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.
Donovan Camarotti
When I was 18, I bought my first house, thinking I’d rent it out for some steady income. But after crunching the numbers, I realized I could make a lot more by selling it instead. So, I sold it, made a nice profit, and that sale changed everything for me. I kept repeating the process—buy, flip, sell—and with each deal, I got better at it. Fast forward to now, I’m 21, and my company is on track to flip 80-90 properties this year. What started as a single sale has grown into a thriving business. Read More>>
Fedlen Prosper
I’ve always enjoyed working with people, and cultivating unique experiences. The foundation of The Love Label steams from my background in the hospitality industry. Working as a front desk agent through the Marriott franchise I had no clue what was in store for me. At the time we were strategizing different methods to personalize our guest stay at our hotel. I then established different designs and layouts based on the occasion they were celebrating. Unfortunately due to the spread of COVID 19 the hotel shut down. At a time where the world seemed to be at a pause The Love Label grew quickly. With the help of social media, faith, and consistency we were able to expand our reach to not just locals but tourist as well. Read More>>
Mindy Kim
When I first arrived in the United States from South Korea, all I had was a suitcase and a heart full of hope. I didn’t have money, education, or even the ability to speak English. Life seemed daunting, but I was determined to find my way. Without knowing where to start, I was not really good at anything but one thing i knew was i was good with my hands. I began searching for any job that would allow me to make ends meet. Read More>>
Oksana Gruzdyn
Their personal health transformation sparked a deeper mission. “We wanted to give as many people as we can the gift that we got – to live healthy and pain-free,” Viktoriya explains. This passion, combined with their scientific expertise, led to the development of their groundbreaking Rapid Immunocellular Repair™ program focused on all-natural science-based approach to rapid reversal of chronic inflammation. Read More>>
Dadly Filius
When I was 7 years old, and this I remember because it was my birthday party we were celebrating, I was watching television and could not find someone who looked like me, spoke like me, or anyone that was like my family. It was at that moment I said to myself my purpose is to be a cameraman to film movies, commercials, etc. Fast forward to today my wife and I own and operate Natif Logistics, LLC, a Digital Marketing / PR Firm and Beyond Revealed Media, a Media Production Company. Read More>>
Leonardo Cotter
I grew up in Venezuela, where the arepa is a cultural staple. It’s more than just a meal—it represents tradition, versatility, and comfort. The crispy edges of the arepa always stood out to me as the best part, and I thought, ‘Why not turn that crunch into a snack?’ That idea stayed with me, but it wasn’t until I moved to the U.S. amid the Venezuelan crisis in 2016 that it became more than just a thought. Read More>>
Jeymarie Guerra
That desire led me to start Supportive Engagement. It wasn’t easy in the beginning—I had to take risks, like driving around looking for office spaces, reaching out to professionals, and introducing myself to build connections. One of the most significant lessons I learned was to embrace flexibility and trust my ability to overcome challenges, even when doors seemed to close. I had to have faith in myself to open new doors and keep moving forward. Read More>>
Geneisha Rosales
For the most part, it’s been a smooth road, but like any journey, there have been some bumps along the way. At one point, I experienced burnout, which led me to explore other areas like skincare and laser hair removal while working for a corporate company within my field. Though I enjoyed learning new skills, I eventually found my way back to massage therapy, which is where my true passion lies. Read More>>
Janine Griffiths
My journey took an unexpected turn when a friend offered me the chance to purchase their interior plantscape business. I accepted and, while I still maintain a few interior plantscape accounts, I have primarily evolved the company to include native plant and landscape design and maintenance services, with a special focus on serenity and meditation gardens. Green Thumb emphasizes natural, environmentally safe, and non-harmful methods of garden management and pest control, adhering to Florida-Friendly™ landscape practices and principles for healthy landscapes. Read More>>
Jeremiah Stlouis
As far as Dj’ing I would say it has been a pretty smooth road. I kind of met the right people at the right time. I’m pretty sociable, so it’s easy for me to make friends. The bass scene in Florida has it’s own quirks but with applications like Discord most big producers/ dj’s have a space to access and learn from. The only real adjusting would be to the social media aspect. You really need to be on top of everything. Read More>>
Romario Facey
As years progressed it became even more unrealistic to more people. As he got older his mother and family members would revisit the same question, “what do I want to become” and I would tell them I wanted to become an actor and a Hollywood star and they started to think that he was crazy, make fun of him and called him insane. He knew that it was possible but he just didn’t know how, but he had faith in God and he knew things would work themselves out. Read More>>
