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.

Maria Cammisa

Driven by a desire for growth, I sought out the best mentors and academies with the goal of perfecting my skills and mastering the most advanced European techniques. My educational path led me to the Accademia Nazionale del Cinema di Bologna, one of Italy’s most prestigious institutions, where I had the privilege of studying with internationally renowned professionals. Read more>>

Ana Martinez

My curiosity and openness to change have guided me throughout my life. After I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a BA in Latin American Literature and a minor in communications, I followed my interest in Spanish-language television and moved to Miami. Read more>>

Saroyah Johnson

From a young age, I was captivated by the art of fashion, watching my grandmother transform garments in her own alteration shop. Growing up with limited resources, thrifting wasn’t my favorite hobby but I learned to love it. I learned how to restyle outdated pieces into trendy outfits. Read more>>

Anita Funtek

Sunny Isles Beach has always been more than just a city to me—it’s a place I’ve grown to know intimately through years of hard work and dedication. Read more>>

Shanicr Millions

I have had a burning passion for eyebrows since I was 14 years old. My mom noticed my interest and actually paid for me to take an eyebrow class in the 8th grade. After the class, I began doing my eyebrows every morning before school, for my mom when she went to work, and for friends in the school bathroom. Read more>>

CHARLES TINGZ WARD AKA TINGZ

My name is Charles Tingz Ward. But a lot of people in the creative industry call me TINGZ. I have created multiple Grammy Award Winning and Grammy Nominated album covers for Artist such as Damian Marley, Stephen Marley, Third World, Sly & Robbie and many more. Read more>>

Michael Briansky

The Sweet Tooth has been around for over 45 years, but my journey with it started just a few months ago. I’ve always had a deep love for chocolate—it’s the ultimate comfort food, isn’t it? When the opportunity to take over The Sweet Tooth came along, I saw it not just as a business but as a legacy to continue and elevate. Read more>>

Nubia Rose

My stage name is Nubia Rose, born Nubia Silva Dos Reis, and my married name is Nubia Dos Reis Cohen. I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and moved to the United States in 1988 after marrying an American businessman who had been living in Brazil for over 10 years. Read more>>

Anna De Mondey

I started my journey in the world of marketing with a strong passion for creativity and communication. Over the years, I focused on developing digital marketing strategies for various businesses, helping them build a strong online presence and connect with their target audience effectively. Read more>>

VALENTINA STORY

From Designer to Gastronomist In 2006, I graduated in Venezuela, my country of birth, as a Graphic Designer. Although I worked in various areas, especially in corporate identity development, gastronomy has always been an important part of my life. Since a very young age, I had the privilege of traveling and experiencing many restaurants around the world, which sparked my interest in fine dining. Read more>>

Morgan DeGilio

I am originally from Morristown, New Jersey. I grew up there my entire life until moving to South Florida during COVID in 2020. I completed my bachelors at Montclair State University in Psychology and obtained my Masters in Counseling with Specialization in Art Therapy at Caldwell University. Read more>>

Ron Menna

I actually started doing hair when I was just 15 years old. I began as an assistant, training under some incredibly talented hairstylists and salon owners who really helped shape the foundation of my career. I went on to study at the Shuki Zikri Academy, and I was always learning—whether it was by watching, assisting, or jumping in wherever I could. Read more>>

Aviva Rubin

I launched my Pilates practice ten years ago, initially offering private sessions to friends and neighbors in my home studio. As my client base grew, I relocated four years ago to a larger, dedicated studio space in my neighborhood to better serve the community. I now own and operate a Pilates studio in Hollywood, conveniently located near Emerald Hills, Hollywood Hills, and Dania Beach. Read more>>

Crystal Mayo

At 30, I decided to change careers. I was absolutely terrified, however, recognized that I was no longer happy or fulfilled working as a mental health therapist. I always had a passion for skincare and beauty and after much deliberation, I decided to go back to school and become an esthetician. Read more>>

