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Pearl Farquharson of Downtown Miami on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Pearl Farquharson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Pearl, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Mornings are a sacred time for me. At 5 o’clock, before the world fully wakes, there’s a stillness that feels so peaceful. It’s in that quiet space that I center myself in prayer, seeking clarity and grounding before I give my energy to the world. These early hours have become my sanctuary. It’s a time to fuel my soul so I can show up as the best version of myself.

After my daily cup of coffee, you’ll usually find me on the beach. I’ll run five miles as the sun rises, then spend time swimming and meditating by the water. This rhythm not only strengthens me physically but also opens the door to creativity, and it’s often where my best ideas arrive.

I also dedicate this time to self-reflection. Some mornings, I journal about the day ahead. Other times I map out my goals and strategies. And because I’m a lifelong learner, I carve out space to study something new, whether it’s through books, podcasts, or conversations that stretch my perspective.

As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that it’s these intentional moments, although small yet incredibly powerful, fuel both my personal growth and my work. They keep me inspired, disciplined, and deeply connected to my purpose.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
As a purpose-led entrepreneur, what brings me the greatest joy is knowing that my artistry makes a difference. Creating experiences that touch lives, spark connection, and leave a lasting impact is at the core of my work.

DELSIE | Delivering Exceptional Luxury Services with Integrity and Elegance.

These words first came to me in my Boston apartment at 22, just weeks after being laid off from my first job in the industry. In that moment, I envisioned a company that would curate iconic events worldwide: intentional celebrations infused with diversity, artistry, and prestige. At the time, the dream felt impossible. I was young, inexperienced, and lacked resources. But my vision was greater than my fears, and with persistence, that dream became reality.

Today, DELSIE designs destination weddings, milestone celebrations, and brand experiences that honor authenticity, self-expression, and innovation. What makes us unique is our commitment to storytelling. Every detail is intentional, every design is rooted in meaning, and every event is produced with seamless sophistication.

Looking back on this 13-year journey, I’m grateful for the extraordinary team, partners, and clients who have shaped DELSIE into what it is today: more than a brand, but a testament to resilience, artistry, and integrity.

As we grow, I hope to empower young women entrepreneurs worldwide to know that no matter where they start, they have the power to create the change they desire in their own lives, and to lead with purpose, passion, and impact.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
As a young entrepreneur, I carried this constant feeling that I had something to prove. I thought success meant working harder than everyone else, figuring it all out on my own, and tying my worth to what I produced. For years, I pushed myself to the limit, believing that if I just kept going, I’d finally “arrive.” These thoughts were deeply rooted in something I think we can all relate to: imposter syndrome.

But in 2024, everything came to a halt. Burnout hit me hard, so much so that one morning, I simply couldn’t get out of bed. After years of grinding, I had lost not only my energy but also the joy and passion that once fueled my work and my life. It was a wake-up call I couldn’t ignore.

What I have released is the need to overperform and prove myself through constant output. I hold value simply because “I am”. I no longer carry the weight of doing it all alone. There’s a proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” I’m learning to embrace that truth by learning to lean on my team, to honor rest as much as productivity, and to choose depth over speed.

Today, I measure success not by how much I do, but by how fully I live and create with intention.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“Baby girl… You are enough.”

There are moments when I scroll back through my phone, down memory lane, and come across a photo of myself, whether from one year ago or ten. Almost instantly, I can remember exactly how I felt in that moment. The common thread is clear: I was often afraid of failing, always too hard on myself, and so focused on proving myself to the world that I missed the beauty of the experience unfolding right in front of me.

If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be to release that pressure. To know that she was doing the best she could with what she had, and that was always enough. I’m still learning to remind myself of that truth even now, but each time I do, it softens me. It lets me appreciate where I’ve been, and it allows me to move forward with more grace, compassion, and joy.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Fun fact: I’m actually an introvert.

This often surprises people because when I step into a room, I’m praised for my charisma, my ability to connect deeply, and my sense of style. And while I do love attending fabulous events and meeting incredible people, the truth is that what truly energizes me looks very different.

The real me craves balance and simplicity. I come alive in small, intimate dinners with close friends, in quiet weekend getaways, or curled up at home binge-watching a show with my cat, Simba, by my side. So yes, the public version of me is real; however, it’s only one layer. Beneath the polished, social side, there’s also a woman who treasures stillness, authenticity, and ease just as much.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I’d stop being afraid of living freely.

By nature, I’m calculated. I like to plan everything, to know the next steps, to feel in control. Spontaneity? Sure, I’ll block off a specific window of time for that. But in the process, I’ve sometimes delayed the very things that bring me joy or move me closer to my purpose.

I’d stop counting calories and eat more pizza without all the guilt. I’d stop waiting for the “perfect” time to launch my speaking career because I know I have a deep and profound message to the world. I’d stop stalling on opportunities that scare me. I’d spend more mornings swimming in the ocean, more evenings laughing with family and friends over wine, and more weekends curled up with Simba just being present.

Uncertainty has always been my greatest fear, but if I had only 10 years, I’d let go of control and choose joy, courage, and freedom instead.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Tophy Wives Co.
Marcela Diaz Photography
Robert Aveau Photography
Sacia Matthews Photography

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