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.
Natalie Robinson Bruner
I started my career in organizational research, studying how teams learn, change, and perform under pressure. After leading corporate training initiatives in high‑growth environments, I kept seeing the same pattern: engaging workshops, minimal on‑the‑job behavior change. That frustration became the spark for GladED. We translate peer‑reviewed insights into practical playbooks and learning experiences, then measure what matters—behavior change and business outcomes. Read more>>
Liz Seligman
My name is Liz Seligman, and I am the founder and event producer of Island Life Events, an event planning company specializing in weddings and corporate events. I launched Island Life Events in 2013 in the Florida Keys, hence the name, and over the years we expanded into Miami and Destination, experiencing tremendous growth along the way. Read more>>
Stefano Balli
I was born and raised in Miami, surrounded by architecture, design, and construction from an early age. My grandfather, Giorgio Balli Sr., founded Balli Group over 45 years ago, laying the groundwork for what would become a multi-generational legacy defined by craftsmanship, integrity, and timeless design. Read more>>
Fellipe Cardoso
After a week of opening my first barbershop in nyc, the pandemic’s shutdown happened. A year later I decided to move to Florida. I ended up in Fort Lauderdale but now having to restart my career. During that time I built a clientele, saved up enough money and met my current business partner. We decided to a new shop and chose Miami. Read more>>
Jessica Merlino
My path into the wellness and biotechnology space was far from traditional. I began my career in educational technology sales in New York, where I learned how to communicate value, build relationships, and adapt in fast-paced environments. When the pandemic hit, it became a turning point that led me to South Florida and ultimately, to discovering the power of frequency medicine. Read more>>
sofia joelsson
Ms. Sofia Joelsson, a Swedish native, came to America in 1998 to pursue her passion for interior decorating. Her successful style and inspiring aesthetic has transcended into designing magnificent homes for her private clientele, and has expanded into other projects. In addition to complete residential build-outs at Sofia Joelsson Design, she customizes furniture and sells a curated selection of beautiful pieces for the home. Read more>>
Sarah Banaszewski
I’m originally from Pittsburgh and went to beauty school back in 2012, but I didn’t truly fall in love with doing hair until 2020 when I found extensions. That’s when everything changed for me. I saw how they could completely transform not just someone’s look, but how they feel about themselves. Read more>>
Katalin Becker
I started my business 10 years ago after my divorce. I was always interested in beauty so I knew I’ll do good and I was right. Read more>>
Nannette Chacon
Honestly, my love for movement and the human body started way before I ever called it a “career.” Back in high school, I took AP Anatomy and Nursing Basics, and I was hooked. I’ve always been fascinated by how the body works how everything connects. But what really shaped me was growing up with a dad who was obsessed with boxing and working out. Read more>>
ALEJANDRO AMORES
We are a Medical and Mental Health Center founded in 2019 by two people, Alina Sanchez and Alejandro Amores. We immigrated from Cuba, escaping communism and looking for an honest and better opportunity to live. We both completed psychological studies and completed several other studies. We provide mental and medical services to our community, adults, and children in two different facilities. Read more>>
Michael Suman
I am originally from Knoxville, TN, and landed in Miami in 1988. I was working aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines vessels and was ready to start a career on dry land. When I opened the Miami Herald one Sunday and saw that the city had been awarded a new basketball franchise, I detected an opportunity. Read more>>
Ute Dorsy
Working in the fashion industry during my twenties, I learned the art of self-care. My go-to fitness practices were yoga and meditation. I preferred to visit my family in Germany during the summer and remain in Miami during off-season. That is how I was lead to massage therapy. Read more>>
Jay West
I am Jay West, the Crown Corrector, a voice for possibilities, a believer in transformation and a challenger of limits. My mission is simple: to help Women step into the life they were born to lead. I started a Women Empowerment Platform called, ‘Queen Up Movement in 2017 as I experienced 3 coexisting traumas that left me feeling angry, betrayed, disappointed, fearful and lost. Read more>>
Lachmee Chin
In the vibrant tapestry of South Florida, my story unfolds—a tale woven from the dreams of immigrant parents who sought a better life. Growing up in Miami, our modest home, adorned in shades of pink that my mother lovingly chose, was a far cry from the glamorous image often portrayed. It was a canvas of simplicity that sparked my imagination. Read more>>
Johnny Faraće
I’ve boxed competitively since I was 9 years old — and my last fight was just last year in Las Vegas at 55. What started as a way to stay out of trouble became the foundation for everything I am today. Through the years, boxing taught me discipline, focus, and how to stand tall no matter what life throws your way. Read more>>
Gabriela Segnini
My life purpose has always been to be an advocate for mental health and create meaningful impact in my community, this was my motivation to become a psychotherapist. Read more>>
Yael Rodriguez
My Story As a kid, I struggled with being extremely overweight. I was teased and laughed at for my appearance, and food became my emotional comfort. By the age of 13, I weighed 240 pounds. After finishing middle school, I decided I couldn’t live like that anymore — I wanted to take control. Read more>>
Harold Jutajero
I started out in the tech industry as a pretty introverted person, but I always had this inner drive to evolve—not just in my career, but personally as well. That mindset led me into the world of personal development, where I began to break out of my shell and explore new possibilities. As I grew, I was drawn to entrepreneurship. Read more>>
Maritzel Perez
Honestly, Pristine Business Managers started pretty naturally. I had been managing accounting and operations for different businesses for years, and I kept noticing the same thing , owners were amazing at what they did, but constantly stressed about the back-end work: bookkeeping, invoices, reconciliations, payroll… all the things that keep a business running but no one really enjoys doing. Read more>>
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>>
