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.

Jenna Hubka

Honestly I didn’t know the first thing about being an influencer and was hardly even on Instagram at the start of this so just learning the platforms I had content on was a huge challenge. I also vastly underestimated the amount of time it takes to truly curate your own brand Read more>>

Daniella Batlle

From a very young age, I understood that fashion was not just an aesthetic choice, but a language of life. I grew up in a family where fashion was both sustenance and refuge: my grandmother, who became a widow at an early age, found in this craft a way to provide for her children; and my mother, with her passion for elegance and detail, passed down to me a deep love for this universe. Although in my childhood I dreamed of pursuing politics, what I was truly seeking was to serve and transform. I discovered in fashion a powerful vehicle to build community, narrate the identity of a country, and give voice to those who create with their hands. Read more>>

Scott Gilman

There are many pros to owning your own business and being your own boss but there are many challenges as well. One of the biggest obstacles we overcame was the COVID pandemic. We needed to switch our business model quickly and everyone in the family pitched in, including our two children. Within a couple of days, we pivoted from an in-studio painting experience to an online store with a local delivery service. Read more>>

Iryna Babych

I began my career as a lawyer and later worked in the police force, which gave me discipline, structure, and strategic thinking. Yet I always felt a strong passion for creativity and visual storytelling, so I decided to follow my true calling — photography. Step by step I grew from doing family shoots to building a professional career in fashion, portrait, and brand photography, collaborating with local companies and creating content for businesses. Read more>>

Hannah Garner

At the same time, I realized something was missing. College merchandise was everywhere, but so much of it felt loud, flashy, or temporary—designed more for the moment than for the memory. I wanted something different: timeless, elevated designs that could honor tradition while still feeling fashionable and versatile. I imagined pieces that could transition from the classroom to the tailgate, or even be pulled out years later at a reunion, still carrying the same pride and meaning. Read more>>

Alexandra Peters

Continuously setting records, Alexandra is a top producer in her market. She has been selling Miami to the world and the world to Miami since 2004. She is a member of the distinguished Master Brokers Forum and has been repeatedly featured in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Business Insider, The Miami Herald, The Real Deal, and on HGTV. Read more>>

Steffany Contreras

Since then, my client base has grown steadily, and I’m deeply grateful for the positive feedback and love I receive daily. My customers are more than just clients; they’ve become part of my extended family. This business is built on a foundation of trust and friendship, and that connection is the most rewarding part of it all. Read more>>

Michelle Zitnick

The covid-19 pandemic caused a loss of autonomy in my RN role in the hospital which inspired me to find a way to be more independent in my practice but also continue to help people as a nurse practitioner. I have experienced great accomplishments and significant losses along the way, most recently losing my brother unexpectedly at a young age. I see my children excel and struggle everyday and I know that is par for the course. My hope is that they can leverage their talents to become successful at what they love and their struggles to become stronger, kinder humans. Read more>>

Philip Bennett

Over the years, I have built strong partnerships with banks, lenders, and real estate professionals. These relationships allow Bennett Capital Partners Mortgage Brokers to deliver options and flexibility that larger institutions often cannot match. Whether it is helping a first-time homebuyer, structuring financing for a foreign national, or creating complex solutions for seasoned investors, every loan we close is tailored to the client’s unique situation. Read more>>

Elisa Etienne

One of my biggest challenges was making the transition from a stable career in mental health to entrepreneurship in beauty. It meant stepping into uncertainty and trusting myself. Financial risks, self-doubt, and even the challenge of going back to school later in life were real hurdles. But I overcame them by focusing on my “why”…helping people feel seen, beautiful, and confident. Continuing education and leaning into my community of mentors and clients has also kept me grounded and motivated. Read more>>

Dr Durrell Handwerger DNP, APRN

My journey has been a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and healing. Along the way, I’ve earned degrees and certifications in nutrition, herbal medicine, family medicine, and primary care as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I’ve provided community nutrition programs for seniors, designed after-school health initiatives, and dedicated decades to research in herbal medicine, nutritional science, and holistic health. Read more>>

Yshia Condezo

This inspired my love for storytelling and I was motivated to start my own photo and video business in 2020. It started off as a part-time, then became totally stagnant when I picked up a full-time tv job, and then when that production was over – I decided to turn away from working other jobs and invest in Yshia Films. It’s been my full time job for the past 3 years and, to this day, God continues to sustain it. Read more>>

