Every day we have a choice. We can support an up and coming podcaster, try a new family-run restaurant, join a boutique gym started by a local fitness champ or we could keep giving away our money to the handful of giants who already control so much of our commerce. Our daily decisions impact the kind world we live in; if we want a world where small businesses are growing and artists and creatives are thriving then we should support them with our time, money and attention. We’re proud to highlight inspiring creatives and entrepreneurs each week in Hidden Gems series. Check out some of our latest local gem features below.
Amy Ballon
Real estate has been part of my story from the very beginning. I grew up in California, where my father was a real estate developer who built one of the area’s first multifamily residential communities in the 1950s. Watching him transform land into thriving neighborhoods sparked a passion that has stayed with me throughout my life. Read more>>
Belén Gallardo
I was born and raised in Asunción, Paraguay, where my passion for storytelling and visual arts began at an early age. I first worked as a model and actress, which introduced me to the world of film and television and helped me understand the creative process from in front of the camera. Read more>>
Kiki Bello
I’ve been a professional harp performer for more than 20 years, traveling the world and performing at countless events and venues. Music has given me an incredible career and unforgettable experiences. Real estate, however, has always been part of my family’s story. For four generations, spanning more than 150 years, my family has been involved in real estate investing and development. Read more>>
Leydis Serrano
My love for wedding planning actually started when I was a little girl watching The Wedding Planner with Jennifer Lopez. I remember being completely captivated by the idea of creating beautiful celebrations and helping couples experience one of the most important days of their lives. Read more>>
Brett Meyer
I was born and raised in little town called Mchenry Illinois. I grew up with a pretty good group of friends and was taught to work hard from my parents at the age of 16. Read more>>
Eric Nathan
I’m Eric Nathan, President of Nathans Investigations, and my path into private investigations started with my service as a U.S. Army Veteran, where I developed a strong foundation in discipline, leadership, and analytical thinking. Read more>>
Pousye Robert Joseph
My journey started long before I became a marketer or entrepreneur. I was born and raised in Haiti, where I discovered my passion for art at a young age. By the time I was 11 years old, I was already creating artwork, painting murals, and eventually teaching art to others. Read more>>
Alena Kozhevnikova
Miami DJ Academy started with a simple idea: DJ education should be practical, supportive, and accessible to everyone—not just aspiring club DJs. I’ve been DJing professionally for over 16 years, performing at clubs, luxury hotels, corporate events, and private celebrations. Throughout my career, people constantly asked me where they could learn to DJ without feeling intimidated. Read more>>
Fabion 305
Thank you for having me! My story starts as a little kid from south Florida who was always attracted to music. From a young age I was always in band or choirs. Joined my first music group at the age of 15 and it was up hill from then. Now I’m all about music, community, and love! Read more>>
maikel gil
H&M Housing & Land Development: Built Through Adversity People often ask me how H&M Housing & Land Development began. They expect to hear a story about business plans, investors, or a perfect first project. The truth is the exact opposite. H&M was born through one of the hardest experiences of our lives. When we launched the company, we were full of excitement. Read more>>
Sebastian Firmin
my whole life ive been surrounded by music, my father is a promoter in the Haitian music business. my whole life I’ve loved music, free styling in school a lot. Read more>>
Slim Gillian
Growing up, my very-accomplished mother (whom I call ‘Lou’ because it drives her up a wall) started giving us music lessons around 3 years old. I went through the public school music system and excelled. Little did I know that I would end up playing and performing for the rest of my life! Read more>>
Cristobal Verdecia
My Story I was born and raised in Havana, Cuba, in a family where music was always part of everyday life. My maternal grandmother played the Cuban tres, so music was deeply rooted in my family. However, the person who truly shaped my life was my uncle, Israel “Kantor” Sardiñas, one of Cuba’s most respected singers. Read more>>
Vintage Classics Apparel
