We’ll start with a disclaimer: There are just way too many awesome women in Miami. So we had to pare it down to a handful of ladies who conquer everything from dining to fashion to photography. Get acquainted with their work below—and then keep your eyes peeled, because you’re about to see them everywhere.
8 of Miami’s Coolest Entrepreneurial Women
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Published Jun 11, 2018
Gelareh Mizrahi Of Gelareh Mizrahi Collection
This Miami lady knows fashion. Mizrahi, who spent time working at Chanel, is behind a swoon-worthy line of handbags that we just can’t get enough of. Made with sustainably sourced python, Mizrahi’s namesake brand can be found at Barneys New York and at her flagship store in the Design District. If you can’t decide which one to buy, go for the Thank You Bodega Bag, which was recently called out by Vogue as an “It Bag.”
Alexis Knapp Of Rockaway
We’ve watched Knapp dominate the PR world in the past decade. The gal behind Rockaway, a Miami-made public relations and marketing company, she oversees numerous offices and handles everything from over-the-top activations for Evian water to curated events for the James Beard Foundation and Café Bustelo. Not to mention, her business represents a delicious new restaurant in Wynwood, Norman Van Aken’s Three.
Ria Michelle Of Live Like Ria
This stylish Miami fashion blogger has become one of the city’s most-followed homegrown ’Grammers. She’s turned her profile into a full-time job, scoring partnerships with WeWork, Dove, Pantene and even Carvel ice cream (ugh, jealous). She also runs a website, where she blogs about fashion, events and lifestyle.
Courtney Studios/ Facebook
Courtney Ortiz Of Courtney Studios
Responsible for one of South Florida’s most gorgeous portrait studios, Ortiz started snapping photos after her first son, Owen, was born. A decade later, she runs her own studio in Hollywood that specializes in natural-light photography. Voted “Best Family Photographer” by South Florida Parenting Magazine, she balances her mom life and work hustle by jumping from meetings and shoots to taking care of her three kids once school lets out.
Aileen Lavin Of The Emery
Finding networking events geared toward women was close to impossible for Lavin. So the Miami lady decided to create one herself. With more than a thousand members in her group Ladies Who Launch, Lavin connects South Florida’s working ladies through interactive talks, happy hours and fitness events. And now, she’s gearing up to unveil Miami’s first-ever women’s-only co-working space and social club, The Emery. Expected to open within the next year, the space will serve as a hub for curated speakers, seminars and business and social events.
Janine Booth Of Stiltsville And Root & Bone
This Top Chef alum can do it all. She’s a James Beard finalist, a mom and a stellar toque who’s responsible for some of Miami’s best fried chicken and biscuits (Root & Bone) and soulful seafood (Stiltsville). She’s also behind Miami’s first-ever sustainable dinner series, where she serves indulgent plant-based meals while educating the public on what it means to be sustainable and how easy it really is.
Andrea Lorena Of Fujifilmgirl
Lorena quite possibly has the best gig of all. She’s forged a career as well as a full-fledged creative business by photographing Miami’s best restaurants. From parties with the Salty Donut to eateries such as Mrs. Mandolin, Yuzu, Phuc Yea and Wabi Sabi, Lorena runs around town with her camera in tow so she never misses a shot. Plus, we love that she takes us with her by posting her most recent work on Instagram.
Dana Rhoden Of The Dana Agency
From Los Angeles to Miami, Rhoden is a media pro. With more than a decade of experience, she’s the brains behind one of the city’s most successful public relations firms, the Dana Agency. Focused on luxury lifestyle clientele, Rhoden handles some of our all-time favorite haunts, including American Social, Española Way and Ramona LaRue.
