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.

Brenda Wilson Chin

It has not always been an easy road for me I have gone thru many struggles, trials, and storms thru my life but even my struggles have taught me how to appreciate what life has to offer and how to humble myself in times of difficulties… Coming from a background of not having much, growing up in the projects( ghetto) surviving, drug addicts in the family, etc surviving trauma & abuse mentally, emotionally, and physically was alot to endure Read more>>

Andreea Dobre

You asked me to share my story, and even now, when I think about it, I get a knot in my throat and the tears want to fall. But this story, my story, it’s important because it shows how our biggest struggles can bring us to our greatest breakthroughs. Read more>>

Chris White

I’m a Florida native born and raised in Boynton Beach. I’ve always had a deep love for the arts, especially music and design. I studied Graphic Design and Journalism at Florida A&M University, and right after college, I jumped straight into freelance design work. Since 2008, I’ve been in the design industry, creating visuals that have reached audiences all over the world. Read more>>

Angie Martinez

My name is Angie Martinez, and I’ve always had a love for everything related to entertainment and celebrations. I knew I wanted to start a business one day, but I didn’t want to create just anything ,it had to be something meaningful, something that truly brought me joy and allowed me to share that happiness with others. Read more>>

Deborah Corbitt

Meet Snazz Celebrity Hairstylist & Owner of SnazzyDoll House Based in Miami, Snazz is a celebrity hairstylist, educator, and entrepreneur known for her flawless lace installs, bold creativity, and signature “Snazzy Touch.” She’s the proud owner of SnazzyDoll House, a luxury salon where she’s transformed countless clients from local beauties to reality TV stars. Read more>>

Mojena Talien

I have been an artist ever since I was a child. I used to always write stories and paired them with elaborate illustrations. I’m sure they’re somewhere at my mom’s house. That passion transitioned to theatre, film, & photography throughout high school and college. I went to acting school in New York City and then I studied film production in south Florida. Read more>>

Gabriel Fuste

My journey began about 15 years ago when I first walked into a church. At the time, I had lost everything and was starting from scratch. Since I was a kid, I had always loved the arts—but I never saw it as a real career path. Read more>>

Youdeline Deravines

From a young age, I felt a pull toward something beyond the traditional path, but after college, I followed the script that was laid out for me. I stepped into corporate life and did everything the American dream told me to do. The success looked good on paper, but it left me with a deep void, a sense that life had more to offer. Read more>>

Michelle Shifferd

My passion for hair started at a young age, growing up in a family business centered around the beauty supply industry. Though we didn’t own a salon, I spent countless hours surrounded by hair products, extensions, and conversations about beauty. That early exposure sparked my curiosity and gave me a deep understanding of hair long before I ever held a pair of shears. Read more>>

Esther Brunat

Thee Maid of Content provides wedding content creation for couples on their big day. We create short, shareable content that lets couples relive the magic of their wedding within 24 hours. We exist to scratch the itch between the event and the delivery of your photographer and videographer’s timeless work. Read more>>

Andrea Cadelano

I was born in Sardinia, Italy, a place where creativity and resilience live side by side. Since I was a child, I have been fascinated by how things work. I used to take apart toys, radios, and anything mechanical I could find just to understand what was inside. That curiosity became the foundation of everything I have done in life. Read more>>

Almar Lurie

My jewelry journey began quite organically. I spent years in fashion — studying in France, running retail in Guam, and traveling through Asia and Europe — always collecting unique pieces of jewelry as souvenirs of my adventures. Each piece carried a story, an energy, a memory. Read more>>

Michelle Rossi

I’ve always known I wanted to work with children. They’ve held a special place in my heart for as long as I can remember. Even as a student, I was drawn to their energy, honesty, and imagination. During my graduate training, I had the chance to explore so many different settings, including schools, private clinics, hospitals, and inpatient rehab. Read more>>

Angie Torres

My journey in the stock market began out of pure curiosity about how money could grow through knowledge and strategy rather than luck. As a medical doctor, I was trained to analyze data, observe patterns, and make precise decisions — skills that translated perfectly into trading and investing. At first, I started with small investments, focusing on learning market psychology, risk management, and technical analysis. Read more>>

Tamika Alphonse

Gyal Dem Time started as a little Galentine’s Day link-up; something fun to bring the ladies together for laughter, love, and a break from the everyday hustle. But what I didn’t expect was how much it would grow into a movement. Read more>>