Vintage Classics Apparel was built from a passion for culture, nostalgia, and timeless style. What started as a love for classic sports, music, fashion, and iconic moments in history grew into a vision to create a brand that celebrates the legends, memories, and eras that continue to inspire us today. Read more>>
Wrendly Mesidor
I was raised in North Miami Beach, and this community has shaped who I am. From a young age, I learned the importance of hard work, perseverance, and giving back to others. Those values have guided me throughout my life and continue to inspire my commitment to public service. Read more>>
Diana Lee
My story is rooted in family, community, and the entrepreneurial spirit. I grew up as the youngest of five girls in a family originally from Jamaica. My family has deep roots as caregivers and leaders in the assisted living field both in Jamaica and here in Florida. Read more>>
Giovanna Jaspid
I started my business in 2016 from my home office with a simple idea: to create custom decorative pillows that felt more personal and intentional than what I was finding in the market. I began working with leftover and reclaimed designer fabrics, which naturally grew into a focus on sustainability and using high-quality materials in a more thoughtful way. Read more>>
Priscilla Baez
I often say MPB Design Co. wasn’t born out of a business idea—it was born out of personal pursuit of joy. It was born from me learning that the most meaningful things in life—joy, presence, and purpose—are often found in the seasons we never would have chosen. In 2014, I became a first-time mom while simultaneously navigating the end of a long-term relationship. Read more>>
Agustín Brocal
I’m Agustín Brocal, a Spanish singer-songwriter, composer, and performer. My music blends pop, rock, and electronic influences, allowing me to explore different sounds while staying true to my artistic identity. As an independent artist, I write, produce, and release my own music, creating songs that combine honest lyrics with emotion and contemporary production. Read more>>
Corinne Miller
Since my first VoyageMIA interview, my story has continued to grow along with Mood 4 Cakes. My journey started with a lifelong love for cooking, baking, and creating beautiful things, inspired by my grandmother’s kitchen and the memories I carry from that time. Read more>>
Jav Vito
I am a young man that was originally born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. I started to move during high school in pursuit of chasing my basketball dream. I did pretty well in high school, but the dream of playing basketball ended when I went to FIU. Read more>>
lisana Falcon
My name is Lisana Falcon and I am Founder and Head Director at take One Acting Studio. Our story started with a deep love for storytelling, communication, and human behavior. Before opening Take One Acting Studio, I worked in front of the camera as a journalist, host, actress, and creative director. Read more>>
Ricardo Lory
Success didn’t happen overnight. Every beautifully plated meal, every successful event, and every milestone represents years of hard work, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief that food has the power to bring people together. My passion for cooking began at a young age. I was fascinated by how a single meal could create memories, spark conversations, and make people feel at home. Read more>>
Gustavo Molina
Hello, my name is Dr. Gustavo Molina. I am a comprehensive general dentist and the owner of Atria Dental Health Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida. My wife, Dr. Gabriela Molina, and I are originally from Argentina, where we both attended dental school in Buenos Aires. After earning our dental degrees, we pursued advanced training in prosthodontics, implant dentistry, orthodontics, and pediatric dentistry. Read more>>
Amber Basilone
My journey in hospitality started when I was 14 years old, and ever since then I’ve fallen in love with creating experiences that bring people together. Over the years, I worked in various hospitality roles, eventually becoming a bartender, where I discovered my passion for not only crafting cocktails but also creating memorable moments for guests. Read more>>
Nick Corredor
Hello, my name is Nick Corredor. I grew up in the suburbs of Long Island in a town called Hampton Bays, New York. Music has always been prevalent in my life due to my upbringing. Back in Colombia, my family was immersed in record-collecting culture, and through that passion my late grandfather, Eliecer Corredor, developed a friendship with the legendary Cuban group Sonora Matancera. Read more>>
Aura Coral