Cristina Lama-Evensky
In 2020, the whole world came to a halt when covid-19 emerged, my children Kiran, Nicolas, and Autumn Evensky and I decided to thank our Frontline heroes by delivering meals to feed them during the pandemic. When tragedy struck and my own father succumbed to covid 19, we took our pain and tears and used it to honor his memory. We decided to thank our Frontline workers every thanksgiving and Christmas by providing hot meals to those that cannot be with their families during the holidays. This is how Elio’s Kitchen was born. Read More>>
Ralph Garcia
Starting as a barista at a coffee shop, I began to refine my social skills, as that’s one of your primary duties. Growing up, I was always a shy kid, so I valued putting myself out there working at that small coffee shop and refining my social interaction skills. I think that catapulted me to where I am now, and I realized that shyness would hinder you from endless opportunities that could await. I left one year after receiving another job offer to work as a receptionist at a law firm. I took it, as I knew that at 14, I still had enough time to job-hop anywhere I wanted without feeling too bad. Read More>>
Madeline Rouge
My FX teacher tells me: “The best artists must be able to correct and perfect a face before they can properly break one down” Challenge accepted and I sign up for a beauty makeup course. Read More>>
Gracie Herron
From then on, I dedicated myself to building my portfolio, honing my craft, and learning as much as possible. My new goal was clear: being a fashion photographer who made a living and created a happy life centered around art. Although I initially entered college as a business major, uncertain about my future, I rediscovered my true passion for photography in this final year. It took a huge leap of faith to embrace this path, knowing just how unstable and uncertain it would be. Read More>>
Jay Britto
It has been very difficult because I didn’t have a mentor or a company to work for and gain experience. So I had to learn as I was going along–alone and by trial and error. It took me longer to get here because I didn’t have the resources, nor the help and guidance that a good mentor can provide. Read More>>
Miguel Angel De Armas
In the last year of the Conservatory (2012) I participated and won an international competition called “JoJazz” and that prize helped me to get the opportunity to travel to the USA for the first time, for a summer camp in New Orleans, as part of a cultural exchange between Cuba and USA, at the Loyola University. This was through a program called “Horn from Havana” created by the well known musician Wynton Marsalis. Read More>>
Faella Bell
Growing up, I always had a passion for cooking and tried to learn different recipes. I loved watching cooking shows and even had the opportunity in elementary school to attend an after-school culinary program. Although cooking was a strong passion of mine, I never considered pursuing catering as a business until my sophomore year at Florida State University. Read More>>
Anil, Merve Pakel
We searched extensively for a business opportunity that aligned with our values and aspirations, ultimately choosing Pure Green, a nationwide franchise brand. Pure Green’s mission to build healthier communities globally through superfoods resonated deeply with us. The brand’s commitment to culture, hospitality, and sustainability reflects our own standards. Their core values of educating guests, combining taste with nutrition, fostering memorable connections, and pursuing continuous improvement perfectly align with our vision for promoting health and wellness. This alignment is what ultimately drew us to Pure Green and inspired us to embark on this entrepreneurial journey. Read More>>
Rick Sykes
my new adventure, in front of the camera started in 2019 and didn’t see this coming. my name, Rick Sykes has become a household name all over Miami because of the TV show marrying millions, TV series Loyal-T, Cameo speaking roll on love and hip-hop Miami, TV show Rick Sykes, Dirty Laundry, Published author, drugs, and roses and soon my next book which is at the publishers now “more drugs, less roses” as well as numerous movies, Commercials, PSA’s and Celebrity host all over Miami and my new show I’m working on now, which is in the hands of the attorneys called hot yacht Miami models. Read More>>
Evelyn Frankel
In some ways, it’s been a smooth road because of the mindset Ryan and I share when it comes to business. We embrace change and aren’t afraid to pivot when things don’t go as planned. In an industry as new as this, we’ve definitely faced some unexpected challenges, but our commitment, creativity, and ambition keep pushing us forward in this movement. Read More>>
Jaycee Spagrud
Later, I found out. A girl in my class had started a vicious rumor about me. She told everyone that I used a sock to do something sexual and had even named it after the most popular boy in our class—Mitch. I was devastated. Humiliated. Paralyzed with shame. Coming from a home where topics like sex were never discussed, where such things were considered taboo, I felt utterly alone. I didn’t have the kind of relationship with my mom where I could turn to her for comfort or guidance. I didn’t know how to process it. Read More>>
