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.
Imani Warren
I came to Miami six years ago to work at the Historic Hampton House as Director, Curator, and Program Director, with one mission in mind: to make a meaningful difference in the art world. Read more>>
Gen Maldonado
Growing up in New York City, I always knew I was meant to perform. There was something magical about the energy of the city — the music, the lights, the culture, and especially Broadway. As a little girl, I would sit in theaters completely captivated, dreaming that one day I would be on those stages myself. That dream has stayed with me my entire life. Read more>>
Jessica Facusse
I got started by simply sharing the meals I made for my baby online. At the time, I wasn’t trying to build a company. What surprised me was how many mothers weren’t just looking for recipes, they were looking for guidance, reassurance, inspiration, and practical help navigating the everyday challenge of feeding their children. Read more>>
Shantel Davis
It all started when I took art classes at the age of 11. When I learned how to draw I fell in love with it. I learned how to sew at the tender age of 13 when I was taking Home Economics class. Ever since I held a needle in my hand I immediately fell in love with it. Read more>>
Yeni Matie
My story really begins 32 years ago when myself, my mom, and family members immigrated from Cuba, in 1994 with no personal belongings and pulled into the port of Miami with a dream that was more theirs than mine. Read more>>
Ariel Jose
I was born and raised in Miami ,FL to a Guatemalan mother and Nicaraguan father, which I am grateful for. It is because of them that I am the perfect combination of grit, hard work, and empathy. From the age of 4 I was always into television and acting. My mom took me to my first casting ever at the age of 8. Read more>>
Berfin Gerz
Originally trained in law in Turkey, I moved to Miami to follow a completely new path rooted in movement, wellness, and human connection. Yoga first entered my life during a period when I needed more balance and grounding, and over time it became much more than just a practice — it became my lifestyle and purpose. Starting over in a new country wasn’t easy. Read more>>
Rensel Cabrera
I was born and raised in Miami and got my start in hospitality when I was 21 years old at Beaker & Gray. I started there as a barback and worked my way up to becoming one of the lead bartenders. That experience really shaped the way I view hospitality, cocktails, and guest experience. Read more>>
Keisha Durosier
I started my event planning in 2023 a few years after opening my boutique storefront Keisha Kouture in 2021.. I called it KEP which stands for Keisha Event Planning. Growing up I loved planning and organizing. Before 2022 ended my aunt Ruth suggested that should be my New Year’s resolution. Read more>>
STYX The Company
Founded and directed by Brianna Campbell and Mika Santo, STYX The Company was created from a shared desire to build a space where contemporary dance, storytelling, theatricality, and cinematic influence could coexist. Since its founding in Miami, the company has focused on creating immersive, emotionally driven work that blends athletic movement with strong visual and narrative elements. Read more>>
claudia pretelt
The turning point came in 2017. I was 32, already a mom, and I took a workshop called Ama tu Ciclo — Love Your Cycle. I remember sitting there realizing I knew absolutely nothing about my own menstrual cycle. And honestly, that hit me hard. Read more>>
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Celine
- You know those nights when your body is tired but your mind is wide awake? Read more>>
Paul Heslop and Lucrecia Peralta Martinez N/A
Paul and I founded Essence Caterers in 2008 with the vision of creating more than just beautiful events; we wanted to create memorable experiences that bring people together. Our story began in the kitchens of Buenos Aires, where Paul grew up watching his grandmother turn simple meals into the heart of a celebration. Read more>>
Ali Epstone
I grew up feeling like I didn’t fit the system at all. I was diagnosed with dyslexia and dyspraxia very young and spent most of my school years feeling behind even in the special needs classes, misunderstood, and honestly… not very intelligent. Read more>>
Veljko Vex Dronjak
I originally moved from Serbia to Los Angeles to study filmmaking at the New York Film Academy, where I completed both my BFA and MFA. Like a lot of filmmakers starting out, I wore multiple hats early on – producing, directing, writing, and learning the business side of the industry at the same time. Read more>>
Lauren Nicole Jordan
I started my career in digital marketing over 14 years ago, back when social media was still being treated as an “extra” rather than a true business driver. I’ve always been fascinated by the power of community, storytelling, and how brands can create emotional connections with people online. Read more>>
Carlos Jaramillo
My story begins at the intersection of technology, business, and aviation. I have a background in engineering and business, but aviation has become one of the most meaningful parts of my life because it combines discipline, safety, precision, and emotion. As a pilot working closely with Endeavour Flight Training in Miami, I had the opportunity to experience the quality of the organization from the inside. Read more>>