My name is Aura Coral Espinosa, and I’m the founder and artist behind Aura Coral Makeup Studio. My journey started over seven years ago with a simple passion for beauty and making women feel confident. I quickly realized that makeup is about so much more than appearance, it’s about helping someone feel empowered, comfortable, and beautiful in their own skin. Read more>>
Micah Dawanyi
My name is Micah (pronounced Mike-Uh) Dawanyi, and I’m a novelist and speaker. I actually grew up playing competitive sports (soccer) until I was about 15, when a series of heart complications forced me to stop. At that time, it felt like everything I had built my identity around collapsed. I had to find new foundations and new things to pour into. Read more>>
Jadai Christelle
My name is Jadai christelle, I was born in Haiti , coming to New York took all my shyness away because living in a big city like this you have to learn to adapt, honestly I would Like to speak my story instead of writing it. I’m a model, content creator and a podcaster. Read more>>
Jamal Parms
It feels good to be back. This is actually a follow up to my story that I told about 5 years ago when I made my first Voyage Magazine appearance. Alot has happened that I would like to share. Read more>>
Marlene Goldman
Long before I became a Realtor, I became someone searching for a place to call home. Growing up in a broken home, I developed a deep appreciation for what home truly means. To me, it was never just four walls or a roof—it was a feeling of safety, stability, and belonging. Read more>>
David Andrew ‘Andy’ Joseph
Growing up, I was always drawn to the arts, especially film, and for a time I thought I might attend film school. Instead, I chose to pursue business and attended Florida State University College of Business, where I majored in Finance and graduated in 2009 during the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. Read more>>
Maxx Millanova
My name is Maxx Millanova. I’m an emcee/musician and eastern medicine practitioner. Born and raised in Rhode Island. Previous long time resident of Boston, MA, and current long time resident of Miami, FL. I’ve played piano since a young kid. Began writing rhymes and rapping in middle school and high school. Read more>>
Chris Mitchell
My story with Kitchen Candy actually begins with a lesson in partnership. Before Kitchen Candy existed I was involved in a catering company with a business partner. Like many partnerships it ultimately didn’t work out. But what never wavered through that experience was my passion for food and what I knew I was capable of creating. Read more>>
Sopanut Sopochana
Background of EATHAI’s CEO/Mastermind: At the age of fourteen, Sopanut Sopochana moved to New York. Living in the Bronx without any knowledge of English or a helping hand to guide him wasn’t a challenge. His dream was to not work for others but himself. Read more>>
Adriene Lynne Leggett Casamayor
LOCAL SWEET TREAT REVIVES FORGOTTEN KEY WEST HISTORY AND EMPOWERS YOUTH KEY WEST, Fla. — What began as a simple Saturday church hangout has blossomed into a thriving community movement, blending entrepreneurship with the preservation of Key West’s cultural heritage. Read more>>
Tasheena Salmon
Simple Pleasures Candle Co. was founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic a time when so many people were searching for comfort, peace, and hope within their own homes. Like many others, I found myself reflecting on the importance of creating spaces that promote calm, healing, and emotional well-being during uncertain times. Read more>>
Giadon ‘The Don’ $mith
I graduated from Springfield Central High School in Springfield Massachusetts in 2020 and decided to pursue higher education at Keiser University. This was during the COVID Pandemic, so after completing my first year, I decided not to continue. I came back home to Springfield, MA to save up and move to Miami to start my music career. Read more>>
Janice Joseph
I’ve always valued independence and dreamed of building something of my own. From a young age, I was inspired by entrepreneurship and the freedom that comes with owning a business. What sets me apart is my creativity—I enjoy developing new ideas, creating multiple streams of income, and finding innovative ways to grow. Read more>>
Alyssa Granda & Jorge De Goti
Their story began in January of 2025 when Alyssa and Jorge started dating and immediately fell in love with going out to eat. Every restaurant Jorge would take Alyssa to, she was always in awe of them. He knew every spot, which was impressive. Read more>>
Angela Armenakis
Hello my name is Angel Armenakis and I have been an Esthetician and Laser technician for many years . I decided to create Bare Laser Center 12 years we are located at 1700 East Las Olas blvd .suite 205 in Fort Lauderdale and we specialize in laser hair removal and our difference is that we customise the treatment according to our clients needs. Read more>>
