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.
Luis Dewendt 
I started in sales, but music has always been the thing underneath everything. I produce and DJ, and Ascend is the world I’m building around that: music, events, community, and a feeling people can actually attach to. Right now, I’m in a season of sharpening both sides: building in tech and payments during the day, while developing Ascend into something bigger at night. Read more>>
Jorden Forest 
My journey with music really started in 2020 when I met Eddy Rock. Before then, music had always been something I loved, but meeting Eddy was what pushed me to actually start writing, recording, and taking the idea of becoming an artist seriously. He helped introduce me to the process of creating music and gave me the confidence to start finding my own sound. Read more>>
LEON EGOZI 
I am a native of Miami first generation of Cuban decent. I am a general and breast surgeon currently practicing in Aventura. I am also a functional medicine doctor helping my patients navigate their health issues in a more natural way than conventional medicine. I have been practicing surgery since moving back to Miami in 1992. Read more>>
Kennedy Baldon 
I’m from Memphis, Tennessee, and grew up in Marion, Arkansas. Since I was young, I’ve been drawn to storytelling and the idea of becoming someone people could see themselves in. That interest eventually grew into three connected passions: acting, writing, and modeling. Read more>>
Michael Janis & Tony Porto Janis + Porto 
Tony Porto and I have actually been collaborating, arguing about design, and making each other laugh for more than 40 years. We met at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago in the late 1970s. I was studying architecture, Tony was studying graphic design, and we were in the same fraternity—a very blue-collar, working-class sort of fraternity at a tech and engineering school. Think nerds. Read more>>
Sampson Kuvenguhwa 
My name is Sampson Kuvenguhwa, although many people know my sculptures through the signature “Sam Kuve.” I was born in 1953 in Mudzi, in eastern Zimbabwe, and my journey into art began in childhood. I started carving at around ten years old, inspired by my grandparents’ craftsmanship. They made useful objects by hand, including wooden household items and baskets, and my grandmother also made pottery. Read more>>
Mark Gibson
I’m what we call the Chief Zen Officer at OHMyeah.com, which sounds like a pretty fancy title until someone asks, “Wait, but what the heck does a Chief Zen Officer actually do?” The short answer is: I help guide the day-to-day operations and look for creative ways to support our artists, strengthen the business, and keep OHMyeah.com moving in the right direction. Read more>>
Jolie Glassman 
My story started in Beverly Hills, but my childhood was far from easy. My father died when I was two, and I grew up with a very difficult and unstable home life. At 15, I ran away and began supporting myself. I put myself through school, worked multiple jobs, and eventually earned degrees in chemistry and education, along with a master’s in behavior. Read more>>
Karina Kulikova 
My journey in real estate began long before I moved to the United States. I had already spent 17 years working in real estate in Russia, including experience with one of the country’s largest real estate companies. During those years, I completed extensive professional training, much of it based on American real estate practices and sales systems. Read more>>
ilana roit 
I went from taking pictures of my food to curating intimate dinner parties in South Florida. Here’s how. I’ve spent a ridiculous amount of money chasing the latest wellness trends, only to wonder: was it actually worth it, or did I fall for good marketing? I’ve cold plunged every day, eaten a carnivore diet (literally ONLY meat), and even flown to Korea for beauty treatments. Read more>>
Ricky Joseph 
I started in 2022 on Halloween night coming from work and didn’t wanted to go home so to blow off steam I drove downtown and met some artists who was in the scene and found out there was a creative side in south Florida. That when I knew I have an opportunity not only to be known as a dancer but also as a drummer. Read more>>
Alie Skowronski 
Ever since I was young, I was fascinated by the ocean. When I was in middle school trapped in land locked Ohio, I found a book in my tiny school library about the Galápagos. That book stuck with me and, a decade later, became part of the reason I started scuba diving. Read more>>
Chris Cartwright
I got started doing music at 13 then got serious with recording music in professional studios at 17 on South Beach with my friends music label called Kingpin Station while also learning the business side of things. Read more>>
Angie Ferrer 
I have a pretty long story, and considering everything I still want and like to do, I don’t think this is over yet… My first important job was at a TV station, in the commercial area, working on non-traditional advertising, sales and development. I loved working there. Read more>>
