Miami’s Most Inspiring Stories

Every neighborhood in South Florida has its own vibe, style, culture and history, but what consistently amazes us is not what differentiates the various neighborhoods but rather what they all have in common.  From South Beach to Boca (and everywhere in between) we’ve been blown away by how many creative and talented people call South Florida home.  Check out some of the inspiring stories we’ve discovered throughout Miami and the surrounding areas.

Liddell Smith

Hi, everyone! My name is Liddell, and I was born and raised in Los Angeles to an African-American father and a Southeast Asian mother. As a child, I was able to experience living in Manila, where I learned to speak Tagalog and learned about Filipino culture. One of the relationships I cherished the most was with my Lolo (grandfather), who was a kind, hardworking, and well-respected businessman. My grandfather taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and, most importantly, integrity in everything you do. These traits I learned as a child and have continued with me to this day. Read More>>

JP Dubois

We pride ourselves on being more than just certified general contractors—we are your partners in transforming homes and condos into stunning, personalized spaces. Specializing in upscale remodeling, we bring your vision to life using only the most exquisite materials and finishes. Our team includes a highly skilled architect, allowing us to offer bespoke interior design consultations that perfectly align with your style and aspirations. Read More>>

Eileen Carrion

I started working at a young age in my parents fine jewelry wholesale company, Carrion Jewelry. As I grew older, I was given more responsibility. Ultimately, I was promoted to a managerial and bookkeeping position where I gained knowledge of how to run a business, manage funds, taxes, etc. I Graduated from FIU with a double major in Business Management and marketing in 2008. In 2010, I started a jewelry company with one of my childhood best friends called Earthy Chic Boutique.  Read More>>

Andrea Granados

Recently, I took a big leap and launched my own website to showcase my creations. It’s been a thrilling ride, from the success at pop-up events to the unwavering support from friends and family. Balancing this passion with staying at home with my kids feels like a dream come true, and I’m so grateful for every step of this journey. Read More>>

Anna Chacon

I’m Dr. Anna Chacon, MD PA, and I’m delighted to share my journey with you. My story begins in the vibrant city of Miami, where I was profoundly influenced by my father, a pioneering critical care physician. Growing up, I watched him navigate the challenges of patient care with remarkable compassion, especially during crises. His dedication inspired me to pursue a career in medicine, and I knew from an early age that becoming a doctor was my true calling. Read More>>

Marcelo Ricigliano

Alejandro and Marcelo Co-founded 4Geeks Academy back in 2015. We shared the vision to build something that challenges traditional education and the rapidly evolving demands of the tech industry. We believe anyone with the right mindset and dedication could thrive in coding and technology. Read More>>

Eisha Casimir

I’ve been blessed to travel to many different beautiful countries around the world. Traveling motivates me to continue designing unique high-quality swimwear. I design swimwear pieces to make you feel confident, sexy, alluring and comfortable. I got here today by being discipline, never giving up, creating a solid plan, and hard work. My dedication to my brand allowed me to showcase my latest collection in Miami Swim Week The Shows 2024. HER’MINE is set to celebrate its five year anniversary on September 27, 2024. I am looking forward to growing, learning and celebrating all of my accomplishments thus far. Read More>>

Alejandra Yunis

In her most recent work, the artist focuses on nature, employing botanical elements in her paintings and installations, creating awareness about the devastating consequences of the deforestation of our planet, committed to making a difference, she donates to plant a tree for each artwork sold. Read More>>

Nina Rodriguez

I also take great pride in being one of the few Latina voices in the podcasting world who focuses on grief. In a society that often sidesteps these difficult conversations, I am committed to changing the narrative around life, loss, grief, and hope. I want those who are grieving to feel acknowledged, validated, and to know that their stories and experiences are important. Read More>>

Tyler Pettis

A few years later in my preteen-teenage years, I developed a love for the art of cooking through being an avid watcher of the food channel. While other kids were watching Nickelodeon and Disney, I was watching the likes of Emeril Lagasse, Bobby Flay, and Rachel Ray — studying everything they did in the kitchen. This is when I began practicing and experimenting what I had been learning from my grandmother and the food network, learning things such as how shrimp and baked beans DO NOT pair well together. Read More>>

Sonya Revell

My creative pursuits began as a means to escape the loneliness of being an only child growing up in Louisville, KY. I often found myself curious about the world around me, and photography quickly became a creative outlet that allowed me to explore and expand my perspective. With a camera in hand, I discovered a way to capture the beauty I saw around me and connect with other people, while also expressing my emotions and observations. Read More>>

Diego Cowks

About a year and a half ago, I relocated to the United States with my family. My wife, who is American, and our children found better opportunities here, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, became our new home. That’s when I established Goool Films & Content, where I channel my passion for creativity, storytelling, and advertising. Today, I continue to pursue new challenges and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the audiovisual world, delivering top-quality content and resonating stories through my production company. Read More>>

