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

Hi Jasmine, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?

For me, the answer is obvious in the feeling I get while hooping, and that same feeling amplified when I’m hooping with others —that rush of joy, movement, and freedom I tap into grows when I’m sharing it with others.

I started WhirlWind Hoops in 2006, just making hoops out of passion. Nearly 20 years later, even after long breaks and life pulling me in different directions… I’m still making hula-hoops, and I’ve never stopped dreaming about what they could become in the lives of others. That tells me this isn’t something I can give up. It’s part of who I am.

There were times I thought maybe it was just a hobby, or that the moment had passed — but the vision kept coming back stronger, and more vivid each time. I imagine WhirlWind Hoops in schools, libraries, and parks — as part of summer camps, after-school programs, and wellness workshops. Long term, I’d love to teach hula-hoop classes in local fitness studios, including the local Ice Arena and Roller Rink in my community. And it doesn’t stop there! I see myself bringing hooping to festivals, churches, youth centers, adult fitness spaces — even circus and flow arts programs. The possibilities feel endless.

I’d catch myself daydreaming about it over and over again — and eventually I had to ask myself: What would happen if I actually went for it? That’s when everything shifted. But how do you take a dream and turn it into reality? I want to be able to introduce myself professionally and offer my services with confidence.

That’s when I decided to take myself seriously and began building my website, working toward becoming an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor, and seeking vending opportunities at local pop-up markets. Every step I take makes the dream feel more real. Even this interview opportunity is incredible!

So how do you know whether to keep going or to give up? If the idea still lights you up — if you think about it even when no one’s watching — that’s your answer. Give yourself permission to grow into it at your own pace. The path may not be fast or straight, but that doesn’t make it any less meaningful. I don’t know what the outcome is going to be, but I will say I’m enjoying the journey as it unfolds.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I make durable hula-hoops meant to withstand the test of time. Some of my current hoops are already a decade plus, and they’re still intact! These are not those mass-produced bargain bin hula-hoops you find in supermarkets or retail stores; these hoops are an investment. I build custom hula-hoops based on one’s unique body measurements, and use different materials of tube that will accommodate whatever “level of hooping” you’re in, from absolute beginners to advanced. For example, for someone that can’t hula-hoop, even after trying, they’re most likely using a lightweight, small in diameter hoop. Bigger and heavier is better in the beginning. I use materials such as PE (polyethylene), HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) and PolyPro (Polypropylene) tubes of different widths to even accommodate someone’s grip ability.

Let me also add, hula-hooping is not limited to just waist hooping. Depending on “level,” or what type of hooping YOU want to explore, whether it’s mini-poi style hooping, on and/or off-body hooping, multi-hooping… I can make you a simple single plain hoop, to an elaborate shiny decorated hula hoop. How about a set of 7 hoops to practice what is referred to as geometry-hooping? Need something collapsible for travel? Need a hula-hoop for the beach that won’t be affected by sand or ocean water? What about a Slinky-Hoop made with up to 40 hoops plus for a dazzling circus show finale? I can build that for you using the right material of tube based on your needs and preferences.

You can commission me to create hula-hoops for personal use, or for your organization. I’m hoping to become that go-to Hoop-Maker in Miami. I also offer hula-hoop/prop restorations upon request. In short, I want to be a resource for hula-hooping because it has brought so much positivity in my life, I have no choice but to share it with others.

It’s not easy because in this day and age, it’s no longer about making hula-hoops. It’s overcoming the challenge of taking it that extra mile: For me, it creating a website, social media, getting business cards, and becoming an insured ACE certified Group Fitness Instructor so I can present my services confidently to establishments. For example, there are certain steps I need to take before I even offer my services to schools or youth centers; that’s what I’m preparing for now. The real magic is going to happen when I go in person to all the places I’ve daydreamed about working with to introduce my offerings, from parks, fitness studios, community centers, especially my local ice skating arena and roller rink.

Lessons I’ve learned along the way are classic; You’ll never know unless you try, and the only failure would be not trying at all, especially when you know deep down inside you’re not aligned with what sparks you joy. Another strong lesson I’m learning, Move it or lose it! We need physical activity to thrive; Majority of our work lives are standing still, or sitting at a desk… Hula-hooping is a low-impact, high-cardio activity that can activate the entire body in the best way, both physically and mentally; especially when you start exploring hoop tricks.

I want the world to know that WhirlWind Hoops is an advocate for flow, fun and fitness. Hooping builds confidence, and before you know it, you’re having so much fun, you don’t even realize you’re working out!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you never been to South Beach, we love roller-blading up & down the boardwalk to South Pointe Pier & Park. You can’t beat the ocean view, & when you’re ready to wrap up the day, we love eating at La Sandwicherie on Miami Beach. My go-to is the toasted croissant sandwich with Brie cheese & all the toppings & that special Sandwicherie Sauce.

If you’ve never been to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, it’s a beautiful historic estate on Biscayne Bay. Since it’s relatively close to Calle Ocho, depending on what you’re in the mood for, some of my favorite spots to eat include Yambo Restaurant, where they serve delicious Nicaraguan food; their house hot salsa is addictive. Mi Rinconcito Mexicano on Calle Ocho is also delicious & authentic; I love their carne asada tostadas, & for sure an ice-cold Horchata.

Within my neighborhood, we love Miami Roller Rink & Kendall Ice Arena. It’s a great way to have fun, get fit, & work up an appetite. Again, depending on what you’re in the mood for, we love Pizza Johnny’s, or if you’re feeling Peruvian cuisine, Chifa Du Kang on Kendall Drive is also delicious.

If you want to have a dog-friendly day, Virginia Key Beach North Point Park in Miami is also beautiful. If you’re into walking/hiking, mountain bike riding, or just chilling on the sand/ocean, Virginia Key Beach & Park is a nice spot to work up an appetite. There are lots of trails to explore, not just the beach.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Casandra Bambolê Tanenbaum [facebook.com/CasandraTanenbaum] of FlowFests.com is a catalyst in our local flow community. Flow Fest originated in Florida, & now she’s nationwide! She’s super organized & determined. She’s actually one of the organizations I would love to be involved with long-term.

You’re already familiar with Daniela of [305Gardens.com]. She also got me thinking, what’s stopping me from going “full throttle.”

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whirlwindhoops/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whirlwindhoops/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhirlWindHoops/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@whirlwindhoops

Image Credits
Marco Garcia of BUSTAPHOTO

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.