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.

Dr Sharon Arrindell

My journey has been one of trusting God through both the mountaintops and the valleys of life. While I was raised with an awareness of God, it was through life’s greatest challenges that my relationship with Him became deeply personal and transformative. In 1999, a devastating flood destroyed my home and everything I owned. Read more>>

Richard Novak

I was born in the U.S. but raised in Costa Rica, and I think growing up between both places gave me a different way of seeing the world. I was always drawn to visuals, architecture, design, and the way a space can make you feel. Photography became the way I could translate that. Read more>>

Marina Staver

I’m Marina Staver, a European-trained private chef in Miami and the founder of The Staver (thestaver.com). I was born in Minsk, and for more than two decades I cooked in private kitchens for families across Europe — one table at a time, menus built around the people sitting at it. In 2021 my husband and I won the U.S. green card lottery. Read more>>

Vanessa Diaz de Arce

In 2010, my nursing career begins. I’m learning new things every day. This is my opportunity to help others and make a real difference in people’s lives. Fast forward to today, I have taken so much from the last decade. I’ve traveled, educated myself and others. Read more>>

Sandra Di Carlo Valdez

I can trace it all back to my mother and her cooking. Food was always a huge part of my childhood because my mother absolutely loved being in the kitchen! Whether she was preparing meals for the entire family or baking desserts from scratch, food was her way of expressing herself and showing love. Read more>>

Shaun Gold

I’ve been a lifelong entrepreneur, which is a polite way of saying I’ve never had a real job. My career has been a series of seemingly unrelated adventures that somehow all make perfect sense looking backward. I spent years in nightlife, where my job was convincing people to leave their couch and come to whatever event I was promoting. Read more>>

Devin Browne

The Spark: Where It All Began My story really starts on the basketball court. Growing up, sports weren’t just a game to me—they were my classroom. Serving as a high school varsity team captain taught me everything I needed to know about leadership, accountability, and the power of having a team that believes in you. Read more>>

Jett Wilson

My name is Jett Wilson, and I’m a stand-up comedian, producer, and promoter from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I got into comedy because I’ve always enjoyed making people laugh and bringing people together. What started as a passion turned into a career that’s taken me across the country, performing on stages in different cities and opening for some incredible comedians. Read more>>

Kati Haim

I’m Ekaterina, but most people call me Kati. I was born in Russia and moved to the United States when I was 19 with big dreams but no clear roadmap. Over the years, I’ve reinvented myself more than once. Read more>>

Aspri Frank

My journey has always been rooted in storytelling. Before I ever became a filmmaker or the CEO of Leionia Free Productions, I was a writer who believed stories had the power to heal, inspire, and create change. Writing was always the place where I processed life, explored different perspectives, and gave a voice to experiences that often go unheard. Read more>>

Emilia Lujan

Brand/Founder Story For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by what helps people change. Why do some people transform their lives while others stay stuck? How do our beliefs, habits, health, relationships, and environments shape who we become? And what does it really mean to create a life that feels aligned? Read more>>

Nicole Eichenwald Braghin

Looking back, I don’t think my journey began with the decision to start a business. It began with a passion for creating experiences that felt intentional, meaningful, and beautifully executed. Long before Plan Design existed, my business partner and I had each built independent careers in the event industry, developing different areas of expertise. Read more>>

New Generation Music

New Generation Music (NGM) was founded on April 8, 2022, with a vision born from a group of young brothers united by a deep love for music, a passion that was nurtured through being raised in the Haitian church. As the group began to grow, we considered expanding beyond gospel music to explore different genres and cultures. Read more>>

saba shams

I’m a Persian DJ and a doctor — two worlds that don’t usually go together, but they taught me the same thing: nothing gets handed to you, you have to build it yourself. studying near 7 years at university and then shift to music! but actually it was the best desision for me. Read more>>

Fenton Ferguson Jr .

It’s been a journey for sure to say the least. I started capturing photos with my IPhone 8 until I bought my first am camera which was the (Sony A7). I built my reputation and clientele one opportunity at a time. I am truly grateful for the gift God has blessed me with. Read more>>

Filipe Miranda

I go by the name FlipDaMC. I was born in Sao Paulo, brasil. In 1990, My father decided to move to the United States to seek a better life for us. At that time in Brasil, the economy was very bad and opportunities were scarce. He ended up in Delray Beach Florida, and within two years he moved us out there permanently in 1992. Read more>>