Rich Lacroix

My name is Rich Lacroix i was born in HAITI raised here in america since i was at the age of 9. I grew up around church my entire life, always singing in the church choir so naturally i grew the love for the music. Read more>>

Vicky Alianelli

I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, but I spent my childhood moving around different cities in Patagonia until I was twelve and my family and I moved to Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires has always been my favorite city in the world — full of energy, culture, and beauty. Read more>>

Jade Pettyjohn

I am a writing major at the Savannah College of Art and Design with a minor in fashion journalism. Merging my love for storytelling and visual expression, I worked with editorial publications such as SCAD Manor. Read more>>

Ana Cwalinski

Sure! I graduated with my undergraduate degree right after the Covid shut down in 2020. I needed to work however thanks to Covid my options at the time were very limited. I found myself working in a Covid testing site, making ends meet until things returned to normal and I could follow my passion, helping people. Read more>>

Mo Diaz

I started drawing as a child, even before I could write. Born in Homestead, Florida, I lived there until I was 12, then we moved to South Texas, where my dad’s family is from. That’s where I saw my first lowrider, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I began studying the artwork and paint jobs on those cars and trucks. Read more>>

Paolo Fidanza

I was born in Rome, Italy and graduated with a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. My first and only job was in the UK for Group Lotus, where I reached the position of Manager in the Engineering division in just three years. However, my vision transcended the conventional: I decided to take a bold leap of conviction. Read more>>

Sarah Mendoza Pujols

My desire to help others began at a very young age. I was always drawn to community service and became the friend people turned to for support, guidance, or simply a safe space to express themselves. That passion naturally led me into law enforcement, where I hoped to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Read more>>

Camila Borges Chiang

My story started way before I even realized it. My parents are both architects and their lifestyle is what shaped me and set the foundation for who I am today. I loved every bit of their world as I was growing up – always engaging in their conversations and curious about how their profession impacted our community. Read more>>

Krystal Di Espada

Music has always been at the heart of my life. I began singing and playing piano at a young age, and what started as a simple love for music evolved into a lifelong career in performance and education. Read more>>

Orlany Perez

My journey into wellness really started with my own healing. In my late teens, I was dealing with chronic gastritis and constant fatigue. Traditional medicine couldn’t give me the answers I was looking for, so I began experimenting with food, lifestyle changes, and a lot of self-education. That’s when I started realizing how deeply our emotions, habits, and energy affect the body. Read more>>

Sherina Garcia

I was born in Peru and moved to the United States, where I graduated from FIU with a degree in Marketing and International Business. I eventually moved to Algeria and lived between Paris and North Africa. I learned French, led marketing for a hypermarket chain, and opened the first Nail Bar inside a mall in the region. Read more>>

Juan Torres

We began as a home- and nano-brewing project in Venezuela about 13–14 years ago, where we were born and raised. We started in the basement of my family’s house—my dad even built out the space so we could brew and hang out. At first, the beers were just for us, family, and friends. Read more>>

Stewart Gerard

I started out in Photography and Set / Production design around 14=15 years ago, I briefly assisted for about half a year then branched out on my own taking all kinds of jobs for any kind of pay or sometimes pro bono just to get my name out there. Read more>>

Laiecha Frederick

Being a hairstylist / model was always something I wanted to do. I grew up watching my mom as a hair dresser and now the talent has moved on to me. My mother taught my sisters and I how to do it since we were younger and ever since then , that’s been all of our careers. Read more>>

Danny Sanchez

Born and raised in Miami, Danny Sanchez has spent his life building from the ground up literally. His construction journey began at just 19 years old, working as a Superintendent for a general contractor where he learned the ins and outs of managing crews, schedules, and complex projects. Read more>>

Sabrina MacLean

We had our office for a very long time in Midtown and the Design District. Couple of weeks ago we move to North Miami. We are one block from the MOCA museum and the best vintage and midcentury furniture. The beauty of being in the NoMi District lies in its blend of authenticity, creativity, and growth. Read more>>