Tina Lee
My journey began in healthcare, but it was life outside of it that truly reshaped how I understand the human experience; the body, stress, and what it means to feel safe within yourself. I come from a nursing background, where I spent years studying and working within healthcare environments, supporting people through some of their most vulnerable moments. Read more>>
Anthony Quito
I started in the automotive industry because I’ve always been passionate about cars and hands-on work. Over time, that passion turned into a business. I built Fender Bender Autobody in Southwest Florida with the goal of creating a shop that focuses on quality repairs, honest customer service, and attention to detail. Read more>>
Favio Jurado
I was born and raised in Peru and originally began my professional path in law before transitioning into marketing and brand strategy. Early on, I became fascinated by the transformation of Peruvian gastronomy into a global cultural movement and realized that behind every successful restaurant or chef, there was also storytelling, positioning, hospitality, and brand building playing a major role. Read more>>
Rosemary Steffen
A little over a year ago, I barely knew how the checkers moved. My dad, a longtime backgammon player, taught me the game, and not many people believe me when I say how recently I started. I went from learning the basics to competing in tournaments across the continent — and now I’m consistently winning and placing in events. Read more>>
Neko
I got my start doing poetry in high school. It was my way to get out of my shell. That led to me making music in high school, and eventually going to college for music where I developed my foundation for production and engineering. I went to school at Hampton, an HBCU in Virginia and got the key to the school studio my sophomore year. Read more>>
Edwin Reyes
I started my brand from a deep desire to tell stories that reflected my heritage, upbringing, and perspective through fashion. Growing up influenced by Puerto Rican culture, New York energy, music, family, and craftsmanship, I wanted to create pieces that felt emotional and intentional — not just clothing, but wearable storytelling. Read more>>
Geoffrey Baris
I started my business in NYC as a fashion photographer. I like to tell people I shot for 35 years every catalog they threw away. I was traveling shooting all over the world and at the end of the day when the light got to yellow to shoot fashion I would grab a camera and shoot nature shots from my. Read more>>
Tito Rey
TitoRey is a Cuban urban artist originally from El Cerro, Havana. From a very young age, at just 13 years old, he began his journey in music, influenced by his environment and the realities of street life, which helped him develop discipline, creativity, and a strong artistic identity. Read more>>
Chloe Castro
Chloe Castro is a South Florida native, having grown up in Miami, Florida. As a Cuban American her first language was Spanish and she is still fluent in reading, writing, and speaking the language. After high school, she studied Marketing and Communication Arts with a major in Political Communication at Florida International University. Read more>>
Sacha Awwa
I didn’t set out to become the person who fixes broken marketing. I set out to be the person who finally told the truth about it. I grew up between Texas and Saudi Arabia, raised by a European mother and a Middle Eastern father – two cultures, two worldviews, and one very clear message running underneath both of them: be the shiny penny. Read more>>
Veronica Seabrooks
In 2023, I became a stay-at-home mom, and during that season of life, Costco became a huge part of our routine. It was also a season where I was learning who I was in this new chapter of life as a stay-at-home mom. My kids and I would go several times a week not even just to shop, but because we genuinely loved being there. Read more>>
Andres “Dias” Pico
I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Miami, I was always drawn to drawing, design, music, street culture, and the energy of the city around me. A big turning point for me was discovering graffiti and murals at a young age. Read more>>
RUNITUP ZOE
I started do music since I was your but I took it more sirius when I got older Read more>>
Shakyla Jones
My journey into design started back in high school when I enrolled in graphic design courses and first discovered the world of typography, digital art, branding, and creative storytelling through visuals. What started as learning the basics on computers quickly turned into a real passion. I spent hours creating logos, banners, flyers, and marketing materials, constantly pushing myself to improve with every project. Read more>>
Ingrid Pierre
It all started a few years back, from 2023, I was working from home due to my internet speed, the job was giving me issues and prevented me from working due to the internet speed, so I had removed my self from the job. I’ve worked for this company for three years since the time of COVID-19. Read more>>
Monica Suarez Kobilis, MD
I am a board certified Family Medicine physician and am the owner of Orange Blossom Medical- a boutique direct primary care practice in South Miami. I attended the University of Miami for my undergraduate studies and then the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine for medical school. I completed my residency training at Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia. Read more>>