Wendi Blum

I began my career in the pharmaceutical industry, advancing through the corporate ranks. From the outside, it looked like success, but on the inside, I felt disconnected from purpose. In my late 40s, I began questioning everything and became interested in the brain, neuroplasticity, and the power of mindset. That curiosity became my turning point. Read more>>

Mariana Bontempo

I was born and raised in Brazil, in a home where art was simply part of everyday life. I began playing piano at six years old, and not long after I started ballet and painting lessons. My mother is a piano teacher, so music recitals, orchestras, and the backstage of theaters were familiar places to me. Read more>>

Claire Maguire

Bucket List Travel Trips is my passion project, born out of a lifelong love for adventure and an unshakeable belief in travel’s power to transform lives. I’m a self-confessed “travelaholic” who has been fortunate enough to explore over 125 countries and every continent multiple times. Read more>>

Shimon Wdowinski

I was born and raised in Israel in a family of Holocaust survivors, an experience that deeply shaped my values and worldview. It instilled in me a profound respect for human life and dignity, a commitment to fairness and justice, and a sense of resilience and empathy for the vulnerable. Read more>>

Angelica Rico

My name is Angelica Rico, and I’m proud to call Miami my home. As the daughter of Colombian parents, I grew up knowing the importance of hard work and dedication, values that have shaped every part of who I am today. Read more>>

Ashlie Pitts

My name is Ashlie N. Pitts, known professionally as Ashlie Nicole, and I was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I am the proud mother of four amazing children; Mikayla (24), Myaih (23), Tommiria (15), and Tommonie (12) and the grandmother of one precious grandson, MaKari (2). They are my greatest motivation and the heartbeat behind everything I do. Read more>>

Tenaj

Music has always been my way of expressing freedom. I started out singing and writing songs, and over time that passion naturally evolved into producing and DJing. I was always drawn to melodic techno and progressive house — the emotion, the energy, and the ability to connect people through sound. Read more>>

Andre Lewis, Sr., Instructor Trainer

I began my career at Jackson Memorial Hospital as an Emergency Room Technician, where I witnessed countless life-changing situations and traumatic events that came through the Jackson Memorial Hospital. One of the most impactful experiences was seeing how many cardiac-arrest patients—of all ages—arrived at the hospital without a single family member, neighbor, or bystander who knew what to do before help arrived. Read more>>

Eduardo Wainberg

Happea’s was born from the shared vision of two brothers-in-law and friends — Danny and myself, Eduardo. Danny brings his Mediterranean roots and creative spirit, while I bring the engineering and operational side that turns ideas into reality. Together, we set out to build a quick-service concept that makes people feel good about what they eat — food that’s vibrant, nourishing, and full of life. Read more>>

Alisha Taylor

I’ve always wanted a career that lets me help people through their toughest moments. My path into law began with that purpose, to make a real difference and be a voice for others. I started out in insurance defense, which gave me valuable insight into how corporations and carriers handle claims. Read more>>

Maya Andrews

Hi, my name is Maya Andrews, and I am a senior at the University of South Florida. I’m currently studying animation and I’m working towards becoming a character designer for the animation industry. I didn’t always know I wanted to work in the animation industry. Read more>> 

SANDY LOPEZ OLIVA

We are a boutique CPA firm founded by four Cuban professionals who met while studying at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens and decided to build a company together. The name ISLA reflects both the first letters of the founders’ names — Ivette, Sandy, Lilian, and Anni — and our shared roots as islanders. Read more>>

Ilan Tarrab

I’m from Hollywood, FL, and I got into performing pretty young. Around 14, I started singing at local restaurants and community events. At first, it was just about getting comfortable on a mic and learning how to work a crowd. Over time, it turned into something I really wanted to build a career around. Read more>>

Jodi Hammer

I have been in the field of education for 38 years. I taught In both public and private schools and I’m a former Principal of American Heritage and ran the American Academy in Boca/Delray. When I got married my husband, at the time, convinced me to resign my position and start a Private Tutoring Company with him. Read more>>

Patrick Alexander

My name is Patrick Alexander, and I didn’t stumble into Hypochlora — my life built it. I didn’t grow up thinking I’d be a biotech founder. I wasn’t the most popular kid, the smartest student, or the one with every advantage. What I did have was hunger, curiosity, and a belief that if I outworked everyone, life would open doors. Sports were my first teacher. Read more>>

Angie Zavala

How it all started was from the root. My root is my culture. My parents immigrated from Honduras and instilled in me that hard work and self-belief are everything. “I came for you to be the star.” When you grow up hearing that, you grow up knowing there’s no room to play small. Read more>>

