Tell us a little about yourself and what you do?

The Wynwood Yard is a hub of food and culture in Miami. It’s a culinary incubator where food businesses can set up residencies for several months to try out their business concepts and test out ideas in real time.  The Wynwood Yard currently houses seven food and beverage businesses, including Kuenko, Mr. Bing, Myumi, The British Garden, Cold Pressed Raw, Mortar & Pistil Bar and my restaurant concept, della test kitchen. 

It’s also a community for other kinds of entrepreneurs.  We are about to unveil Wyn-Box, a prototype created by a local start-up that will sell small home and business spaces made out of refabricated shipping containers. We also host live music, culinary, fitness, and other cultural events every day of the week. We’re in the process of installing a permanent sound system, which is exciting because it will allow us to really support Miami’s music scene. 

What has been the most challenging moment in your career?

This summer has been tough for all of Wynwood and it was very tough for us, and not just financially.  As hard as it was, it was amazing to see how our community of nearly 100 employees and entrepreneurs came together and made the best of it.   

What was your most braggable moment?

I don’t really think it’s about me, but more about the community that has formed here.  I love the collaborative nature of the The Wynwood Yard.  Entrepreneurs here try each other’s recipes, bounce around marketing ideas, and (literally) pop over to borrow a lemon or an egg.

Something in particular that makes me really happy is when I observe guests visiting The Yard with a friend who is here for the first time. As they give the newcomer a tour, I love watching as they tell their story of the space: their favorite bartender, an especially delicious dish, the most fragrant garden herbs, or their secret chill nook. It’s so cool to see people making this place their own.  

What do you feel most challenged by?

Being an entrepreneur is basically about balancing attention to details with attention to the big picture.  Sometimes it’s hard to know where to place my focus because there are so many things happening at once. 

What are your greatest strengths?

My greatest strength comes from the people who surround me.  I’m incredibly lucky to have the most amazing family, an incredible community of friends and fellow entrepreneurs, and the most brilliant team of colleagues who inspire me every single day.  They all have tremendous perspectives, strong values, and are just generally very supportive while also being very honest. 

What was the greatest lesson you’ve learned from a mistake?

Never give up. Take responsibility, fix it as gracefully as possible, put on a smile, and try again. 

What do you love most about what you do?

The ability to express my passions on a blank canvas. Entrepreneurship’s freedom of structure allows for endless creativity and experimentation.  

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

My parents and grandparents are full of pearls of wisdom. In addition to being amazing life teachers, my Dad and Mom are also my most trusted and valued business mentors.  They constantly give me great advice about topics ranging from strategy and finance to human nature and ethics. One of my favorites is: “Do the right thing and take care of your team.” 

How do you define happiness?

For me, happiness is being able to do meaningful work within a supportive community, and to feel that I’m making a positive difference in the lives of others every day.

What’s a personal habit that you believe contributes to your success?

Taking time every morning to exercise has a major impact on my effectiveness, outlook, and energy levels. Morning runs, workouts, or yoga classes leave me feeling mentally refreshed, excited to tackle challenges, and energized to implement creative new ideas.

What book are you currently reading?

Essentialism by Greg McKeown