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.

Richie Monis

My journey led me to Miami Beach, where I’ve spent the last seven years consulting for esteemed establishments like 50 Eggs Inc., The Fontainebleau, and The Myles Restaurant Group. I determined that my experience in many food and beverage areas could translate into success in the evolving Craft Cocktail movement and that is when I created Craft Cartel Cocktail Catering in Miami and we have been in the service industry for over 10 years now. Read More>>

Yanelys Herrera

Full of fear but with a great desire to advance in this branch of beauty, I began to invest in knowledge, thus gaining skills and strategies to grow my business. I am not saying that the road was easy, during the process there were also significant changes in my personal life, but in a few years I achieved national and international certifications that have allowed me to train myself to be able to train new Eyelash Artists. Today I am a Master Artist with mastery in the techniques: classic and volume; mapping and designs; creative effects and certified as a training teacher in this sector. Read More>>

Michelle Rodriguez Suarez

Currently overseeing 22 states in the US & 45+ International Accounts. With over 25 years of expertise in the travel industry, Michelle was brought on board to help establish and expand the Riverside Luxury Cruises brand in North America alongside the CEO/President. Michelle has help build several companies from Expedition Luxury Ocean Cruise, Ultra Luxury River Cruise company from Hamburg Germany, Riverside Luxury Cruises/Seaside Collection. Representing the Gerlach Family globally. Read More>>

Marta Sesmero

After completing my undergraduate studies, I worked in market research consulting, where I developed a keen interest in understanding market dynamics and consumer behavior. This experience fueled my desire to deepen my knowledge, leading me to pursue a master’s degree in international business management at the Centro de Estudios Económicos y Empresariales in Madrid. This advanced education provided me with a comprehensive understanding of global trade dynamics and strategic business management. Read More>>

Justin D’angelo

Today, Printera operates as one of the nation’s leading concrete printing companies, with significant achievements including the first 3d printed artificial reef in Florida, the first 3d printed house in Florida, the first 3d concrete printed elements in Manhattan, and even participation in the worlds largest 3d printed building. Read More>>

Chris Cameron

During that time I have also operated several business to include a dive charter that specialized in apex predator interactions, and a clothing brand inspired by my experiences in Florida called Coastal Cowboy. The brand is a representation of my most influential memories growing up immersed in the ocean and my families history in the Florida cattle and calving business. It is a representation of Florida as I know it, a diverse landscape that has been a proving ground for grit, and determination, while fostering the confidence to conquer the harsh environments I grew up in. Read More>>

Germán Medina

Weddings are already a huge production and back then the only camera widely available were those shaky Sony hand-held cameras so nobody saw the potential of a wedding video. I admit that I wasn’t the best back then; I deleted entire weddings, I forgot to press record when a bride walked down the aisle. I lived every single horror story you can imagine, and that made me better. That earned me the title of cinematographer, not just on paper, but to the eyes of my peers and my professors. Read More>>

Dana Brillante

I’ve been a blogger for so long! How long you may ask? Let’s say social media wasn’t even a thing back then. I’ve always loved to write and was the friend that everyone would call to ask for a recommendations for where to eat, what to cook, what to wear, what to do with their kids, etc. So, I basically took two things I love to do and morphed them into my first blog, which was named Pellerini. Read More>>

Afshin Sajedi

My journey in the world of travel and aviation began in 1996 in Iran, where my voice filled the terminals, announcing flights. Motivated to be part of this dynamic field, I joined the tourism board to train as a travel agent, tour guide, and tour manager. This foundational experience enabled me to work with various travel agencies, expanding my reach from my local city to the bustling metropolis of Tehran. Read More>>

Josefina Pereyra

I’ve always been passionate about design and storytelling. After earning my degree in graphic design in Argentina, I took a leap and moved to the US for my MBA at Lynn University. Upon graduation, I founded The LOOP Creatives, a creative agency specializing in branding, digital marketing, website design, and social media content where I’ve worked with various clients. Read More>>

Jim Li Lin Way

At the end of that year, I moved with my family to California, where we worked for 6.5 years. In that period of time we had national champions and had gymnasts sign for college teams. In 2020 , we decided to work on our dream of having our own gym. We moved to Florida in July of 2021, which is where NTS Gymnastics was born. After almost 3 years, on June 10, 2024, we opened our doors to the public. Now here, we offer classes for all ages (1.5 and up), and all levels from the most basic all the way to Olympic level. Read More>>

Ernest Mitchell

So in addition to that youth program I also teach a class for those who want to drop in and engage with the art form and the class Is called Improv is For Everyone. So as I seek to grow the scope of the art form of improv in South Florida, I see it becoming a hub for creativity that will go beyond just online content creation but putting more people in performance spaces. But in the event people don’t find that as their endgame at the least they have grown in their confidence, creativity, and confidence. Read More>>