Alex and Fatima

Alex has been in the broadcast business since 2007, I (Fatima) only got into it thanks to him! We started Three of Palms after a friend of ours, Xavier from HurricaneX Promotions, asked if we could work a live MMA event. Since Alex works as a Steadicam operator for live shows we decided to go for it! Read more>>

Henry Hane

My culinary background includes opening Sra. Martinez in Miami as sous chef, and five years living in Spain, where I worked at several Michelin-starred restaurants, my longest stint being at Miramar. Read more>>

Chris Ferretti

Ten years ago I was sleeping in my car here in Miami. I want to start there because everything since has been about closing the gap between where I was and where I knew I should be. I clawed my way out by chasing money wherever it lived. Read more>>

Chitarra Monroe

Chef CheeChee – The Story Behind Dymonds Catering I didn’t start in a fancy kitchen. I started with family recipes, a borrowed pot, and the belief that food should feel like love. How it started: Cooking was always my language. Sunday dinners, holiday spreads, feeding whoever walked through the door — that’s where Dymonds Catering was born. Read more>>

Matthew Fornaro

I was drawn to law pretty early. Growing up, I was a big fan of watching The People’s Court. I liked seeing real life disputes play out and get resolved, and I was always interested in how facts, strategy, and judgment came together to shape the outcome. Read more>>

J.P. Kauer

Sure. I got into comedy a bit later in life. My wife passed away, and that unimaginable loss completely upended everything. In the aftermath of that tragedy, I started writing and eventually performing comedy as a way to process the grief. Read more>>

Tara Loera

I started in 2018 I have to say staying consistent, believing you can do this with determination. I also worked a 9-5 job and was able to run my business on the side as well. Was working 16 hrs days and no days off but it was well worth the sacrifice to be my own boss and work for myself. Read more>>

John Li

EarAware: Turning Down the Volume to Protect a Generation Most people can remember a moment when they realized something they had always believed wasn’t quite true. For me, that moment came not in a laboratory, but in my clinic. As an ear surgeon, I spent years treating patients with hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, and sound sensitivity. Read more>>

Adrian Garcia

Music has been a large part of my life for as long as I can remember. It has really helped me navigate life and my place in the world. My main expressive outlet is my band PANS. I’ve been playing in PANS for over a decade now, I think at this point it’s part of my identity and how others in the community know me. Read more>>

Lena Gee

My journey has always been driven by a passion for movement, discipline, and helping people become the best version of themselves. I grew up competing in ballroom dancing, which taught me that success comes from consistency, dedication, and attention to detail. Ballroom dancing wasn’t just a hobby—it shaped my work ethic and showed me the value of perseverance from a young age. Read more>>

Rhonda Greenhaw

Rhonda J. Greenhaw, MA, BCBA, was a healthcare professional whose daughter was diagnosed with autism. The services she found were fragmented and compliance-driven — built for systems, not children. That experience led her into Applied Behavior Analysis, and eventually to a conviction that would become a company: if better didn’t exist, she would build it. Read more>>

Amanda Paez

Teach, Inspire, Transform officially began in 2018, but my passion for teaching started long before that. Looking back, teaching just always felt natural to me. It never felt like work, it felt like exactly where I was supposed to be. After working with hundreds of students over the past 20-plus years, one thing I’ve learned is that learning is never one-size-fits-all. Read more>>

Silvana Duran

My Story Fiorella was born in 2022, but the dream started long before that. I was a college student with a passion for jewelry design and a dream that felt much bigger than my reality. I started creating handmade pieces in my dorm room and selling them to my classmates between classes. Read more>>

Aileen Abella

A2 Media is a boutique public relations and content creation agency based in Miami that represents experts, celebrities and influencers in the Hispanic market. As the principal, I’m focused on lifestyle and entertainment with a strong focus on medical experts, TV personalities and content creators. Read more>>

Rafael Lima

VINIA Wine & Kitchen is an intimate wine bar and restaurant in Historic Winter Park, Florida, celebrated as one of the Most Romantic Restaurants in Orlando. Since opening in 2018, VINIA has become a beloved destination for wine lovers seeking a memorable date night experience featuring a European-style menu that welcomes all dietary preferences. Read more>>

Dahlia Canes

I’ve always had a special, bizarre connection to animals. As far back as I can remember, and presently I can go back pretty far, (lolol). Animals have always been a priority. It’s not a miracle that as my life progressed through its seasonal stages, this became my calling. Discrimination played a huge part in directing me towards where I am at today. Read more>>

Jakejames Lugo

I have been creating content and talking about entertainment (specifically video games, movies, television, and more) for the better part of 16 years now. I started making videos with a camera in my home, as well as writing articles for smaller websites at the start of my career. Read more>>

