Meet Elizabeth Plaza | Artisan & Content Creator

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

Hi Elizabeth, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Most of my friends thought that pursuing my own business meant that I’d have more time to relax and enjoy the day while others were at work but, the truth is I work more than I did when I was working as a general manager for a high rise condominium in Brickell, managing three different associations.

The biggest difference is that my schedule is much more flexible and I am working to line my own pockets and build my own empire. Despite how grateful I am for everything I’ve learned in my previous careers, I’m incredibly grateful to be doing what I love and am truly passionate about. They say “if you do what you love you’ll never work a day in your life” and there really is so much truth to that statement!

Eventually I do believe that things will level out and I’ll have more time for some R&R but its a lot of work in the beginning and you have to be willing to put in the hours. This is why you really need to focus your business around something you are truly passionate about, not just what can make you a lot of money. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In my work, I’ve found a way to combine all the things I enjoy to promote well being, both mentally and physically, as well as practicing self love. I’ve always really loved helping others, tapping into my creative side, and find mental and physical health extremely important.

With that being said, I created a YouTube channel where I teach other creatives of all levels how to complete a variety of diy home and crafting projects. I have always found working with my hands to be great for my mental health. It was a way to tap into my inner child, forget the rest of the world, and just enjoy life in the moment. By creating my channel I am now able to share that joy with others, and hopefully inspire them to take some time out to play.

I then began making and selling handmade cherry pit heat and cold packs that individuals can use to help alleviate headaches, achey joints and muscles, reduce inflammation, and more. I was suffering from a lot of migraines due to high levels of stress and these really helped a lot. As a two time breast cancer survivor still undergoing monthly chemo treatments, they also help keep me cool when I experience hot flashes. It was clear to me that I couldn’t just keep this to myself, which is when I decided to extend my focus on physical wellness as well.

Soon I will also be launching my medical grade private label skincare line. This was inspired by my love for a good nightly skincare routine. A moment in time where I could focus on self care and showing myself a little love.

All of these things combined brought me so much happiness and reminded me just how important it is to enjoy life and also show yourself a little love along the way which is why I am sharing it with the world.

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 I had a friend(s) visiting from out if town for a week, I’d want to take them around to try some of the delicious places I enjoy eating at like “Aguacate Sanctuary of Love” and “Happy Vegan Bakers”. The food at “Aguacate Sanctuary of Love” is so incredibly delicious and I just love the atmosphere there too. There’s live music, a farmers market and even farm animals to love on! The “Happy Vegan Bakers” is my favorite Sunday spot to pick up the most amazing vegan pastries I’ve tried to date so it goes without saying that we would be making a pit stop there too.

I really also enjoy the “Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens”. They have a trolly ride that takes you around the gardens and goes over an array of beautiful plant and insect species, as well as the history of the gardens. I love outdoor activities and they often host movie nights and events that allow you to really make the most of this beautiful place.

Wynnwood is another location I would bring my guest(s) to. They have so much incredible artwork displayed on the “Wynnwood Walls”, breweries and food trucks. It’s a must see when vacationing in this area. Speaking of breweries. I would also make a pit stop at “Schnebly Winery” in Homestead, were they brew their own beers and have a great set up for food and entertainment. Not far from there is “Robert is Here” and the “Knaus Berry Farm” which would definitely make it to the list too. “Robert is Here” has the best fruit smoothies and the “Knaus Berry Farm” has the best cinnamon roles! Since becoming vegan I don’t eat them anymore, however, I can’t help but introduce that experience of that delicious first bite of the warm fresh cinnamon role that they are so well known for with friends that I know would enjoy it.

And if my friends are feeling extra adventurous, I would totally take them skydiving at the “Miami Skydiving Center”. I had an absolute blast on my first sky diving adventure and I feel it’s a great way to set the mood for an awesome and unforgettable vacation experience.

I could honestly probably go on for days because Miami is truly full of so many great places to enjoy, whether you like the outdoors, indoors, dining, art, sports, etc. That’s one of the things I really enjoy most about Miami.

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 really want to show love to my family and friends for always encouraging me to follow my dreams. I am so grateful to them for believing in me when I didn’t, and for having those hard conversations with me (filled with things I didn’t always want to hear but needed to) in order to get me through some challenging times. They were each such a great source of inspiration as I watched them follow their dreams and keep their heads up high even when times got tough. I am so incredibly blessed to have them in my life.

Website: www.elileedesigns.com

Instagram: @elileedesigns

Facebook: @elileedesigns

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EliLeeDesigns