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.
Maira Marin Villegas
I finish my school take my license years after that same lady training me to be a Nails instructor on the same school, after that I started my career as a Cuccio nails instructor thanks to the opportunity the director of the company (Marilyn Garcia) by this moment I don’t think I have much further to go until 2024 my husband give me the opportunity to open a studio I was the happiest person! With a lot of fear and nervousness but with a lot of faith . Read more>>
JACQUELINE MAGALHAES
My name is Jacqueline and I am an immigrant from Brazil, my mother came to this country 40 years ago. Unfortunately, when I arrived in Queens NY, I did not get to go or be in school, I was 13 years old. Being a teenager full of life I soon started to roam the streets of NY city. Read more>>
Will Thomas
I’ve been a yoga teacher and studio owner for many years, but at 47, I injured myself in a yoga pose that forced me to rethink how the body heals. In the process, I developed a simple technique that not only repaired my injury, but also relieved the everyday aches and stiffness I thought were just part of getting older. Read more>>
Stephanie Mesa
WeDo began as a concept about seven years ago, while my mom was working at another tax agency and my dad was out on the street trying to bring in new clients. After one season there, they saw the potential to expand into other areas of financial services. Read more>>
Milton Ruiz
My name is Milton Ruiz, and I’m the founder of EMAR Accounting. I’ve always been passionate about helping small and medium-sized businesses take control of their finances, and that’s what inspired me to create EMAR. We provide services like bookkeeping, payroll, Fractional CFO support, and custom QuickBooks Online training, all designed to give business owners clarity and confidence in their financial health. Read more>>
Kendra Orr
I completed educational research in Asia after ten years of teaching Algebra, Biology, English, and Spanish. Due to changes in educational policies, I opened a tutoring business. We work with students who have behavioral and learning disabilities. We also tutor average and advanced students in college preparatory exams and in other subjects. Read more>>
Nate Calima
I started in Los Angeles by learning how to network and connect with wealthy individuals. I would hang out in places they would go such as Beverly Hills. At the same time I learned how to sell, market, and solve problems. I’d replace the music in my car with personal development and success stories. Read more>>
Juan Gonzalez
Following college in ’78, I moved to NYC per suing a career in Fashion Design. There, after working for other labels and production houses, I started ‘ERMAN’, my eponymous brand.supplying better dresses of my own design to specialty stores like B Altman’s, Bonwitt Teller and boutiques in SoHo like Macondo and La Rue de Reves, as well as throughout the USA. Read more>>
Karoline Mion
I was born in São Paulo, Brazil, and moved to Florida with my family when I was 11 years old. That transition at a young age opened my eyes to cultural diversity, resilience, and the importance of community — values that have stayed with me throughout my journey. Read more>>
Burny Pelsmajer
The School of Rock in Coral Springs opened in 2007, and in the beginning of 2008 I was brought in to substitute teach as a drumming instructor. I had just moved down from NYC, having worked for years as a professional touring and recording musician, but I was looking for a change of pace and opportunities. Read more>>
Dr Todd Giardina
I grew up in a medical family, visiting my parents’ work and discussing medical issues at dinner. So in college I went pre-med, assuming I would work in some area of oncology. I took a pre-med class on the future of medicine and was struck by the impact of insurance, with physicians spending less and less contact time with their patients. Read more>>
Laurianne Macdonald
I am an artist, author, mother of 4, grandmother of 5, and an Integrative Holistic Health Specialist helping those seeking health, balance, and restoration in mind, body, and spirit. I am eager to inspire others in nutrition, herbal healing arts, and the soul’s journey. Please visit my website at https://www.lauriannemacdonald.com to learn more. Read more>>
Dayan Viera
The King of Miami is a complete and global artist who dances, sings and composes all of his songs in English and Spanish. Since his arrival at “Another Level Studios” Record Label, the artist is projected to go very far with his music EDM/HipHop. The King of Miami is an inspiration and motivation for all young dreamers of music around the globe. Read more>>
Robert Kesten
I grew up in a family that believed in giving back and being thankful for all we were fortunate enough to have. That was simply part of our DNA. What made it all real to me was when Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Read more>>
Ron Callis
My story is a bit unconventional. I didn’t grow up dreaming of being in the AV and custom integration world — I landed here almost by luck. After graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, I joined Lutron Electronics as a sales engineer. Lutron is a global company with many divisions, and they placed me in their residential group. Read more>>
A Space for Change
We are A SPACE FOR CHANGE, Dr. Liana Lorenzo-Echeveri, LMFT and Katrina Lorenzo, MS, LMFT, two sisters and therapists born and raised in South Florida. We both graduated from Florida International University (FIU) with a bachelor’s degree and received our Master and Doctorate (Dr. Liana) in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University (NSU). Read more>>
Marylin Nuzzo
I’m Marylin, a Venezuelan makeup artist and beauty content creator based in Miami. I’ve loved makeup since I was little. My mom jokes I never left the house without a tiny silver Minnie bag with lipsticks and a mirror. In 2021 I moved from Caracas to Miami and decided to go all-in on makeup, no plan B. Read more>>
Leslie Moreno
I started Only Med Glam with a simple idea — to create a space where beauty, wellness, and science come together in a way that feels personal and luxurious. As a nurse practitioner, I always had a passion for helping people feel their best, but I wanted to go beyond just offering treatments. Read more>>
Stefan Ethan J
I’m Stefan Ethan J, Founder of The Business Toolkit®. I just turned 30, but this journey started 7 years ago with $50 and a pack of yellow M&Ms in my dorm room at Barry University. It was never about profits — it was about passion. Passion to help small businesses survive, thrive, and unlock the power of branding. Read more>>
Sophie Malahieude
Originally from France, I’ve lived in Germany and now the United States—experiences that shaped a rich, multicultural perspective I bring into my work. My life philosophy is deeply influenced by the Vedic disciplines of Yoga and Ayurveda, which I first encountered in 1997 while living in Germany. Although I didn’t speak the language fluently, I felt an instant, intuitive connection to these ancient teachings. Read more>>
Amber Moshakos
Amber Moshakos Amber Moshakos was born and raised in the hospitality business. As the daughter of Lou and Joy Moshakos, prolific restaurateurs and founders of LM Restaurants, Amber grew up in restaurants—first spending time at her parents’ Seafood Shanty in Deerfield Beach, Florida, and later working shifts as a teenager at the family’s Miami Subs franchise in Raleigh, North Carolina. Read more>>
Maria Galli
I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, a city that shaped my love for culture, design, and storytelling. My career began in the creative and communications field, where I learned how identity and narrative can influence the way people connect with brands and experiences. Early on, I knew I wanted to work at the intersection of creativity and strategy. Read more>>
Jerleen Norey
I got my degree in Early Childhood and I also loved to dance and wanted to put both things together so I started traveling to preschools around south Florida to offer dance classes. My clients grew to over 80 students. But there was a disconnect once the students graduated from pre-k. Read more>>
Brooke Trace
Brooke Trace is an artist and gallerist in South Florida who turns sunrises into narratives and gallery walls into community stages. Read more>>
Sarah Plasencia
There is no real defining success for me. I always get a thrill when I see my paintings being enjoyed and displayed by their owners. I have paintings in restaurants, which is pretty cool to see, especially if I am dining there! I feel like I am a significant part of their ambiance. Read more>>
Puja R Rios
As a female Chief operating officer, there were many challlenges along the way, including breaking the proverbial glass ceiling. My true challenage came in the form of a car accident that changed my life for worse in some ways and better i others. SEE: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/a-360-look-at-fibromyalgi_b_9440738 Read more>>
