Meet Arlene John | Founder & CEO of Pearls House Miami inc

We had the good fortune of connecting with Arlene John and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Arlene, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The decision to start Pearls House Miami was deeply personal and rooted in a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of young men in our community. Growing up in Liberty City, Miami, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and obstacles faced by many young men, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. Despite these challenges, I also saw the untapped potential and innate talents within them.

My own journey, marked by overcoming adversity and loss, fueled my passion for creating a program that could provide support, guidance, and opportunities for these young men to thrive. As the first of my grandmother’s grandchildren to graduate high school, I understood the transformative power of education and mentorship. Additionally, my experiences as a teenage mother and navigating familial incarceration gave me a unique perspective on the struggles faced by many in our community.

Seeing the urgent need for intervention and positive role models, I felt compelled to take action. I envisioned Pearls House Miami as a beacon of hope, a safe haven where young men could receive holistic support to break the cycle of negativity and build brighter futures. Drawing from my own experiences and leveraging the support of like-minded individuals, I embarked on the journey of establishing Pearls House Miami.

The core philosophy behind Pearls House Miami is to empower young men by addressing the root causes of their challenges and providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. By focusing on personal development, education, mentorship, and access to opportunities, we aim to instill confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose in each participant.

Starting Pearls House Miami was not just about creating a business; it was about answering a calling to serve and uplift my community. It is my hope that through our efforts, we can inspire positive change, break down barriers, and cultivate a new generation of leaders who will contribute to the betterment of society.

What should our readers know about your business?
Pearls House Miami Inc. is not just a business; it’s a passion-driven initiative dedicated to transforming the lives of young men in our community. What sets us apart is our holistic approach to youth development, focusing on building better minds, habits, opportunities, and experiences for our participants aged 12-22.

What I’m most proud of and excited about is the impact we’ve had on the lives of these young men. Witnessing their growth, resilience, and achievements is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that we’re making a tangible difference in breaking the cycle of negativity and providing them with pathways to success fuels our determination to push forward.

Our journey to where we are today has been anything but easy. We’ve faced numerous challenges, from financial constraints to navigating bureaucratic hurdles. However, our unwavering belief in our mission and the support of our community have been crucial in overcoming these obstacles.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned along the way is the power of resilience and perseverance. Despite setbacks and disappointments, staying committed to our vision and adapting to challenges has been key to our survival and growth.

What I want the world to know about Pearls House Miami Inc. is that we are more than just a program; we are a family. We are committed to creating a supportive and nurturing environment where young men can thrive and reach their full potential. Our story is one of hope, resilience, and the belief that every individual deserves a chance to succeed, regardless of their circumstances.

Our brand is built on integrity, empathy, and a deep commitment to serving our community. We’re not just changing lives; we’re changing futures. And as we continue on this journey, we invite others to join us in making a positive impact and building a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Absolutely! Here’s a week-long itinerary for showing my best friend the best time in Miami:

**Day 1: Welcome to Miami**
– Morning: Breakfast at Versailles Restaurant in Little Havana for delicious Cuban cuisine.
– Afternoon: Explore Wynwood Walls for vibrant street art and galleries.
– Evening: Dinner and drinks at Juvia, a rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of the city.

**Day 2: Beach Day**
– Morning: Start with brunch at Big Pink on South Beach for hearty comfort food.
– Afternoon: Spend the day soaking up the sun at South Beach, enjoying the beautiful ocean and people-watching.
– Evening: Dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab for a classic Miami seafood experience.

**Day 3: Cultural Exploration**
– Morning: Visit the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) to explore contemporary art and culture.
– Afternoon: Take a stroll through the historic Art Deco District in Miami Beach.
– Evening: Enjoy dinner and live music at Ball & Chain in Little Havana for a taste of Cuban nightlife.

**Day 4: Nature and Adventure**
– Morning: Start with breakfast at La Carreta in Coral Gables for Cuban-style coffee and pastries.
– Afternoon: Explore the Everglades National Park on an airboat tour, spotting wildlife and experiencing the unique ecosystem.
– Evening: Head to Brickell City Centre for dinner at Komodo, a trendy Asian fusion restaurant.

**Day 5: Shopping and Relaxation**
– Morning: Visit Lincoln Road Mall for shopping, dining, and people-watching.
– Afternoon: Relax and unwind with a spa day at The Standard Spa, Miami Beach.
– Evening: Dinner at Prime 112 for upscale steakhouse cuisine in a stylish atmosphere.

**Day 6: Adventure and Exploration**
– Morning: Start with breakfast at Zak the Baker in Wynwood for delicious artisanal bread and pastries.
– Afternoon: Explore the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a stunning historic estate overlooking Biscayne Bay.
– Evening: Dinner and cocktails at The Broken Shaker, a trendy rooftop bar with a relaxed atmosphere.

**Day 7: Farewell to Miami**
– Morning: Brunch at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar in Miami Beach for Southern comfort food.
– Afternoon: Visit the Miami Seaquarium to see marine life and enjoy animal shows.
– Evening: Sunset cocktails at Lido Bayside Grill, overlooking the waterfront at The Standard Spa, Miami Beach, to bid farewell to Miami in style.

This itinerary offers a mix of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, delicious dining, and relaxation, ensuring my best friend gets the full Miami experience and leaves with unforgettable memories.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to two remarkable individuals who have played pivotal roles in shaping my journey with Pearls House Miami. Firstly, I want to honor my late grandmother, Willie “Pearl” Lacey. She is the embodiment of resilience, compassion, and strength. Her unwavering support and guidance have been a constant source of inspiration for me. Everything I do with Pearls House Miami is a tribute to her legacy and the values she instilled in me.

Secondly, I want to acknowledge my silent partner, Jayvon Lysius. His belief in the mission of Pearls House Miami and unwavering support have been instrumental in keeping me motivated and determined, even in the face of adversity. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit continues to guide and inspire me to persevere and make a difference in the lives of young men in our community.

These two individuals have been instrumental in shaping my journey with Pearls House Miami, and I am forever grateful for their influence, support, and encouragement. Their legacies live on through the work we do, and I am honored to carry their torch forward.

Website: Pearlshousemiami.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queen.mirage_?igsh=ZHUyaTAwYTFsY3Zu&utm_source=qr