Patrick Lee

I started hanging around the Sea and running boats at the age if 13 when my family moved to Puerto Rico. I have stayed in that realm and the marine industry ever since( a long time) and enjoyed every minute of it. I have been a licensed USCG 100 ton captain since 1976. I was a yacht broker for over 35 years. Read more>>

Carolina Rocha

I grew up in Colombia surrounded by handmade things. In my family, knitting was never a craft, it was just the way things were made. That upbringing planted something in me that I did not fully understand until much later. I moved to London to study business, and then to Milan to complete a master’s in the management of luxury goods. Read more>>

Johanna Godinez

Johanna Godinez’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and discovering that true success comes from living in alignment with your values. Before becoming known as a human success development coach, Johanna was on a very different path. In 2007, after earning her MBA, she was pursuing a dream in the world of motorsports. Read more>>

Alexis VanLandingham

I got started in the mortgage industry because I wanted a career where I could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I became a licensed mortgage professional in 2012, and after returning to the business full-time 10 years ago, I’ve had the opportunity to help countless individuals and families achieve their dream of homeownership. Read more>>

Gail Gensler

When I was 58 | saw many ads for ‘over 50 residences ‘ and they all depicted people living a lovely though leisurely lifestyle. The sports they showed people doing -doubles tennis and golf. There wasn’t anyone like me- boxing, doing HIlT classes and strength training. Read more>>

Carina Kemelmajer

I’ve always been someone driven by curiosity and the desire to reinvent myself. Before dedicating myself fully to art, I lived in different countries, including Argentina, Uruguay, and now the United States. Every place, every experience, and every challenge has shaped the way I see the world and ultimately influenced my artistic voice. Read more>>

Deana Romano

I started my online journey by sharing a fun little covid hobby of collecting Rae Dunn ceramics and sharing/trading them. We started going to the theme parks after the pandemic and that is when instagram rolled out their reels feature. I taught myself how to make them for fun and that is when my account took off. Read more>>

Julio Cruz

I came to the United States from Cuba with nothing but ambition. When life got serious, I got into the jewelry industry — but not by starting my own business right away. I spent years helping other jewelry store owners build their brands from the ground up. I took multiple stores from startup to two and three million dollars in revenue each. Read more>>

Jasmine Keaton

My journey into graphic and website design started with a passion for creativity and helping others bring their ideas to life. What began as designing for friends, family, and small businesses quickly grew into something I knew I wanted to pursue professionally. Read more>>

Sasha Levinson

I’ve been a film and commercial director since 2001. I knew I wanted to be a filmmaker from a very young age. Sitting in a darkened theater with my Dad watching Return of the Jedi, (I must have been 7) and feeling completely immersed, I thought: THIS. This is what I want to do with the rest of my life. Read more>>

Solange Sosa

Born and raised in Argentina, Mendoza. I grow up with music, folk, and deep feelings towards energy and nature. Music has always been the language I turn to when words alone aren’t enough. I started writing songs and poetry at a young age, using them to process life, love, loss, and everything in between. Read more>>

Alexa & Edreys Wajed

The journey with Eat Off Art began with the belief that art should be experienced, shared, and accessible to everyone. We wanted to build a space where artists, creatives, and the community could gather, connect, and grow together. As we’ve grown, we continue to ask how we can deepen those connections and create even more meaningful opportunities for artists to share their voices. Read more>>

Ivette Faroy Mendez

Casa Faroy Trophies began in Havana, Cuba, in 1927. My grandfather, Emilio Faroy, started the business alongside my grandmother, Maria Faroy, and my mother, Margarita Faroy, grew up surrounded by the award industry and the values of a family-run business. The business remained open in Cuba until 1961. When my family immigrated to Miami, my mother was unsure of what direction to take next. Read more>>

Guillermo Pascual

I started working full time in the construction industry in 1997. Through the years I worked with several different trades, like Union Ironworking & Window Installations before finding my way into the Waterproofing & Concrete Restoration business. After having worked for a large commercial waterproofing company for 13 years in Fort Lauderdale, I went on the open G-Force Waterproofing & Restoration LLC Midway through 2013. Read more>>

Daniel Bourget

My journey started with a passion for music. After several years in a random job I decided it was time to change it up. I went to school for audio engineering and was immediately hooked. 13 years later I have worked at many large commercial studios, and now have my own studio. Read more>>

Angelina Pantuso

I’ve always been a creative person, but I didn’t truly discover my passion for art until I was around 12 years old. Before then, my life revolved around MMA and sports. After undergoing surgeries for a rare foot condition, I spent over a year recovering and had to put that part of my life on hold. Read more>>