Russell Beans

I’ve been drawing as long as I can remember. My mom would sit and draw with me as a kid and always encouraged me to keep creating. When I was 12 I got my first issue of Thrasher magazine and that was a pivotal moment for me. I became obsessed with skateboarding. There was a constant flow of new artwork to digest. Read more>>

Mike Rivero

I usually just introduce myself as Mike, but I’m proud to say I’m the Chair and Co-Founder of Cubanos Palante, a grassroots organization made up of progressive Cuban Americans working to change the narrative about our community. Read more>>

Argelia Viveros

My name is Argelia Viveros, and while my background is in education, my purpose has always been to help people reach their fullest potential. I’m the founder of Sundays Run Club DFB, Sculpt Her, and co-founder of Mujeres Poderosas South Florida—three community-based programs rooted in empowerment, culture, and connection. Read more>>

Renata Holmes

I started reselling as hobby when my older son (he is 18 now) was born. It was a way to pass on gently used items and refresh my wardrobe. I love a good hunt and always loved fashion. I had corporate career in beauty and fashion over the years but always sold / bought things for myself and family as a hobby. Read more>>

Carolina Caram

Born in raised in Miami, I grew up playing sports and as I got older I never saw myself as a pilates girl. Pilates always felt like it was meant for a certain type of person, and I didn’t see myself reflected in that. But when I eventually gave Pilates a real chance, it changed how I moved and how I felt. Read more>>

Solune

Our Story: Solune was born from the union of two unique musical journeys. Inaru began her path at a music academy in Venezuela in 2016, while Gaby started teaching herself music in 2018. Read more>>

Adrienne Simpson

My journey began in early 2019, following my layoff from my job. I started in a shared space with an aesthetician, renting a space of less than 150 square feet. My initial focus was on jewelry that I handcrafted, and to expand my offerings, I added clothing. Read more>>

Olga Shevchenko

FÍORA Flower Studio was born from my lifelong passion for beauty, art, and the emotional power of flowers. With a background in marketing, I wanted to create something that would unite aesthetics and emotion — a brand built on elegance, quality, and heart. FÍORA is known for its refined aesthetics, attention to detail, and signature floral style. Read more>>

MANUEL VERES

Since childhood, I’ve always felt called to stand for truth and protect those who couldn’t defend themselves. That calling guided me into law enforcement, where I served as a sheriff’s deputy in South Florida. Those years taught me the true meaning of courage, compassion, and balance, and revealed that real protection extends beyond the physical; it’s about the body, mind, and spirit. Read more>>

Casie Patterson

I never planned to be an entrepreneur, but looking back, the signs were always there. In elementary school, once I’d had my fill of dying of dysentery while playing The Oregon Trail, I found another game called Lemonade Stand. It taught you how to run a business, how to set prices, manage supply, and make a profit, and I was hooked. Read more>>

Agnessa Elman

Movement has always been a huge part of my life. I did ballet my entire life, dancing internationally and training with various ballet schools across the east and west coast. I earned my college degree in dance, and through ballet, I was first introduced to Pilates. During COVID, my ballet career and passion shifted, and I discovered a deeper love for fitness and wellness. Read more>>

Rose Foster

Even from a young age, performing has been my escape and my voice when I needed to get away. I come from a background that some would consider as less-fortunate. I started off in my acting career going to local casting calls for commercials, theatre productions, whatever my parents could get their hands on. Read more>>

Rosana Vargas

About 22 years ago I approached the art of silversmithing while I was still studying at the university in Havana, Cuba. From the very first moment I sat down, held a torch or a hammer in my hands, and began shaping silver sheets, I knew it was part of my destiny. Read more>>

Doug mithun

Our Story – Doug & Marcia Mithun, Founders of Mithun Impact Mithun Impact was born out of faith — and the belief that every life is created for purpose. For more than 30 years, I worked as a financial advisor, helping people prepare for the next chapter of their lives. Read more>>

Susan Smith

Pet Travel was founded in 1998 by a gentleman named Jerry who loved to travel with his Shih Tzu, but had difficulty finding a pet friendly hotel that would accept his pup. PetTravel.com started a database of inns, bed and breakfasts and hotels that accepted pets. Read more>>

Justine St.Amour

Hello. My name is Justine. All my clients call me Juju. I am a loctician specializing mostly with Sisterlocks and Microlocs. Establishing and maintaining them. I became intrigued with locs over the years and its flexibility and daily freedom. I was amazed at how Sisterlocks looked like loose strands of hair but were actually locs. Eventually i pulled the trigger and got mine done. Read more>>

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>>