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.
ESMA AYDOS
Our journey began in 2017 when we entered the short-term rental market with our investment properties. Recognizing the strong potential in Miami’s hospitality and real estate sectors, we officially founded IMD Miami in early 2019 as a boutique short-term rental management company. Less than a year later, the pandemic presented unprecendented challenges, but it also became a pivotal moment for our growth. Read more>>
Alan Mourad
I’ve always been passionate about real estate development — it’s something that’s been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and later completed an MBA in Real Estate Development at FAAP in São Paulo, Brazil. Read more>>
Firllyth Manrique
When I started working with kids, I noticed that many parents were struggling to find a real solution after school. Most programs focused only on keeping children busy, but not on helping them with what really matters: their homework, their discipline, and their personal growth. That’s why I decided to create something different. Read more>>
Juan Colón
I first entered the space performing marketing duties for franchises in 2015. I was then given an opportunity to become a franchisee myself before launching my own independent company in 2020. Read more>>
Steven Becerra
My journey in martial arts and self-defense began when I was very young. In fact, it was so long ago that I can’t even remember my first lesson. My very first instructor actually became one of my greatest influences. To this day, I still catch myself using the same jokes or utilizing the same teaching strategies as Grandmaster Mel Steiner of Miami. Read more>>
Eileen Navarro
I’ve been a Psychotherapist in South Florida for 27 years. Born and raised in Miami to Cuban exile parents, I grew up surrounded by the values they instilled in me of hard work, resilience, and compassion. These guiding principles shaped not only who I am as a person but also the therapist I became. Read more>>
Dyce Kimura
I started playing guitar at 6 and I been playing guitar ever since. I grew up in Japan even tho I was born in the US. I moved back to the US alone at 19yo and became a full time guitarist by 22yo. I’ve been running my own guitar business in Miami ever since. Now I’m married with 4 kids. Read more>>
Nicole Fimiano
My name is Nicole Fimiano, and I am the proud owner of Dominick’s Pizza Food Truck. My husband, Anthony, and I began this venture together on October 24, 2024, coincidentally our 26th wedding anniversary. Anthony and I met in our teens while I was working at the local bakery next door to Dominick’s Pizza, Anthony’s family-owned takeout pizzeria and meat market. Read more>>
Curry J. Hackett
After my undergraduate studies in architecture, I found myself working on a massive stormwater project in Washington, DC. That time really inspired me to think critically about the relationships between cities, culture, and ecology, and eventually led to starting a design and research practice focused on creating meaningful public art and audiovisual media. Read more>>
Sharma Shari RODRIGUEZ COLON
Hey there! I’m Sharma — a photographer, artist, and recovering computer engineer from Puerto Rico. Yep, I once thought I’d spend my life in a cubicle writing code… but after three years of fluorescent lights and corporate coffee, I realized I was meant to chase light instead. Read more>>
Matthew Kurayev
I started this business/company though called calling and expanded from there Read more>>
Brian Rechtman
I wanted to create a social company that could help nonprofits raise money for their worthy causes. Read more>>
Gilza Fort Martinez
Here I have worked with women and their families, helping them navigate the various life transitions. I have also worked with community groups and corporations encouraging them to focus on mental health and wellness. It has been an important focus for me that mental health be as important as physical health. The Pandemic helped me in that regard! 30 years later I continue to feel excited and willing to help other create a roadmap that is unique to them and their circumstances. Read more>>
Eddy W. Fabre Jr.
