Meet MARIE | Travel Planner and Founder Digital Guides

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

Hi MARIE, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It all started when I moved to Miami and began sharing my daily life as a French expat on Instagram ( @kissfrommiami ). I completely fell in love with this city. Its energy, diversity, and constant evolution. Even though I had already visited Florida four times over the past 15 years, I realized that I had never truly seen or felt Miami the way I did as a local.

As I kept exploring and sharing, more and more people asked me for tips, hidden gems, and real-life advice to plan their own trip. That’s when I knew there was something missing in the travel space , a guide created by someone who actually lives it every day, not just someone who visited on vacation.

This is how TRAVEL ME FLORIDA was born. I wanted to go beyond basic recommendations and offer personalized guides, real-time support, and curated experiences that reflect the real Florida : vibrant, authentic, and unforgettable. My goal was (and still is!) to help french travelers feel the magic I feel every day here, and experience Miami like a local : not just like a tourist. And soon my guides will be in english and other languages !

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is that I don’t just create content : I live it. TRAVELME or KISS FROM MIAMI is not just a brand, it’s a real-life extension of my journey, my discoveries, and the magic I experience every day living in Miami.

What I’m most proud of? Reinventing myself at 40+ in a new country, without any safety net. It wasn’t easy at all. I left behind my life, my business, my comfort zone… but I knew deep down I had something valuable to share. The hardest part was rebuilding everything from scratch while staying true to myself. The biggest lesson? Authenticity always wins. People connect with real energy.

Professionally, I built my brand by showing up consistently on Instagram, sharing not just the pretty beaches but the culture shocks, the wins, the doubts… and above all, the joy of discovering a new life. I’ve created TravelMe and @Kissfrommiami to help others feel that same excitement when they visit.

What I want the world to know? I didn’t build this to be a perfect influencer. I built it because I truly care. I test every spot I recommend. I answer DMs myself. I stay connected. Because for me, building trust is the foundation of everything.

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?
If my best friend came to visit me in Miami, she’d better get ready because I’m giving her the real deal, Miami-style!

DAY 1 – SOUTH BEACH, of course!
We dive straight into the Miami vibes : head first… literally! First stop? The ocean. That turquoise water is something you have to experience to believe. Then, we grab bikes and cruise down Ocean Drive, soaking in all the pastel Art Deco buildings. We wrap the day with a golden sunset at South Pointe Park. Pure magic.

DAY 2 – WYNWOOD
Street art, colors, tacos, and cocktails! We’ll wander around the murals, take pics like crazy, eat a good burger in SKYNNIE LOUIE, and end the day on the rooftop at ATSRA for that chic boho vibe.

DAY 3 – BOAT DAY!
Miami from the water hits different. We’ll sail past the celebrity homes of Star Island, then relax with lunch at The Lido at The Standard : barefoot and boujee.

DAY 4 – KEYS ESCAPE
Time to slow down. We hit the road to the Upper Keys, and especially my favorite spot: Morada Bay Café in Islamorada. Feet along the water , cocktail in hand, life is good.

DAY 5 – COCONUT GROVE, my favorite neighborhood
As a local (and European), this is home. Nature, local shops, a slower vibe… It’s everything. Dinner at Amal, hands down the best Lebanese in town. Then we walk through the Grove streets : yes, with peacocks crossing our path. Only in Miami!

DAY 6 – SHOPPING MODE: ON
Time for some fashion fun in Design District. We’ll explore concept stores, designer spots, and of course ( I’m addicted ) grab an ice cream at KITH. A sweet little luxury moment.

DAY 7 – CROCS & SOUTH OF FRANCE VIBES
It’s time for the wild side: The Everglades! Airboat tour, meeting the gators, and pretending we’re in CSI: Miami with Horatio Cane (cue the sunglasses ).
Then, we head back to the city for sunset cocktails on the rooftop at Rosa Sky in Brickell, followed by a dinner that warms my heart: Chez Claudie, a French restaurant that feels just like home like the South of France, but with a Miami twist. The perfect ending.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s no way I would be where I am today without my family : they’re the heart behind everything I do. Especially my daughters, who gave me the strength to start a new life from scratch in the U.S. Watching them grow, adapt, and thrive in a whole new world has been my biggest motivation.

I also want to give a special shoutout to my community on Instagram. They supported me from day one, encouraged me to keep sharing, and gave me the confidence to turn my passion into a real business. Every message, every comment, every “thank you” from someone who used my travel tips means the world to me.

And finally, a big thank you to Miami : this city literally changed my life. It’s more than just a beautiful place. It’s a mindset, an energy, a fresh start. I’m just so grateful I get to call it home.

Website: https://www.travelmeflorida.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissfrommiami?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Image Credits
@kissfrommiami