Today we’d like to introduce you to Joaquin Ortiz.
Joaquin is a rare breed. He is a native Californian, an accomplished chef, former Managing Partner of a Segafredo Café franchise and creator of the nonprofit foundation Conscious Acts of Kindness. It seems he has his hands in many pots and judging by his history, he knows exactly what to do with them.
Raised in Los Angeles by a family of foodies, Joaquin grew up with a passion for cuisine. At age 17 he moved to Miami, enrolled in culinary school and later received degrees in Culinary Arts and Business Hospitality Management from Johnson and Wales University. Although being in the kitchen felt comfortable for Joaquin, he quickly realized that he was a great businessman capable of leading an entire restaurant.
Lending himself to that role, he worked with James Beard Award winning Chef Norman van Aken as a manager and development consultant for many of his restaurants. He went on to train with Michelin Star Chef David Bouley in New York and later opened David Bouley’s Evolution in the Ritz Carlton on South Beach. He has also worked with restaurateur heavy hitters such as Mark Militello of Marks South Beach and Myles Chefetz of Prime 112.
As Joaquin’s resume grew, so did his creativity. However in 2006, Joaquin’s career was put on hold when he was hit by a SUV and pinned against a boat, breaking his back and facing the possibility of never walking again. Refusing to accept his projected fate, Joaquin began physical therapy, acupuncture and weekly chiropractor visits. “I refused to be a victim,” he told NBC reporter Roxanna Vargas when she interviewed him for a “Lucky to be Alive” feature. The injury and recovery process made Joaquin question the larger picture of his life. He thought, “It’s not enough to just survive; it’s after you survive, what do you do?” With his new outlook, everyday became a blessing. This attitude became the catalyst for work that changed the lives of many.
In 2009, with a business mind, a keen thumb and an eye for fashion, he created the lifestyle brand Provider, a clothing company that promoted positive social interaction and embraced the values of family, friendship, and helping others. A few years later Joaquin realized the philosophy of Provider Lifestyle could be stretched globally to help people all over the world. Thus, he founded the nonprofit foundation Conscious Acts of Kindness. His nonprofit work quickly gained popularity and was featured on NBC, CBS and Telemundo Network as well as in the publications 944, Key Biscayne and GQ Magazine. In 2009, he was inducted into Biltmore’s “Who’s Who Among Executives and Professionals” Association as a lifetime member.
Finding true joy in helping others, Joaquin embarked on the next chapter in his life and earned a Life Coaching Certification. He has since spoken to children at schools across the US, been the keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony of his alma mater and a motivational speaker to companies across the US. His credible background has led him into business development consulting with various small businesses and national brands such as KIND Healthy Snacks and Whole Foods Market.
In May of 2011, Joaquin told 944 Magazine in an interview that he had a dream to bring all the things he was most passionate about – art, fashion, community, food and drink – and combine it into a “lifestyle store that would revolutionize the way people shop and interact.” Five years later, he teamed up with two of his best friends, Francisco Musalem and Henrik Telle and opened Tea & Poets, an indoor art-walk style market, full service tea bar and live performance venue in the heart of South Miami.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Tea & Poets – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Tea & Poets brings the lure of an indoor art walk style market, full service tea bar and live performances by local artists to the heart of South Miami.
The market at Tea & Poets is open 7 days a week and is located in the heart of South Miami in The Shops at Sunset Place. From designer clothes and jewelry to vintage art, books, lamps, hand-made soap, artifacts, paintings, eyewear and collectibles, the market pulsates with creativity. On any given day, visitors can buy the most original designs and watch artisans at work, from designers sewing one of a kind garments to silversmiths crafting custom rings.
At the forefront of Tea Gastronomy, Tea & Poets continually draws from their vast collection of fine harvested teas and signature blends from around the world. Their baristas customize and blend each tea based on the needs of the client. Whether you are in need of more energy, a hangover cure or an immune boost, guests are assured to have the perfect brew set in front of them. Although at first you might feel like you have stepped back in time into an apothecary, you will soon realize that Tea & Poets is redefining the way you drink tea.
Tea & Poets features live performances by local artists ranging from poets, comedians, singers, musicians, thespians and all creative minds. Tea & Poets will host yoga classes, TV watch parties, sporting events, board game nights and various other shindigs.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love that Miami is a young city and full of creative minds. We are cultivating the culture of South Florida each day a new store or restaurant opens and an artist exhibits a new creation. It’s a very exciting time to be living in Miami! If you recognize that as a creative influencer you have the ability to build the culture of a city, it’s a pretty empowering idea.
One of the difficulties I find in Miamians, is that they all talk about where they are from or where they are moving to. It seems that no one commits to being “Miami”
I feel that once you own your city, weather or not you were born here makes no difference, you should say I want to make my home and city the best place possible.
Pricing:
- Tea & coffee between $2.95 & $4.90
- Beer & Wine Between $4.00 & $10.00
- Sandwiches, Salads, Locally Baked Goods and Snacks between $1.50 & $8.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 5701 Sunset Drive Unit 126
South Miami, FL 33143 - Website: www.TeaAndPoets.com
- Phone: 786-216-7201
- Email: TeaAndPoets@gmail.com
- Instagram: @TeaAndPoets
- Facebook: @TeaAndPoets
- Twitter: N/A
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tea-and-poets-south-miami?osq=tea
- Other: Snapchat @TeaAndPoets
Image Credit:
Tea & Poets
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
