Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Romero.
Christian, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The idea for Wynwood Buggies was born years before it officially became a company. When I moved from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Miami in 2007, I immediately felt drawn to Wynwood. Back then, the neighborhood was raw, quiet, and full of potential — a place where only a handful of businesses operated, and where the artistic energy was beginning to take shape. I spent years walking its streets, meeting the early artists, and noticing something important: despite the incredible creativity emerging on the walls, there was almost no connection between the neighborhood, its businesses, and the people visiting Miami.
That gap sparked the idea. I wanted to create a way for visitors to truly experience Wynwood — not just by passing through, but by connecting with the art, the stories, and the people behind it. My vision was simple: offer a ride through the neighborhood guided by someone local who knew the area, the artists, and the culture. A ride that wasn’t just transportation, but a bridge between the community and the world.
In 2013, after years of observing the neighborhood evolve, I officially launched Wynwood Buggies. What began as a small, community‑driven project quickly grew. I started by offering free tours, which helped me earn the trust of local artists and business owners. Over time, this trust became the foundation of the company. As documented online, Wynwood Buggies originally served as a way to help visitors navigate a colorful but still developing neighborhood, while educating them about its artistic culture.
As the project expanded, artists began sharing their stories with me, and I began sharing those stories with visitors. This exchange naturally evolved into something bigger: not only guiding tours, but also curating walls and connecting artists with property owners — a role that helped many emerging artists showcase their work and grow their careers.
Today, Wynwood Buggies is recognized as one of the premier ways to explore the Wynwood Art District, supported by a vibrant community of local and international artists. What started as a simple idea — connecting people to the neighborhood through a ride — has become a platform that celebrates creativity, community, and the cultural heartbeat of Wynwood.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I officially launched the company in 2013, the biggest struggle was trust. I was trying to build something that didn’t exist yet — a guided experience through a neighborhood that was still in transition. Many people didn’t understand the concept at first. Artists were protective of their work, business owners were cautious, and visitors didn’t always feel comfortable exploring the area. I had to earn my place in the community, one conversation at a time.
Another challenge was simply operating in a neighborhood that was changing faster than anyone could keep up with. Walls were constantly being painted over, businesses opened and closed, and the identity of Wynwood evolved month by month. I had to adapt constantly — updating routes, learning new stories, and staying connected to the artists so the tours remained authentic and respectful.
There were also the practical struggles: building a fleet from scratch, maintaining the vehicles, navigating city regulations, and running a business in an area that was still figuring out its own rules. Nothing about it was easy, but every obstacle pushed me to be more creative, more persistent, and more connected to the community.
Looking back, the challenges were part of the magic. They forced me to build Wynwood Buggies with intention — grounded in relationships, storytelling, and respect for the artists who made the neighborhood what it is. The road wasn’t smooth, but it was meaningful, and it shaped a company that still reflects the heart of Wynwood today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I run Wynwood Buggies, a company dedicated to connecting people with the true heart of the Wynwood Art District.
I specialize in guided art experiences that go far beyond a typical tour — I introduce visitors to the neighborhood through the eyes of someone who has walked these streets for nearly two decades and built real relationships with the artists who shaped it. My work also extends beyond tours: I help curate walls, connect artists with property owners, and support emerging talent by giving them visibility and opportunities.
What I’m most proud of is the impact Wynwood Buggies has had on the community. We’ve helped visitors understand the culture behind the walls, supported artists in growing their careers, and contributed to the neighborhood’s transformation in a way that respects its roots. The company was built on relationships, not transactions — and that’s still what sets us apart today.
What makes Wynwood Buggies unique is the combination of authenticity, local knowledge, and genuine connection. This isn’t a scripted tour or a commercial attraction. It’s a community-driven experience led by someone who has been part of Wynwood’s story since before the world discovered it.
How do you think about luck?
Luck has definitely played a role in my story, but not in the way people usually imagine. I’ve had moments of good luck — like arriving in Miami at a time when Wynwood was still undiscovered, or meeting the right artists and business owners who believed in what I was trying to build. Being in the neighborhood early gave me a front‑row seat to its transformation, and that timing was something I couldn’t have planned.
But I’ve also had my share of bad luck. There were setbacks, unexpected challenges, and moments when things felt completely out of my control — from dealing with regulations to navigating a neighborhood that changed faster than any business could adapt. There were times when murals disappeared overnight, partnerships fell through, or the city shifted its rules just as I found my rhythm.
What I’ve learned is that luck only matters if you’re prepared to act on it. Good luck opens a door, but you still have to walk through it. Bad luck tests you, but it also forces you to get creative, stay resilient, and keep moving. In the end, both kinds of luck shaped Wynwood Buggies. They pushed me to stay connected to the community, to adapt constantly, and to build something that could survive change — not just benefit from it.
So yes, luck played a role. But the real story is what I did with it.
Pricing:
- Wynwood Buggies street art tour $45 per adult and $30 per kid
- City tour + general admission to Wynwood Walls entrance $56 per person
- Buggies + graffiti class combo $125 adult and $100 kids
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wynwoodbuggies.com
- Instagram: @wynwoodbuggies
- Facebook: @wynwoodbuggies
- Youtube: @wynwoodbuggies
Image Credits
Photo credits to Wynwood Buggies.