Lexi

The videos did much better than I ever thought they would and I ended up with a full online private teaching studio before graduating college. From there, I wanted to serve a greater population of singers, especially ones who could not afford private lessons but who really wanted to learn. I started a program called “The Voice Gym” which is a community for beginner singers to connect and learn how to sing directly from a professional through live group masterclasses, video feedback, and a 24/7 forum to communicate with me and other members. Read more>>

Ada Da Silva

As a woman, mother, cultural leader, and artist, balance has also been a constant challenge, carving out space for creativity while carrying so many responsibilities. Yet every obstacle has shaped me, both personally and artistically. The struggles taught me resilience and reminded me that beauty often emerges from difficulty. My sculptures are born from that truth, that movement, emotion, and transformation arise from embracing both the light and the shadows along the way. Read more>>

Renee Thomas

That’s what led me into real estate—where I could manage my own schedule, push myself to grow, and directly serve people in my community during one of the most important decisions of their lives. Over time, I’ve realized that what motivates me most isn’t just personal success, but being able to combine career growth with service—helping others feel supported, informed, and cared for. That’s the path that’s brought me here today, and it’s why I’m excited about the opportunity to continue growing while making an impact. Read more>>

Elicio Arroyo

On the side, I even started a phone case company and ran a Shopify dropshipping business, where I first learned design and a little coding. Now, beyond Sole Garden, I also purchase and design homes tailored for Airbnb and host them as well. Every stop along the way added skills that ended up shaping the way I approach business today. Read more>>

Oliver Patterson

It was in those early years that I developed a deep understanding of the real estate market from the ground up. I learned how to assess property value, what makes a great investment, and most importantly, how to communicate clearly and effectively with both owners and tenants. These skills became the foundation of something bigger. Read more>>

Vinni Hamilton

In my early high school years, I joined the JROTC program at my high school and learned how to play the snare drum there. I also sang on my high school choir for my entire career. But I didn’t discover my passion for keyboards, songwriting and production until years later, through work with various local bands and choirs in and around Kingston. Read more>>

RJ Durrant

My voice is both powerful and soulful, shaped by gospel foundations and infused with my own unique artistry. Over the years, my talent has opened doors on some big stages. I have auditioned for highly respected platforms such as American Idol and Sunday’s Best, where I boldly showcased my gift. My relentless pursuit of excellence has also earned me several nominations and accolades, including Best Vocalist of the Year and Best Male Artist of the Year – recognition that speaks to both my artistry and the impact of my music. Read more>>

Sasha Wells

I’m currently a PhD student in history at Florida International University, and a history and book content creator. To think back on how I got to where I am now has been a series of fortunate events. My mum homeschooled me and five siblings from grades 1-12 in The Bahamas. She taught me how to read and always laughs that as soon as I able to that I would read the books to myself because I would be bored. Reading carried me throughout my teenage years a way to learn and explore life. Read more>>

Gina Castellanos Pelaez

Gina Castellanos Pelaez (aka Gina CP) is the whirlwind force behind Lady Put Your Pants On, a platform that turns life’s chaos into clarity, one story at a time. From her journey as a first-generation Cuban American and former teen mom to becoming a mother, grandmother, and powerhouse community leader, Gina’s lived experience is the heartbeat of her mission: helping women step into strength, claim their voice, and design the lives they deserve. Read more>>

Analisa Velez

The shift of taking it serious began once I auditioned for Osceola County School for the Arts in Kissimmee. I was accepted as a theater student and that is honestly where I received the best training of my life. I had this brilliant British teacher that would feed me Chekhov and Ibsen to read and perform for class, and at the time I didn’t understand what a gift this was as a young Latina actress. She was the person that understood how to push past talent, stretch and grow me as an artist. She was a coach. My God what a light. The best coaches push you even when you want to give up. So grateful she was that for me. Read more>>

Sophia Sabbani

That curiosity naturally led me to study marketing and communication with a focus on luxury, fashion, and beauty. My first professional steps were in a press agency in Paris, working for the Comité Montaigne with some of the most iconic maisons on Avenue Montaigne (Chanel, Dior, Jimmy Choo, Fendi, Hotel Plaza Athénée…), and it was the place where I learned how PR really works, from the inside out. Read more>>

