Janel Allen

In the heart of Miami, the Midtown Garden Center thrives, a lush oasis of green that stands in stark contrast to its surrounding hustle and bustle. You have Ninfa Diaz and her family to thank for the charming space. For the past six years, they have been the caretakers of a gorgeously diverse selection of greenery. Diaz’s shop specializes in more than plants. The space hosts Nomade, a casual outdoor Argentinian concept that serves bowls, wraps, smoothies and more (pro-tip: you can BYOB). The Garden also welcomes anyone just looking to hangout or work remotely. Of course, while you’re there, it’d be a shame if you didn’t grab an arrangement from resident florist, Zoom Bloomz.

Yanira Lopez and Alexis Oliva of Yerbamala Designs began making macramé plant hangers to make room for their pretty extensive home plant collection. You see, Yanira’s grandmother was a curandera (herbalist) so knowledge and a love for plants are pretty much genetic. Finding space to put all her green friends, on the other hand, was a bit more challenging. But they found a gorgeous solution in their modern, fiber-art home pieces that have been selling like wild around town. In 2015, after making these pieces for their own home and honing their technique, Oliva and Lopez took the leap and started selling their products at local events like the Miami Flea. They haven’t looked back since. Now, in addition to local markets, you can find their plant hangers at West Elm. The manufacturing all still happens in their home studio. The two draw inspiration from all parts of South Florida, but especially from their colorful hometown of Havana, Cuba. All products use 100% high-quality recycled cotton made from recovered materials. They are dedicated to sticking to this model as they move toward their goal of partnering with commercial spaces, restaurants, hotels and more. Be sure to keep Yerbamala Designs on your radar and get your hands on a complimentary door tassel with any purchase when you enter “SUPPORTLOCAL” in the purchasing comments.   Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.

By now, we really hope you've heard: House of Creatives Music Festival is returning to Miami this weekend, November 11 and 12, for its second year celebrating music and culture on the sand. In addition to their line-up of national and local acts like alt-J, MGMT, Metronomy, Kids and Richie Hell, the festival has recruited a stellar lineup of local vendors and shops that will be in attendance at Virginia Key Beach Park. Check out where you should be shopping and eating this weekend at HOC. (Pro tip: Use code PRISMATIC to lock in the early bird rate on two-day tickets.) Where to eat El Bagel will be onsite serving freshly baked hand-rolled bagels. Doggystyle Miami has all the dogs you could want (don’t skip the famous carrot dog). Needa' Pita will be around for those in need of something heavier. Burger Supreme will be in the house because no festival food roster is complete without a burger. Dolci Peccati Gelato will be there to satisfy your sweet tooth. Yeti’s Snow Stand will be serving delicious and refreshing shaved ice. Aca&fruits will have healthy options, like fresh smoothies. Mr.PB&J will be serving the peanut butter and jelly creations of your wildest dreams. Vice City Bean will have some coffee for those needing an energy boost. Where to shop Kuriosity Miami is a boutique shop shelling out clothes and accessories. The Wander Shop is an Airstream on the outside, insanely chic clothing shop on the inside. O’sole will be your stop for swimwear. Trinkets4D and Bohindie

Andrea Lorena received her first camera when she was fifteen and, pretty quickly, she discovered an ability to capture moments at their most alluring. She hasn’t looked back since and today Lorena is one of Miami’s most prolific photogs, operating under the handle fujifilmgirl, uploading moments to Instagram that will make you shrivel with FOMO. She started out her career by getting shots of friends at school and snapping random things around her neighborhood. After working as a photo lab tech and studying fine art at Miami International University of Art & Design, she took the leap of faith into a freelance career specializing in culinary and event photography. She’s usually present, camera in hand, at some of Miami’s biggest events: the recent grand opening of Giralda Plaza, both Chris Martin and Shakira's surprise shows at the Wynwood Yard. Lorena also snaps drool-worthy pics of some of Miami’s hottest new restaurants as well as underground gems that should be on your radar. Although she has family all over the world, she has kept her business here in Miami. She’s available to shoot anything you want to be captured—from events to concerts to pets to graduation ceremonies. Thriving through her first year as a small business owner, she has found a loving community here in the city and looks forward to capturing its future. You can reach out to Lorena at fujifilmgirl@gmail.com and see some of her work for yourself at fujifilmgirl.com. Next time you need a photographer, hit he

The coworking space is hardly an anomaly in Miami anymore. Freelancers, start-ups and many young professionals enjoy the freedom that comes with a rentable workspace. And most are similar enough: free coffee, a kitchen, common area, etc. But Wynwood's Moonlighter is a bit of a hybrid, and doesn't quite feel like a traditional coworking space. Serving as more of a venue for creative collaboration and community-building, Moonlighter attempts to lure Miami's creative community of makers and builders by offering an array of unique tools in its “Fab Lab.” Members (membership ranges from $35–$150 per month) have access to 3D printing, laser cutting, power tools, sewing machines, vinyl cutting tools and more.  And if all that is sounding very intimidating to you, then you might be interested to know about Moonlighter's STEAM education program, which offers after-school camps and field trips for kids as well as design workshops and courses for adults and teens. Non-members are encouraged to come by and check things out. You can say hi to cofounders Tom Pupo and Daisy Nodal, connect with professionals to discuss commissioning work, learn how to make something yourself or browse Moonlighter's market, which holds a selection of goods and designs created by Moonlighter's own workers. And don’t forget, while you’re there, mention “Support Local” for a free chance to design and laser cut your own custom keychain or necklace.   Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.

