#ThankYouMiami for Celebrating Our Women - #ElleRocsAthleta

Miami women are beautiful, ambitious, and headstrong - qualities which are sometimes not sufficiently celebrated or encouraged by our community. Enter Athleta, a sister brand to Gap that makes workout and lifestyle apparel for active women and that recently opened their Miami outpost on Lincoln Road. Athleta's first-ever national campaign "Power to the She" celebrates women's ability to do it all and encourages women to empower each other. Since their arrival, Athleta Miami has been leading our community by example and inviting local women to events that promote the mantra of their brand's campaign. 

#ThankYouMiami for a Sense of Community - Local Genie Miami Beach Kick-Off Bash

The primary difference between a "home" and a "living space" is a sense of belonging. Miami's constant state of transition and its status as a temporary destination sometimes make it seem far from a suitable living space, much less a home. However, at some point since I moved to Miami, a sense of belonging subconsciously seeped into my being. I can't point to how it happened or when it happened, but I can tell you why.
 
Miami has an unconventional, but very real sense of community. Unlike a traditional community, it is most recognizable in seemingly small, insignificant moments - like realizing the guy you lounge next to at the beach every weekend is in your yoga class at Green Monkey or when you're lost in downtown and the person you stop to ask for directions turns out to be a friendly face. But it is built on powerful principles like the premise of local love and it is propagated every time you and I choose to support our fellow Miami-ans.

That is why I was psyched when I learned that two of my favorite local businesses, Local Genie Miami and Public House, joined forces to host an event that brings us together as a community and that supports local environmental non-profit, ECOMB. You have heard me talk about Local Genie Miami and the Local Genie Network before (see #ThankYouMiami for Distinctively Different Neighborhoods - Brickell). Their upcoming June 20th bash at Public House will kick-off Local Genie Miami's first Miami Beach addition to their growing network of local businesses. What better way to revel in Miami's seemingly elusive sense of community than by toasting it together with $4 draft beers and $7 drinks? RSVP now!

What are your thoughts on the Miami community? Have you felt a local sense of community? When? How do you support the sense of community? When did you recognize that you felt a sense of belonging? Leave a comment below or send me a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Our Growing Start-Up Scene - Part 3: Brad Liff

Brad Liff, CEO and Founder of Fitting Room Social

Welcome to Part 3 of my 4-part series, “#ThankYouMiami for Our Growing Start-Up Scene", where I recount my conversations with Miami entrepreneurs about what Miami is doing right for its entrepreneurial movement, where there is room for improvement, and why they each say #ThankYouMiami. Today, I share with you a summary of my interview with Brad Liff from Fitting Room Social. Access the rest of the series here: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 4.

The Start-Up

Brad Liff is the CEO and Founder of Fitting Room Social, a social shopping platform intended to give women the confidence to shop online knowing the item they are purchasing will fit them well. Users begin by creating a profile with their personal information and clothing measurements (don't worry, girls - you can keep your measurements private!). They then upload photos of their personal style and rate each garment photo as a "Great Fit", "Good Fit", "Fair Fit", or "Poor Fit". Fitting Room Social sorts the user-populated information to connect women with garments that match their individual fits and style per their profiles.

Miami entrepreneur Brad Liff calls Miami a city with "a real business community of talented, smart, and dedicated people".

The Miami Benefits and Challenges

Brad came to Miami almost 5 years ago from Long Island, New York for a job in private equity. In Miami, he caught the entrepreneurial bug, decided to put his private equity career on hold, and started Fitting Room Social.

When I asked Brad why he chose to start Fitting Room Social in Miami, he firmly stated that Miami is his home and that it is important for him to build his business in his own community. He would like to see Miami grow as a tech center and wants to show we have all the resources, including capital and talent, to build a company locally.

Acquiring initial funding for Fitting Room Social was not a challenge. Its current operations are funded through capital Brad received from a group of investors last year. When asked about future funding, Brad responds with confidence that the challenge will not be a consequence of building Fitting Room Social in Miami. In his opinion, institutional investors are becoming more comfortable with investing in cities like Miami and are less concerned with relocating business investments closer to them. Additionally, he thinks the community is doing a better job of educating and accessing local sources of capital.