Audra Alvarez

I always told myself I wouldn’t go to college until I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my career. The problem was, when I graduated high school, I had absolutely no idea what that would be. Over the next several years, I worked in just about every industry I could think of to make a living. Read more>>

Monika Stefaniak

I’ve been caring for pets professionally for more than 20 years, and my journey started in the most unexpected way — with a walk around the block and a $20 bill I never saw coming. Read more>>

Reshma Anwar

I was born and raised in Leipzig, Germany, to parents from India and Pakistan, and my journey has always been shaped by navigating different cultures and disciplines. I first pursued a career in dance, earning a BFA in Dance from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia and training at The Ailey School in New York. Read more>>

Monica Tranter

My journey has always been driven by one question: How can we help people become the best version of themselves? I began my career as a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator, where I quickly discovered that movement has the power to transform far more than the body—it builds confidence, resilience, discipline, and joy. Read more>>

Halima Ouedraogo

My story begins in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, in West Africa, where I was raised with faith, discipline, culture, and a deep respect for family legacy. I was raised closely by my grandmother Halima, whose name I carry. She was more than a caregiver to me ….she was my first example of strength, elegance, entrepreneurship, and spiritual discipline. Read more>>

Brittney Coke

I am an Entrepreneur and owner of a fashion and beauty brand: Classify Beauty. I am a Human Resource Professional by day and a Fashion and Beauty Babe by way. I am also a College Professor. Classify Beauty was originally a blog created by myself (@iambrittneycc). Fashion, style, and beauty is a way for me to express myself in an artistic manner. Read more>>

Gladys Levy

Baking has always been a part of my life. Growing up, I spent countless hours in the kitchen with my mom making desserts for holidays, family gatherings, and just because we felt like baking. As I got older, that curiosity became my own passion. Read more>>

Madison Christie

I’m standing at the edge of a runway that doesn’t exist yet, chasing a dream that started when I was a little girl. This is my story about chasing the spotlight, and finding out what’s hiding behind it. It was a childhood dream to become a model. I got my first real taste of it in high school, then did some modeling in college. Read more>>

Daniela Blondet

I’ve always had my own food-related businesses back in Lima, Peru, where I studied Food Technology. But before we moved, my family and I completely fell in love with the chocolate business. We wanted a better future for our family, which brought us to Naples in 2019 when we bought Olde Naples Chocolate. Read more>>

Jose Marco

When I look back, it’s incredible to think how much life can change in just a few years. I grew up in Venezuela, where I spent many years helping my parents run their clothing stores. Read more>>

Samantha Sosa

Tap Into It started from a very personal place. As someone who’s neurodivergent, I spent years struggling with mental clutter and fragmented systems. My ideas, routines, goals, and plans were scattered across notes apps, planners, sticky notes, and half-finished journals. About five years ago, I started building my own journals to create the structure I felt was missing from generic journals. Read more>>

Nat Santander

I was born and raised in Cali, Colombia, and I guess photography found me before I found it. Back in high school, my friends were always asking me to take their photos because they liked how they turned out. At the time I didn’t think much of it, I just enjoyed it. Read more>>

Rebecca Proenza

I started writing at a young age, and I published my first book when I was 21. I have also been drawing. Growing up with autism, I struggled with people. Books were always there for me. Read more>>

Kevin Black

I always knew who I was. Ask my friends from high school, middle school, or even elementary school… I’ve always been the same: confident, outspoken, observant, and goofy person. And it will continue to be that way for the rest of my life. If we take it a step further, I’ve always wanted to be involved in the arts. Read more>>

Allyson Gayle

I always had a heart to help people. I grew up seeing my mom help everyone she came in contact with. She is a nurse so caring for people was second nature for her. I remember a time that she made a grocery run to the supermarket and came back home with a homeless family. Yep! You read it correctly. Read more>>

Stephany Junco

For a long time, I became the person everyone could count on. In my career, with my family, in my relationships, and among friends, I was always the one saying ‘yes,’ solving problems, keeping the peace, and putting everyone else’s needs ahead of my own. Read more>>

Amir Browder

I am writing to share the history and evolution of HOMME DC Gallery as we continue our mission of supporting the creative community. My journey began with a deep passion for fashion and art, largely inspired by the London publication Arena Homme+, which I followed closely from a young age. Read more>>

