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.
Nina Mas
I come from a strong lineage of medical professionals – basically a family tree of white coats. My grandfather built a practice that grew with three of his four children, while my other aunt managed the office. Today, my dad and uncle still run it, and even my late sister became a physician before her passing. Naturally, I wanted nothing to do with healthcare. Read more>>
Alec Bashein
I was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and earned my bachelor’s degree in Real Estate from the University of Central Florida in 2016. After graduating, I began my career in commercial real estate brokerage and joined Marcus & Millichap in 2017, where I learned the ins and outs of private party investment sales. Read more>>https://voyagemia.com/interview/exploring-life-business-with-alec-bashein-of-capfree-xchange
Vinodini Dasi
I have been a professional astrologer for more than 15 years and have given over 5,000 readings to clients around the world. My journey began in college, inspired by Aristotle’s timeless reminder to “know thyself.” Astrology became my gateway into self-development and understanding my soul’s path—long before I ever realized it would one day become my service to others. Read more>>
Landysh Ivanova
My story with flowers began sixteen years ago — back then, it was just a job. But flowers have a special way of changing people’s moods. I saw how a simple bouquet could make someone smile, bring comfort, or say what words couldn’t. And slowly, I realized this wasn’t just work — it became part of who I am. Read more>>
Isabella De Yavorsky
We started WellUp a little over a year ago with a simple idea: to create elevated, luxurious wellness experiences that brought people together in a meaningful way. What makes our story even more special is how it all began. Read more>>
Leonardo Valencia
i’m a first-generation American who grew up in Hialeah, Florida, in a home where resources were limited but curiosity was unlimited. My parents always encouraged my love for art and music, even when we didn’t have much, and that passion shaped the course of my life. Read more>>
Diana Garcia
I was born with an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep love for connecting with people, but I never imagined real estate would become the path that truly defined me. My journey started the way many do, with curiosity, a desire for growth, and the courage to take a chance on a new city: Miami. Read more>>
Cadija Barnett
My story begins with deep gratitude to my ancestors — the ones whose lives, sacrifices, and ashé cleared the path for me. I was raised by a powerful line of matrilineal women who modeled compassion, service, and spiritual devotion. My maternal grandmother, a Seventh-day Adventist and one of the founders of her church, kept an open door and an open heart. Read more>>
Yanet Pajaro
I was born in Venezuela and came to the United States with just $60 in my pocket—$20 of which I still carry with me as a reminder of where I started. My first job was cleaning houses. That humble beginning became the foundation of a cleaning business that eventually grew into a franchise. But while I was building a business, I was also rebuilding myself. Read more>>
David Bargamento
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Legacy Basketball Academy began long before it had a name. Its foundation was laid by my father, Mornie “Coach Dave” Bargamento a community legend, mentor, coach, and father figure to countless young people. While he lived for his family, his purpose extended far beyond our home, and he discovered that purpose early on. Read more>>
Ashley Baillio
Sure! I grew up in Southern California, studied at University of Georgia- thanks to an academic scholarship, and landed back in California after graduation- working with Chick-fil-A’s marketing department. That’s where I met my husband and we opened our first Chick-fil-A franchise in San Diego in 2010. In 2015, Chick-fil-A allowed us to surrender the California location for an opportunity in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Read more>>
Michelle Borrayo
I actually started creating a swimwear line about 7–8 years ago, but at the time I never did anything with it. It wasn’t until I worked regular 9–5 jobs that I realized everything I was doing for other people, I could be doing for myself. Read more>>
Daniela Mostelac Díaz
I actually started with jewelry much earlier than people think. During COVID, when I was 15 and 16, I spent a lot of time making handmade pieces with whatever supplies I could get from Michaels. I loved it. I loved how jewelry made me feel, how it made me look, and how it gave me confidence. Read more>>
