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Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Shani Avidar of Bay Harbor Islands

We recently had the chance to connect with Shani Avidar and have shared our conversation below.

Shani, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
For me, it’s always movement. The moment I step into the gym, everything else fades away. I love strength training—it grounds me, challenges me, and reminds me how strong I am, both physically and mentally. I also take two JetSet Pilates classes a week to balance my strength and cardio workouts. It’s my reset time—where I reconnect with myself, recharge my energy, and come back to my family and my work feeling centered and re-inspired.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a Certified Pediatric Sleep Coach, Lactation Specialist, and the founder of My Little Dreamer, based in Miami, Florida. I help parents—especially expecting and new moms—navigate the challenges of infant and toddler sleep through a gentle, baby-led approach that prioritizes connection, trust, and healthy habits over rigid “cry-it-out” methods.

My journey started after my first son was born. Like many new moms, I was exhausted and overwhelmed, and I realized how little support there was for families struggling with sleep. That experience inspired me to leave my corporate career and dedicate myself to helping other parents find rest and confidence in their parenting journey.

What makes My Little Dreamer unique is how I blend my professional certifications with my experience as a mom of three boys. I take a holistic approach—looking at sleep, feeding, environment, and emotional well-being as one connected system. I also support families worldwide through one-on-one coaching, newborn education, and corporate workshops that help working parents thrive both at home and at work.

Right now, I’m passionate about expanding sleep education—offering more workshops, collaborations, and digital resources to empower parents to start healthy sleep habits from day one.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is the one I have with my grandmother. She’s 97 years old, and we’re incredibly close. Throughout my life, she’s been my constant source of love, strength, and perspective. No matter what challenges I’ve faced, she’s always been there—supporting me, encouraging me, and reminding me of what truly matters.

Her resilience and optimism have deeply influenced the way I approach both life and motherhood. She’s taught me to stay grounded during difficult times and to lead with kindness and gratitude. That foundation has shaped not only who I am as a person, but also the way I support the families I work with—through empathy, patience, and unwavering belief in their ability to thrive.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self: Everything you dream of will come true—just not always in the way or timing you expect. Every challenge, every detour, and every season of waiting has a purpose. Trust yourself, keep going, and know that everything you’re working toward is unfolding exactly as it should.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
My husband’s. He’s my biggest supporter and also my sounding board for almost everything—personally and professionally. He has an incredible way of seeing things from a different perspective, especially when I’m overthinking or second-guessing myself. His calm, logical mindset balances my passion and drive, and his belief in me has often given me the courage to take big leaps—like leaving my corporate job to start My Little Dreamer.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, I believe I could. Over the years, I’ve learned that the real motivation has to come from within. I’ve always believed in myself and in the purpose behind what I do. Of course, praise feels good, but it’s not what drives me. Knowing that I’m making a difference—whether it’s helping a baby sleep better or supporting an exhausted mom—gives me all the validation I need.

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