It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them the fundamental questions about who they are and how they became the person they are today. Understanding and empathy are essential building blocks for a better, more compassionate world. We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to ask these questions each week through our interview series. Below you’ll find inspiring interviews from in and around Miami.
Only Tans
Christie Schechter and Ashley Lovell have been best friends for over ten years and have held each others hands through many seasons of life: marriage, raising children, infertility, moving to a new state, losing jobs, starting new ones, the list goes on. Having shared so much life experience with each other, they have come together through their shared passion for beauty, self care and empowering women to look and feel their best. OnlyTans is more than just a spray tan, it’s having the confidence to conquer anything and everything while glowing. Read More>>
Megan Foster
I have worked with a wide range of professionals and non-professionals alike such as models, singers, actresses, and more. Today, I am focused on trying to be more creative with my work and focus more on studio shots and runway events as this is not something that I have had much opportunity for in the last 6 years. Read More>>
Elsa Boutaric
Elsa Boutaric is a distinguished luxury fashion expert and the visionary behind ELSABSTYLING, a premier personal styling service dedicated to helping High Net Worth Individuals, VIPs, high-level executives, and successful entrepreneurs discover and refine their unique style. With a remarkable career spanning fashion capitals like Miami, New York, London, and Paris, Elsa brings an unparalleled level of sophistication and insight to her clients. Read More>>
Margaux De Penfentenyo
I create sustainable works: of high quality and environmentally friendly, using natural, recyclable, or locally sourced materials. Respect for humanity is integral to my practice, and I make it a point to collaborate with indigenous communities and master artisans, fostering their independence, preserving local know-how, and promoting cultural diversity. Read More>>
Nathalie Sendrea
I have always been a user of the cross hatching style since I have been practicing it since middle school and he encouraged me to try out pen and ink and that’s when I discovered my true medium. When the pandemic hit, I decided to practice drawing every single day with movie characters and playing with different textures and that was when I knew that while I had a distinct subject matter I liked drawing I also love making character and nostalgia based art. Read More>>
Gema Bonilla
A significant milestone was signing up for my first marathon, the Miami Marathon. It was a personal goal that I pursued with hard work and determination, and since then, I have not turned back. I have become a passionate runner, completing many races, and am currently training for my next full marathon, the Everywoman’s Marathon in Georgia. Read More>>
Ashley Troncoso And Anaelis Gonzalez
Over time, we began to realize that our unique skills and shared interests could make us ideal partners for launching a new business venture. With business at our current job slowing down, we saw the perfect opportunity to combine our talents and passions into something we both truly enjoy. After much consideration and excitement, we decided to take the plunge and start this new business together. Read More>>
Sebastian Lopez
Sebastián López is an accomplished artist with over 5 years of experience and certifications in 17 different techniques, including cosmetic tattooing, micropigmentation specialized in grooming exclusively for men, and camouflage dermopigmentation. Since 2016, he has become an expert in micropigmentation, mastering various techniques and procedures while continuously updating his skills to stay at the forefront of the field. Read More>>
Marian Rojas
If I had to describe myself in one word, it would be “multi-passionate.” But to understand why, we need to rewind a bit. After graduating high school, I was unsure of exactly what I wanted to do, but the real challenge was that I wanted to do everything. I have always had a diverse range of interests, including art, photography, fashion design, and more, which made choosing a career path difficult. Read More>>
Sarah Francois
A smooth road would not have allowed for where I am today. Doors of opportunity opened where least expected, yes but it wasn’t smooth. With my brother managing and producing me, he is a huge reason why I am active today. Some struggles along the way were learning how to build an audience and keep them. Build my social media and be consistent. The music we produce is gospel and making sure it is done correctly. Read More>>
Kevin Zambrana
Throughout my graduate studies, I discovered a passion for designing buildings over bridges. To align with this interest, I joined Bliss & Nyitray, Inc., where I further developed my expertise. At Bliss & Nyitray, I had the opportunity to design and inspect a range of complex and large-scale buildings throughout Florida. After accumulating significant experience, I achieved certification as a Professional Engineer and Special Inspector in the state of Florida. Read More>>
Maribel Maignan
Two years ago, I moved back to Miami from New York City, searching for ways to meet new people and get active. As I started exploring, I discovered a vibrant community of fitness events in Miami and quickly fell in love with the energy and positivity they brought into my life. Before I knew it, attending these events became my weekend ritual. Read More>>
