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.

Reed Horth

The first gallery I managed was straight out of college. There was little real management or guidance, and we were in a low traffic area of Tampa. So, while I knew a lot about art, I had to read a ton about sales and try to figure out the right combination of information and salesmanship would lead me to increased sales. It was a dose of reality to go weeks without sales. So, I quickly realized that following up and writing was going to be my entre into more than floor sales. I created a database of clients and began accumulating email addresses, phone numbers and data points for when artwork of interest arrived. And I started to find some success.  Read More>>

Zais Cortez

The biggest challenge in running a business where the high season for events is so clearly defined in the market is maintaining a stable and motivated team. During peak periods, the workload can be overwhelming, and in contrast, the off-season can lead to reduced hours or downtime. Striking a balance between keeping the team engaged, ensuring consistent performance Read More>>

Marcela Lombana

We can be designing the renovation of a simple hotel bar one moment and then new concept for a Michelin star chef. This has been very fun, and has taken us to projects in destinations like Cartagena, Ibiza, and of course Miami. Read More>>

Diamone Ukegbu

The struggles are the tapestry of any vision- they are apart of growing and building. I found challenges with personnel and pace. Just like anyone with a vision- I want it all now! It makes it even harder because I don’t just want it for myself. I want it for others. I’ve had to be grateful that this pace has allowed growth and building over the years. Likewise- there must be that that other people to grow my team will come and the organization will grow into so much more Read More>>

Sarah Franco-Gherman

I am a superhost with Airbnb, VRBO,Booking .for over seven years with five star ratings as a norm it’s not easy and you better love it because it will test you in so many ways. my motto is there is no place like Kasa karma homes that’s my company name. I still get super excited every time I get a reservation every day is something new different and thoroughly satisfying. I feel so good about giving people an awesome vacation and a great value. I have hosted over 3000 people. you should stay with me too Read More>>

Rick Lesser

I found it funny. I started to write aboiut AI and the problems it will create if we aren’t on top of it. The posts are call “Me myself and AI” (all written with humor) A half a dosen new versions of my website, Working with Migella Lawson for the Food and Wine Fest as her personal hairdresser a couple of movies an if you read my latest post on my Linkedin page I talk about how I got Casey Armstrong from the Howard Stern show to drop his pants as I told the photographer to take the shot as they fell to create a cash cow stream for him with his poster. Oh I forgot I was working at the strip clubs part time doing hair and makeup on the dancers and Vidal Sassoon during the day. in the late 70’s. There is a lot! Read More>>

Rhesa Marie

I found a profound joy in helping my “Mama” make the cake batter and then being able to lick the bowl after. Mama’s cake batter was the Best! As I grew older, I struggled to find my purpose in the world but I knew that baking was the only thing that I felt comfortable making a career out of. I decided that it was time to pursue my career in baking and here I am today living in my purpose and I love every moment of it! Read More>>

Missy Gueits

I learned lighting techniques and a portrait style I fell in love with. Ever since I shifted my business to a Luxury Maternity & Family Portrait Studio. I focus on mainly on Maternity & Newborn but stay in the journey with my clients through the years. This shift my business in becoming a 6 figure a year business and a name for myself in the Portrait Industry. I photograph over 200 Maternity sessions a year and over 150 Newborns. The ability to empower women and make them feel beautiful is my life’s purpose. Read More>>

Jenelli “Gigi” Agresti

The owner of that restaurant, Becky Prieto, gave me the opportunity to design her off-site catering events. I fell in love with details and all the logistics that went into planning these large scale events. I loved how every event was so different, the challenges were different but the end result was so rewarding. Almost 13 years ago, Becky said to me, “You should do this.” We sat in her office and within 15 minutes we figured out a name and were ordering business cards online. The rest is history! Read More>>

Kyle Fink

After that, I started an alt rock band with my friend Carli Acosta called Palomino Blond (Kanine Records), and pretty immediately got really busy playing shows all around Florida and putting out songs. A lot of really cool things happened during my time with this project! We opened for a lot of cool touring artists, did some festivals, released a bunch of music, got shouted out by Iggy Pop on BBC1 (maybe one of the coolest things of all. Read More>>

Quinntin Ramdass

When I got older, I moved to Miami in 2013 to attend Florida International University. While I was in undergrad, I began exploring Miami’s nightlife. I’ve attended many events from carnival parties, cosplay events, anime conventions, perreo parties, figure drawing sessions, and community gatherings. I have diverse interests and feel called to do many things with my life. I wish I could live forever so I can do all the things that make me happy. Read More>>

Kris Rodriguez Alcala

Last year, I was baking cupcakes for my kids but had a meeting at their school, so I asked my husband to keep an eye on them while I stepped out. Unfortunately, he fell asleep and didn’t hear the oven timer go off. By the time he woke up, the cupcakes were darker than usual. When I got home and saw them, I didn’t want to waste them, so I sliced and toasted them. The result was amazing! My family, friends, and I loved them so much that I started experimenting with new flavors. Read More>>

Ta-Mayka Williams

Apart from my Food and Travel pages on social media, (mainly Instagram and TikTok), I am a healthcare worker. Healthcare always been a passion of mine, and I have been working in Radiology for years now. I am also a full-time nursing student. I am proud of myself for doing my best to balance all of these hats, although it very challenging at times. Read More>>

Bianca Baptiste Mills

Throughout my journey, I often encountered confusion between my role as an Athletic Trainer and that of a personal trainer. Despite my explanations, people frequently asked, “Can you help me get fit?” I would smile and respond, “Of course.” My experience in nurturing individuals through ministry, combined with my knowledge of injury prevention and rehabilitation, prepared me to address fitness and body management comprehensively. Read More>>