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.
JEREMY BOYD
Here’s a more natural version with a smooth conversational tone and no hyphen breaks: — I actually got started pretty early without realizing it. I was born in Fuchu, Japan, just outside of Tokyo, because my parents were teaching at an American school there. Read more>>
Mariela Notario
Bitácora Collection was born in 2015 as both a love story and a creative partnership between Mariela Notario, an industrial designer specialized in costume design, and Senén Tabares, a photojournalist. We began in Cuba, in a small home workshop in Pinar del Río, at a time when material shortages were a part of everyday life. Those limitations pushed us to experiment. Read more>>
Ally Saenz
I started with building my portfolio, collaborating with photographers from Orlando, Tampa, and Miami. During my first year of modeling, I walked my first runway show at Miami Swim Week. I remember feeling incredibly nervous and almost undeserving of the opportunity, but once I stepped off the runway, I felt liberated. For the first time, I felt fully present in myself. Read more>>
Gisele Waldron
My name is Gisele Waldron, a vibrant lover of life and everything in it, My entrepreneurial journey started with a simple desire: I wanted to create multiple streams of income while building businesses that aligned with my passions and strengths. Fashion was my first love. I have always been interested in style, self-expression, and helping people feel confident. Read more>>
Veronica Castillo
I was working in insurance and HR when chronic migraines changed my quality of life. In 2015, I tried cannabis to manage the pain, and it didn’t just heal me; it gave me purpose and confirmed what I already knew: I was meant to be a writer. So I sold my house in Ohio, packed my car, and hit the road. Read more>>
Khami Auerbach
I’ve been creating multimedia work ever since I was a kid. Read more>>
Tim Verardi
I’ve been telling stories for as long as I can remember, and that has led me to create content today, especially for the youngest members of the family. Read more>>
Jorge Montes
My earliest memories of food go back to my grandmother’s kitchen in Lima, Peru. I remember going to the local markets as a child and being completely captivated by them. The smells of fresh herbs and spices, the sounds of vendors calling out, the sight of live animals, colorful produce, and ingredients I had never seen before—it was sensory overload in the best possible way. Read more>>
Stephanie Rosario
My journey with Bronxy’s Professional Home & Pet Sitting started with a lifelong love for animals and a desire to create something meaningful that combined my passion for pets, people, and service. Like many entrepreneurs, I didn’t start with a large team or a detailed business plan—I started with a vision, a strong work ethic, and a genuine commitment to providing exceptional care. Read more>>
Nicole Morse
I’ve always been a creative person. In school, I was the classic daydreamer, in a world of my own inside my head. In college, I tried several majors including creative writing, fine art and finally, journalism. On the last day of an internship at a local magazine, I shadowed the graphic designer and that’s when I knew what I wanted to be! Read more>>
Gayane Arushanian
I am a contemporary artist originally from Ukraine with Armenian roots, currently based in Miami. Art has been part of my life since childhood. I studied art from a young age, later founded several art schools in Ukraine, and for many years combined teaching with my own artistic practice. My work explores harmony, systems, and the hidden patterns that connect people, nature, and life itself. Read more>>
Ray Orozco
My story is really about learning that it’s okay to choose yourself again. I became a mother at a young age, and while it was one of the greatest blessings in my life, I also carried a lot of pressure. Whether it came from society, other people’s opinions, or expectations I placed on myself, I felt like I constantly had something to prove. Read more>>
Daniel Vanh
I grew up in South Florida, and food was honestly just part of my DNA from the start. My parents owned a restaurant, so I was surrounded by it. That early exposure sparked a curiosity in me that never went away. Read more>>
Narinah Jean-Baptiste
I have realized that the common thread throughout my life has never been law—it has been building. Building ideas. Building businesses. Building community. Building a life that reflects who I am. I often say my journey has been shaped by curiosity, resilience, faith, and a desire to create opportunities—not just for myself, but for others. Read more>>
Jennifer Escobar
Double creations started as an idea between two friends in February 2020. We officially launched our business in July 2020, right in pandemic time. Our main goal was to be able to create memorable events for any occasion. We kept learning and getting better at what we love doing. We continue to grow in ideas and business wise. Read more>>
Macarena Delvalle
