Meet Fabiola | Creative Director & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Fabiola, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My experience in corporate jobs taught me quickly that stability without purpose is soul-sucking. My first job out of college was in a toxic environment I had to endure, and eventually being let go without reason made me realize how boxed-in the “safe path” really is: you clock in, do your tasks, hope for a promotion if there’s even room, and trade your best years for a system that rarely lets you fully use your potential.

Two years ago, I decided I couldn’t live like that anymore. I quit my last job and went all in. That’s just who I am, I don’t do half measures. I wasn’t going to keep a “stable” paycheck and work on my passion on the side. If I was going to build something meaningful, it had to be full commitment, with all the pressure and adrenaline that comes from knowing you have no option but to make it work.

In the end, my thought process was simple: I imagined myself on my deathbed asking, “Did you do everything you could to build a life and career you were passionate about?” I want that answer to be yes—and that’s why I’m here, at the very start of that journey.

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?
Over the past two years, I’ve been quietly building the foundation for something I’ve always dreamed of—a space where all my creative passions could finally merge. Through word-of-mouth projects and long-term client relationships, I’ve grown a small but loyal base who trusted me not only for design, but also for strategy, production, and vision. Now, I’m excited to finally share it publicly for the first time: my creative studio, IDIOSYNCRATICO, which will officially launch in November 2025.

IDIOSYNCRATICO is a boutique creative studio that celebrates authenticity, culture, intentional imperfection, and the human element. We partner with cause-driven organizations, cultural and social impact groups, alternative education or wellness initiatives, artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, and brands in transition—the kinds of businesses that give something meaningful back to the world and their communities.

What makes our approach different is the way we immerse ourselves in our clients’ worlds—not just through questionnaires or surface-level research, but by physically stepping into their operations, observing, listening, and absorbing their culture. That immersion is what allows us to uncover the real idiosyncrasies that make each brand distinct, and then translate those truths into creative strategy and design. For me, the most fascinating part of this work is learning about different industries firsthand and discovering the human stories that fuel them.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that trust and relationships are everything. Building quietly, project by project, showed me that when you lead with reliability, vision, and curiosity, people invite you to grow with them. And that’s exactly what I want IDIOSYNCRATICO to be: a collective space where curiosity, design, culture, and creativity coexist—and where difference isn’t something to hide, but the very thing that drives impact.

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?
If my best friend came for a week, I’d want them to experience Miami through the kinds of places that spark curiosity and feel intentional. I’d check if there were any workshops at The Kampong—recently they had one on natural dyes that I would’ve loved to do, and experiences like that connect you to the city in a deeper way. We might also try a pottery class, because I love the idea of leaving with something made by hand.

We’d visit at least one museum, because Miami’s art scene always inspires me, and then spend an afternoon at Books & Books in Coral Gables, one of those rare places where you can disappear for hours. For coffee, I’d take them to Studio 24, a spot I recently discovered with products and atmosphere that feels cool and different.

Evenings would be all about food, Walrus Rodeo, Boia De, and Osaka Nikkei are some of my favorites. They feel playful, creative, and full of intention, not just another meal. And of course, we’d end the trip by catching the sunset at Surfside or Key Biscayne, where it’s quiet enough to feel like time slows down.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
That’s an easy one—my father, Martín Cardona. As an entrepreneur himself, he didn’t choose that path because he was looking for a bigger purpose but out of necessity. His ultimate goal was to provide for his family and give us the best opportunities possible, and I witnessed his sacrifice firsthand. Without that example, I wouldn’t have the mindset or the opportunities I have today.

He is the epitome of discipline and resilience, and he also gave me the best life advice I carry with me (and even tattooed on my arm): “El que es fiel en lo poco, también es fiel en lo mucho.” In English, it means: “Whoever is faithful in small things will also be faithful in big things.” It comes from a biblical teaching—that integrity and responsibility with small tasks is what prepares you for greater responsibilities. That mindset has shaped how I work and how I live.

So shoutout to my amazing father, all the way in Honduras, for being the best example of discipline, sacrifice, and vision.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fabiolacardonae

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabiolacardonae

Image Credits
Miriel Santana, Jose Mago