Elmer Hickman

My journey has been anything but traditional. I grew up in Southern Illinois and experienced homelessness and a lot of adversity early in life. Those experiences gave me a deep appreciation for resilience and a genuine desire to help others become the best version of themselves. Read more>>

Liane Gaeta

I have always loved art since I was a child. My Grandfather was an artist who painted beautiful textured colorful paintings that he sold in New York City art shows. He had a very unique style that incorporated objects he would add to his paintings like feathers or wire. Read more>>

Galena Vang

As a kid I spent a lot of time on the internet. As most people my age we were drawn to content creators, gamers, influencers on social media. Fascinated by gaming content creators like Aphmau, DanTDM, Markiplier, etc. I aspired to be like them and do what they do: Make people’s day better by just being themselves. Read more>>

Mat Gosen

My musical journey began in Chile, where I discovered my passion for music at an early age. One of my best friends, Vyron Santos—now a well-known music producer based in Miami—had a studio where I would skip classes just to make music. It was there that I first learned Pro Tools and discovered the world of music production. Read more>>

Trevor Melton

As a top luxury real estate and architectural photographer based in South Florida, my story actually started in Washington DC where I attended film school. I originally wanted to work in television and landed some early gigs out of school, including productions like Shark Week that brought me down to Jupiter and Delray Beach. Read more>>

Julz The Great

My music project, Julz the Great, is all about embracing my most raw and authentic self as an artist. I make garage rock and alernative music that reminds me of my first band from high school. After all that’s transpired in my life musically, it felt right to return to my roots. Read more>>

Romy Robau

I always joke that I fell into this industry, but everyone around me says I was born into it. Looking back, they’re probably right. From a very young age, I loved hosting. I was the kid who was always playing “party,” and I took every birthday way too seriously for a six-year-old. Creating experiences has always been second nature to me. Read more>>

TANIA JANEK

TRAYECTORIA ACADEMIA NACIONAL DEL DEPORTE USA NASM Certificada desde 2,000 Tania Janek es una dedicada professional del fitness. Con su producto Tobilleras de Peso Deslizantes patentado en USA y cuenta con todas las certificaciones de la Academia Nacional de Medicina del Deporte, USA. Read more>>

Anjolie Garcia

My journey into photography started as a teenager, when I would go everywhere with my Canon point-and-shoot camera, but it wasn’t until I became a mother that I truly realized the deep importance of capturing fleeting, special moments. Read more>>

Nilson Silva

I was born in Brazil and moved to the United States when I was 12 years old. Like many immigrant families, we didn’t come here with money or connections. We came with hope, faith, and a willingness to work harder than anyone else. Growing up, I learned early that nothing was guaranteed. Read more>>

Silvia Dominguez Vanni

My journey started on September 10, 2007—the day my entire world changed forever. That was the day my sweet, energetic, healthy four-and-a-half-year-old baby, Salvatore, was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma cancer. In an instant, everything I thought I knew about life disappeared. Read more>>

Sara Parant

After a 5 year long mentally draining/bad relationship I had completely lost myself. I turned to fitness to try and find a new hobby and something I would enjoy. Little did I know I would find my passion for fitness and the wellness community and lifestyle. Read more>>

Star Smart

My journey has not been a smooth road, but it has been deeply formative. I spent my early childhood living a nomadic lifestyle with my hippie parents in the 1970s, which, while rich in experience, also meant instability and constant change. Read more>>

Jaz Flower

I am Jaz Flower, I just turned 24. I live in Melbourne, Victoria Australia. Growing up, I have always had a passion for art, for fashion, for performing, for creating. I was incredibly inspired by early 2000’s MTV in music and fashion. I grew up extremely poor and within a turbulent and domestically violent household. Read more>>

Bhoz Ronen

Some dreams don’t begin on a stage. Mine began in my grandmother’s living room. I was four years old when I saw an old Yamaha keyboard for the first time. I had no idea what the brand was or how the instrument worked. I only remember the sound that filled the room as my grandmother played and sang. To most people, it was just music. Read more>>

Robert Johnston

I’ve always believed that life is too short to be defined by just one passion. Professionally, I’m a ring announcer, host, and commentator across a wide range of combat sports, including MMA, boxing, kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, sanda, capoeira, and xtreme dirty boxing. Read more>>

Kristin Ramos

If you had asked me when I started college what I wanted to do, I honestly wouldn’t have had an answer. I studied Business Marketing at Florida State University because it felt broad enough to keep my options open. Everything changed when I landed an internship with the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce. Read more>>

