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.
Kenny O’Brien
I first started playing the guitar and singing in a little band I formed with a couple friends in middle school while attending South Miami Middle. We practiced a bunch of Misfits songs and then played a Halloween show together. That was pretty much it for that project. Then I started playing in metal and hardcore bands in High School. Read more>>
SLWJMZ
Born in Miami, I was abused by my mother terribly, and ran away at 14 to embark on finally meeting my dad again and living with him. My mother kept us away from him to push favored outcomes amongst her peers, and for financial gain. Read more>>
Maria teresa Vieira
I left Venezuela when I was 15 years old because of the dangerous situation in the country. I chose to study at a boarding school in Boca Raton, United States. It was extremely difficult, because I never truly had the chance to express what it felt like to leave my country while also feeling like it was leaving me behind. Read more>>
Sibilla De vuono
A 13th-century farmhouse in the heart of Tuscany, surrounded by seventeen acres of rustic countryside, was found in a state of total abandonment and ruin in 1989. Ebbio became the lifetime dream of a mother and then a daughter. Read more>>
Kristian Castellanos
ive been living in Florida since 2001 I picked up a camera for the first time a little over a year ago and with the help of another photographer and with constant practice and hard work I was able gain the experience and confidence to start my own photography buisness and gain my own clients I have built personal relationships with. Read more>>
AFIYA RICKS
My story starts in Chicago, IL. Born and raised on the south side of the city. Went to public school and boarding school for high school and ended up on the east coast at Smith College. Graduated and obtained a job in New York. I work in finance currently and have been licensed for the last 26 years. Read more>>
Carl Hopgood
I began my artistic journey in rural Wales, on a small farm outside Cardiff deeply shaped my imagination and visual language. As a child, I created miniature installations from fruit boxes, flowers, stones, magazine cuttings, and found objects — an early sign of the assemblage style that would later define much of my work. Read more>>
Simon Rivera
I’ve always been drawn to creating. Even as a kid, I was constantly making videos, filming random moments. Back then I didn’t fully realize it, but storytelling was already becoming a part of who I was. As I got older, that creative side never really left me, even though I didn’t seriously pursue it for a while. Read more>>
Miraie
My name is Miraie, and I started making YouTube videos since 2015. 10 years later, I still make YouTube videos, and making music as a side project! Read more>>
Iryna A Lujan
I started with translating the meeting of American philanthropist and filmmaker Clara Pascal with Odesa City administration in 1998. I am executive director of the Universal Aid for Children, Inc., humanitarian organization founded by Clara Pascal and providing direct aid to orphans, special needs children and internally displaced families with children in Odesa city of Ukraine. Read more>>
Hermann Stangl
It all started in 2020, when I found myself on a frustrating search for a guitar strap that truly fit my needs. I wanted something reliable in leather, elegant in design, comfortable to wear, durable enough to last, and gentle enough for my collection guitars. Read more>>
Claudia Lorant
My journey began long before I had the language to describe it. I was born in Cali, Colombia, and raised in the United States from infancy. From a very early age, I was shaped by two realities at once: the richness, fire, and passion of my Latina roots, and the resilience required to survive and adapt in the face of profound adversity. Read more>>
Hannah Batista
I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. I’ve been a very motivated, creative, and goal-oriented person my whole life. From my elementary school years, my sights were set on attending the University of Florida. I slowly worked my way there, tooth and nail. I constantly challenged myself in high school, taking more AP classes than the year before. Read more>>
Ronnie Khalil
Having earned my BBA and MBA at the University of Miami, I started off in advertising, then transitioned to stand-up comedy, performing internationally then moving into film/television in New York, Los Angles and Egypt. I also earned my MFA in film, and taught at both the University of Miami and Lynn University. Read more>>
Wally Lewend
When I was pregnant with my first born I knew I wanted another option of healthcare that actually supported the body rather than just suppressing symptoms when he were to get sick. I always knew about homeopathy as a great option, I just felt overwhelmed of not knowing where to begin. Luckily, a dear friend gifted me my first homeopathic medicine kit and a book. Read more>>
Donald Davis
I’m a self-taught documentary photographer whose black-and-white photos focuses on Louisiana community life and cultural traditions. Though i didn’t begin photography until my mid-twenties, the craft quickly became something much deeper than a hobby. “I’ve always admired Read more>>
Deena Werde
From early on, I knew I wanted to pursue functional and integrative medicine. I was fascinated by the idea that the body has an incredible ability to heal when given the right environment, nutrition, lifestyle, and support, and I wanted to understand that process through a rigorous, science-based lens. Read more>>