Walter Afonso

As a family, we brainstormed. We sketched. We prototyped. In 2015, we built our first grill. We tested it, improved it, and tried again. By 2019, we had something we were genuinely proud to cook with—so proud, in fact, we decided to share it with the world, expanding our distribution to the USA, Latin America, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. Read more>>

Yael Emano

I’m a licensed esthetician specializing in skin health and beauty. Over the years, I’ve found that clients come to me not only for treatments, but also for my perspective on surgeons, the latest products, and the ever-evolving beauty landscape. I like to think of myself as a “beauty broker”, a trusted resource for all things skin and aesthetics Read more>>

Meka Tubergen

Honestly, it hasn’t always been smooth. When I first started, Hot Girls Just Wanna was just a passion project and I was basically winging it! One of the biggest struggles was figuring out how to consistently create events and experiences that felt unique, fun, and meaningful, while also managing all the logistics behind the scenes. Another challenge was growing a community that genuinely wanted to connect, not just show up for the hype. But those early challenges taught me a lot about patience, creativity, and what it really takes to bring people together and seeing the friendships and energy that come from it makes every hurdle worth it. Read more>>

Lasheik Macon-Victor

My name is Lasheik Macon-Victor, I am a registered nurse/entrepreneur. I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. I had my first son at the age of 21 the year 2005 and I wasn’t financially stable . I was living with my son’s Dad and his parents at the time. After the birth of my first son I had to think of a plan fast to support him. I enrolled myself at National School of Technology, for the Medical Assistant diploma program when he was three weeks old. After eight months I graduated with my Medical Assistant diploma, and I started working at the Doctors office. Read more>>

Edward “Ed Bo1” Collins

I actually started out wanting to be a painter—I even competed in middle school art contests. But at one event, instead of focusing on my painting, I was captivated by the live band. On the ride home, I told my teacher I was done with painting and wanted to pursue music instead, i never seen someone go from being so happy to disappointed so quickly HAHA. The next day I joined band class, and music has been my life ever since. Read more>>

Bridgette Hibbert

I started in real estate in 1988, shortly after moving to Miami from New Jersey. At just 21 years old, I purchased my first home. This was an experience that opened my eyes to the power of ownership and the opportunities this country could offer. Achieving the American dream at such a young age inspired me to dedicate my career to helping others do the same. Real estate became more than just a profession for me. It was a way to guide people through one of the most important milestones of their lives and to show them that building generational wealth through property is possible. Read more>>

Tiffani Dhooge

My career in human services began 25 years ago in the broom closet of a local foster care agency. As humbling as that entry level season was, it provided me with a ground-level perspective of the true challenges faced by those I was trusted to serve and I carried those lessons with me through the decades that followed. Read more>>

Joisse Cordeiro

Over time, I became more involved and eventually stepped into a partnership role with him. That experience opened my eyes to a world I didn’t expect to fall in love with: construction and customer service. There’s something incredibly rewarding about building and creating, but what moves me most is the connection with people. I’ve always had a heart for serving others, and in this industry I found the perfect balance of working with my hands, solving challenges, and building relationships every single day. Read more>>

Andre’ Reid

Right after the pandemic, when things were slowly getting back to normal, the Government, along with several financial institutions and business development organizations, partnered to help rebuild the country. They hosted many business webinars, workshops, programs, and pitch competitions to support entrepreneurs entering the business space. Read more>>

Valeria Campisi Pelaez

My entrepreneurial journey began when I was 14 years old. At that age, I had a very clear realization: if there was something I wanted, I could find a way to make it possible. In my mind, there is no such thing as something being impossible. Anytime I want something, I break it down into steps and work towards it. That mindset led me to launch my very first business, a small swimwear brand during COVID, at 14 years old. Even though it was short-lived, it showed me how much I loved building something of my own and sharing it with others. Read more>>

Juan Villa

Today, I run my agency with that same drive I had on day one, but with a bigger vision: to create impact at scale, mentor others, and use innovative marketing strategies to connect with people in a way that feels real and human. My story is still being written—but it’s one fueled by resilience, purpose, and the belief that we can all design a more secure tomorrow. Read more>>

Achineje Victor

Where I got exposed to stenciling, book binding, screen printing, and drawing for a period of five years. The following year I was able to set up my first studio space from the money i saved while working for other artists around. The truth is; no one invests in you until they see the light or maybe a beckon of hope. You’ll only get the support when you put your hands to work. No one supports nothing. God so kind after some months I was able to make my first sale, then came my second studio space. Read more>>