Ana Romero
I’m a college student living in Miami, and my journey into this industry actually started behind the bar — I was working as a bartender and barista while I was studying. Somewhere along the way, I realized I didn’t just want to serve drinks, I wanted to build something of my own. Read more>>
Regina Silva
The story begins in 2018 when I was living in LA after graduating UCLA, pursuing acting and a million side hustle jobs when I fell into a bit of a depression. Everything changed when one day I received an intuitive hit, a nudge from God to shake things up. The instructions were very clear, go to Southeast Asia on a backpacking trip with no plans. Read more>>
Daniel Ramirez
For the past ten years, I’ve worked as a freelance travel and adventure photographer, but my journey with photography really began long before I ever owned a camera. I grew up watching my dad create. He was an incredibly artistic person who always seemed to have his Nikon camera in hand. Read more>>
Sydney Herrera
Getting to where I am today has been a journey of growth and resilience. Becoming a mother of two completely changed my perspective—it taught me discipline, patience, and the importance of showing up every day, even when it’s hard. Modeling has helped me build confidence and embrace who I am, while running and fitness have become my way of challenging myself both physically and mentally. Read more>>
Criselys Garcia
My name is Criselys García. I’m an economist, international model, entrepreneur, and founder of Fundación INTEDSP, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children with complex medical conditions. My greatest purpose began long before any of those titles. I was born with a congenital urological condition that required multiple surgeries and countless hospital visits throughout my childhood. Read more>>
Gabriel Chakarji
I grew up in Caracas, Venezuela, in a family where music was a natural part of everyday life. My parents both played music at church, and my dad was the one who first taught me how to play the piano. Some of my earliest memories are of making music with my family, and those experiences sparked a lifelong love for it. Read more>>
Alexandra Celestin
I grew a love for makeup my senior year of high school 2014. Everyone knew how to do their own eyebrows and mine were really sparse. So I started watching YouTube videos and doing my makeup for fun. I didn’t stick to makeup until later. During my sophomore year in college, I started servicing others for faux and box braids. Read more>>
DJ ShortyDooWop
I started deejaying after the death of my mother to deal with the depression from her death. Deejaying became my therapy and still is. I took lessons from the late DJ Griff Gotti and my passion brought me to where I am today. Read more>>
Eriberto Jiménez
I was born in Bogotá, Colombia, into a family with no connection to the arts. In fact, dance was not something I grew up around. It wasn’t until I was about 15 years old, through some of my cousins, that I had my first exposure to dance. From the moment I stepped into a dance studio, it was love at first sight. Read more>>
IGNACIO GANA
Art has always been a part of who I am. I studied Architecture, a discipline I truly loved, but I never stopped painting. Even during university, I would organize my time so that, no matter how demanding my projects were, I could always make it to my studio and paint. Read more>>
Raina Murnak
I’ve never been particularly interested in choosing one lane. I’ve always been fascinated by what happens at the intersections where music meets technology, education meets industry, research meets creativity, and artistry meets entrepreneurship. Read more>>
Joseph Ayers
I became an artist and a teacher, but it was an unlikely path getting here. I grew up in rural Florida, and honestly, I think in the beginning when I was a young child, uneducated, impoverished and somewhat abused, I yearned for a language to somehow express my experiences and feelings regarding what that was like. Read more>>
laura cresto
My name is Laura Cresto, and dogs have been my passion for as long as I can remember. Ever since I was a little girl, I was fascinated by dogs—not just because I loved them, but because I was amazed by how they think, communicate, and connect with people. As I got older, that passion turned into action. Read More>>
Emma Murray
My story is one that spans countries and continents, multiple careers, and chronic illness. I’m sure I can’t write everything here! I went to the University of Vermont, and graduated with a degree in elementary education in 2012. From there, I moved abroad to Thailand where I had my first teaching job in three kindergarten classrooms. Read More>>