Brad's views on talent acquisition in Miami are just as positive. Unlike the other entrepreneurs featured in this series, Brad has limited technical knowledge so, for him, finding outside technical experts was a critical first step to launching Fitting Room Social. He began building the platform's prototype using off-shore developers, but quickly realized he needed local talent to realize his vision. He found the high-quality development talent he needed in Rokk3r Labs on Lincoln Road. The support he has received from Rokk3r Labs has been instrumental in helping Brad make his entrepreneurial dreams a reality.

The #ThankYouMiami Statement

Brad met and married his wife, Marjorie, in Miami and recently had his first child, daughter Ruby, here. So what is this passionate new father most grateful for? Brad said "#ThankYouMiami for introducing me to my wife".

Check back tomorrow for Part 4 of this 4-part series where I share with you my interview with David Notik, Founder of Woven and Creator of #MiamiTech.

Are you a part of the Miami entrepreneurial movement? What do you think Miami is doing right to support its future growth? Where do you see room for improvement? Which local entrepreneurs would you like to see give their opinion on this subject? Leave a comment below or send me a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Our Growing Start-Up Scene - Part 2: Will Weinraub

Will Weinraub, CEO and Co-Founder of LiveNinja

Welcome to Part 2 of my 4-part series, “#ThankYouMiami for Our Growing Start-Up Scene", where I recount my conversations with Miami entrepreneurs about what Miami is doing right for its entrepreneurial movement, where there is room for improvement, and why they each say #ThankYouMiami. Today, I share with you a summary of my interview with Will Weinraub from LiveNinja. Access the rest of the series here: Part 1, Part 3, and Part 4.

Miami entrepreneur Will Weinraub calls his hometown "a diverse, quickly-evolving city that keeps me on my toes and keeps me innovative".

The Start-Up

Will Weinraub is the CEO and co-founder of LiveNinja, a video chat marketplace where users can find and book chat sessions with experts ("ninjas") on a variety of subjects ranging from career counseling to video editing to yoga. Simultaneously, the LiveNinja platform gives individuals the necessary online tools to monetize their skills and connects them to potential customers.

LiveNinja has been widely recognized for its successful execution of an innovative concept. In December 2012, LiveNinja closed a seed round of $500,000 in funding through angel investors from Miami, New York, and South America.

The Miami Benefits
Will was born and raised in Miami and, from our conversation, is a big fan of the area. When I asked him why he decided to start LiveNinja in Miami, he quickly responded by asking: "Why not Miami?". He credits the following qualities for making Miami a valuable place for entrepreneurial endeavors:

1. Access to funding - When Will decided to start LiveNinja, he was pleased to find that there was a funding framework to facilitate its creation and growth locally. He saw possibilities for capital from both local angel investors, as well as foreign funding sources.

2. Community diversity - The range of demographics in Miami give start-ups, like LiveNinja, access to different audiences on which to test ideas and from which to get feedback.

3. Geographic location - Miami's proximity to Latin America and its connection to the international community facilitate access to foreign funding sources and to the option of easily expanding outside of the United States for companies like LiveNinja.

4. Industry transformation - Miami is rapidly evolving from a tourist destination to a thriving urban environment that supports locals, like Will, in their entrepreneurial ambitions.

The Miami Challenges

There are two challenges start-ups commonly face regardless of where they are located: acquiring funding and acquiring talent. I was curious to know whether these challenges were amplified or lessened by Miami's unique qualities so I asked Will whether LiveNinja has encountered any obstacles that may be Miami-specific.

In terms of funding, LiveNinja achieved a tremendous milestone when it received seed funding at the end of last year. However, Will believes Miami can attract additional funding opportunities for its early stage businesses through continued support of innovation and entrepreneurship. He stated that the ability to draw capital for local entrepreneurial undertakings is also dependent on the willingness of local entrepreneurs to work hard to bring it here.

Will found that identifying the local technical talent necessary to develop LiveNinja was slightly more challenging. In his eyes, there is technical talent in Miami, but it is much more scarce than marketing, sales, and management talent. He is confident that Miami's low cost of living, lifestyle opportunities, and weather will make it easy for companies to attract technical talent to the area into the future as long as they produce projects worthy of their attention.

The #ThankYouMiami Statement

So what is this talented Miami-native most grateful for? Will said "#ThankYouMiami for being enticing and exciting, for spurring my professional and personal growth, and for giving me both a family and a tech career".

