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.

Ray Lodovico

I was watching people do 1 minute pushups as my jaw dropped! I eventually ended up doing 2 minute pushups myself and much many more things that i would never have imagined myself doing. I decided i didn’t want to finish out my years in a place like a steel mill and decided to get certified as a Personal Trainer. It was the best thing I ever did for myself. I started making videos on TikTok, and Instagram, and YouTube and it became a passion and obsession of mine along with my rekindled love of basketaball. I also forgot to tell you I was an introvert. I didn’t even like to leave a message on an answering machine. Read More>>

Bella Narvaez

One day, after a difficult day at work, I was driving home and all I could think about was that I couldn’t wait to go on vacation, and that I worked to travel. I had been planning my own complex family trips for the last 6 years, from beginning to end and I absolutely loved it. Then it hit me! Read More>>

Andres Palacios

At the start, I personally managed every aspect of Clean 2 Please Services, from marketing and cleaning to customer service. It was a hands-on approach, but each satisfied client and positive review confirmed that we were on the right track. Our reputation for quality, consistency, and attention to detail quickly spread, and Clean 2 Please Services began to grow, largely through word-of-mouth and referrals. Read More>>

Renzo Gaitan

“My story began in 2012 as a hobby. I started with small jobs on my friends’ cars. That’s when I discovered how much I love seeing the final result, bringing the paint of an old vehicle back to life. Read More>>

Marisdey Iglesias

One of the biggest struggles has been balancing my personal life—being a mom and wife—while building my mobile coffee business, Cafecito Pour Favor. Managing time, learning the ins and outs of running a coffee cart, and securing event bookings all at once was overwhelming in the beginning. I also had to figure out logistics, like sourcing the right coffee beans, selecting the perfect equipment, and deciding how to market the business effectively. Read More>>

Noa Sinclair

Lianne La Havas was also a major influence, the way she seemingly orchestrates the ambiance of a room or stage with her vocals and guitar together is an experience I wish I could feel for the first time again. So I got a guitar and looked up some tutorials on YouTube, began playing covers and my own original songs too. Now I’ve got my Jazzmaster in hand and it really feels like an extension of myself when I’m playing. I still have a lot to learn but I think my growth from a year ago speaks for itself. Read More>>

Alena Strazhnikova

The story begins in 2016, when i, simple girl from Russia, that nobody knew, moved from Russia to USA with a dream of becoming a musician. So i started from playing piano and singing in small restaurants and cafes, sometimes for free, because nobody knew me. Little by little I created a name and started to have more and more gigs and also recognition from the local musicians and bands. You know, finding your way and place as an artist is never an easy path. You need to have a vision and a plan, where are you going with this. Read More>>

Nella Graham

Throughout all the challenges I’ve faced while building my business, I always stayed true to my business and consistent. In June, September, and October of this year I experienced the death of my brother, lover, and grandmother. Those 3 people meant everything to me. I still continued to work hard and thrive in my business. I turned my pain and grief into purpose. I know that they wouldn’t have wanted me to give up on everything that I’ve worked so hard for and build. Read More>>

Dana Randall

Based in Fort Lauderdale, but born and raised in New York, my 25+ year career is driven by my passion for crafting digital experiences that are not only beautiful but inclusive. I blend art and functionality in a way that highlights my belief that design should be accessible to all while still being visually captivating. From retail to entertainment, I have collaborated with top brands to create immersive, visually stunning digital environments that embrace diversity and representation. Read More>>

Mylo Gonzalez

In 2007 I purchased a wine & cheese shop in Miami Lakes “El Pimiento” which only sold cold cuts & wine. Shortly after the purchase I converted it into a full service restaurant with dishes influenced by my upbringing. My family is from Spain & Cuba so I twisted both cuisines to create some cool and unique dishes at El Pimiento. Through the journey I met my wife, Tiffany, we’ve been married now for 15 years and have two children. My son Mylo Jr (14) and daughter Lola (12). Read More>>

Nancy Alvarez

Fast forward to 2022, when a friend asked me to decorate his wife’s baby shower with balloons, I of course, said yes, despite not having a clue what I was doing! But from that moment, I immediately fell in love with balloons and the entire process of designing with them. That experience is what ultimately sparked the passion that led to starting my own business, and now here I am, turning that creative outlet into something even more special! Read More>>

Haydelin Alfonso Santana

My name is Haydelin and this is my story. Five years ago I was working as an accountant, making money to pay for my expenses but without purpose or passion in my professional life. I’ve always loved to help others and at that point of my life I wasn’t even able to help myself. Without looking for an opportunity I found it. With social media I have gaping my passion: have a healthy lifestyle, and help other with my experience and my guidance. Now I have a community of powerful women that are ready to monetize and change their lives, the same way I did. Read More>>

Alison Davis

I have been a community mental health counselor working with all populations, cultures and demographics that extend from the Florida Keys to Deerfield Florida and beyond. I am currently an Associate Professor at Miami Dade College Homestead campus as well as an adjunct for other Higher Education Counselor Programs. I enjoy sharing the teaching platform as well as being directly involved as a practitioner and interventionist. I also speak and share about mental health on serval platforms as an invited guest. My purpose and passion is to normalize mental health. I have a trademark statement, “Mental Health is an everyday in every way response to life”. Read More>>

Kasey Jones

Eventually I learned this does not just apply to the gym but to everything in life. The moment you have the mindset you can’t, or its impossible, it is done and you have lost that opportunity. I am constantly learning and growing I am far from perfect. Some days I still struggle with my meals, or I had a bad workout, or just don’t feel good, etc. I train 5-6 a week and my current goal is 4-5 meals a day. I am training to compete sometime in the future. Read More>>

Anna Lucia Peña

Six years ago, I founded my own company in Colombia, driven by a vision to design kitchens and spaces that prioritize comfort and functionality for everyone. During my life, I felt a strong connection to nature, animals, and humanity, which inspired me to create inclusive designs. One of my most meaningful projects was focused on creating spaces for blind individuals, and I also participated in research groups in Medellín to develop a kitchen prototype for people who use wheelchairs. Read More>>

Kateryna Adamkovych

My journey truly took shape at the University of Miami, where I pursued a degree in economics and marketing. From the very beginning, I was drawn to the world of marketing. Between 2015 and 2018, I explored a variety of roles, gaining experience in both the corporate landscape and alongside some of the most successful real estate agents in the industry. These formative years deepened my understanding of how strategic marketing could create a lasting impact. Read More>>