Meet Eleni Diaz | Local Business Owner & Mother

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

Hi Eleni, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I wanted to create business where I can use my creativity and create unique events and photography sets. I was always the designated party planner in my family. Whenever we had a baby shower or a birthday party, I was always the person in charge. The pandemic really catapulted my business it had given me time to plan and create something unique during uncertain times. It allowed me to really put myself “out there” and with support from my family and friends I created Sunshine Design Studio. The name Sunshine was my nickname growing up those closest to me always called me Sunshine so it was my way of dedicating my work to them. I also began a Facebook page The Real Cool Moms of Miami to create a platform where other Momprenuers can write and advertise their business and be able connect with other moms.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from most is that what I create for one will not be repeated for another. Regardless of theme, I love to think outside of the box. I was a dancer growing up. I graduated from the Dance Magnet Program at South Miami Senior High, I was a University of Miami Hurricanette. I was a dance teacher for most of my life and choreographer for various competition teams. So like choreography is unique in dance I model my business like that. My choreography is creating unique parties, photography sets and events. I love challenging themes or ideas and most of all creative freedom. Giving me creative freedom is where you’ll receive my best work. I always tell my clients “trust the process”. I listen to my clients wants and just strive to create something beyond what they imagined. Getting to the place where my business is now was no easy task. I work fulltime, I recently returned to school and I am a wife and mother of 3 boys ages 15,14 and 3. Balancing work and home all while running a business takes allot of organization skill and being able to manage your time wisely. I am old school, I carry an agenda. If I don’t write it , its easier to forget. So I create a schedule I plan months ahead and it just works for me. People always ask me “Eleni I don’t know how you do it” all I say is I just do it. My work ethic is something that was instilled in me at a young age. I have Cuban Immigrant parents and grandparents who came to this country with nothing and through hard work and dedication they accomplished everything they ever wanted. I have a family of entrepreneurs. My father, uncle and cousins all own and operate local businesses. My brand is a dedication to that entrepreneurship spirit. I am a mother, student, sister and friend creating once in lifetime memories.

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.
I am a Kendall girl, I grew up in Royal Green so all my favorite spots are in my neighborhood. I would go pick up Cuban bread for breakfast at El Futuro Supermarket grab a cafecito en la ventanita at Islas Canarias and while we’re there eat some of my favorite croquetas. Lunch I’d grab a sub sandwich at my favorite place, it’s not in Kendall but they have the most amazing Sub Sandwiches and as a young girl I would go there with my dad Super Subs Etc. I would go to Dinner at another local favorite Finka. Drinks and wings at Hammocks Grill. A great hang out place is Spanish Maries. Another local spot is tacos & tattoos great drinks and great food. Vacillate is a great wine bar with amazing tapas, allot of fun for a ladies night out. Kendall is full of locally owned restaurants, breweries and businesses. I love to support local businesses and enjoy mom and pop restaurants.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My cousin. Monica is local Family photographer, Remember When Photography. It was through her encouragement and support that I began my business. With her help, I have made connections with other local photographers whom I love to collaborate and work with in creating unique photo sets for their clients. She is my go to person not only personally but also professionally. She carries a wealth of knowledge that she lovingly shares with anyone in the business.

Instagram: @sunshinedesignstudio

Facebook: SunshineDesignStudio

Other: email: sunshinedesignstudiomiami@gmail.com

Image Credits
Remember When Photography Miami