Mia Butler
I started my journey in skincare about four years ago, long before I ever imagined owning a business. At the time I was simply a young mom trying to figure out my purpose and create a life that felt aligned with who God was calling me to be. Read more>>
Trey Dyer
Get ready to meet Trey, the ultimate party-starting DJ who lives and breathes the electrifying world of turntables. With over 20 years of non-stop groove, this New Orleans native knows how to rock the house like no other. Hailing from the city of celebrations, Trey not only earned a degree in Multimedia Production but also a reputation as the life of any party. Read more>>
Sonia Sanchez Nieto
I was born in Spain in June 1976. I always loved to paint and to be surrounded by Art. For that reason, I asked my parents to sign me up for an after after-school art program. I was lucky because my parents signed me up for a prestigious art school led for the amazing artist Jaime Sanchez. Read more>>
Emilio Héctor Rodríguez
I was born in the colonial village of Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, in 1950. My family moved to Havana before I reached the age of three. My encounter with art was in my early childhood, when I visited different museums in Havana and other cities in Cuba. Since my early childhood I exhibited a precocious talent for painting and drawing. Read more>>
Dr. Tiffany Di Pietro
I was born and raised in Fort Pierce, a small-ish town on Florida’s Treasure Coast. Growing up in a tight-knit community shaped a lot of who I am – it taught me the value of knowing your neighbors, showing up for people, and keeping your word. Read more>>
Devin Vance
I joined Classic Marble Restoration nearly 25 years ago with one goal in mind: to deliver the highest standard of stone care to South Florida’s most discerning homeowners, estate managers, and yacht crews & captains. I saw early on that while plenty of companies could “get the job done,” very few were built on long-term relationships, consistency, and pride in their craft. Read more>>
Shama Pawar
Shama Pawar is the founder of The Kishkinda Trust and convener of the INTACH Anegundi – Hampi chapter a visionary rooted in the World Heritage Site (WHS) of Hampi. Her work has primarily been in conservation of environmental, tangible and intangible heritage driven by community guided by sustainability. Read more>>
JM Ryerson
I started my career in the financial services world, built three companies, and eventually sold each one. The success looked great on paper, but what pushed me forward was something more personal. I wrote my first book, Let’s Go Win, for my wife and our two sons, never imagining it would become the foundation of an entire philosophy. Read more>>
Glynnis Nieves
I actually began my teaching career unexpectedly. A teacher at the music school I had attended left suddenly, and I was asked to step in as a substitute. At first, I assisted all the teachers and worked mostly with young beginner piano students. Read more>>
Dr. Richard Rosado
I like to joke that my chiropractic journey began long before I ever stepped foot in a clinic, it actually started in my parents living room. Growing up in a somewhat holistic household, my parents had a unique approach to managing my very noticeable hyperactivity. While other kids were given medication for their hyperactivity, I was enrolled in Tai Chi and meditation classes. Read more>>
Alexander Ringleb
Alexander Ringleb was born in Germany and came to the United States as a young man with nothing but work ethic, resilience, and a deep curiosity for the world. Read more>>
Alex Domashenko
I moved to Miami in late 2022 at the age of 40, having left all my belongings, property, and history behind. After decades of building a corporate career, I realized it was time to start my own business and build my own legacy and equity from scratch. Read more>>
Robbriannia Johnson
Throughout my time in the nonprofit sector working with young girls and women and as an African American woman that has given birth I’ve witnessed firsthand the medical neglect that women of color encounter. I wanted to be that person can that can advocate for women during a vulnerable time in their lives, giving birth and bringing in new life. Read more>>
Myrlande “Lande” Simeon
was born and raised in Miami to immigrant Haitian parents who taught me the value of hard work, faith and resilience. Their sacrifices shaped everything about who I am and pushed me to build a life rooted in purpose and service. My career in finance began, where I spent years learning how to truly support entrepreneurs and families with the right financial tools. Read more>>
