Every day we have a choice. We can support an up and coming podcaster, try a new family-run restaurant, join a boutique gym started by a local fitness champ or we could keep giving away our money to the handful of giants who already control so much of our commerce. Our daily decisions impact the kind world we live in; if we want a world where small businesses are growing and artists and creatives are thriving then we should support them with our time, money and attention. We’re proud to highlight inspiring creatives and entrepreneurs each week in Hidden Gems series. Check out some of our latest local gem features below.
Leslie Benitah
In 2006, I found myself moving from the romantic streets of Paris to the sun-soaked city of Miami after a coin flip with my newlywed husband. We had just gotten married and couldn’t agree on whether we should live in Miami, his home, or Paris, mine. So, we flipped a coin, and I lost! Eighteen years later, I’m still here, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Read More>>
Lavinia Colasanto
My work spans from creating content for companies—overseeing video production in studios with technicians, cameramen, photographers, and drone operators—to being in front of the camera for interviews or closing million-dollar deals on yachts. Being from Rome, Italy, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with numerous Italian companies, which is a great source of pride for me. Read More>>
Alberto Lara
I think one of the struggles it was not believe in myself that I’m capable to realize my dreams but not just realize work for then to make it , the ansiety that sometimes you have to work in places that you don’t want to and put your dreams on a side ! Read More>>
Ivonne Berrios
As the Miami DDA’s COO and CFO/Board Treasurer, I oversee daily operations and translate financial data into strategic insights needed to make decisions. As COO, I’m provide leadership, management, and vision to ensure the Miami DDA has the necessary operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures, and people systems to foster growth, financial strength and operational efficiency. Read More>>
Jorge Anaya-Lopez
What I swore I would never tell anyone. My deepest secret that was so deep and so secret that I didn’t even remember anymore. The thing that I swore would go to the grave with me was released. There in that moment I chose to live my truth. I chose a new path on that day. That’s what lead me to sell art. Choosing myself, no matter what anyone thinks of me. Today I choose to alchemize the pain into to love. Alchemize the dark into light. Alchemize the fear into joy. Today I choose me. Read More>>
Yisney Jayussi
Diaspora Multiservices was born as a need to respond to the high demand for immigration services in our community, but first of all to promote education in this area. I first came into the immigration world while completing my immigrant visa application, along with my husband. We didn’t have the money to pay for a lawyer so we had to learn. After that, I got caught, completely fascinated with the laws and regulations and that’s how Diaspora was born. Read More>>
Rick Hess
I started out in grade school playing with my dads PC that he had bought for his time in college. Computers were becoming a big thing in the 90s, so school libraries in the area were doubling up as computer classes. I started assisting the teachers with working with the computers, since technology wasn’t really something of interest for many people in the area. Eventually in high school, I actually got class credit for being an IT person during a ‘computer class’, and helping the teachers fix/diagnose problems. Additionally outside of school I tried to help other people and companies with IT related issues, from cleaning and repairing PCs, to setting up cable boxes, and even working on cell phones. Read More>>
Robin King
My daughter face would light up with excitement as I would read to her. One day while she was sleeping, I decided to start writing a book, specifically for her. I wanted her to have a book dedicated to her that will always bring her joy. As I continued writing, I realized that this book can reach an audience of children who enjoys reading and books as much as my daughter do. I did research, hired an illustrator and editor to help me bring my vision to life and that is how my children’s book “Paige and her pup” came about. Read More>>
Ashley Adby
This intimate gathering sparked a creative flame and public interest that ignited our passion for outdoor experiences. A week later, we took our first step into the social media world by launching an Instagram account, showcasing our love for beautifully curated picnic setups. To our delight, we received two official bookings within that very first week! During the first couple of months in business, we worked very hard to create influencer events, offered free photo ops, and worked very hard to network getting our name out there. Read More>>
Sean Ryals
My journey hasn’t just been about professional growth—it’s also been deeply shaped by personal struggles. Throughout the years, I’ve faced challenges with relationships outside of work, particularly with those who doubted my dreams and ambitions. Non-believers, including some family members, often cast doubt on my goals and brought negative energy into my life. For a while, it was hard to shut out that negativity, especially from people I cared about, but eventually, I had to make the painful decision to distance myself in order to protect my own growth and focus on the positive. Read More>>
Noël Worley
A decade later, after a journey of growth and self-discovery, I realized the need to step back into it and reconnect with who I truly am – an artist! Now, having spent years in West Palm Beach, I live a life rooted in gratitude, and now I’m thrilled to have rekindled my creative spirit and am eager to share my work with those who appreciate gemstones, creativity, artistry, and a little sparkle. Read More>>
Nickayla Roberts