Kayjah Lorde

Ever since I was young, I’ve dreamed of becoming a content creator. I spent years making videos on Vine, YouTube, and Musical.ly before it became TikTok, but they always ended up in my drafts. For a long time, it was hard to narrow down my focus because I dabbled in everything from performing arts to various creative outlets. Everything changed in 2020. Read more>>

Vlado Konatar

My family immigrated from Montenegro to New Jersey when I was 13. I didn’t speak a word of English, and adjusting to a completely new country, language, and culture was tough. But looking back, that experience is exactly what gave me the ability to adapt: to understand people from different backgrounds, read a room, and communicate with all kinds of people. Read more>>

Jayna Thomas

I often joke that my career has never followed a straight line—but looking back, every chapter prepared me for the next. I grew up believing that success meant creating opportunities not only for myself, but for the people around me. Read more>>

Viktoria Myr

My journey started in Ukraine back in 2015, when I began writing interviews and features about local fashion and lifestyle brands. That experience gave me a behind-the-scenes look at the industry and sparked my passion for storytelling through content. As my platform grew, I started collaborating with Italian and other European brands, creating content that felt authentic and connected with my audience. Read more>>

Luisa Mesa

Before my career as an artist, I was in the business world. Because I always had a passion for art, I decided to study photography on my own; it was my first love. Read more>>

Veronica Fazzio

My journey as an artist has always been driven by deep curiosity, a love for material transformation, and a desire to understand how art connects us to our environments and each other. I began my foundational training in sculpture and photography in Buenos Aires, which sparked a lifelong fascination with how physical materials and captured images can hold memory and tell stories. Read more>>

Remi Fuchs-Ruiz

I come from a family of milliners, also known as hat manufacturers. Many family members have branched out to fill a specific niche in the hat market. This particular set of family members focused on offering consumers stylist and sun protective hats, and created ‘Physician Endorsed’ in 2001. Read more>>

Jaydea Carter

Some of my earliest memories are on a track. I started running when I was five years old, and what began as a childhood activity became a 19-year journey that has shaped every part of who I am. For me, track and field was never just about winning races, lowering times, or becoming a better athlete. It became a place where I could be myself. Read more>>

Laura Waldorf Reiss

People often ask how Kindness Matters began, but the truth is, kindness has always been part of who I am. As a child, I struggled with dyslexia and often felt unseen. Those experiences taught me empathy early in life and helped me understand what it feels like to need someone to believe in you. Read more>>

Odin Gerardo Padilla Álvarez

I started my career in architecture in 2018 at a company in Mexico City, where I worked as a Project Manager. The company participated in federal project competitions. At the beginning, I was assigned small and medium-sized projects, and I completed my time with the company after finishing a project called the North Breakwater of the Port of Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico. Read more>>

Jamie Rodriguez

Jrodconcerts Media was born out of a profound respect for the live music experience and a realization that in the digital age, we are losing the art of deep, human-curated musical storytelling. I started this journey with a camera, a microphone, and a singular mission: to serve as a visual historian and archivist for the artists who move us. Read more>>

Shamaiah Manriquez

My story: I am originally from New York, and currently reside in South Florida. I am an artist, an entrepreneur, and I am also a survivor. My journey has been marked by pain, loss, deep struggle, and unwavering faith, but also by healing and transformation. I have walked through some of life’s hardest experiences and darkest moments. Read more>>

Joni Gomes

Food has always been a big part of my upbringing and has shown me that it can help create a human connection anywhere in the world. I grew up in Germany and moved to Florida with my family at age 15. While living in Europe, my family and I would travel all over and I got to experience different dishes, flavors and traditions. Read more>>

Andrea Lorena

My story has never been very linear, but I think that is what shaped me as a creative. I was born in Peru and moved to Miami when I was young, so I grew up between cultures and languages. Looking back, I think that feeling of being in between made me extra observant. Read more>>

Eileen CORSE

When my last child was born, I quit working as a Court Reporter to stay home with him. I quickly became bored. That’s when I found my art. I have been fortunate to say that painting is my career now. It’s been a complete blessing to be able to do what I love for a living! Read more>>

Juan Jose Vargas

I was born in the year 1995 at a hospital in Cali, Colombia. My parents were two very hardworking individuals that did everything they can to provide me and my brothers the life we deserve. Around the year 1999, just as I turned four-years-old, and my brain began developing some type of memory, I got hit with the biggest dose of dopamine ever. Read more>>

Angelik Santana Campbell

My love for baking began as a teenager, when I would bake treats for my family simply because I enjoyed creating something sweet for the people I loved. What started as an occasional hobby soon became something much bigger. One day, I brought a cake to work to share with my coworkers. Everyone loved it and encouraged me to begin selling my desserts. Read more>>

