Meet Chris McLeod | Skate Instructor & Project Manager

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

Hi Chris, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
I’ve grown to realize that freedom is what makes me the happiest. To be free can be interpreted in many different ways for many different people, depends on who you ask and when you ask them. I enjoy the freedom to be who I am unapologetically and to show up wherever with whoever my heart desires without any restrictions.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I own and manage the Calle Ocho Content Oasis and I am the Skate Instructor for Rollin Rhythm Skate Classes. The Calle Ocho Content Oasis is an apartment in the heart of Little Havana Miami, steps away from Calle Ocho that has been curated with art and decorations. The Calle Ocho Oasis is special because it allows guests to book by the hour on Peerspace for photoshoots, meetings, podcast etc. While also providing them the opportunity to stay the night by booking through the Airbnb Platform. I’m very proud that since going public with the Calle Ocho Oasis, I’ve had bookings non-stop and I’ve been able to maintain a 5 star experience for all of my guests. The hardest part about starting the oasis was definitely how the art and decorations would be curated, what theme the space was going to be and where everything was going to go. Lessons that I’ve learned along the way are that you must have a strategy to reach your goals that are being executed through routine and structure and you must be consistent. For example: what days will you clean, what days will you post content, how often will you add new art, etc. I want the world to know that my story is a lot like others who are afraid to try new things or afraid that they’ll fail when they do. You don’t have to be an expert to try something new. You don’t have to have it 100% before you share it with the world. Everything is a process. Don’t be afraid to try new things. It’s never too late and as long as you learn from your experiences, you’re only going to grow and get better.

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.
Omg!! I looovvvveeee to eat and I’m vegan so we definitely going to all the vegan restaurants. We are going to Thatch Miami in Midtown, Oyster Mushroom Sandwich and the Truffle Pizza is BOMB!! We definitely have to go to Tree Lion in Miami Gardens! Everything is good! You have to get the large plate! My favorite is the rice, butter beans, rasta pasta and callaloo, We have to go to Tast Rite Bakery which is next door, check out the callaloo patty. It’s so good! And we have to go to C4 Eats and Patty Mac’s in Hollywood for the brussel sprouts, veggie patties and bottomless mimosas. Ok so that’s just food. We are going to hang out at the Haulover Beach and get some nice tans in the day time. We are going to the skating rink in Ft. Lauderdale for sure. And the non-negotiable, we have to take a boat out to the sandbar to relax and have a good time on a beautiful sunny day. I think the most interesting thing to me in my city, Miami, is the people. Miami is very diverse and I’m always impressed with how people are able to protect and preserve their culture in their different communities around the city.

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 have to shout out the influential entrepreneur I know, The Le’Adonis Ferguson. Mr. Ferguson has been a role model in my life for the past decade and has recently pushed me into entrepreneurship. As a full time entrepreneur himself, Le’Adonis has been there for me every step of the way as a personal guide. He is the person that will say “You need to do ‘XYZ’, I will do ‘ABC’ for you and then you’ll have to take it from there.” Mr. Ferguson is filled with knowledge as he has years of business management experience and he has worked to become a full time entrepreneur over the past few years. I have to also shout out Afrika who has been my newest motivation to respect my gifts and talents and share them with the world. Ever been around someone and all you do is talk about new ideas that will bring generational wealth to you, your family and your community? That’s Afrika and I. Afrika always offers love and encouragement and she makes me believe that nothing is too big and anything is possible.

Website: www.RollinRhythm.com

Instagram: @CoContentOasis / @Chris_OffGlass

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvE-hyA-JnGgM9wtwk8geQ

Other: https://linktr.ee/COcontentoasis