I’ve been into makeup since middle school. I would watch countless makeup tutorials on YouTube and practiced filling in my eyebrows. During my sophomore year of high school, I started building my personal makeup kit with all the necessary products I needed as a beginner. I practiced eyeshadow looks and techniques applying face makeup. During my junior year, I began practicing looks on friends and family members. I launched my Instagram in 2018 and started to post makeup looks of myself. Once I got comfortable enough I would post looks I’d do on models and clients. Read More>>
William Martinez
Many challenges. Learning the technical aspect was a bit challenging specifically platforming and distributing content through different streaming platforms. One of the most often overlooked obstacles in podcasting is consistency. Being consistent is much harder than it sounds but it is very hard to balance your professional, and personal lives and still produce new and hopefully good content on a consistent basis. Learning on how to distribute and market your own podcast effectively eight years ago was much harder task in comparison to today. Read More>>
Claire Lawson
When I look back on the start of my career in the wellness industry, over eight years ago, I’m truly amazed. I always knew I wanted a career involving sports or fitness in some capacity. I started college on a path to become an athletic trainer because, “If becoming a professional soccer player doesn’t pan out, at least I can still be close to the game.” Read More>>
Clifton Addison
In 2023, I took action by organizing a networking weekend specifically for professionals of color, with the goal of introducing non-golfers to the sport. My vision was to create an inclusive space where both golfers and non-golfers could enjoy the game while connecting with business professionals from all over the country. Read More>>
Barbara Perez
I grew up watching beauty tutorials on YouTube and it fascinated me, 2016 I started learning and experimenting with makeup but was always too afraid of creating my account, I think it was because if I started it then it would have two outcomes: success or failure, but I decided on doing it and on October of 2018 I posted my first makeup look, but it wasn’t until the pandemic that I became more constant and that I grew my audience, at the moment I can say that organically I’ve amassed an audience of over 1.2M followers on my social media, I believe people connect with me because every video has a purpose and its filled with my personality, I believe my content feels and is very authentic. Read More>>
Sammy Rocks
And there I was with my rock band, my work at television and also studying my Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Communication at one of the most prestigious universities in Mexico ITESM campus Santa fe. I graduated of my first degree in communications on 2016 and the second one in Marketing in 2019. I was a Tv presenter, reporter and the weather girl in Grupo Imagen for about 10 years until 2022 where I got married and moved to Miami Florida with my husband who is an executive in Sony Music Latin here in Miami. Read More>>
Fernando Hernandez
I was good in school with certain subjects so took a couple of AP classes and that also helped me meet different people, with the soccer team, I also happened to be talented in the game so I had made varsity team my freshman year, got myself some friends that we pretty much had similar lives (immigrants who just loved playing soccer) and eventually became the captain of the team by my Junior year (2013), which was my best year in high school, my eyes were simply opening up throughout the years in HS to the different type of people that were out there and I had become more open, I wasn’t afraid to put myself out there, I wasn’t the most charismatic or well spoken person but I was able to now at least feel some sense of belonging and had the courage to get involved with different circles. Read More>>
Carlos Espinosa
After almost 30 years in TV news—25 of them at Univision 23 in Miami—I made a career shift into public relations in 2022. It wasn’t an easy transition. Starting fresh at midlife after doing something for so long was challenging. But stepping out of my comfort zone has reinvigorated me and given me a fresh passion in all aspects of my life. My experience and connections in the media world have also helped me excel in my current role, where I organize, plan, and secure media coverage for clients. I specialize in crafting messaging strategies, curating media lists, writing media advisories and press releases, and building strong relationships with the media. Read More>>
Jeevan Tillit
Within the first few months of operation, the business grew significantly, and she needed help organizing the finances. This is where I came in. At the time, I was a valet parker while studying finance and economics at Florida International University (FIU). I bought QuickBooks and mastered it. The business continued to expand — all by word of mouth. In 2010, the company was rebranded and became known as East of Collins Expediting (EOCE). Read More>>
Shadia Castillo
I was introduced to the amazing Boxr gym in downtown Miami where I currently host a leg and glute focused class and where I exclusively train my clients. My social media platform has grown in the last few years and has made it possible for me to share my love for fitness to a broader audience, where I am able to motivate, inspire, teach and engage with others who share the same love for fitness as me. I am beyond grateful to be able to help others achieve their goals and motivate others to continue on their fitness journey ! Read More>>
Jesus Bencomo
It wasn’t until I entered the world of high-end furniture cleaning that everything fell into place. What started as another business idea quickly became a passion. I realized that this market, though largely untapped, had immense potential. The craft of delivering exceptional service—paying attention to the smallest details and providing clients with a tailored, premium experience—was something that resonated deeply with me. Read More>>