After graduating from Tuskeegee University in 1988, I took a job at AT&T doing data entry. I saw that many of my peers, even with degrees, were stuck in entry level roles with limited growth. Management seemed inflexible. I realized early that the life & career that I wanted for myself would not come from staying there. Read more>>
Hanssy Sanchez
I was raised by an immigrant single mother who taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. I started working as a teenager to help support her and that drive has stayed with me ever since. Read more>>
Siu Hung Li
I, Master Li, Siu-Hung, first became interested in martial arts by following my brother, Grandmaster Lee, Koon-Hung, and watching him and his team perform the Lion Dance. Their energy and discipline captivated me. When I turned seven—he was 21 at the time—I asked if he would teach me. He agreed and began training me at home. Read more>>
Jennifer & Thomas Finn
We purchased Six Tables in January of 2020. We met in 2004, at Jonathan’s Landing Gold Club in Jupiter, Florida. Tom was the executive sous chef for the club, and he worked there for 13 years. Read more>>
Luis & Tatiana
About Us – Luis & Tatiana, Founders of Lovos Media Group With over 17 years of friendship and collaboration, Luis and Tatiana’s journey is a testament to creativity, growth, and shared vision. Luis, a graduate of Killian Senior High School, first set out to pursue a career in computer technology. Read more>>
FERAS SANKAR
My Story On March 4th, 2014, after years of war back home working as a physician, I had to leave Syria. Closing that chapter of my life was one of the hardest things I ever did. Read more>>
Wansley Racine
I used to work as an accounting manager for a private company. During COVID, the owner called me into his office and told me I’d have to decide which one of my staff to lay off. Read more>>
Eduving Porras Molina AKA Porraso
I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and from a very young age, art became my way of understanding the world. I remember winning my first art contest when I was six — a small tempera painting of a girl by a waterfall and that moment marked me forever. Over the years, I combined my passion for visual art with design and communication. Read more>>
Miriam King
My career as a corporate consultant actually started in the classroom. For more than 20 years now, I’ve educated multiple generations of leaders. In 2021, I decided to make a full consultancy of my practice in organizational leadership, executive development, and change management. I have effectively trained, coached, supported, advocated for, and guided young minds from kindergarten through college. Read more>>
Dr. Anahitta Jafari
I come from a long line of healers & Traditional Persian Medicine Physicians. Born into a family of traditional Persian physicians, herbalists, and alchemists, I was immersed from childhood in the world of Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM). My grandmother, great-grandmother, and mother were my earliest teachers. Read more>>
Natalie Semilovitsky
My journey began from a deep love for transformation. not just changing appearances, but restoring confidence. After years in sales and business, I discovered paramedical tattooing and immediately knew I’d found my purpose. It was the perfect blend of artistry, healing, and human connection. I trained with Nue Conceal, specializing in advanced scar and stretch mark revision, skin tone restoration, and camouflage. Read more>>
Madalina Popelca
I’m Madalina. A photographer originally from Romania, now based in the U.S. My love for photography started with capturing my travels: the landscapes, the details, the amazing views, but over time I realized that what truly inspire me is PEOPLE. The love, the connections and the moments they share. Read more>>
Tatiana Geringer
This is more than a church; it is to be a beacon — a place where theology, song, heritage, and fellowship converge. A place uniting the Slavic soul with the American experience, welcoming both Russian- and English-speakers, fostering intergenerational life, and providing a home for Orthodox musical excellence through the PaTRAM Institute. Read more>>
Erbi Blanco-True
As a long-time banker, community leader and avid traveler, I’m grateful to have lived a life built on perseverance. On the surface, my story might look like a variation on the typical immigrant narrative. My parents immigrated from Cuba in 1960, fleeing a communist regime and arriving in New Jersey to start a new life. Read more>>
Tommy Richardson
Thank you for taking this time out to interview me, I am humbled and thrilled. The question is to share my story and to talk about how I got started and how I got to where I am today. Read more>>
Gloria Marie Fuentes
My story started with multiple jobs, side gigs, and a few failed business ideas—along with two that found real success. Every turn taught me something about grit, creativity, and the value of building things that last. Today, I’m the East Coast Lead for Business Development & Strategy at Emser Tile, working in the Custom Builder, Luxury & Outdoor division. Read more>>
Jorge Vigas
I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and spent most of my childhood barefoot on the beach, fishing, surfing, and creating (which I still do today). I’m also a proud father of two kids who share my love for art and the ocean, though they might love soccer, dance and driving me crazy a bit more. Read more>>
Esther Valdes
My story has been one of saying yes to God in every season, even when it didn’t seem possible. I first began in ministry by sharing a short message in a small group. That opened doors for me to lead Bible studies and start life groups in homes, which eventually grew into a deep passion for helping others walk in faith. Read more>>
Astrid Moller
My journey began in Venezuela, where I graduated as a Nutritionist and Dietitian from the Central University of Venezuela. After that, I emigrated to the United States, a transition that brought both challenges and growth. Like many immigrants, I first had to master the English language and then figure out how to validate my professional credentials in a completely new country. Read more>>
Darlena Banas
My journey began long before RejuvaSkin Medspa was born. I’ve been a Nurse Practitioner for over three decades, specializing in nephrology and family medicine caring for patients with chronic illness and witnessing firsthand how stress, inflammation, and lifestyle impact the body from the inside out. Read more>>
JAYNE MILLS
I am a financial advisor by profession, and I harbored a lifelong desire to become a writer. My dream came true when my debut novel, BOTTOM OF THE BREATH, was published in July 2025. Read more>>
Theresa Nazik Junaid
How I got started on my Healer journey? Each of us have a healer inside but only some of us make a conscious decision to share this innate healing gift in a selfless way being of service to others. My journey like most started in survival mode. I’ve always known I had a natural shaman healer inside. I haven’t always had the courage to explore the gifts bestowed upon me. For a much of my life I served the superficial and programed side of me. Read more>>
Erica Powell-Reeves
Honestly, Wash Bar started from a very real moment in my own life. It was about 3 a.m., and I was lying in bed with faux locs in my head and very pregnant. I had a hair appointment later that morning, but like many, my stylist (and bestfriend) needed me to come with my hair already prepped. Read more>>