Matt Parker

I grew up in an unhealthy family, but we didn’t know that we were unhealthy, or that we could change it. We ate fast food, drank a lot of High Fructose Corn Syrup, and a lot of breads and sugary cereals and processed foods. I was 40 or more pounds overweight, but I didn’t know it- I thought I was fine. Read more>>

Maya Kreidich

My love for food and hospitality began early, growing up in a Lebanese family in New York where both were a natural part of life. Being raised in Queens surrounded by diverse cuisines deepened that passion. I spent my youth working in restaurants in various roles, from hosting to management. Read more>>

Scotty Saul

I always wanted to be a trial lawyer and defend the vulnerable and needy since I was a kid. The great movie ‘ To Kill a Mockingbird’ was my impetus to be like defense attorney ‘Atticus Finch’ and stand up to encroaching authority and bigotry. Read more>>

Marion Grosjean

Former French journalist and TV presenter, novelist, mother of three, and wife of Romain Grosjean (the Formula 1 driver who miraculously survived in Bahrain!), I have been living for four years in the country where my husband continues his career. Drawing on all these experiences, I naturally turned to life coaching, and made it my profession! Read more>>

Raquel Veloso

Movemind Therapy starts with a dream! I always worked on exercise field, and I had my own studio in Brazil. After I moved over here for the second time, I decided just to wait my kids getting a little older to open my own space again! Read more>>

Wendy DeLucca

I grew up in Northern California, where wellness and movement were a way of life. As a lifelong athlete from high school and college sports to years spent as a personal trainer and fitness competitor health, mindfulness, and organic living have always been part of my DNA. That early foundation has shaped my personal and professional path ever since. Read more>>

leonard tachmes

My journey has always been driven by reinvention and the pursuit of emotional truth across disciplines. I’ve carried a dual passion for science and storytelling since the beginning, which led me to earn degrees in history and biology from Duke University before completing my medical training at Jefferson Medical College. Read more>>

NSJ

I quit my basketball dream to become a DJ and see how far i can get when i was 14. Fast forward todsy im 26 years old, have DJayed in places like Argentina, New York, Tampa, and of course my home, Miami. I have my records with people i look up to like Gordo, El Alfa, & Les Twins. Read more>>

Brandon Cintron Gerena

It all started during the pandemic in 2020, back home in Puerto Rico. Like many people, I was looking for something creative to focus on, and I’d always been curious about 3D printing. When I received my first 3D printer as a gift, I had no idea it would completely change my life. Read more>>

Elsy Quintana Salgado

My story began at 5 years old. I knew i wanted to be a healer. I was raised by a single mother who came from Venezuela to give me a better life. Her sacrifices taught me early on about resilience, commitment and compassion. In 2018 I became a Licensed Massage therapist and in 2020 a certified yoga instructor. Read more>>

Ileana Fay

Mostly out of necessity and happenstance; I lost my job in 2015 and had a daughter already and was pregnant with our second child and my husband had just quit his job two weeks prior to go full time on his own. So we decided to try to venture into this business together. Read more>>

Zaily Rodriguez

I’m Zaily Rodríguez, a holistic therapist specializing in energy healing techniques. My training includes Quantum Cellular Reprogramming, Reiki, Yoga, and currently Hypnosis — powerful tools that support deep transformation and inner alignment. Read more>>

Keilah Ayum

How I started… well, it’s been quite a journey. I’d say my creative path really began around 2020, though photography was my first love since I was a kid. I’ve always enjoyed taking pictures and capturing moments. When I was sent home early from college due to COVID, that’s when everything truly started to take shape. Read more>>

Donna Terrano

I definitely didn’t plan on ending up where I am today, and honestly, that’s kind of the beauty of it. My background is in Fine Art and Graphic Design. I was a nail tech as well, which is a far cry from what I do now.  Read more>>