My story began in the furniture and interior design world when I was only 20 years old. What started as a job quickly became a passion and career. I fell in love with the way a space can change how people feel, how furniture can tell a story, and how design can turn a house into a home. Read more>>
KhamenLenz Media
From Syracuse to Buffalo to Miami and back to Buffalo, my journey has been built on perseverance, risk and faith. I started my creative journey editing videos in 2017. I can’t imagine how many different types of shoots I’ve worked on over the years, but I knew early on that I loved using a camera and bringing stories together in the editing process. Read more>>
Jeannine de la Torre
Pilates One started with a dream, a single reformer, and a tiny apartment in Brickell. In 2007, I wasn’t thinking about opening a studio or building a business. I simply wanted to share a method that had completely changed my life. Read more>>
Cindy-Ann Boisson
What was initially a move to support my son’s swim scholarship dream turned into me chasing my own dreams onto the stage. Keegan was a national swimmer and believed he had what it would take to earn himself a swim scholarship so, in 2010 we moved to Florida. Read more>>
Daphney Paul
My name is Daphney Paul, Born in Haiti and my journey in the beauty industry began in 2007, but my passion started long before that. As a little girl, I was surrounded by creativity. My mother was a talented seamstress who taught me how to make my own clothes. Read more>>
Evan Nierman
The path to entrepreneurship in South Florida was unexpected for me — but looking back, it feels inevitable. I’ve always been a writer and a connector. That drew me to study communications at The George Washington University, where I held PR internships before landing at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in Washington, D.C. — one of the country’s most influential advocacy organizations. Read more>>
Delmario Graham
I seek what many men pursue, but very few attain: true freedom.’ Delmario Graham That quote is mine, and it’s the truth I’ve built my life around. When people hear ‘freedom,’ they usually think I mean money. I don’t. Money matters; you need it to build anything, but it was never the main goal. Read more>>
Doreen Faaloua
I started LaniSina Polynesian Dance Academy in the simplest and most meaningful way, through love. After having my kids with my amazing partner Danny Cedano, my connection to Polynesian culture grew even deeper. I wanted them to feel the same joy, pride, and grounding that dance gave me. Read more>>
Eve Paul
Service has always been woven into the fabric of my life. As the daughter of Haitian immigrants, I grew up watching my parents, my mother, Valcia and my late father, Josue Paul, pursue the American dream while dedicating themselves to serving others. Read more>>
Rebecca Lourido
Growing up in Palm Beach County, I have a heart for making the community a better place. Over the years, I’ve volunteered with several organizations and kept thinking, “What if I could do something more?” Like many people, COVID changed my perspective. I saw neighbors struggling, grocery store shelves empty, and families unsure of where their next meal would come from. Read more>>
Rachelle Batista
I’ve been in love with photography since I first picked up my Nikon Coolpix as a kid. This was before the first iPhone came out! Read more>>
Micardy Exume
I was born in Haiti and came to the United States with big dreams and a strong work ethic. Like many entrepreneurs, my journey hasn’t been a straight line. I’ve experienced successes, setbacks, moments of doubt, and times when I had to bet on myself even when the odds weren’t in my favor. Read more>>
Kyle Ferguson
I have always been drawn to storytelling and the power of film to connect people through emotion, culture and experiences. The thought of Jiggy Productions started when I was working in Baltimore and I just graduated college with a bachelors degree in Media Production. Read more>>
Ricky Kelly
Automatic Driving School has successfully trained and helped thousands of students throughout South Florida. We specialize in teenage and adult driving packages, computer and road tests, and traffic school services. Automatic Driving School was incorporated in 1986 by Ricky Kelly in North Miami, FL. Mr. Read more>>
Ian Hewin
People often assume I became an event planner because I love the decor and the stunning venues. While I certainly appreciate both, the truth is much simpler, I genuinely love people. I’ve always been fascinated by what brings people together. Read more>>
Leda Montes
I was born and raised in Cuba and came to the United States with big dreams and a desire to build a better future. I began my career working at Miami International Airport in the Arrivals Department, where I developed a passion for helping people from all walks of life. Read more>>
Andrea Martinez
Hi I’m Andrea Martinez proud Venezuelan International Makeup Artist , Owner of Andrea Martinez Cosmetics and L’ Atelier Agency. Proud Immigrant in the USA from 12 years now, My journey has been shaped by curiosity, hard work, and a willingness to keep learning. I started by taking on opportunities that challenged me, even when they were outside my comfort zone. Read more>>
