Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Robinson.
Hi Melissa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I hustle. That has always been my specialty, and it runs in my blood. Growing up, my role model was my grandmother, a badass Cuban woman who wouldn’t take no for an answer. She started working at the age of seven to help support her family and grew up to be the first woman to learn to drive in her town. I was inspired by her ability to break down societal barriers and instilled with an entrepreneurial mindset from a very young age. Surrounded by strong women, I was raised knowing nothing was impossible or unachievable if I worked hard.
In school, I was determined to “be successful” as quickly as possible. To do that, I knew I had to garner real-world experience and soak up every opportunity that came my way. I graduated high school at 16 and started interning full-time at 17 while taking college courses. I was working 40 hours a week with no pay but building experience and relationships that would soon establish the foundation of my future career. I graduated college with a position at one of the top promotional companies in South Florida, where my dream to work in the events industry began to take shape. During this time, I even created my own company to start planning events as a freelance side-job getting closer and closer to my goal.
Then I met David, my husband, and everything changed. His free-spirited and creative mindset sent my business-focused and organized lifestyle into a whirlwind for the better. He challenged my perspective every step of the way and helped me see life from a different lens. My business was important but for new reasons – not just to “be successful” but to build a fulfilling, happy and fun life for myself and my future family. He inspired me to take risks and to travel more often, venturing into the unknown together. David simultaneously liberated me from what I considered the norm while grounding me in a new and exciting way to live and thrive.
Traveling and staying at unique Airbnb’s is what eventually inspired us to purchase our own venue. We saw so much potential in every unique home we stayed in and wanted to realize our vision in Miami. When we found the property that would soon become Villa Veintiséis, we knew instantly that this was the site where our dreams could become a reality. There’s something incredibly special about this home and gardens, and you feel it once you walk in. So close to Miami, and yet you feel like you’ve been transported to another world; a place without traffic jams, endless meetings, or full email inboxes. A place where you can relax, meditate and be free.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Unsurprisingly, the pandemic was our biggest curveball. David and I had built a business together. I was designing events and brand experiences, and David would create whatever we needed to bring our vision to life. The pandemic obliterated the events industry and with it went all our corporate clients. We had spent years building up our reputation, our portfolio, and our savings and watched it all rapidly dwindle. But, learning you can survive when you’ve lost everything is incredibly liberating.
I had always been scared to leave the comfort and security of a full-time job. The pandemic took that decision out of my hands. With nothing to lose, David yet again pushed us out of our comfort zone and convinced me that the time was now to embrace our dream of owning a venue. We enlisted the help of family and friends, and we got to work. It’s been three months and we have already produced numerous photoshoots, countless meetings, two events, and planning our grand opening in December!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Villa Veintiséis?
Villa Veintiséis is a luxurious space that’s the perfect setting for all types of events, including weddings, corporate retreats, photoshoots and more. Nestled within 2 acres of lush botanical gardens, the 1937 estate was once home to Mexican musician Juan Gabriel. You can see his inspiration throughout the gardens. From ivy-draped arches and secret paths to relaxing waterfalls and koi ponds, there’s treasures to uncover around every corner. The property is spacious, versatile, and equipped for all types of events with its outdoor bar, large covered pavilion and detached bathrooms.
Villa Veintiséis is an escape; a space that transports you away from the hustle and bustle of Miami life. But Villa Veintiséis is more than an event venue. Inspired by our travels, we plan to bring unique immersive experiences into Homestead, FL. Whimsical picnics, luxurious wine tastings and themed art workshops are only some of what we have in store at Villa Veintiséis in 2022.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
In a city like Miami, networking makes all the difference. I was 17 when I started making contacts in the Miami events scene, and those relationships are still a major cornerstone of my business. I am a firm believer in the importance of building lasting relationships, helping others whenever possible, and surrounding myself with a network of creative, talented individuals. We are all in this grind of life together; hoping to make an impact, succeed and thrive. We might as well help each other out along the way.
We aren’t corporate. We are a family, and our guests, vendors, and partners are a part of our family. David and I want to share Villa Veintiséis in a way that unifies and strengthens our community. Everyone benefits when we come together and support one another. We recently hosted a styled photoshoot, connecting 12 female entrepreneurs to create a beautiful presentation of our combined goods and services. It was a triumph not only with the resulting photos but also for unifying a group of business owners who will now continue to support each other as we grow our businesses.
Coming up on November 28, we are working with the Women’s Chamber of Commerce to host a Sip & Shop event featuring 26 local artists and creators. Each event is an opportunity to connect with our community, with other small businesses, and with guests looking for an escape from Miami. It is our goal to help others connect, grow and find their version of success.
Whatever it is you want – start it now. It’s never too soon to start, and you never know what opportunity or relationship is going to be the one that changes everything for you.
Contact Info:
- Email: villaveintiseis@gmail.com
- Website: villaveintiseis.com
- Instagram: @villaveintiseis
Image Credits
Rob and Ale Captures