Check back tomorrow for Part 3 of this 4-part series where I share with you my interview with Brad Liff, CEO and Founder of Fitting Room Social.

Are you a part of the Miami entrepreneurial movement? What do you think Miami is doing right to support its future growth? Where do you see room for improvement? Which local entrepreneurs would you like to see give their opinion on this subject? Leave a comment below or send me a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Our Growing Start-Up Scene - A 4-Part Series

Welcome to Part 1 of my 4-part series, “#ThankYouMiami for Our Growing Start-Up Scene", where I recount my conversations with Miami entrepreneurs about what Miami is doing right for its entrepreneurial movement, where there is room for improvement, and why they each say #ThankYouMiami. Access the rest of the series here: Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.

Miami is buzzing with entrepreneurial activity. In the past few years, I’ve observed more and more incubators and co-working spaces open their doors, including The Launch Pad, Incubate Miami, Rokk3r Labs, the LAB Miami, Pipeline, and most recently Venture Hive. From civic engagement events to hack-a-thons, the local entrepreneurial movement is alive and kicking.

Now, I am only an entrepreneur by marriage so I have as in depth an understanding of entrepreneurship as my husband chooses to give me. But my common sense tells me that the growth of our entrepreneurial community shows Miami is moving in the right direction. How much? I leave it to the members of this growing community to tell you.

Each day this week, I will share with you an interview with a local entrepreneur about what Miami is doing right, where there is room for improvement, and why he says #ThankYouMiami. Check back daily as I recount my conversations with:

• Will Weinraub, CEO and Co-Founder of LiveNinja 
• David Notik, Founder of Woven and Creator of #MiamiTech 
• Brad Liff, CEO and Founder of Fitting Room Social

Are you a part of the Miami entrepreneurial movement? What do you think Miami is doing right to support its future growth? Where do you see room for improvement? Which local entrepreneurs would you like to see give their opinion on this subject? Leave a comment below or send me a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Glitz, Glamour & Gorgeous Hair

I recently suffered one of the most traumatic losses a girl can experience: my go-to hair stylist moved out of Miami. Lucky for me (and for you), Miami has had a recent influx of new beauty talent and they’re taking over our favorite neighborhoods. Moreover, the salons they call home are equipped with all the beauty outing essentials: vino, snacks, and the latest gossip.

Last month I studio-hopped in your name to try two newly opened beauty venues: Studio Chroma Inc. and Elle Air Blow Dry + Make Up bar. I am thrilled to report my experiences were nothing short of stellar. Both salons get major brownie points for their fantastic service, their beauty know-how, and their trés chic decor. Because what is a beauty salon if not a female haven?

Studio Chroma Inc.
145 Aragon Ave
Miami, FL 33134
(786) 518-2920

Studio Chroma is located one block north of Miracle Mile and successfully captures the desirable ambiance that draws international retailers to the famous Coral Gables strip. The salon’s interior decorations are simple and modern in a blend of urban style typical to the neighborhood. However, Studio Chroma’s sense of corporate social responsibility, including their use of environmentally-conscious beauty products, is a breath of fresh air in the surrounding commercial monotony.

While the entire Studio Chroma team has received rave reviews on Yelp, I stopped by to visit Emilee for a quick haircut and styling before the Fashion Scene Miami fundraiser. The odds were stacked against her when I walked in because a few months prior, I had my hair cut much shorter and in a different style than I have worn half of my life.  Additionally, I was very hesitant to test a stranger’s abilities a few hours before an important social event.

Without sharing any of this with Emilee, I let her do her thing. Turns out, hair is not only her passion, but also her calling. She did a fantastic job of cleaning up my ends and refreshing my haircut without cutting off too much hair. She listened to all of my recommendations and refined them with her expertise to give me absolutely gorgeous hair that fit my personal style. Best of all, she is extremely friendly and a genuine sweetheart.

Studio Chroma is located in close proximity to Miracle Mile and emits the same air of exclusivity and sophistication for which the area is known.

Emilee (left) is one of a handful of talented stylists on the Studio Chroma team. She is extremely talented, but also humble and charismatic which makes her the perfect person to trust with your beloved locks.

After a quick haircut and styling, I left Studio Chroma with gorgeous hair fit for the glitz and glamour of the Fashion Scene Miami fundraiser.