Cedia Dallas
4 year degree at the university of miami in athletics training. now working full time for for UHealth. Started a womens non-profit this year for women of ages between 18 & 35 rooted in community and outreach. Navigating my love for music again Full-time mom Read more>>
April and John Parks
For more than 30 years, Sea Breeze Marine Co. has been keeping South Florida’s boaters cool and comfortable. Founded as a small, family-operated service business, we began with a simple mission: to provide reliable, high-quality marine air conditioning and refrigeration services with honesty, craftsmanship, and care. Read more>>
Andre Dunand
Born and raised in Miami, I am a proud second- and third-generation Cuban American whose roots, family values, and hometown culture shaped the foundation of his life’s work. Read more>>
Stefany Blanco
I’m Stefany “Fefa” Blanco, I was born in Caracas and Miami has been home for the last seven years. My story really starts when life pushed me to reinvent myself. Like many immigrants, I arrived here with uncertainty, a lot of dreams, and no clear map just the feeling that I was meant for something different, something creative, something mine. Read more>>
Maryuri Velazquez
Meet Our Expert: Maryuri A. Velazquez, LMT, CLT A Leader in Lymphatic Health and Holistic Wellness in Davie, Florida For more than twenty-five years, Maryuri A. Velazquez has dedicated her career to improving the health, comfort, and confidence of her clients. Read more>>
Geydis Lambarri
My journey in the applied behavior analysis (ABA) field began over 6 years ago when I started working in ABA therapy operations. What began as a single role quickly became a passion for helping ABA practices strengthen their systems, especially in South Florida, amid rising fraud in the industry. Read more>>
Zindi Lopez
When Covid began in March 2020, life took an unexpected turn. I was laid off from my job, and as a single mother of two, I had to find a way to keep the bills paid and food on the table. That moment became the start of something new — something built from love, resilience, and passion. Read more>>
Mariana / Paula Gonzalez/ Vasco Velez
At the time, Mariana was teaching at an elementary school, and Paula was building a career in the fintech industry while pursuing her MBA. We both realized that, although we appreciated our careers, something essential was missing, that spark of purpose that gives life true meaning. Read more>>
Paul Marcelin
But even after years of success in both industries, I kept seeing the same pattern: people were working hard, earning money, but still missing the path to true wealth and freedom. That’s what inspired me to create The Hybrid Wealth System, a blueprint that teaches agents, entrepreneurs, and investors how to turn their insurance and real estate income into long-term financial freedom. Read more>>
Gaynor van Vuuren
South Africa was a wonderful place to grow up, but it wasn’t always easy for young musicians. Sheet music and teachers were difficult to find. Still, I was obsessed. I’d wake up at 5:30 every morning to practice, waking everyone up. My dad finally built a soundproof music room so the rest of the family could get some sleep while I played on! Read more>>
Dindie (AieshaTheTeapot) Donelson
I am a Southern creative in love with Music & Movies. I am a recording artist (AieshaTheTeapot) as well as a Filmmaker. I began rapping in 2016 & was a full time filmmaker by 2018. I’ve worked with such entities as Apple Music, Quality Control, Netflix & TPS Studios. I am currently working on a new mixtape as well as the ground work for a documentary set to air next year. I believe we as Humans all have a story to tell, we just don’t need to be afraid to tell the Truth. Read more>>
Lucia Marinelli
I was born and raised in Milan, Italy — a city that taught me creativity, determination, and style. Ten years ago, I made one of the most courageous choices of my life: I left everything behind and moved to Miami with nothing but a dream, faith, and my Italian heart. Starting from zero in a new country wasn’t easy. Read more>>
Ender Benavides
Comunicar con alegría es lo mío. Cuando salí de mi país, Venezuela, llegué a Estados Unidos y viví 5 años en Houston, TX. Allá tuve varios trabajos como: Busser, constructor, vendedor y por último: driver de Amazon Flex. Me mudé a Miami en noviembre de 2023 y comencé un 2024 haciendo deliveries de Amazon. Read more>>