Ignacio Cabrera

For me, the difficulties were mostly finding contacts and starting to learn on my own. Now that I have founded my own production company Aliwen Color outside my country since 2022, it has been much more complicated because I didn’t know anyone and getting people to trust me and my work was a bit difficult at first. Read More>>

Riko Alwi

I took the plunge into professional branding design at the start of 2020, and it’s been an exciting ride ever since. I’ve worked on various projects, refining my skills and focusing on creating distinctive and personalized logos. My specialization in lettering and monograms allows me to delve deep into the nuances of design, crafting logos that are not only visually striking but also resonate deeply with their intended audience. Read More>>

Devin Vance

Shortly thereafter, we successfully gained additional global exposure by restoring the marble and stone surfaces in the Versace Mansion, in Miami Beach. This led to other landmark properties selecting Classic Marble Restoration for their Marble and Natural Stone’s restoration and polishing needs, such as the Fontainebleau of Miami Beach, the W Hotels, the Ritz Carlton, and the Four Seaons, among others. Read More>>

Olha Levchuk

I turned my hobby into a profession and a lifestyle. I learned and completed dozens of educational programs in the field of rejuvenation and longevity, received medical education and international certification. In Ukraine, I worked as the managing director of a treatment and diagnostic medical center. At a turning point in my professional career, I realized that most diseases are caused by a passive life style, poor nutrition, stress, toxins the so-called “diseases of civilization” of mankind, which take away the life resource, energy given to everyone by nature. Read More>>

Jorge Sigler García

In my professional career, I have advanced supplier diversity for large public, nonprofit, and private organizations. At the School District of Palm Beach County, the 10th largest district in the nation, I was the first Latino and Spanish speaker in my role, leading significant increases in funding for small, minority, and women-owned businesses: Read More>>

Andrew Rezman

It all started when I began my first job as a barback and I wanted to track my progress I wanted to make videos of the cocktails that I learned. I would post everyday before work. I started to learn that I loved creating content so I began to put more effort into each video. When I started working as a bartender I filmed my story. since I am so young people started following me to become a bartender as well. They liked my story and how I worked hard to learn. Read More>>

Becky Mato

In 2021, I took a bold step and opened my own brokerage, Mato Realty. In just eight months, the company grew to include over 100 agents, all while working alongside my daughter. My journey has been one of resilience, dedication, and proof that hard work truly pays off. I am passionate about empowering my agents to achieve their best and continue to thrive in this ever-evolving industry. Read More>>

Merlin Ramirez

We have had some challenges, of course, we spent all our savings on it. So then we did not have money for promotion. We were able to do some business cards and give them around, we also did stickers for our cars, and we had to pay to promote them on social media. And since we didn’t have any money left after doing all those things,I had the idea of giving it to influencers at no cost they they could out on the social media, the hard part is that only a few replied to us. Read More>>

Isaac-ike Zadikoff

These degrees helped me to build a foundation of skills in this field. Volunteering for the crisis hotline allowed me to gain valuable experience in the aspect of helping others under pressure. After graduating from Florida International University as an FIU World’s Ahead graduate, I used my acquired skills to begin the process of pursuing my passion of helping others. I started my counseling career by working as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor for the office of Vocational Rehabilitation in 2018. Read More>>

Jessica Mustelier

My journey began with an accelerated science program starting in 7th grade, and by my senior year of high school, I was already gaining hands-on experience through a work-study program at a dental office. After graduating from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) in 2019, I embarked on my professional career. I initially worked in a general dentistry practice in Pinecrest. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I transitioned to a private practice in Coral Gables, where I continue to work today. Read More>>

Miranda Mojena

Cuban American Artist, graduated from New World School of the arts college. Working with themes of mythology and selective ornamental detail . Currently working as a commission based artist, exhibiting and selling my work. Focused on creating elaborate and symbolic pieces. Read More>>

Catalina Restrepo

After 4 months of going to the shop where I was being an apprentice, from Monday to Monday (I was there for at least 4 hours, sometimes more), I finally got the green light to tattoo someone. I remember I had a few friends that kept waiting for that moment where they could get tattooed by me, it was so scary tu put ink on them FOREVER, I kept thinking, what if I don’t do it right? What if I mess up their skin? But at the end they came up good. Read More>>

Maryam Miranda

Our vision was to bring a level of sophistication and a vibrant joie de vivre to the area, transforming it into a destination for elevated dining and nightlife. With Mediterranean-inspired classics, enhanced by modern techniques, we crafted an unparalleled dining experience. Over the years, Seaspice has drawn royalty, heads of state, celebrities, and artists, solidifying its role as a key player in Miami’s culinary and social evolution. We’ve not only helped transform the Miami River into an entertainment hub of sophistication, a place where yachts dock daily, champagne flows, and unforgettable moments unfold. Read More>>