Dimykael Williams

I am proud to uphold her legacy by crafting a hair care line that honors and nurtures locs, twists, and natural hair. Each product is formulated with the same dedication and natural ingredients she cherished, ensuring we celebrate her memory while empowering today’s generation to embrace their natural beauty with confidence. Read More>>

Sharon Loew

Over the years of work, I have created collections and pieces that have emerged as a result of my experiences. Thus, the creative process is a whole experience, which in some cases has taken a few months and in others several years. This has allowed me to offer my clients hand crafted jewelry that stand out not only for their beauty but also for their messages, which additionally reflect one of the brand’s core principles: “Love what you do.” Read More>>

Sold Out Art Show

Enter Sold Out Art Show, a New York-based project born from the desire to make street art last longer. It all started in January 2022, when the first batch of canvases hit the streets of Brooklyn. Within days, they were all gone. Sold Out responded by creating more, and just like that, they too vanished. This spontaneous scavenger hunt has transformed the city into a vibrant playground, where anyone can stumble upon and take home a piece of street art. Read More>>

Bernesia Castellano

Deux Marie Aesthetics and Beauty Spa is an extension of our skincare and cosmetics company, founded in September 2018, and we are excited to provide a range of rejuvenating and pampering services to complement our product line. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing facial, body treatment, or massage, our professional team is dedicated to helping you look and feel your best. Deux Marie Aesthetics and Beauty Spa is located at 9399 West Atlantic Blvd, Coral Springs, FL 33071 (Coral Square Mall). Read More>>

Mitchell Berkman

I remember my late mother telling me early in my teens, “Son, if you don’t know where you are going in life, look at your friends because that is the direction you’re heading.” Wise words, right? But that was waay too much responsibility for a 19-year-old gay guy from the Valley. Or so I thought. All I had to do was look at my pitiful reality through my mother’s wise eyes and knew, “Molly, you in danger girl.” If you haven’t seen Whoopie Goldberg in “Ghost,” I mean to say that I was in trouble. Read More>>

Jae Brown

We provide the small things, that create big connections; like really unique connecting games, and even a Bluetooth to share your favorite tunes. We cater to any occasion for any audience. We specialize in all inclusive style set ups, however we have some non inclusive options for those that want to bring their own food/drink items. As an added touch, for those that like to stay inside and connect , we provide in home styling options as well for all occasions. Read More>>

Joey “Cool” Jenette

It’s been a roller coaster of an art career, but happy to be here and apart of this community. I’ve met so many great artists along the journey. I always say, it’s funny that people now call and pay us for the very things that we used to get in trouble over, when we were younger. Funny how life works. Read More>>

Jean De Freitas

In July of 2003 we opened our first school in Boston, we made History and we became one of the most successful bjj school in the US, in 2016 we decided to move and expand our school to Florida since was a dream to us to live here. We did, we started with 5 students and today we have about 350 members including kids and adults. Very happy and proud to be helping our community, we’ve changed so many peoples life for the better and this is what keep passionate about what I do. Read More>>

Renato Guzman

My love for animals has always been painfully evident to those that grew up around me. In school I was often referred to as “lizard boy”, which may well have been an attempt at teasing, but i always embraced the name as it really captured who i was at heart. Id spend entire recesses catching lizards and teaching others how to do the same, and a surprising amount of kids were intrigued by my ability to catch these elusive animals. Read More>>

Alexandra Rider

First I perfected my English skills by focusing on reading books in English, watching only English TV shows and movies as well as listening to radio shows only in English. Then I decided to get a Masters Degree in International Business Administration. I did that while working full time and graduated with honors two month after my second child was born. Those years were very hard for my husband and myself. Being the only child, we brought to the US my elderly mother and my elderly aunt who lived with us until they passed away. Read More>>

Monica Reyes

While fostering and seeing how well the dogs were doing I decided to open up my home to other pet owners needing help with their dogs. A lot of people are not educated on what dogs really need or how to fulfill there lives and so I knew dog training was a great opportunity to educate owners and teach them the techniques on how to live a better life with there dogs. Dogs can teach us so much about ourselves if we can fully understand what they need. Read More>>

Silvia Mesa

I graduated from Florida International University in 1998 and work as a business administrator. An immigrant from Venezuela, my family and I achieved the American dream by becoming US citizens a few years after arriving in Miami, Florida. In 1995, I married my husband, Miguel Mesa, and we created a beautiful family together. We have two children, Cristina and Carlos. We live with my two golden retrievers, Charlie Brown and Lalique, and several furry and feathery friends. Read More>>