Elijah Milfort
There was once a little Black boy with big energy, big dreams, and a mind that never wanted to stay in one lane. He danced before he even knew what performance truly meant. He created before he understood the word “creative director.” Even back then, there was always something inside him pushing him toward expression — movement, fashion, music, visuals, emotion. Read more>>
Brooke Alvarez
Growing up in Port St. Lucie, I always had a love for beauty, fashion, and creativity. Looking back, I can see that my passion for the beauty industry started long before I ever picked up a nail brush professionally. As a little girl, I loved playing “salon” with my mom. Read more>>
Janelys Gonzalez
I grew up in Miami and have always been drawn to storytelling and creativity. My passion really started at Immaculata-La Salle High School, where I fell in love with being behind the camera while working on the school’s broadcast program. Read more>>
Geronima Wagnac
My story began in the church at just three years old. Before I fully understood purpose, I knew I loved to sing. Singing became one of the first ways I connected with God. Read more>>
Joelle Brodeur
I founded Monarch Hill originally as a side project. My collaborator, Marisa Cole, and I were in another band for roughly 2.5 years, but were unsatisfied with the lack of progress and urgency to move forward as a group. How Monarch Hill got started was on a lark. Read more>>
Daniel Calvelli
Started doing this in high school as a side gig because I mainly wanted to focus on sports, then when I got to college I took it more seriously because I was done playing sports but wanted to stay in the industry. It became a way for me to really know what I wanted to do in life. Read more>>
Erika Higgins (Van Vliet)
I’ve always had a passion for baking. Growing up, I was the one making desserts for family gatherings, holidays, and Thanksgiving dinners. Baking was something I genuinely loved long before I ever considered turning it into a business. Outside of baking, I’ve always been a creative person. Read more>>
Estela Harkins
My story begins in Peru and I say that with enormous pride and deep gratitude. Peru shaped everything that I am. Growing up there gave me qualities that no business school or corporate career could ever teach: genuine warmth, extraordinary hospitality, a deep and unconditional care for people, the courage to take bold risks, and a vibrant, adventurous spirit that sees possibility everywhere. Read more>>
Valentina Paolucci
I started playing violin when I was five years old through a public school string program. I continued playing throughout middle and high school while attending arts schools, and eventually earned my undergraduate degree at the University of Miami, where I studied with Charles Castleman. Read more>>
Lourdes Romestant
My name is Lourdes Romestant, and I was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. My journey into the world of events began long before I ever called myself a wedding planner. In 2004, I started performing as a singer with one of Venezuela’s most recognized wedding bands. Read more>>
Zully Araujo
Little Sky Soft Play was created with the vision of providing fun, safe, and beautiful play spaces for the smallest members of our community. As parents of two young girls, we recognized the need for an experience that not only gives parents peace of mind but also helps bring their event vision to life. Our story is rooted in hard work, family, and service. Read more>>
Alexis Nimmers
I’m a marketing professional with over 14 years of experience, where I built a strong foundation in branding, creativity, and client engagement. While I’ve always enjoyed the creative side of marketing, decorating has been a personal passion of mine for years, especially designing beautiful tablescapes. Read more>>
Michael Janis
I spent twenty years as an architect before finding my way into glass. What began as a fascination with a material evolved into a second career as an artist, educator, and public art practitioner. Read more>>
Jacqueline Chamorro
I’ve spent much of my life searching for ways to help women become more confident, capable, and comfortable in their own skin. Looking back, that mission has remained constant, even as the path to it changed over and over again. I grew up in Yonkers, New York, where hard work was simply a way of life. Read more>>
Vicky Garcia-Linares
My name is Vicky, and I’m a wife, mom, and NICU nurse with a passion for supporting and educating new and expecting parents. My journey started through both my professional experience as a NICU nurse and my own personal experience becoming a mom. Read more>>
FRANCISCO NAVARRO
Born in Potato Rico 1965, oldest of 9 siblings to Puerto Rican parents. Father was a mechanic/laborer. Mother was home maker cook and worked in farm work later in life. During hard times, Father got enployment with a traveling carnival when I was 12. Mom worked in concessions while we traveled thru several states. I was raised to help my parents raise my siblings. Read more>>
Daniel Downer
My journey really comes out of lived experience and a deep commitment to equity and belonging. As a Black queer activist and community leader, I’ve spent the last decade-plus in spaces where I’m constantly thinking about identity, leadership, and systems and how all that shows up in people’s day-to-day experiences, not just in theory. Read more>>