Natalie Asencio
Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to help people in some way. I went to college and earned my psychology degree with the intention of becoming a mental health therapist. Wellness was always present in my life in different forms. Read more>>
Danny Ciccia
Hey! My name is Danny Ciccia, I’m based out of Orlando, FL, and I am a stunt performer for TV/film as well as live stage shows. I grew up in Lakeland, FL, after moving from Buffalo, NY, when I was less than a year old. Read more>>
Camila Brosens
I’m Camila Brosens, a fashion stylist and personal shopper based between Miami and New York. My journey into fashion began at Condé Nast, where I built a strong editorial foundation and developed a deep understanding of visual storytelling and the fashion industry. Read more>>
Carolina Baena
Hi, I’m Carolina Baena and this is my story… I have always been an eternal creative — deeply connected to that inner creative fire. I studied Industrial Design, then followed the pull toward Fashion Design and Jewelry Design. And then came my first baby: Jetlagmode — a company born to support single mothers in Colombia through the creation of handmade accessories. Read more>>
Sarah Rocca
Since childhood, I have been captivated by the power of imagery, the ability to freeze time and preserve memories through the art of photography. My father introduced me to film photography in the early 1980’s and I couldn’t get enough. Working with a Kodak disc, then a 110 and finally borrowing my father’s 35mm Ricoh which I still use from time to time. Read more>>
Thiago Ferreira
Honestly, it started with frustration. In mid-2024, I attended an AI conference here in Miami. Full day. Over 20 different panelists. And I sat there waiting for someone, anyone, to mention small and medium sized businesses. It never happened. Every solution, every use case, every conversation was aimed at enterprise. The other 90% of businesses in this country didn’t seem to exist. Read more>>
Amy Yensi
I grew up in the Bronx, NY. Since I was very young, I was always fascinated by pictures, video, television etc. I remember that in 3rd grade there was a textbook on different careers. For some odd reason, I read one of the descriptions before peeking at the title. It said something asking questions, writing and being on television. Read more>>
Kim Altman-Karr
My background is anything but traditional and honestly that is probably the most interesting part of this story. Growing up all I wanted was to be on Broadway. I was fully committed to that dream well into college, performing, auditioning, living for it. Read more>>
Miv Evans
I relocated in 2005 from the UK to Los Angeles to follow my dreams as a writer. During that time I’ve worked on staff at a newspaper as a film critic and published a novel. In 2023, I produced and directed a screenplay, titled Little Miss Sociopath, that I had written. Read more>>
Culicchia Camilla
My best friend has been a Wedding Photographer for years, and told me to get a camera so I could start second shooting with her. I never expected to like ti as much as I did. My first shoot was actually a wedding! I feel right at home as a creative doing photography and absolutely fell in love with it. Read more>>
John Payne
I want to start at the University of Florida, because that is where everything really begins. I studied music, which tells you something about how I think. Music is about feeling first and structure second. You learn the rules so you can eventually trust your instincts. That has been the through line of my whole life, whether I knew it or not at the time. Read more>>
Samantha Porciello
I started my journey with a deep passion for wellness, human connection, and helping people feel better in their bodies. I’m originally from Italy, and after moving to the United States about 12 years ago, I began building my career from the ground up. I became a licensed massage therapist and started working independently, focusing on personalized, high-quality mobile services. Read more>>
Carolina Sauer
I started singing and songwriting in early 2024, after spending the previous two years going back and forth on whether to fully commit. Music and writing have always been comforting and therapeutic for me, so stepping into the studio felt natural. I went in with a simple goal: write a few feel-good songs and explore sync opportunities. Read more>>
Malik Mckenzie-Canterbury
My story begins at 17 years of age when I had lost my mom and I just finished getting out of juvenile detention. My mom diagnosed with kidney failure when I was 13, between 13 and 17 I was acting out and misbehaving. This was all too me not knowing how to manage stress that I had with my mom being sick. Read more>>
Alejandra Lopez Irala
I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where my love for animals — and especially cats — started at home. Growing up with a cat sparked a curiosity that never left me, and over time that curiosity became a calling. Read more>>
Ariana The Techie
I moved to Miami in 2021 along with many of the Miami Tech ‘covid newbies” wave. I joined a business accelerator with Miami OG’s and new transplants who were just like me. Life changed for me so quickly. I went on to work for one of Miami’s largest real estate inventors and Billionaire, Moishe Mana on his technology team, that is now called Mana Tech. Read more>>
Thaiss Mazz