Isidoro “Izzy” Martinez

My family in Cuba was involved in creating blends and manufacturing cigars. After retiring from the Miami Dade Police Department, I decided to create my own line of cigars; “TUX Cigars” in honor of the “Martinez” family. On November 17, 2023, I launched the first two cigars, a Maduro and a Sumatra. On April 6, 2024, I launched the 3rd cigar of my collection; an Habano. I am currently working on the 4th and 5th cigars to be launched very soon. The sixth and possibly final cigar of my collection will probably be released some time in early 2025. As of this date, the TUX Cigars Family, by Curro y Martinez has sold approximately 4,000 cigars at retail stores as well as online. www.tuxcigars.com Read More>>

Chika Pondexter

It always just seemed so much like an extension of myself that it wasn’t until high school that I entertained the thought of doing anything more seriously with my craft past a hobby. The way I saw it before then was that I would always be making art anyway, so why actively pursue it professionally? I also had a long term interest in science as well, but it wasn’t until undergraduate that it became clearer. I couldn’t see myself working nights in a lab, but I could easily picture myself working into the night brainstorming and working on an art piece. Read More>>

Sardis Disla

There was a lot of violence amongst the kids, even in 4th grade. Because of this, my mom started homeschooling me until they saved up enough to move us out to a home in Pennsylvania. We were essentially starting over again, leaving our extended family, church support, and jobs behind, and yet there was more hope in the air this time. Going from roach-infested apartments and a less-than-perfect school to my own bedroom in a house with a yard and a school where everyone wore Hollister and Uggs was the American Dream. Read More>>

Jofaria Clarke

God showed me my purpose and to go for what I put my mind to. Ever since then, I take the necessary steps everyday to show up for myself and TheJoExperience. On my free time, I love to take the time out to perfect my craft. God gave me my own gift and I’m so thankful to be able to be blessed with this opportunity. Thank you Voyage Magazine! Read More>>

Hadri Jaffal

Iron Bodyfit started with a simple idea: to make training accessible and effective for everyone, regardless of their fitness level. What began as a small studio in south of France has grown into a rapidly expanding network of hundreds of locations in different places in Europe. Read More>>

Katsiaryna Asipik

My name is Katsiaryna, but most people call me Kate. My love for flowers began when I was around 8 years old. I became fascinated with houseplants, and my mom noticed my passion. She started subscribing to a plant magazine for me, and my godmother gifted me a plant book, which deepened my interest. Read More>>

Dr Fernando Agustin Henin

I came in 1999 from Buenos Aires Argentina. I did not have any money. I did not have the knowledge of the English language and I did not have papers. first I start to work in construction, I did floors ceramic marble, etc., then since the job was so heavy, I started cleaning houses and cleaning 3 to 4 houses a day. Read More>>

Melissa Torres

I added a new member to the group, Stephanie Gonzalez. She helps me with travel events and large local events and just like David, we brain storm together to make this all happen smoothly. I am so blessed to have them on my team. I am also so grateful to have this opportunity to share what I do with my community and to help others think differently about eating plant based. For the animals, our planet and our body’s . Read More>>

Dr. Connie Siskowski

My story begins in the late 1950’s – my single mom, brother, and I lived with my grandparents. My mom worked 2 jobs so was not home very much. My brother was an intellectual who would spend hours in his lab in the basement or room upstairs. My grandmother did the cooking and was pretty isolated with no friends that I recall. My grandfather, Pop, on the other hand taught me many skills and was compassionate – he was my hero so it was my honor to help him in many ways, some traumatic, as his heart health deteriorated. Read More>>

Elisa Hernandez-Montero

My story began years ago without even knowing it. My godson had a near drowning accident when he was 2 years old. I remember sitting outside the PICU with his mom praying he would be ok. God listened and thankfully he was ok. It was in that moment watching the nurses care for him that I know I was going to be a nurse. Years later I was a nurse working in the ER until my son was born and I became a stay at home mommy. Read More>>

David Luna

My grandmother founded our bakery in 1986, making cakes at home in New York. She wanted the flexibility to be a stay-at-home mom while caring for her children. As her reputation grew, she moved to Miami and opened her first shop in North Miami. A few years later, she launched a second store in Calle 8, where our signature cakes became a local favorite. Read More>>

Marian Quintero

Driven by this newfound purpose, I attended law school and focused on specializing in intellectual property law, a field that intrigued me despite its niche nature. Without any existing connections in this area, I relied on networking and persistent efforts to make my way into the field. My hard work paid off, and I eventually secured a position practicing intellectual property law, where I continue to thrive and pursue my passion. Read More>>

Jason Matouk

I got my license at 19. Joined a local team at a local brokerage and learned the ins and outs of real estate for 4 years. After getting a few deals under my belt I decided to switch to a luxury brokerage to tap into the next level of real estate (2020). At this point I decided to start using social media to feature homes for sale and because everyone was quarantining for Covid, my views skyrocketed and I remained consistent until today. Read More>>