Carolina Juarez
Theres been many bumps on the way, for example, not getting enough gigs, people trying to take advantage of your talents, not getting enough recognition, many factors can lead you to just give up but its you that makes the difference in taking action and not letting anyone or anything put you down or brake what you want to start. I truly belived in myself and never let anything stop me Read More>>
Furkan Tan
Born in Istanbul, Türkiye, Furkan Tan’s influence on architecture and design is evident across the U.S. and Europe. He seamlessly blends the clean lines of Western architecture with luxurious textures of the East. Inspired to expand access to furnishings of unsurpassed quality, Furkan Tan founded Pietra Casa in 2021. Headquartered in Coconut Grove, Florida, this highly curated concept showroom and design studio reflects the timeless elegance, signature style, and revolutionary design for which Furkan Tan is widely known. Read More>>
Assol Marat
I didn’t give up, I didn’t return home, but instead, I kept believing in a better future and worked tirelessly to make it happen. Today, I have friends all across America, I’ve learned the language, successfully manage social media channels with hundreds of thousands of followers, and I’m advancing my business in the trucking industry. Read More>>
Mauriett Chayeb-mendez
Growing up in Miami I wasn’t a party girl, I was the kid in glasses with freckles more into getting grades than a wild time. In high school I was Student Government President, Thespian Society President, Cheerleader, English Honor Society & National Honor Society, and many other volunteer opportunities… anything to be able to gain an education. After I won a full scholarship to University of South Florida from the Florida Lottery I still had to maintain 3.51 GPA every semester plus assimilate to a new city. Read More>>
Anabelle Jerome
Since I was a child, I’ve been in love with cameras and editing. Making content was the highlight of my days. I taught myself how to film & edit. I would create many movies, vlogs, YouTube video challenges with my friends and family, and throughout the years, my skills continued to get better and better. Read More>>
Cindy Morley
Cindy has been in this industry since high school, when she was on the social committees for both junior and senior proms. While attending college, she decided to go into the food and beverage industry. There she had many opportunities to learn what goes on behind the scenes during the food portion of an events. Read More>>
Kayla Spell
Ever since a youngin walking the streets of nyc, I’ve always felt a love and passion for Art and music! As a teen, I entered the rave scene and fell in love. From that moment on my best friend (at the time) Sam & I decided to create Physchopomp. A femme led group of producers/djs. We made a promise to ourselves that by the time we turned 27 our career will be starting! Read More>>
Fer Villanueva
I have been able to work with composers and produces like John Paul El Increíble, Bomber Music and Indica Yanzee. Currently I am attending Miami Dade Community College, to get a degree in Music Business. I choose Reggaeton and Urban Pop as the generes I want to sing, I have released sixteen songs including my debute album Yo Soy Fer, being able to position a couple of songs in number one slot in Guatemala and Venezuela. Currently I am working on my second album Chamakito. Read More>>
Marisela Leon
Later, I started a group for teenage girls focused on physical conditioning, and today that has become KBG Life, a method which people improve their quality of life through exercise. Now we have runners, fitness classes for adult women, and for teenage girls. What started as an individual passion has turned into a business that promotes the well-being and integral health of the community. Read More>>
Irina Nikolaeva
I have had the passion for design since I was a little child. I remember thumbing through interior design magazines in admiration and having all sorts of wild images coming to the young head of mine. My fantasies could not be stopped and I wanted to create something out of the ordinary. Read More>>
Luciana Lorino
It all started in my 10th grade AP Psychology course in Felix Varela Senior High School (Go Vipers!). I was immediately drawn to the subject of psychology. I had an amazing teacher, Mr. Caroddo, who really helped me grow interest in the field. I was always in between psychology and education and I was never sure how I was going to mix the two. Fast forward my sophomore year of college, I began working at a private special education school as a paraprofessional. Read More>>
Kaylee Lanzas
My name is Kaylee Lanzas, my DJ name is Bonitaapplebumz but people call me Bonita.. I have family DJ roots so I’ve always been around music my whole life. They have always been an inspiration for me & I’ve always had a connection to music, art and anything creative. I started Djing around the year 2018 I used to play at house parties. Now I play at venues, clubs and bars all around Miami. Read More>>
Kabir Akbani
March 2020 I was laid off from my job due to the Pandemic. I had no clue what I was going to do and was very nervous about the future. I was working as a bartender for more than 7 years before that and the whole industry came to a stop. I had to somehow figure out my next steps. I was casually browsing the internet and social media when I realized how there was a sudden need of health supplies like hand sanitizer, masks, gloves etc. Read More>>