Samuel Hurtado

It was in middle school, around 15 years ago, that I first encountered graffiti. Some of my close friends, who are still good friends to this day, taught me everything they knew. Graffiti truly stole my heart. Big, small, fast, slow, it didn’t matter. I appreciated all the techniques and styles that surrounded me, both locally and globally. Read More>>

Andre Moise

Started this photography/videography journey in early 2019. Not taking it too serious at the beginning, but I knew I wanted to make a difference in this world. Not sure how I was going to accomplish that, but for sure God blessed me with the opportunity of photography and filming and allowed me to create amazing images and visuals for people to always look back on and smile. It brings joy and peace whenever I pick up the camera and capture the memories. Read More>>

Bridget Rodriguez

I get inspiration from my child-like wonder that sees pops of color in a concrete city. Also- vintage Vogue. I have an exciting project in the works that will be physically printed and bound into books. I’ve shifted my energy to building relationships with more earth conscious clients. My passion for creating a better world goes beyond which jobs I take on but how I live my day to day. Creating with intention. Read More>>

Alexis Jones

alana eve is an homage to the inspiring women in our lives and an effort to carve out a community where everyone feels celebrated. The name alone – “alana” denoting important familial initials and “eve” serving as a nod to the first woman – speaks to these foundational elements. Read More>>

Valentina Patruno

I worked for the company for almost 9 years where I got to interview the biggest names in the music, movie and business industry. Content Creation and Digital Marketing was starting to grow and I loved it. I opened my own, Time Digital Marketing Agency, 3 years ago, after becoming pregnant. I wanted to have control of my own time and spend as much time as I could with my little one. I now help business owners and entrepreneurs tell their stories with High Quality Content and compelling stories with a Dream Team of people while I enjoy Mommy life with a 3 year old. Read More>>

Emily Palacios

My story starts when the pandemic began in 2020. I was working as a children’s theater teacher and was a professional actor on tour with the company of Old Jews Telling Jokes when the world shut down. I lost both of my jobs in one week and had to figure out quickly how I was going to make money. Some of the women I had worked with at the children’s theater and I decided that we wanted to start a company that helped to get women the education they needed on their bodies while providing them safely with the materials they needed for their monthly periods. To go along with this plan we also decided to start a podcast to serve as the educational component. While the one business didn’t end up lasting, my podcasting journey began and Cycle Chats now The Cycle Chats Network was born. Four years later and we now have a successful network of women hosted podcasts that help to get women factual information from female experts in their fields and help our listeners to break the patterns in their life that are no longer serving them. Read more>>

Adam Wenguer

We have a wonderful 3 year old son. As first time parents, we were probably stressed to get everything right and against our instinct, we followed doctor’s orders to wake him up every 2.5 hrs to feed. We believe this led to tremendous sleep disturbances and essentially programmed him to wake up frequently. For over 2 years we tried everything. This included 2 different sleep coaches who’s techniques did absolutely nothing for him. Then we found a sleep program that was incredibly extensive. It included a specialized sleep sack, lighting, protocols over several months to ween him off the need to have his parents next to him for going to sleep and staying asleep. The program was almost as exhausting as not getting good sleep in the first place. We practically gave up. Read more>>

Fabi Paolini

I’ve gone from making $43k in my first year to hitting multiple $100k months. But more importantly, I’ve built a business that allows me to serve at a high level while also being present for my three daughters. It’s been an incredible journey of growth, both personally and professionally, and I’m excited to continue evolving and helping more coaches and experts make the impact they’re meant to make. Read More>>

Michael O’Donovan

I’m a Firefighter paramedic, husband and father of two boys. Read more>>

Bbwm Brazilian Business Women

At that moment, we realized that with our experience as businesswomen in the USA, we could help other Brazilian immigrant women establish and grow. Today, BBWM is a company founded by the three of us as co-founders, and we continue to support Brazilian women who want to start businesses in the United States, especially in Miami. We offer support, lectures, mentoring, and are always seeking new ways to showcase our members’ products through Expo Fairs that we organize throughout the year. Read More>>

Jackie Matthews

My son Jeremy, who we lovingly call “JJ”, was diagnosed with bilateral Retinoblastoma. He was diagnosed at 15 months, and I was 10 weeks pregnant with his younger brother, Aaron. Retinoblastoma is a form of pediatric cancer which affects the retinas of the eyes. Read more>>

Kathleen Van Vorst

Absolutely. My journey in the beauty industry began over 20 years ago here in Palm Beach County, where I started working in salons in the Gardens area. Early on, I discovered my passion for education, and about a decade before the pandemic, I began training and mentoring associates, which allowed me to build a substantial clientele. By 2020, I knew it was time to take a leap and start my own venture. Read more>>