Breeyah Dozier
My journey into the beauty industry started over 10 years ago after a breakup. At the time, I needed something positive to focus on, so I began experimenting with makeup. What started as a creative outlet quickly turned into a business when people began booking me and paying for my services. Read more>>
Marcia Neumann
I believe my story began at a very young age, when I felt different from others, often lonely and isolated, only to realize later that I have always been an empath. And it took me a long time to learn what an empath is, and what kind of assignment we are here to fulfill in this journey of the soul’s evolution. Read more>>
Monica Garcia
I’ve been in the beauty industry for 10 years. It’s been lots of hard work to get my name out there and to be able to do what I do now. The last few years I have had the opportunity to work backstage for runway makeup. Read more>>
Nathaly Candela
My journey has always been about movement, rhythm, and storytelling. I am a singer-songwriter, actress, and dancer born in Cali, Colombia—a city where music runs through your veins. Read more>>
Simone Marcolin
Ever since I graduated from high school, I was certain I wanted to work in the film industry, but I couldn’t afford to attend a specialized school, and opportunities in my city are very limited. Read more>>
Jose Alvarez
I started The Drink Design Mobile Bartending and Event Services in 2025 after playing around with the idea for a little over a year. I have always wanted to start and create my own business. Read more>>
Fanord Ralph Eliodor
My story is one of resilience, service, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Growing up in Haiti, I witnessed both the challenges people face and the strength that communities can demonstrate when they come together. Those experiences inspired me to pursue leadership and seek ways to create meaningful impact. Read more>>
Arielle Brill
I started my business in a very personal way—out of both necessity and creativity. When my extremely girlie girl of a daughter first began walking, she refused to wear any shoes that did not sparkle. Out of resourcefulness to get her to wear shoes, I found the art of bedazzling. Read more>>
Cesar Bautista
My name is Cesar Bautista, founder of Tactical K-9 LLC / TK9 Miami. My journey into this business wasn’t something that happened overnight — it came from a lifetime of passion, experience, and a genuine love for animals. Long before TK9 Miami existed, I spent over a decade in law enforcement, where I learned the importance of discipline, patience, leadership, and earning trust. Read more>>
Giselle Roca Da Silva
Everyone has a starting point in their creative journey, and I would say mine began at a young age. I was a very hands-on kid who loved drawing, painting, coloring, and creating anything I could. Always had a big imagination! My interest in calligraphy started with watching my mom’s handwriting. Read more>>
Dr Yraida Faneite
Hello, I am Dr. Yraida Leonides Faneite (Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management with a Specialization in Leadership). Today, I would like to tell you about my second business that I started when I was 59 (fifty-nine) years old: Tea House Cafe. Several years ago, while I was pursuing my Associate’s degree in Business, I was assigned a project to present a business plan. Read more>>
Liliana Lima
I’m Liliana, founder of Wiz Cleaners, a residential and commercial cleaning company serving Miami, Coral Gables, and the surrounding communities. I started Wiz Cleaners in 2019, right after finishing my degree in business. Cleaning was always something family and friends praised me for, since I’ve always had an eye for detail. As I thought about which industry to go into, cleaning resonated with me. Read more>>
Vera Rees
My first job in nightlife was heading the Artist Relations department at a new club in Times Square called Nebula in 2021. I met Rob Toma there, who is the owner of NY house music brand, Teksupport. Him and I developed a relationship there, so I started handling artist relations for Teksupport. Read more>>
Mardochee (Chèe) Dominique
When I was a young girl, I loved playing in my mom’s makeup. Observing the way she would always put a little powder, mascara, shadow and lipstick each time before she stepped out the house. This then turned into me “formulating” my own cosmetic products and recording YouTube videos showing tutorials. Read more>>
Nikolas Rodriguez
The NikAtNite project started 2 years ago when I moved back to Miami from Jacksonville Beach, Florida. I had been throwing pregames and afters in my kitchen before and after going to the beach bars and wanted to take the project to the next level by playing clubs and releasing music. Read more>>
Álvaro Gabarrón
My relationship with art started long before I ever touched a movie camera. Read more>>
Rene Mejia
My journey into fashion began long before I launched my brand. I was born in El Salvador and moved to the United States at the age of ten. Growing up between two cultures gave me a unique perspective on creativity, identity, and storytelling, which continues to influence my work today. Read more>>
Carlotta Duque
Music has always been a part of my life. Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by different sounds, stories, and cultures that shaped the way I see the world and eventually the way I write songs. I started creating music as a way to express emotions and experiences that I couldn’t always put into words, and over time that passion grew into a career path. Read more>>
