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

Hi Veronica H., what do you attribute your success to?

First and foremost, my incredible family—parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and my younger brother who has been encouraging me to start my own business for years. I am very cognizant of the fact that I am incredibly blessed and fortunate to have parents that valued education above all else and were endlessly supportive of my endeavors.

As far as the most important factor, Woody Allen once said “80% of success is show up.” The director is also quoted saying “the heart wants what the heart wants” regarding his questionable relationship choices so he is not exactly the paragon of sound judgment; however, I do agree with this quote. Life is full of opportunities, and I try to say yes or “show up” to as many as possible. I moved to New York City from San Diego for undergrad and graduate school, and applied to as many varied internships as possible. These included Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, CNN, NBC, and Christie’s in departments ranging from editorial, special events, communications, writing, and production. I have an insatiable sense of curiosity and a healthy dose of optimism to the point of naiveté. To quote another, perhaps more morally sound man, Sir Richard Brandon once quipped “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!” I have always lived my life by these principles and am therefore constantly learning. I rarely say no, especially to my clients, as I am a firm believer that successful individuals, brands, and companies find solutions, not excuses.


Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

The hardest part, at least for me, was actually the ideation of my business. I could have continued on as a CMO or CCO, but I wanted to diversify and work with many different brands, companies, and individuals that incorporated my experience in overarching brand strategy, business development, communications, partnerships, public relations, marketing, event production, and more. I also knew I did not want to launch another PR Agency; however, I saw a gap in the market for international agencies that actually invested in individuals and emerging luxury brands. The end goal is to operate as a venture capital fund that invests, grows, and develops a diverse brand portfolio. As a Founder, I succeed when my clients and partners succeed. My current roster of talent includes artists, designers, galleries and gallerists, fragrance, fine jewelry, beauty and wellness, wine and spirits, hospitality, and tech including fintech and cryptocurrency funds.

Covid has offered a unique set of challenges, but also opportunities. I am looking forward to traveling more freely as I have not had the chance to meet some of my European and Middle Easter clients and designers. I am also looking forward to participating in the Venice Biennale, Salone del Mobile in Milan and Design Weeks in Paris, Athens, and London this Fall.


If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am usually only in Miami during Art Basel in December so it has been nice to spend more time here off-season. I am a partner in Maison d’ Etto, an artisanal fragrance collection. The Founder, Brianna Lipovsky, is an equestrian and very involved in the dressage community. In fact, the scents are inspired by horses she has ridden all over the world. We sponsored the Miami Beach Polo Tournament this past Spring and I had the opportunity to explore the area and find some local gems. In fact, I love travel planning so much that I created a City Guide section on my website called L’Avventura Journal!

I am also working with an incredible Mexican marble company called Grupo Arca. Their flagship showroom is in Guadalajara, but they have a Wynwood gallery designed by Esrawe Studio and Superflex Studio. We recently hosted events with Cultured Magazine, interior designers Fanny Haim and Cara Woodhouse, and architect Kobi Karp. This has been a great opportunity to discover more of Miami—especially the design community.

My best friend Lilah Ramzi was actually visiting recently as she wrote about the opening of Pharrell’s Good Time Hotel for Vogue. Here is our itinerary:

Hotels: The Four Seasons at the Surf Club, Faena, Edition, 1 Hotel.

Restaurants: Thomas Keller’s restaurant at The Surf Club, Casa Tua, Bellini rooftop at Mr. C in Coconut Grove, Francis Mallman’s Los Fuegos at Faena, Jean Georges Matador at the Edition, Joe’s Stone Crab, Versailles for a Cuban guava pastry and cafecito, Chef Daniel Boulud’s Brickell outpost of Boulud Sud for pastry Chef Ghaya Oliveira’s famous Grapefruit Givré, lunch at Mandolin Aegean Bistro in the Design District or Mr. Mandolin in the new Vagabond Hotel, sushi at Uchi, Naoe or Hiyakawa (the beautiful undulating woodwork bar by Bea Pernia Interiors is quite incredible).

Arts & Culture: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Bass Museum, Rubell Museum, De La Cruz Collection, Margulies Warehouse, Perez Art Museum, The Wolfsonian Art Deco Collection, Locust Projects. Visit the convention center and Design Miami booths during Art Basel Miami Beach in December as well as satellite fairs like Pulse, Scope, and Untitled. Stop by Grupo Arca’s colorful Wynwood marble showroom and gallery. It was designed by Hector Esrawe’s Esrawe Studio in collaboration with Superflex Studio, and the ceramic exterior was created to resemble the colors of the Mexican peso.

Shopping: The original Webster by Laure Hériard-Dubreuil, Curio at Faena Bazaar, Mrs. Mandolin at Mandolin Aegean, Bal Harbour or Aventura Shops, and Carolina K in Design District.

Weekend Trips:
Palm Beach: Visit Henry Flagler’s Gilded Age estate, Whitehall. Currently known as The Flagler House Museum, and a National Historic Landmark, it is open to the public with tours and exhibitions. The nearby Norton Museum of Art recently underwent a massive $100 million expansion, courtesy of architect Sir Norman Foster. Don’t miss the stunning new sculpture garden and outdoor café. Dine at NYC outposts including Sant Ambroeus, Café Boulud, or Le Bilboquet. Stay at the iconic Breakers resort, the pastel-colored Colony Hotel or the Art Deco Brazilian Court hotel. Shop on Worth Avenue or the Royal Poinciana Plaza. If it’s polo season, don’t miss a visit to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in nearby Wellington.

Key West: Visit the Southernmost Point in the U.S and tour the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Make sure to stop by the author’s favorite local bar, Sloppy Joe’s, for a mojito or daiquiri. Enjoy a seafood dinner while watching the famous sunset from the deck of Louie’s Backyard, and stay at the new boutique Lighthouse Hotel.

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?

My late grandfather is my ultimate role model. He moved to America from Europe after the war and truly lived the “American Dream.” His hard work and determination resulted in an engineering patent, accolades from NATO, and a successful family-owned packaging business that is currently headed by my 3 Uncles in Los Angeles. My grandmother was his partner in business and in life, and it was inspiring to see my mother manage the San Diego headquarters growing up as it was a heavily male-dominated industry. His constant advice to me was “work hard, pray hard, and save hard.” A motto I think of often (and try to abide by).

In addition to my close family and friends, I have to thank my mentors including Lydia Fenet, the current Global Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships and Lead Benefit Auctioneer at Christie’s Auction House (and best-selling author). Also, I am endlessly grateful to the chairman and team at Bernardaud, a 19th century family-owned porcelain house from Limoges, that took a chance hiring me at 24 years old to manage their global public relations after a brief interview in Paris speaking limited French! I learned the French art de la table and was introduced to another lifelong mentor, Chef Daniel Boulud, whom I had the opportunity to work alongside as a member of his Executive Team managing global marketing before launching my own agency.

Website: https://www.veronicahelenspeck.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/venturesvhs/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/veronicaspeck?lang=en

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

Other: https://www.instagram.com/vhs.ventures/

Image Credits
Portraits: Photographer Kat Hoelck at the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Miami, Florida. Maison d’ Etto: Photographer Sylvia Austin. Maison d’ Etto at the World Polo League Beach Polo, Miami Beach. Hattie Banks fine jewelry: Photographer Kat Hoelck.

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