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

Hi Elena, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from one of the best kept secrets in the world, Ohrid, Macedonia. I am raised between Miami, Florida and Ohrid, Macedonia. Having been raised Eastern European has been such an asset to my life because I learned the “hard work pays off” work ethic from the US but I learned the art of enjoying life from my European side. Ohrid is nestled in the mountains next to one of the deepest lakes in Europe. (Fun fact: Second deepest lake to be exact, which still contains prehistoric fish to this day.) My parents being immigrants taught me the meaning of true hustle; Of what it means to be completely alone, have absolutely no support and still making a beautiful life from
NOTHING. I am thankful to them daily for showing me that life is not meant to be fair and it is not meant to be easy but it is meant to be enjoyed despite all the turmoil and hardships. They bring the meaning of learning how to “dance in the rain” a true life story. I wouldn’t be who I have become without both cultures intertwined in me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My name is Elena Duni. I graduated college with my Bachelor’s in Business and like many people who graduated right when a recession hit, I learned that it takes much more than just a degree to build yourself and your resume. My career for the first 10 years after college was in luxury retail. I was lucky to land a role as GM of downtown Chicago location for Michael Kors. I gained the basic knowledge of how to psychology work with with clientele. Understanding how to sell to the man or woman that has everything, is an art. The most notable luxury brand I worked for and learned the most from was LVMH. And the final role I held was as a Regional Director for Avant Gallery based out of NYC & Miami. In between all of these roles I was active and absolutely loved Pilates and yoga from the first day I ever walked in a studio. I quickly learned that I had a passion for this like nothing prior in my life. I made the conscious decision to leave a steady secure job and income for life as a business owner. I lived in Europe for a few years opening up other businesses alongside my husband and this was my chance to finally practice full time and get certified in Pilates, Yoga & Aerial Yoga leading up to what I have built today. Club 8 Global is a Pilates and Yoga company that offers private lessons to opulent clientele. We work with a private Pilates& yoga clientele, athletes with injuries as well as beginners world wide. When you are a member of the Club 8 Global community you learn that we are much more than just practicing Pilates and Yoga; We offer adventurous pilates/yoga style retreats to our clientele filled with blue coasts and breathtaking mountain high views. Practicing around the world while bringing you home to your body.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One week in Miami is not enough and I would never be able to name all of my favorite restaurants, beaches, city walks, beach walks all in one article. I am very much your Miami girl in a sense I love the water and I love the city but most of all I love our multi cultural life that we have been so blessed to be raised in. My snap shot highlights are: Brickell City Center is my go to for shopping and a quick bite. It’s centered right in the middle of downtown Miami making it very accessible to many restaurants, shops, hotels, etc, in the area. However of my favorite spots in Miami for the last 30 years has been Rusty Pelican. Its location off of Key Biscayne makes it one of the most sought out restaurants in the area. At one time before the internet and the explosion of social media, it was a quiet get away; Now bustling with clientele world wide I am proud to have seen its pragmatic change over the years and even though not so quiet anymore, the view is the most breathtaking views of the city.
Haulover beach with your boat or jetski for a relaxing weekend with friends.
Finally one of my favorite things to do in Miami (since I am an artist at heart) would be Art Basel. When we say Art Basel there are so many different aspects of this exquisite event. From the galleries and artists that come from all over the world, the fashion designers and the fashions shows, to the clubs and yacht parties all the way to the Wynwood Murals, I love every aspect of this event and can’t wait for it this year as well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Lynette Loleski My inspiration
My role model
My rock over the last 18 years!
Her business together with her husband and my cousin Steve Loleski, Grand Slam Marine.

Website: www.club8global.com

Instagram: @elenaduni__ @club8global

Image Credits
Zaga Productions EFG Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.