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

Hi Claudia, how do you think about risk?
I’ve always felt that taking risks was deeply (and sometimes dangerously) exciting, and knew that I was ruled by opportunity, action, and a fascination with diversity in life. Growing up as a first generation American I think, had a lot to do with it, because all I heard about from a very young age was how I had opportunities in this country that my parents did not have growing up in Bolivia. There was pressure to really soak up the experience of what it meant to be newly American. Growing up in Washington D.C., exposed me to a lot of different cultures, and that fueled my thirst and desire to seek out different types of people and experiences.  I loved seeing how things such as demeanor, humor, and open mindedness varied across cultures. So for me, the mindset that came along with seeking out the types of environments which I found most stimulating, almost always came with a degree of leaving the familiar and comfortable behind.  Taking risks and experimenting with change, immersion, and the unpredictable was actually more comforting to me than not. I embrace those environments, and find them to be inspiring and fulfilling, which is probably why I loved  the entertainment business early on, and later thrived in start-up culture bouncing around Miami, NYC, and LA. Not for the faint of heart came the entrepreneurial world, which really stretches you out past your perceived limits. It’s also the one that is the most fulfilling, since it affords you freedom in your daily life and the opportunity to grow and take new risks. Of course, I have learned along the way not to be reckless, you try and become more calculated with time and experience.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I love brands, and I love people. I discovered luxury matchmaking and coaching after 20 years of experience in Miami, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington D.C., marketing global brands including PLAYBOY TV INTERNATIONAL and HALLMARK CHANNEL, and successfully launching start-ups in hospitality and private aviation. Five years ago, I had a shift and put that same experience toward individually based one-on-one marketing when clients began asking me for advice.  Helping people best market themselves as individuals, not in a #brand way, but in a more authentic way, who they really are, and what makes them unique, became my focus. What started as a fun passion project evolved into a perfect opportunity to apply my communication skills in a relaxing, discreet and confidential manner on behalf of a diverse clientele with fascinating stories and backgrounds! I’ve amassed a wealth of insightful knowledge about love, men and women, and been the conduit for many happy couples and joyful singles. Over the course of my career, I’ve inked partnerships with VOGUE, VARIETY, WALT DISNEY, THE ANNIE LEIBOVITZ STUDIO, award-winning global advertising agencies, live event production agencies, and spearheaded a global PR campaign promoting Sir Richard Branson, and I have been featured in Business Insider, NBC Telemundo, Elite Daily, The New Tropic and Voyage Magazine’s “Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs in Miami.”

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?
My friends in other cities know how much I LOVE Miami and sharing the delicious blend of urban chic meets tropical paradise that is unique to this city. I would start with a day at the The Soho Beach House for sure, soaking up the sun during the day and a light lunch on the beach, and then working our way up to Ocho rooftop pool for guacamole, chips, and drinks for sunset. Dinner would be somewhere South of Fifth, probably Forte Dei Marmi, they have the most amazing branzino and desserts to die for, then head upstairs for the live music or DJ which feels transportive to Italy.  The next day we would walk over to The Standard, I live so close its a short walk, and have a great brunch bayside and watch the boats. After we would go biking down around the marina and the islands, and then back home to chill and watch movies. One day we would peruse the shops at Sunset Harbour, and spend some time brunching at The Icebox, where you will run into all the locals you ever wanted to connect with, and make spontaneous plans with someone most likely! Another favorite spot is the Four Seasons Surf Club, where we would dine at Thomas Keller’s restaurant where they have live jazz every night and enjoy the super luxurious and elegant ambiance. I’m a sucker and a seeker of live music. Speaking of elegance and ambiance, no trip to Miami is complete without a little shopping at Bal Harbour Shops, where the eye candy is bountiful in all its forms and glory. Makoto and Carpaccio are the best.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have had SO MANY wonderful mentors along the way, people who were super sharp and talented, and some who were just loving and understanding, and there for me at critical times. I would like to dedicate this shout out to my sister, she has always been my rock and my cheerleader.  My first business coach, Roy Assad, who I also worked with briefly when I first started The Communication Studio. He was inspiring, impactful, and energizing at a time when I was hesitant, indecisive, and doubtful. He broke down vision into actionable steps that made sense and were fun. He once looked me in the eye and told me that I had the capability to impact people’s in a positive way, and that did it, that was the switch I needed to activate within myself. Once it became about others and not myself and my company, things started flowing.

Website: www.commstudiollc.com