Tracy Vessillo 
My career in hospitality actually began in the kitchen. I started with Compass Group as an Executive Chef with FLIK International, serving corporate clients in New York City. I loved the culinary side of the business, but I quickly became interested in the bigger picture—how teams are built, how operations work, and ultimately how great hospitality businesses grow. Read more>>
Nicole Meyer 
I spent 17 years in education, and for most of my adult life, that was a huge part of how I defined myself. I taught, coached other educators, facilitated professional development, and took on leadership roles, but some of my earliest lessons about leading people actually came before I ever stepped into a classroom. Read more>>
Sonia Tigero 
My story has never followed a straight line. It has unfolded through more than four decades of education, culinary arts, entrepreneurship, plant-based food, and Ayurveda. For many years, I thought these were separate chapters. Today, I understand that each one prepared me for the work I am doing now. I began as an educator. Read more>>
Stefano Terranera 
My journey as a DJ and producer started in Rome in 2005, driven by a genuine passion for music and the energy of bringing people together through it. Read more>>
Robin Louis
Hello world. My name is Robin Louis. I’am a dj, producer and songwriter signed to Pitbull & Mr. 305 Inc Records. I was born in Camagüey Cuba in the year 1981. My family and I arrived in the United States ten years later on January 11th 1991.. Read more>>
Iris Jones 
Every Skin Tells God’s Story The Journey of Iris Jones, Founder of Every Skin Company Iris Jones is a licensed esthetician, entrepreneur, skincare product creator, and proud holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Supervision and Administration. Read more>>
Pieter Valk 
I grew up Christian, and in middle school I realized I was gay. At the time, I didn’t have a framework for how those two parts of my life could fit together. Most of what I had heard from Christians about LGBT+ people was either silence or condemnation, and I spent years afraid that being fully known would mean losing my Christian community. Read more>>
Dyrus Craddieth 
My journey as a professional dog trainer started with a genuine passion for understanding dogs and helping owners build better relationships with them. I’m originally from Chicago, and after moving to Jackson, Mississippi, in 2014, I began turning that passion into a career. Read more>>
Diana Bartomeu 
If you had asked me when I graduated from Florida International University with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication where my career would take me, I probably would not have said luxury estate management. But looking back now, every chapter of my career prepared me for exactly what I do today. Read more>>
Sara Vono-Caires 
My journey into the world of florals was a bit unexpected—and, in many ways, feels like a happy accident. I grew up with a mom who was always gardening, so flowers were a constant part of my childhood. Still, it wasn’t until about six years ago, when I started working in a greenhouse, that I truly discovered how much they meant to me. Read more>>
Zach Elalouf
I was working at a restaurant serving food for 4 dollars an hour plus tips… an opportunity came up and I made the quick decision to leave my job and chase something else. 1 week later I found myself on a US North America tour to assist a couple of friends of mine. Read more>>
Michael Kugel 
Back in 2008 my father and I had each had a dog. We were feeding them all natural foods. We asked eachother a simple question. ‘There has to be betters treats out there?’ So after looking……we could not find anything that fit what we were looking for. So we went into business. We started with 23 products and today have over 90. Read more>>
Elizabeth Dashiell 
My mother raised me with a love of literature, art and the natural environment. Storytelling is a cultural tradition in the south, and growing up in South Florida I had the privilege of discovering a multitude of others’ stories through their art. I studied writing, theater and film throughout my university years and applied all of those skills in my first public relations job. Read more>>
maca rodriguez 
Photography came to me when I wasn’t really looking for it. I was lucky to come across this work and explore it in this way. Through my earlier years, I had a couple of gentle introductions to this art, which, in hindsight, feel like a sweet foreshadowing. Read more>>
Olga Baggett 
My story in the fashion industry began just two years ago, rather unexpectedly. I came to a fashion show as a volunteer. At the time, I had no idea how much that experience would change my life. Read more>>
Maria Gabriela Hoch 
My story began in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I built my career in public relations and communications. I have always been drawn to people—their stories, their potential, and what becomes possible when they have the support and opportunities to grow. Read more>>