Ricardo Bello

I began my public artistic journey when I was 16 or 17 years old ( Now I am 48 years old). I started out drawing people—I’ve always enjoyed sketching human figures. Back then, I had the chance to meet a comedian whose work I admired and bring a drawing I’d made to his show. Read more>>

Liz LaVenture

My journey into the beauty industry wasn’t a straight path. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and later completed my MBA, fully expecting to build a career in the corporate world. Over time, I realized I wanted something more personal and fulfilling, something that allowed me to make a direct impact on people’s confidence every day. Read more>>

Brittney Webley

Hi my name is ludger bolivar During the pandemic, while working as a registered respiratory therapist, witnessing firsthand the pain, loss, and uncertainty that so many families experienced. Day after day, I saw people suffer, and it changed my perspective on life. Read more>>

Laura Knight

I’ve always had a keen disposition for the arts, as a child I would spend a significant amount of time coloring or sketching. As I got older I would use magazines and books to find images to draw. During high school art classes I began experimenting with acrylic paint and found that I enjoyed that medium. Read more>>

Lizaida Enamorado

My healthcare journey began in 2000 when I became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). At the time, I was young, unmarried, and eager to make a difference in people’s lives. Read more>>

Maribel Rojas

About 12 years ago, I started with a simple goal: help people move better, feel better, and get back to doing what they love. What began as massage therapy quickly grew into a much deeper passion for understanding how the body works. Read more>>

June Michelle Papps

My journey as a travel content creator began in 2016, after my first trip to Europe. I joined a group bus tour that took me across seven countries, and that experience truly changed me. It opened my eyes to how vast and beautiful the world is, and it gave me a new sense of confidence, independence, and curiosity. Read more>>

Monica Gonzalez

Hello! I’m Monica, the heart behind Beyond a Smile, where science meets beauty. My journey has always been centered around helping people feel confident. I began my career as a dentist in Peru, where I discovered how much a healthy smile could transform someone’s confidence and quality of life. Read more>>

Sonia Morales-Barros

I started this journey in 1990, and I don’t regret a single minute of it. As I now look toward retirement, I can honestly say that choosing a path you truly love makes all the difference. When you love what you do, work never really feels like work—it becomes a passion, and every day brings something meaningful to enjoy and appreciate. Read more>>

Katherine Maria

I am from Bronx, NY with a Dominican heritage. The second born out of five total siblings. I relocated to Florida in August of 2020. My first job at 14 years old, was at an After school program helping children with homework and preparing lesson plans. I then worked in a Daycare, and after that worked in a ABA center, before coming to Florida. Read more>>

Memphis Garrett

I was born in Paducah, Kentucky, by a hardworking single mother who taught me resilience, responsibility, and how to keep moving forward even when you do not have much. Read more>>

Graig Weich

But first let us tell you a little more: Graig Weich is an artist, writer, film director, and founder of BeyondComics.TV . Graig is signed by one of Disney’s digital distributors VeVe, selling out worldwide, and his short films have won the HBO sponsored UASE award, the NYIIFV award, and a Comic Book Museum award. Read more>>

Alan Guzman Luisa Zapata

Our names are Alan and Luisa, and Cleaning Specialist USA started for us in 2018. That year was very hard, and we were just beginning our life as a couple. Many things were going wrong at the same time, but we decided we were not going to give up. Read more>>

Gabriel Aguilar

I didn’t grow up surrounded by music — I often wish I had. I was born and raised in Cuba, and growing up in the early 2000s, life looked very different than it does for many kids today. We didn’t have internet at home, computers, or the latest technology. We spent our days playing outside. I had never even seen a piano in person. Read more>>

Malik Myers

Movies have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Read more>>

Leanne Rutter

In second grade, one of my composition notebook entries read: “I want to be a dokter so I can help peepl.” The spelling has improved, but the goal hasn’t changed. Read more>>

Natalia Mora

Nanny Nurture was built from years of firsthand experience inside private homes. Before stepping into recruitment and placement, I worked directly with families in household management, childcare, and family assistant roles. Read more>>

Gee Griglen

This feels a little cliché, but honestly, my journey started in church. I would go week after week, but I wasn’t really doing anything beyond just showing up. Read more>>

Silvio Campos

My story didn’t start with photography as a career. It started with looking. Before the camera, there was painting, drawing, the body, light, mistakes, and that strange Cuban education where you learn to create with almost nothing because almost nothing is what you have. Read more>>