Hungry Harvest sprouted in Miami last month and has proven to be a national company with a local heart. The food delivery service works to save local produce that would normally be discarded (due to aesthetic imperfections or surplus) and deliver it to your doorstep. Their subscription service is one of the best and most underrated in South Florida’s rapidly growing food delivery economy. Hungry Harvest works with Florida farms like J&C Tropicals, Pero Family Farms, J&J Family of Farms and Seasons Farm Fresh to collect and distribute produce that’s thoughtlessly headed for the trash, resulting in less food waste and great deals on fresh, local products. Deliveries change based on availability and season. Hungry Harvest sends out a weekly email blast to its customers letting them know what to expect in the next delivery. And each delivery is matched with donations of fruits and vegetables to community partners in an effort to facilitate access to those in need. It sure seems like a win for customers and South Florida’s plethora of farms—both massive and independently owned. You can schedule to have your fresh box of produce delivered weekly or every other week. And remember to use the code "SUPPORTLOCAL" at checkout on hungryharvest.net for $10 of marketplace credit.    Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.

In the heart of Miami, the Midtown Garden Center thrives, a lush oasis of green that stands in stark contrast to its surrounding hustle and bustle. You have Ninfa Diaz and her family to thank for the charming space. For the past six years, they have been the caretakers of a gorgeously diverse selection of greenery. Diaz’s shop specializes in more than plants too. The space hosts Nomade, a casual outdoor Argentinian concept that serves bowls, wraps, smoothies and more (pro-tip: you can BYOB). The Garden also welcomes anyone just looking to hangout or work remotely. Of course, while you’re there, it’d be a shame if you didn’t grab an arrangement from resident florist, Zoom Bloomz. Since Diaz and company opened up shop, their space has evolved along with the neighborhood—which seems to be growing as fast as their plants. But even with increased foot traffic, Ninfa treasures her relationships with regular clients and continues to find ways to create a familial atmosphere. Next time you stop by, mention Support Local Florida for a free four-inch succulent with your purchase.   Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.

Lauren Quesada has been painting and drawing for as long as she can remember. But it wasn’t until last year that she made the leap to pursue a career as an artist. Drawing inspiration from the city’s culture and bright colors for her illustrations, the Miami-bred artist has kept her business local. Growing with her “muse” has had its share of challenges, but the camaraderie among other Miami-based entrepreneurs and the local maker scene has been nothing short of encouraging. Between collaborations and bringing culture to life through her illustrations, she has taken a deep dive into the local creative scene. Her bright and inspired watercolor, ink and gouache creations range from Cuban coffee cafeteras and palm trees to geometric maps of Miami. Once you’ve amassed one of each in Quesada’s collection, it’s time to commission her for a custom creation. Yeah, she makes one-of-a-kind art works, too. Pick up one of Quesada’s stunning pieces for yourself on Etsy, and mention “SupportLocal” when purchasing to receive a free small watercolor painting with your order.    Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.

When Aussies Nick and Teresa Sharp moved to Miami, they never dreamed that a bout of nostalgia would lead to a major shakeup in Miami’s café culture. The transplants longed for the type of places that are mainstays in their native Australia: a shop with a curated list of specialty coffee and a talented chef at its helm, churning out delicious eats. While there are more than 2,500 of these businesses in their hometown of Melbourne alone, Miami had but two (Panther Coffee and Eternity Coffee Roasters) when the pair landed here over five years ago. So, in 2014, the Sharps took matters into their hands and opened Threefold Café in Coral Gables, where they showcase products from local vendors such as Zak the Baker, L’Atelier Gourmet, Miami Smokers and JoJo Tea. Soon, the duo is extending their community-focused concept, which already has a second location South Miami, to South Beach and Little River. Threefold Café at the Hotel Astor Miami Beach opens this month, featuring a revamped food menu and a speakeasy-style lounge. Smashing Avos, a spin-off restaurant named after Threefold’s popular avocado toast, opens at The Citadel food hall later this year. Its menu promises all sorts of creative dishes—toasts, smoothies, soups—starring the green fruit. Even with four major projects in the works, it seems that Nick and Teresa Sharp are just getting started in their quest to bring Miami a taste of their native Australia. And we couldn’t be more grateful for these local entrepreneurs. Ti