Sophia Tusi Brewer

I started my yoga journey in 2015, taking a few classes at my local gym. I soon feel in love with the way it made me feel and how it transformed my body and mind. I wanted to complete my teacher training program but the timing never felt right. After moving to Miami and quitting a terrible job I finally did my teacher training. Read more>>

Valentina Bilbao

Valentina Bilbao Born in Caracas, Venezuela, and shaped between America and Europe, Valentina Bilbao is a visual artist and writer currently living and creating in Paris. Her work is a bridge between music and color, between the human soul and the divine. For her, art is not painted — it is listened to, breathed, prayed, and danced. Since childhood, music has been her secret language. Read more>>

David Spangler

I moved from New York to Florida in 1985. I had been working as a song writer and music producer in NYC for several years and wanted to transfer to a more kid friendly place when my wife got pregnant. Read more>>

Marie-Louise Gaschler

Miami Dance Collective was founded in 2016 by Marie-Louise and Kristin Douthit Richards with a vision to create a space where artistry, integrity, and community could thrive under one roof. What began as a small group of passionate dancers in a modest studio has grown into one of South Florida’s leading centers for dance education. Read more>>

Juan Lopez

I could have never predicted my path. I graduated from FIU with a degree in English Literature. I had wide-eyed optimism and was ready to pursue a career in writing. Whether marketing or otherwise. I spent a year applying to every type of writing job I could. Not one callback. Read more>>

Isabel Perez Salazar

At 7 years old, I began my artistic journey with private painting and drawing classes. Growing up in a family of lawyers and doctors, I diverged from the norm as an artistic child, fueled by creativity and an unconventional outlook on life. Read more>>

Giselle Clemente

I’m Giselle Clemente, a bilingual speech-language pathologist. I was the owner of a private pediatric practice for several years, where I worked closely with children and their families, helping them overcome challenges in different areas of development. Running my own practice allowed me to grow professionally and personally, deepening my empathy and understanding of the unique needs of each child and family. Read more>>

Yojana Rodriguez Humbert Kaya Humbert

I’ve always believed that purpose is often born from the places that hurt the most. For more than a decade, I worked in higher education, helping students find their footing in a new country. My days were filled with guiding others toward their dreams, never imagining that my greatest lesson in purpose would come from my own child. Read more>>

Phil Zayas

My Soccer Journey I started playing soccer when I was six years old in a local recreation league in Pembroke Pines, Florida. In my very first game, I scored a goal — and from that moment, I fell in love with the sport. When I was twelve, my mother sent me to a camp at Clemson University. Read more>>

Amanda Rose

Rooted in ancestral love, music, and movement, my work lives at the intersection of healing, birth, and liberation. I attended my first birth at 17 and was struck by both the power of that experience and how often women—especially those from marginalized communities—are unheard within medical institutions. Read more>>

Rachel Steinhardt

Growing up, I went through a lot, and one of my greatest fears was becoming a statistic. Without diving too deep into details, I’m a child of divorce — and not exactly an amicable one. I endured years of severe bullying, struggled with self-confidence, and wrestled with feeling love for myself and my body. Read more>>

Carlos Onate

I guess you could say everything started when I was 16 years old, back in Venezuela. My dad offered me a job at his engineering consulting company, and from that moment on, I was expected to work and be productive at a young age. Read more>>

Fuje Ara

I’m a first-generation Bangladeshi-American woman, born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. My parents came to the United States as immigrants, working tirelessly to build a better life for me and my 5 siblings. They showed my siblings and me what hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance can achieve in America , lessons that continue to guide every aspect of my personal and professional life. Read more>>

Marielsie Morales

My passion for becoming a licensed clinical social worker (psychotherapist) truly began in my early twenties, but looking back, the spark was there since I was a little girl. I’ve always been drawn to understanding people — their emotions, their behaviors, and what drives them. Mental health fascinated me long before I even had the words to describe it. Read more>>