Genesis Garrido 
I am a Venezuelan women’s soccer leader whose journey has been shaped by resilience, adversity, and transformation. I was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, where I developed as a high-level soccer player. I represented the state of Miranda at the U17 and U20 levels and played professionally for Unicolf and Deportivo La Guaira until 2016. Read more>>
Rachel Samek 
My path to becoming a family law attorney began at the University of Michigan, where I studied psychology and sociology including how families, relationships, and life circumstances shape people’s decisions and experiences. While in law school, I sought out opportunities that allowed me to understand the human side of the legal system. Read more>>
Randye Karmin 
I knew from an early age that I wanted to become a physician. I have always had a passion for helping others, combined with a genuine love of science, and medicine felt like the perfect way to bring those two interests together. Read more>>
Christine Destine
My journey with Prez Embroidery started with something simple I love creating things that make people feel special. I’ve always enjoyed being creative, and embroidery gave me a way to take that creativity and turn it into something meaningful. When I first started, I honestly didn’t know exactly where it would lead. Read more>>
lori friedman 
I was born into and grew up in the life insurance world as the daughter of Insurance Icon Sid Friedman. I learned many things but the one rule that shaped everything: One day, we are all going to die and the most loving thing you could ever do is prepare the people you love for when this day happens. Read more>>
Ombretta Agro Andruff 
I consider myself a wave-maker with purpose – part cultural curator, part ocean crusader. I bring together art, activism, and storytelling to create meaningful connections and inspire change, whether through exhibitions, public programs, or leading group snorkeling adventures. Born and raised in Turin, Italy, I fell in love with New York City during my first visit at the age of nine. Read more>>
Chiris Verdugo 
I started making music in 2006, when a childhood friend invited me to join his emo-punk band, Katie. Their guitarist was leaving for an exchange program in China, and that’s how I ended up joining the band. I also became very close friends with that guitarist over the years, so in a way, music brought several important friendships into my life from the very beginning. Read more>>
Tiffany Marshall 
My professional journey started in the classroom. I spent 14 years as an English teacher, and while I loved teaching, I was overworked, underpaid, and often felt undervalued. I started looking for ways to earn more and create something of my own. Starting a business felt like the best path for me. Read more>>
ron besser
I got into the Entertainment Business specializing in Tribute Bands, Tribute Shows and Celebrity Look Alike Impersonators with forming Besser Entertainment 35 years ago. I love what I do and describe my profession as ‘making people happy’. which I accomplish by producing shows and all those attending leave with a lasting and happy memory. Read more>>
Erin Marie 
My story really began with my own desire to understand what it looked like to walk with God in a way that was deeply personal and practical. I had built a successful career in marketing and leadership, earned my MBA, and learned how to create strategy, build brands, and lead people well. Read more>>
Leila Centner 
I am the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Centner Academy, an independent private school with a focus on entrepreneurship, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and academic excellence. I founded Centner Academy with a vision to reimagine education—one that honors the whole child emotionally, physically, spiritually, and intellectually while offering a challenging, future-focused curriculum. Read more>>
Doug Skoke 
I’m a Miami kid, not born but definitely raised, and the person I am today has been shaped far more by life experience than anything you’ll find on my résumé. I grew up in a loving and supportive environment. We didn’t have a lot financially, but I never felt like we lacked anything of substance. Read more>>
Linda Uribe 
Read The Room really grew out of a love of finding special things and the belief that a home should feel personal rather than prescribed. I’ve always been drawn to objects with character—pieces from different periods, countries and makers that may have very little in common on paper but somehow work beautifully together. Read The Room opened in May 2026. Read more>>
Chloe Peña
Day Of Socials officially became a business about four years ago, but I actually started doing this back in 2016. Read more>>
Stephany Jimenez
At 33, asking myself where it all began takes me back, far back. Maybe it began when I lost my father to the violence that consumed Colombia in the 1990s. But if I go a little further into my memory, I find myself in Miami in the summer of 1997. Read more>>