Elle Air Blow Dry + Make Up bar
9480 Harding Ave
Surfside, FL 33154
(305) 763-8385

Elle Air Blow Dry + Make Up bar is located in the heart of the Surfside business district. While its ambiance draws upon Surfside’s beach town feel to provide a soothing sanctuary, Elle Air delivers the luxury expected in this stylish and modern neighborhood. Owner Arielle’s attention to detail is evident in every aspect of her business, from the fresh look of the venue’s interior to her excellent customer service.

I stopped by Elle Air for a quick blow-dry during their soft opening and was immediately captured by its youthful and welcoming atmosphere. Walking in felt like arriving at a private beauty party with my closest girlfriends. Everyone inside the salon was engaged in excited chitchat and was visibly enjoying their treatments. Before each girl left with their finished styles, they proudly showed off their picture-perfect locks to the others.

I received an excellent scalp massage and left with fabulously smooth and straight hair, but my favorite part of the visit was the spread of wines, refreshments, and snacks that Elle Air makes available to their customers. It is incredible how such a simple detail can really elevate a customer’s experience. I look forward to visiting them again so I can test out their skills with the more complex hairstyles from their menu, as well as the make-up services they offer using Gorgeous Cosmetics. I received a few samples of their products during my visit and have since added the Icicle lip lacquer to my daily beauty must-haves.

The décor at Elle Air is modern and trendy, but calming which is fitting for a beauty refuge in the heart of Surfside's business district.

Ocean Drive Magazine's Michelle Petrillo stopped by Elle Air during the soft opening and left looking radiant with her expertly styled hair.

Miami Beach resident Melissa Henriquez models her elegant up-do next to Elle Air's bar of snacks and refreshments.

Have you visited these two beauty venues? How was your experience? What are some of your other go-to beauty destinations in Miami? Leave a comment below or send me a tweet @ThankYouMiami!

#ThankYouMiami for Fashion Happy Hour - October 2013

I have a love/hate relationship with Miami and one reason is the absurd amount of events going on at one time. There is almost TOO much to do in Miami. And, as locals, we are stuck with the burden of choosing between going to that music festival, pool party, business opening, or art event. Let's face it - they all sound really fun, but we can't do them all.

Luckily, some events make the decision-making process easy. Enter, Fashion Happy Hour, a monthly event hosted at different Miami venues that is free and open to the public. Fashion Happy Hour merges all of the elements of your usual happy hour experience (e.g., music, 2x1 drinks, delicious food, and new friends) with art, fashion, and shopping. Best of all, most of the participating vendors are Miami-based or Miami-originated businesses (and #ThankYouMiami for that).

Last month, I grabbed my best friend and checked out the September Fashion Happy Hour at RedBar Gallery in Brickell. Needless to say, I had a cocktail in hand, two shopping bags, and a handful of new friends within 5 minutes of arriving. The highlight of the night was enjoying shopping, cocktails, and the awesome vibe with Miami chicas like Maya from A La Mode Maya, Mariamely from Local Genie Miami, and Yoana from Think Red, Inc.

This Friday, Fashion Happy Hour will be hosting its monthly event again at RedBar Gallery, but with a Halloween twist. I can't wait to get into the Halloween spirit with festive body painting by Miami local Vee Marie of iBrushYou and a manicure from Miami nail salon, Candy Coat Nail Boutique. I'm also excited to check out this month's vendors and to meet more fascinating locals so see you there, Miami!

Check out some of my favorite moments from the September event below:

A social butterfly's dream. Fashion Happy Hour combines shopping, fashion, art, and your typical Friday evening socializing into one convenient monthly event so you don't have to make any social trade-offs.

Unique fashion finds. One of the vendors, Pretty Odd Boutique, had me hooked as soon as I walked in. Check out Thank You, Miami's Instagram for a sneak peek of the gorgeous dress I picked up at the event.

Late night munchies. RedBar Gallery is outfitted with a little cafeteria window that offers latin bar food specials like these ground beef tacos.

I owe how much? RedBar's Happy Hour prices were more than reasonable. So much so, that I took a photo of my receipt at the end of the night.

Have you attended a previous Fashion Happy Hour? What were some of your favorite moments? Leave a comment below or send me a tweet @ThankYouMiami! Also, let me know if you are coming on Friday. I would love to meet you!