I actually started by coincidence! I come from a legal background and had recently moved to Marbella, Spain. At the time, my social media accounts were private, until the director of the Italian brand Patrizia Pepe approached me with the opportunity to become a brand ambassador for Spain. Read more>>
Joelle Hasley
We started Moonray Resin during quarantine. Before Moonray, I was working as a medical esthetician for about five years. When COVID hit and I was furloughed from my job, I needed a creative outlet and started making resin art and ashtrays in our bedroom just for fun. I began posting them on Instagram, and unexpectedly, people really connected with them. Read more>>
Xiomara Ezell
I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, whether through acting, music, or creating experiences that make people feel something. I started performing young, which gave me an early love for being on camera and bringing characters to life, but as I’ve grown, that passion has expanded farrr beyond acting alone! Read more>>
Jonathan Wackerman
Two years ago, I quit my job as a barber to travel full-time. I bought a camera and hit the road. About a year into my year and a half sabbatical, I started running out of money. I begin offering social media video content services to local businesses wherever I would travel to, and that’s how I kept myself afloat. Read more>>
Alyssa Williams
I originally moved to Miami to pursue a psychology degree at Florida International University- and I did 🙂 During college, I worked just about every job you can imagine while trying to figure out what felt meaningful to me. Somewhere in the middle of all of that, I started a small jewelry business that unexpectedly took off. Read more>>
Barbara Magnorsky
My story really starts with a lifelong love for social dancing. To me, dance has always been this incredible mashup of culture, artistry, expression, and community—it’s as much about mental health and connection as it is about movement. I’ve spent my life immersed in salsa rhythms and Argentine tango, which is where my roots truly are. Read more>>
Robert Cortes
My story really starts with my dad. He was a furniture finisher and designer in New York, and I grew up spending time in his studio watching him work. Being exposed to furniture, design, and art at such an early age had a lasting impact on me and naturally shaped the path I would eventually take. Read more>>
Rita Covington
My story has been shaped by faith, motherhood, grief, resilience, and purpose. While many people may know me through music as a singer-songwriter, the true foundation of my life has always been Jesus Christ. Music was a gift and a creative expression, but it was never my source of healing or my anchor. Jesus has always been that for me. Read more>>
Kerlly Castellano Crespo
I discovered Pilates, originally named Contrology by its creator, as a teenage dancer, and it quickly became the foundation of every physical discipline I pursued—the method that gave me strength, stability, and control. In 2015, I began my classical Pilates apprenticeship in the Romana lineage, becoming a fourth-generation classical instructor in 2017. Read more>>
Naomi Augustin
My spiritual journey began before I was formed in my mother’s womb—God already knew the warrior I would need to be. But my earthly purpose and my true mission began the moment I survived domestic violence and chose to live.” For a long time I carried the emotional, physical, and psychological impact that comes with living through abuse. Read more>>
Hadas Mizrahi
I moved to Miami from Israel with my family when I was young, and growing up, I watched firsthand how my parents navigated challenges, built strong relationships, and created opportunities through hard work and a strong set of values. That mindset has stayed with me and continues to shape how I lead today. Read more>>
Patricia Cohen
The Patricia Cohen Foundation was born from a journey of loss, resilience, and ultimately, purpose. My story began when I immigrated to the United States from Venezuela and had to start a new life from zero—a reality familiar to anyone who has experienced the weight of beginning again. Read more>>
Yana Kaminska
Beauty, femininity, confidence, and transformation have always been a huge part of my life, which naturally led me into both the beauty and pageant industries. For the past 8 years, I’ve been building my career in luxury hair extensions and creating YVK HAIR LLC — a high-end brand specializing in invisible nano and micro extensions for fine and delicate hair. Read more>>
Lyla Rois
Ever since I was a little girl I was fascinated by makeup and all things beauty. I loved watching my mom do her makeup and would tag along to all her beauty appointments. By the time I was 15, beauty tutorials were increasingly popular. It became a huge passion of mine to learn and watch beauty transformations on Youtube and other platforms. Read more>>
Maylin Caamano
I often say that my story did not begin when I arrived in Canada. In many ways, it began much earlier in Cuba. I grew up in a very humble family with very little. Read more>>
Jessica Winship
Though I didn’t fully enter the modeling and dance industries until about four years after moving to Miami, I honestly feel like my story began the moment I arrived here. During those first few years, I built relationships and connections that would eventually shape the opportunities and career path I have today. Read more>>