Nataliia Zagorskaia
I’m a beauty content creator based in South Florida, and my mission is to show women that makeup doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need professional tools or years of experience to be creative—sometimes even a simple cotton swab can help you create a beautiful look. For me, makeup is more than just products and techniques. Read more>>
Judy Erickson
Looking back, a common thread throughout my career has been connecting people, places, and opportunities through tourism, hospitality, and international engagement. Growing up in South Florida, I was exposed to international business through my father’s logistics, freight forwarding, and customs brokerage business. Read more>>
Marcella Buonpensiere
I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and moved to Miami when I was 19 years old. Ever since I can remember, I’ve been passionate about creating. Read more>>
DANIEL RODRIGUEZ
I actually started as an architect. I studied it in college, and honestly, that training never really left me; it’s still in everything I make. But the truth is, I started painting during the pandemic. The world felt like it was collapsing, and I couldn’t do anything about it, so I needed somewhere to put all that. Read more>>
L.A. DeRiggi
I am the founder and principal of Hudson Park Interior Design. My path into design has been shaped by a blend of strategic thinking and creativity, beginning with a formal background in business before transitioning into architecture and interior design. I earned a degree in business, where I developed a strong foundation in operations, problem-solving, and long-term strategic thinking. Read more>>
Eprell
I didn’t start off wanting to be a singer. I started off simply loving music. One of my earliest memories takes me back to my grandparents’ home in Miami when I was about six years old. My auntie Rochelle was cleaning up and listening to CDs when I heard a voice coming through the stereo that completely stopped me in my tracks. Read more>>
Joshua Powell
I first got into the world of film back in high school. I took a multimedia class, and my teacher Mr. Calder opened my eyes to what the movies can be, he even loaned me Shaolin Soccer (which is amazing). After high school I went to FAU for multimedia studies where I got more theory than film but later found my college film family. Read more>>
Dr. A. Yanina Gomez
My story begins in Chicagoland. My family and I moved there from Puerto Rico when I was young, and it’s where I went on to study and practice traditional psychology for years. Then one day I felt a call to leave my position and step into the entrepreneurial world. If I’m honest, I was burned out, to say the least. Read more>>
Gaby Tortoledo
I was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. My mom is a ballerina and former pianist and my dad in a professional architect but has spent his free time playing guitar for as long as I can remember. So I grew up surrounded by the arts, especially the performing arts have always been a part of my life. Read more>>
Official Bfm
I’ve always had a passion for music, entertainment, and bringing people together. I started by supporting independent artists and creating opportunities for them to showcase their talent. Over time, I built NBD into a platform focused on competition, exposure, and community. Today, I host live tournaments, music battles, and events that help artists connect with new audiences while creating an exciting experience for fans. Read more>>https://voyagemia.com/interview/life-work-with-official-bfm-of-national
Ekaterina Khromin
I remember myself sitting at my uncle’s enormous writing desk. Its surface was covered with soft leather, warm to the touch, and somehow it gave me a feeling of protection and possibility. I was only nine years old, but in that moment, I already felt the mysterious comfort of creating. Around that time, my mother moved my little brother and me into my aunt’s apartment. Read more>>
Zonia Zena
I moved from Lima, Peru, to Miami, Florida, in my early teens. My mother brought my four siblings and me to what we thought would be a temporary stop, a place we expected to call home for only a few years. More than thirty years later, Miami has remained a constant presence in my life. Read more>>
Lisa Morales
I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, and storytelling has been a common thread throughout my life, even before I realized it would become my career. At twenty years old, I landed my first public relations client and published my first newspaper article. Looking back, those two experiences unexpectedly shaped much of what followed. Read more>>
Arthur Gonzalez
There was a series of shirts I had in mind that I wanted to purchase but could never seem to find, despite constantly searching. I was looking for something provocative and playful, yet thoughtfully designed—something that felt intentional rather than like a novelty gift-shop souvenir. Read more>>
