true legacy I wish to continue isn’t about selling books—it’s about fostering those early bonds that shape who we become. Through each page turned and each photo discovered, I’m helping families create the moments and memories that truly matter.

Website: https://www.peek-a-photo.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peek.a.photo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peek.a.photo