Kayla Persaud
My story honestly started with wanting more — more freedom, more purpose, and more time with my family. I began in network marketing years ago as a way to contribute financially while still being present as a mom, and over time it turned into something much bigger than I ever imagined. Read more>>
Dionne Dixon
United States Army veteran Dionne M. Dixon is a dynamic leader, speaker, advocate, and organizational change strategist whose life and career have been rooted in service, resilience, and transformation. Coming from a proud legacy of three generations of Army service, Dionne has carried forward a deep commitment to leadership, discipline, and advocacy for others throughout every chapter of her professional journey. Read more>>
Clersandre Horacius
I started in 2025 where I was getting back into being consistent in the gym with the thought of ‘wow I need more gym merch’ but the merch that I was buying from other brands felt too revealing and the Holy Spirit convicted me of that. Since I’ve been deepening my relationship with God, certain things I no longer wanted for myself. Read more>>
ILHAN CAYLAK
I grew up in Istanbul and studied Architecture at Yeditepe University, where I developed a strong interest in how spaces influence emotion, lifestyle, and everyday experience. While studying architecture gave me a technical foundation, I found myself becoming more interested in the atmosphere of spaces — the details, materials, lighting, and objects that shape how people actually feel inside an environment. Read more>>
Lisa Murphy
My husband and I were called to build our family through adoption, and our love crossed oceans for all five of them. The best part of our story began in the exam room at my Ob-Gyn. She asked me, as I approached 40, if I wanted a family. Read more>>
Michael Fewquay
I got into the travel industry accidentally when one year I planned a birthday trip for my friends and I to go to Atlanta. I was finding flights, activities, an airbnb, and the rental car through pure dedicated research and going as far to see the areas in which we would be visiting. Read more>>
Tony Guberaj
The Albanian American Organization of Southwest Florida (AAOSWFL) was founded in 2016 as a nonprofit organization with a simple but meaningful goal: to bring Albanian families together and preserve the language, traditions, and values that connect us to our roots. Read more>>
Joseph Nero
My journey in the beauty industry started in 2002, and from very early on I was drawn to transformational hair services; especially Japanese Hair Straightening. I loved that it wasn’t just about making hair straight, but about completely changing how someone felt about themselves and making their daily life easier and more manageable. Read more>>
Armand Solis
I was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and honestly… I’ve been entertaining people my whole life whether I meant to or not. From a young age I was the class clown — always making people laugh, pulling harmless pranks, and somehow always finding myself in trouble for impersonating teachers when I definitely wasn’t supposed to. Read more>>
Jeroderick ‘Jay’ Allen Sr.
My journey into holistic health didn’t begin as a business—it began as a pursuit of understanding. I started questioning why so many people were managing symptoms, yet never truly restoring their bodies. That led me into years of studying natural systems, alkaline principles, and the deeper structure of how the body is designed to function. Read more>>
Michelle Kavall
Michelle Kavall, FNP-C, FMACP, is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Functional Medicine Specialist who founded Longévité Palm Beach to redefine what personalized, patient-centered medicine feels like, with an emphasis on female-first care. Her philosophy is grounded in the belief that true healing happens when the whole person is treated: body, mind, and lifestyle. Read more>>
PG Cuschieri
I’m originally from Detroit, and I think that shaped me more than I understood at the time. Detroit gives you a certain education — in toughness, humor, failure, loyalty, work ethic, and grace. It’s a city where beauty and hardship live on the same block. Read more>>
Roberto Oliva
Since I was very young, I discovered in drawing, painting, and colors a way to express joy and emotion. I have always believed that art is a gift from God meant to be shared with others, and ever since I could hold a pencil or a paintbrush, creativity became my way of connecting with the world. Read more>>
Laura Vallverdu
I started my journey in tennis where I first picked up a racquet in Venezuela, where the game became the foundation of everything that followed. From there, I moved to Spain, where I developed my game and pursued a professional career, gaining international experience and competing at a high level. Read more>>
Marco Vallina
I officially stepped into being an artist at 21, in 2024. I grew up in a very musically inclined household and have been singing for as long as I can remember, but for most of my life I never saw myself becoming an artist. Writing was my biggest roadblock. Read more>>
Jessie Johnson
I didn’t start out as a photographer. I was a nurse for years, and after we sold a family business, my husband and I found ourselves in a season where we both decided to build something of our own. As a mom of four, I’ve always been drawn to the in-between moments. Read more>>