Andres paulino

It began as a form of escapism watching YouTube videos. Then the world collectively watched George Floyd take his last breath by an institution that swore to protect and serve their community. Rage and purpose consume me and I began documenting the streets of New York City. Slowly I rediscovered my love for photography. Read more>>

Christen Thompson

I started a nonprofit organization, the Palm Beach County Imagination Library, in 2020, during the pandemic. My husband Nicholas Thompson is a professional golfer, and my background is as an attorney, and we always talked about wanting to do something to give back to our community. Read more>>

CARLOS SARMIENTO

Four years ago, Voyage Miami featured me and my passion project, Carlos’ Food & Wine. At the time, I never imagined how much the journey would grow, evolve, and enrich my life. Looking back now, I can honestly say it has been one of the most rewarding adventures I’ve ever embarked on. Read more>>

Prince Obutahmugabi

I think, everyone has their own version of struggles, no one, is ever comfortable. And I believe that uncomfortableness is what drives me today. As a dreamer, I am inspired from the creations that come from within, so as I see, I create. This is how this luxury brand started. Read more>>

Meghan Connolly

I’m a content creator, social marketing consultant, lover of e-commerce and social selling, real estate broker, and have a passion for my faith, health + wellness, giving back, and connecting people. I developed my work ethic in my hometown of New York’s metropolitan area, where I launched my career after graduating with a BA from Villanova University. Read more>>

Michael Leeds

I started off as a Broadway dancer. Then moved on to choreographing and acting. That led to writing and directing on B’way and off, which in turn resulted in my screenwriting career (currently, I’ve had six movies I’ve co-written and Co-Executive Produced). I’ve also been teaching and coaching actors here in South Florida for the last ten years. Read more>>

Juancho Rodriguez

Mine is a story of many people and many places. I’ve taken inspiration from the incredible human beings who I’ve considered mentors throughout my life, including my own mother, and I’ve built a career that, to many, defies expectations. I was born in Cali, Colombia, and raised in Miami, FL. Read more>>

Ashley Lucas

I started my sea glass art & coastal decor brand (Sook & Hook) a few years after moving to the Jersey Shore to escape city life during the pandemic. It was my perfect way to marry my newfound obsession of beach combing with my previous life as an illustrator and arts educator in the NYC city area. Read more>>

Jeanel Guelee

My journey started with entrepreneurship. At 20, I fully launched Starlight Beauty Bar, where I built my career in the beauty and wellness industry. Like many entrepreneurs, I poured everything into growing my business and quickly learned that success requires discipline, resilience, and a willingness to adapt. As I continued building, I began noticing something that wasn’t unique to me. Read more>>

Keondra Yeboah

Hair has been my passion since I was a little girl. To me, hair is a form of self-expression, and I truly believe that when you look good, you feel good. I love helping people look and feel their absolute best. Being a hairstylist is incredibly rewarding because I have the opportunity to empower women and help them feel beautiful, confident, and uplifted. Read more>>

Paola Schwerer

Virtuosa and Healed & Unfiltered were born from my own transformation. Before I found Jesus, I spent years searching for identity, healing, and purpose in all the wrong places. When I fully surrendered my life to Christ, He didn’t just change my behavior. He changed my heart. The healing process was beautiful, but it was also painful, stretching, and deeply refining. Read more>>

Alix Crosby

My journey has always been about energy and moving people, but the way that manifests has completely transformed. For my entire life, I was a pure Parisian, a ‘Parisienne for life,’ or so I thought. Read more>>

Sara Rivera

I am originally from Colombia, and my first profession is Fashion Design. Throughout my life, I have continued expanding my education in areas that complement my profession, including image consulting, marketing, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), manufacturing processes, quality systems, and process improvement methodologies. I have always believed in continuous learning. Read more>>

Samantha Rose

With over 15 years of experience in digital marketing, my journey started when I was 18 years old working as a receptionist at my aunt’s day spa in Coral Gables. At the time, social media looked very different (there were no business pages yet), so I began experimenting with Facebook Notes, blogging, website creation, and HTML email marketing. Read more>>

Pat Sparling

I grew up in Chicago, where my passion for photography began at an early age. My mother worked for Life magazine, and before I could even read, I was captivated by the remarkable photographs found in the books and magazines she brought home. Read more>>

Gina Mellish

My pageant journey began as a competitor, earning the titles of Miss New Jersey Teen USA and Miss New Jersey USA, placing Top 10 at Miss USA in 2020. Through those experiences, I discovered my passion wasn’t just competing, it was helping others grow. Read more>>