Tanya Ceballos
For 20 years, I held a dream close wanting to create something meaningful in the health and wellness space. But fear kept me from acting. Eventually, I overcame that fear, knowing I had a wealth of knowledge to share with the world. I took a leap, leaned into my Master’s in Holistic Nutrition, and launched my podcast. Read more>>
Laura Robayna
I’m originally from Argentina, but from a young age I knew I would eventually live abroad. I ultimately settled in Florida, where I have worked as a real estate agent in Miami for the past 22 years, specializing in assisting international clients—particularly investors and buyers looking for a second or third home in the city. Read more>>
Michelle Valin
My love for photography started in a high school darkroom, where I watched one of my photos slowly appear on paper for the first time. That moment sparked a fascination with capturing real life moments and preserving emotion through images. After graduation, photography took a backseat for a while. Read more>>
Fred Ferrara
I started my journey into photography when my great aunt gave me a hand me down 110 camera. Back then, you had to be incredibly intentional with every shot. Film was expensive to develop, and the camera required single use flash cubes that cost money that would easily burn your fingers if you weren’t careful! That early experience taught me patience and composition. Read more>>
Tanisha Barker
My name is Tanisha, and I am the owner of Dessertsbythepound based out of South Florida. My journey started in 2020 with a passion for baking and bringing joy to people through homemade desserts. Read more>>
Jonathan Daige
I served two combat tours in Iraq in 2003 then again in 2005-2006. I came home and fulfilled my dream of being a Worcester police officer in MA. I graduated the academy in 2006. 2012 I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. I had testicular cancer surgery, then I needed to have a lymph node dissection surgery due to swollen lymph nodes. Read more>>
Valencie Exceus
I grew up in Jean-Rabel, Haiti, in the northwest of the country, spending summers at my grandparents’ home in the lush mountains surrounded by medicinal plants, fruit trees, and a quality of stillness I would later understand as a parasympathetic paradise. Read more>>
Trevor Culberson
I’ve always been surrounded by music and its the one thing that I’ve always been able to fall back on. My parents both gave me their love for music and my sister and I both have found our avenues with it. Read more>>
Dominique Dixon
Content creating, was something I’ve always wanted to do, but never did because along with being shy I didn’t feel that I had much to talk about. But, eventually I focused more on how creating made me feel and it overshadowed my fear. So I began filming things that I loved and knew would be easy to talk about. Read more>>
Olivia Nielsen
My story starts on the basketball court. I grew up playing competitively in the DC metro area, alongside and against players like Azzi Fudd and Angel Reese. I was recruited to play college hoops, but something was pulling me in another direction. That’s when I ended up in Paris to pursue my studies, a complete 180 that changed the whole trajectory of my life. Read more>>
Salma Awad
I started a few months ago with a vision and a passion and brought it to life! It all started with an idea along with some experimentation and research and it started to gain popularity and people loved the idea. Read more>>
Rocío Mejías Godoy
Hi everyone! I am absolutely thrilled to share my journey with the VoyageMIA community. My path has been an international adventure driven by resilience, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to luxury experiences. Originally from Madrid, Spain, I was raised in a family of entrepreneurs who instilled in me a fierce fighter’s spirit. Read more>>
Katherine Magnoli
Thank you so much for having me today! To be honest, my story begins in the small town that I grew up in located in New York State. Read more>>
Alfonso D. Brooks
My story begins at the intersection of culture, curiosity, and a refusal to accept that global Africa’s contributions to world civilization were somehow optional in the global conversation. I was born in Sint Maarten, raised with a deep awareness of the Caribbean as a living archive of African history, resistance, and creativity. That foundation shaped everything. Read more>>
Dizzy Smarp
Title: Your new favorite reggaeton artist is from Bluefields ,Nicaragua: Im a Miami based artist who was born and raised in the heart of the coast of Nicaragua,Bluefields a city filled with ethnic diversity and culture which played a key part in my musical background. Read more>>
Flor Vasil
Since I was a little girl growing up in Buenos Aires, I always dreamed of having my own flower shop. Even while building a corporate career and spending more than 25 years in executive positions, that creative dream never left me. Read more>>
Star Prynce
I was born and raised in the heart of the ghetto, a tough life in the streets of portmore. My stepfather ran a sound system called Leedoc Sound, where every Saturday and Sunday people gathered, vibing and singing. But it wasn’t until I moved to Devon Pen, St. Mary, that I truly found my path. Growing up in St. Read more>>