Leah Marie
My journey into the world of coaching began during my leadership role with a prominent beauty brand. It was there that I quickly discovered my natural gifts—listening with my heart and truly hearing what was being said beneath the words. I found that I had an uncanny ability to simplify very complex concepts, making them digestible for everyone, which was incredibly rewarding. This talent for understanding and communication ignited a passion within me that I couldn’t ignore any longer. Read More>>
Sam Llanes
But business is just one part of who I am. Music has always been a huge passion of mine—especially Christian Hip Hop. For me, music is more than just entertainment; it’s a way to spread the message of Christ in a way that’s relevant and impactful for today’s youth. One of my favorite projects was “Every Single Day,” a love song I wrote for my wife. It’s a blend of hip hop and Christian love, and seeing it resonate with so many people on platforms like TikTok and Instagram has been incredibly rewarding. Read More>>
Kahlil Lewis
My brand is built for people that make something out of nothing. Love Yours is a phrase I want to be universal to each person. For me I lost my dad young and it motivated me not to be statistic which is why I made sure I was successful and still try to be. I know every one faces obstacles in life so I want the brand to be that light in people life that even if you fail or lose people to keep going in a positive way. Read More>>
Irina Bardakova
My journey to founding Brickell Language School is deeply rooted in my professional experiences and the challenges I’ve witnessed firsthand. Throughout my career, I’ve seen countless talented individuals held back by language barriers, unable to fully express their ideas or reach their potential due to limited English skills. It was heart-breaking to watch brilliant minds struggle to communicate in a global business environment. This realization became the catalyst for my mission to make quality English education accessible to all. Read More>>
Eddy And Darlene
For the most part we never stopped training or dancing and we kept going until we didn’t: we fought and had a massive argument and didn’t speak or dance with each other for months. Read More>>
Madison Simon
I was born with a congenital heart defect and I’ve had a total of 12 surgeries. I grew up dancing but never felt like I belonged or like I was meant to be in that space. I was also bullied a lot in middle school for my heart and back issues. Later finding out I had a severe curvature in my back leading to a scoliosis and hip dysplasia diagnosis. My senior year of high school I was homeschooled due to moving further south. I found myself applying to Miss Florida Teen USA 2023 and that would forever change the narrative of my life. Read More>>
Dontra Mitchell
I am not moving back to Miami due to a family lost And then I moved to Houston Texas for too months then I moved to Baton Rouge Louisiana for a year. I have different RECORD LABEL’s trying to find me but they come out. Everybody was talking a lot of bull crap so I when an got my own Publisher and writers license to discover my own music, I’ go by the name of trayboi Read More>>
Mombera Pierre-Louis
I’m mombera Pierrelouis better known as Chef Bear 🧸 …. And believe me wait before the TV show My culinary journey begin in 2012 started off as a night cook at Millers Ale House. My passion grew I’m willing to business before the pandemic when I started my first Business HeavyWeight BBQ Catering I find the gratified to cook to serve people. Culturally in Miami and I am a Haitian descent I combine barbecue in the simplest form I also showcased my skills in the corner store in Little Haiti it’s been around for decades I think my end game is actually just bring everyone together through food Read More>>
Cindy Huzenman
My work eventually led to collaborations on TV, where I began appearing in segments dedicated to organizing tips and solutions. I’m also the author of a book called “El Arte de Organizar”, which stood as a best seller for several weeks. I also started mentoring and offering online workshops, particularly aimed at empowering the Spanish-speaking community to pursue their own paths in professional organizing. Read More>>
Graciela Martin
Landscape Architecture school is one of those degrees that require a lot of collaborative and creative energy to produce great work. You spend late nights at the studio with your friends, eating what you can afford from the nearby vending machines and praying you finish your project just in time to get a quick nap before your presentation. Read More>>
Melesia Adderley
The catalyst for this journey was my own personal experience. I used to feel consistently irritated during my period, and I couldn’t understand why. This prompted me to delve into research, seeking answers to why I felt uncomfortable each month. What I discovered was a revelation: the world of feminine care was not as transparent and safe as I had assumed. Read More>>
Angel Alvarez
I’ve been an artist my whole life. As a kid, I loved to draw, and in high school, I attended a special art school in Miami, FL, called Design and Architecture Senior High. However, when it came time to choose a college, I felt pressured to attend my local university, which only offered a modern-focused, fine art program. I could not relate to this kind of art and was full of self-doubt and fear. Read More>>
