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

Hi Lorena, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
Money is the most important thing for a business. I believe this corners entrepreneurs into believing that money is more powerful than their time, risk, sacrifice, and network they have built. It also tilts the scales to give investors and banks a greater power than the person behind turning that money into something tangible. I always joke that I wish it only took money to build a business! I believe that money is 1 of 5 equal metrics when deciding who or what has contributed to the success of a business: Time, Risk, Sacrifice, Network, and Money. You can’t have one without the other. They are all of equal value to building a business and should be used when deciding how much of a percentage in a business an investor is reasonably in the right for.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I went from a cushy corporate, high paying job where I traveled the world on the company tab, to selling straw hats and baskets. I always joke that if you told me 5 years ago that I’d give up the lush life to build a brand that focuses on straw products, I would have laughed at you. But here I am, doing just that and never have I ever felt more fulfilled. This time, when I travel around the world it’s to meet potential artisan partners and learn more about how we can collaborate and bring our designs to life using their methods and skills. In the process, I learned so much about them, their mores, their lifestyle, and their needs. I realized that what some of these communities need more than aid is trade. Oftentimes, people in some of these areas have been left out of business investments and access to tools that help them propel themselves out of generational poverty. As a business and a brand, when I realized how many economic drivers were stagnant in those places and the hunger for quality jobs, I saw an opportunity more than a challenge. Today we provide high-paying jobs in rural areas of Ghana and Ecuador in return for pristine, high quality, luxury grade products. I consider that a win-win.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My first stop would be the North Beaches so they could get the sun and sand minus the crows. Obviously, South Point, South Beach, Wynwood, Brickell and other Miami staples would be on the list. Some Miami Musts that sometimes fly under the radar: 1. Sunrise in front of the Carillon 2. Moonrise at the beach 3. Sunset at The Standard 4. Lunch at Shuckers 5. Best City Views: That little loop under the Key Biscayne Bridge 6. Walk through Margaret Pace then Kayaking 7. Order The Soft Egg at Alter. 8. Cocktails at Area 31

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Pablo Delgado, Owner and Founder of Circular Gallery

Website: www.SonderHolliday.com
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/SonderandHolliday
Other: I can also be found at www.Instagram.com/LorenaMirandaBendeck