Annmarie Andaluz
I was raised by my immigrant grandmother, who introduced me to the healing power of natural remedies. Whether it was herbal teas, tinctures, or medicinal baths, wellness was woven into everyday life. Those early experiences planted the seeds for what would later become my life’s work. Years later, after becoming a mother, I found myself reflecting on the women who came before me. Read more>>
Mahismati Johanna Villafuerte
My name is Mahismati, and I am passionate about India’s culture, spirituality, and fashion. Read more>>
Patricia Gonzalez
My story without noticing started when I was 17. I took my first job in the first job that accepted me that happened to had been walking distance from my parents house where I lived at the time. It choose this job purely for convenience and because of their flexibility. Found myself working for 7-8$ an hour and was having the time of my life. Read more>>
Valerie Seeve
I started the community garden in Key Biscayne because I love gardening and I saw this as a way to bring people in our community together while working with nature. My friends Cynthia Pastuskovas, Carolina Trovo and Augustina Blumetti joined me and helped me transform my idea into a tangible plan. Read more>>
Kay Thompson
My journey to becoming a Hair Wellness Curator began with a simple observation: over the last few years, I noticed my clients carrying an immense, heavy burden of stress, tension, and burnout. I realized that the traditional, fast-paced ‘blow-dry fix’ culture wasn’t serving the deeper need for rest and restoration that people were truly craving. Read more>>
Shanica Stewart
In the midst of Hurricane Beryl, I found myself with a lot of free time. Before then, I had never crocheted a day in my life, but i had prepared by purchasing hooks and yarn. When the hurricane passed through, my community was left without electricity for little over two months. During this time i would pick up my hook and yarn and began learning. Read more>>
Dave Clarke
My passion for storytelling began at just 3 years old, watching horror thrillers with my parents and growing up on iconic pop culture films like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Stephen King’s IT. By the age of 10, I got my first camera and created a parody of The Blair Witch Project with my friends from elementary school. Read more>>
Sage Kelly
I’ve been making art since I was a kid. I would usually draw characters from my favorite shows, comics, or manga, and I would even write stories to go along with some of my drawings. In middle school my parents got me my first guitar, which I still have. Read more>>
Dov Gurewicz
Here’s the final version: I’ve been a creative person my whole life. Music came first. I spent years writing and recording under the artist name Kavana, the Hebrew word for intention. But the camera found me a little later, and it found me the way the best things usually do. Organically. It started in 2016. Read more>>
Makaela Skinner
Ever since I was little, I have always admired and loved movies and old films. It was one of the things my dad and I really connected on. Even when I was a little girl, he would read me stories or make them up, and I would sit in his lap imagining the world he was reading or creating. Read more>>
Gunnar Gill
It all started with me being a teenager learning how to play drums and guitar at School Of Rock. Ever since I was baby boy I would have little song or melody ideas stuck in my head for years. But then I finally figured out how to bring them out of my head and make them come to life. Read more>>
Jedaiah The Chosen
Hey, yes! Growing up, my grandma raised me because my mother and father could not. I experienced a lot of childhood trauma and, as a teenager, became very depressed. I was addicted to drugs and eventually, a couple of days before I turned 18, I tried to take my life. On a hospital bed is where I encountered the living God. Read more>>
Ben Morey
To quickly define myself, I’d say that I am a multimedia artist first and a freelance graphic and web designer second, originally from and currently working in South Florida. Read more>>
Christian Erie
All my life I had the upmost potential and talent to play the game at the highest levels in wherever I was. Just had no one to take it upon themselves to actually show me how to utilize my talent the right way. Read more>>
Fabienne Polycarpe
Thank you so much for this interview. I would like to lead with this intention: May this interview and these words find the right person at the right time. May my words inspire someone to listen to what their heart is calling them to do. Read more>>
Vanessa Cushing
My story doesn’t start with a business plan. It starts with survival. At 19, I was sexually assaulted at college. I reported it. The institution didn’t believe me. That experience both the assault and the institutional betrayal sent me into one of the darkest periods of my life. But it also lit something in me that has never gone out. Read more>>
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>>
