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

Hi Kathy, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I think first and foremost, we need to strip the meaning of the word and realize, that the perfect balance that we all search for at some point is nonexistent! What I mean by that is, that balance means different things to different people and my balance is going to look a whole lot different than yours and we need to remember that. When we start comparing our lives to others and saying things like, “oh, they have it figured out” or “they look like they have it all together,” we set ourselves up for failure. Balancing work, life, motherhood- it’s all ever-changing. Sometimes, work may get more of your attention, other times, motherhood or life. The goal is to find a balance that works for YOU and that balance changes daily. You may find yourself saying, ‘today, I’m going to focus on this task for this amount of time and then I’m going for a run,’ or ‘im going out with my kids to the beach, and later ill answer some emails,’ That balance has to work in your favor and more importantly, for your mental health. If you’re searching for the secret to balance- stop right there because you’ll be spending all your time and energy on an illusion that only holds you back from living your best balanced life, which is a life that is meant for you and no one else.

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.
My career in broadcast journalism started when I was 20 years old in New York. I went to Fordham, locked down some great hands-on internships at Good Morning America and Access Hollywood, and once I graduated started working at Access Hollywood for the next nine years as an entertainment producer going out on shoots, junkets, red carpets, fashion shows and interviewing celebrities like Oprah and Nicole Kidman to even political figures like President Clinton and First Lady Laura Bush and I absolutely loved it and still love it! I loved this job because everyday was different. The rush I would get from breaking news or getting the bites I needed for a segment was such a thrill and I loved going to work everyday. Still do! When we moved back to Miami, it became more freelance and I was traveling to and from NY, so I started exploring other areas that I knew I was good at too. I started writing for different mags like Ocean Drive, People mag, Indulge, Gotham and more. I started blogging on the side as an outlet and that has allowed me to collaborate with many big name and small name brands. I’m currently one of the hosts for south Florida PBS Health Channel and I am a lifestyle and style contributor for NBC 6 in the Mix, Telemundo Un Nuevo Dia, and more. I love it! Entertainment and fashion are my passion, I swear.

My secret is simple- I don’t take no for an answer and you have to keep going, especially in this business. I’m very persistent, dedicated and I go above and beyond. With me, what you see is what you get. I’m honest and that honesty and being able to relate and connect is so important in order to deliver quality content- whether it’s during an interview or when I’m doing a segment. I’ve had challenges along the way. Tough ones, but the moment you surrender to them, you only do yourself a disservice. The greatest reward comes after and I keep my eye on the prize. I am a firm believer that everything does happen for a reason and God does have a plan. I see that now, especially where I am in my journey. I want my kids to see an example of hard work, of not giving up, and going after what you want. Who cares if you get rejected? You get back up and try again and that’s the beauty of success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love playing tour guide in Miami! my friends tease that I should have a side business as a travel expert because I always put together amazing recommendations for anyone that comes to visit! I’m big on showing people different neighborhoods, experiences, restaurants, and obviously, beaches! I also live in a great area. I’m right in Midtown, close to Wynwood and minutes from the beach so I have a lot of amazing selections right in my own backyard. Let’s start with the most important thing- Cuban food! For me, that is hands down Versailles. Not only is it an important part of the Cuban exile history that makes this city so rich, but it also happens to have one of the best bistec empanizados and arroz con pollo dishes youll ever have. Take an uber and go for lunch. You’ll be full all day. If I want fritas and a batido de mamey, I go to El Rey de las Fritas in Little Havana. It’s my favorite. Show people some of Little Havana with a stop at Ball and Chain for a mojito, music and some ice cream next door at Azucar. Take a walk to El Parque del Domino to watch some good old fashion domino games with the locals. I always send visitors to Wynwood to check out the art. I have them start at Wynwood Walls and go from there, taking in all the amazing murals and street art by some incredible artists, most of which are local. Pop in to Mister-01 for some of the best pizza ever. Hands down. Then dessert at Pink Pie for some incredible mini pies that come in flavors like birthday cake, key lime, oreo nutella. Bakan Mexican is also another favorite! Love their outdoor seating, especially at night. 1-800-Lucky is also one of my favorite spots. It is delicious and so many great dining options from ramen, to dumplings, and sushi. They have tasty cocktails and their patio is a fun spot. The Grove is also a great area to explore it’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in Miami. There’s Viscaya gardens, la Ermita de la Caridad, a church right on the water that many Cubans and Cuban Americans visit. You can explore the Barnacle and grab a bite at Bellini and enjoy the views. Peacock Garden is also very charming and delicious spot. I know it’s super touristy but I do love Bayside Market Place. I’ve been going since I was a kid and I love it. It’s in downtown Miami. I go mostly for the views and atmosphere but there are restaurants, shops, and you can rent a boat or take a sea tour from there. If you have kids, they’ll love. They’ll also love Frost Science and get to explore some really cool exhibits. Sugar at The East Hotel is a must. One of the best views of the city. Period. Their food, as well as the food at Quinto La Huella are superb. Museums: History Miami Museum, Perez Art and The Bass on the beach always have great exhibits to check out. I can go on and on here clearly! So let me wrap it up with some of my other favorites. When I go to the beach, I like to go to Surfside because it’s quiet and not as packed and that’s big for me. There are so many great spots on the beach. I do love lincoln road because there are so many options when it comes to dining. I love Juvia and their rooftop views from the 1111 parking structure. Pop in there and then go to dinner at Yardbird. I love Bodega for tacos. Really tasty and casual. Great for after the beach. Lolo’s Cantina is also awesome for cocktails and tacos and it’s steps from the beach. Another great idea is renting a paddle board or kayak from the Sunset Harbour neighborhood and have some alone time on the water. Then finish up your day at one of my favorites in the neighborhood, Pubbelly Sushi. The Butter Krab is heaven! It’s a Miami must.

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?
When I think about my journey and I think about where I am, I also think about those individuals that have inspired me, mentored me, supported me, and held my hand along the way. There are people that have come into my life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime that have molded or have made me who I am, and it’s so important to acknowledge that we have so many influences that touch our lives in so many ways. For me, my mother is the most important figure in my life. She passed when I was 16, but in those short years that we were able to have together, she inspired me to be independent, hardworking, determined, confident, and her sense of style was impeccable! I carry her with me in everything I do, in everything I work to accomplish, and she is my driving force to be the best mom I can be to my kids. She is one of my whys. My grandfather was also an important figure in my life. His passion for what he loved to do and his determination and drive to pursue something he loved, whether in Cuba or here in the US, was something I always looked up to. Watching him write his articles for the newspaper or recording his radio and tv spots from his office and living room, gave me such pride and I knew that I wanted to do that when I grew up. He’s one of the reasons I got into broadcast journalism. When I moved to NY and got the exact job I wanted (who can say that?), I met a wonderful woman, who was also my boss, that mentored me as I took my first steps in the entertainment business. Her name is Chris Fahey and she continues to be a great friend. She taught me so much about navigating the waters and would throw me on shoots as an intern because she believed in me and knew that I could do it. She saw my potential right off the bat and having her in my corner, shaped me in a substantial way. I saved the best for last because there is no bigger cheerleader than my husband, Coco. We’ve been together for almost 20 years. I was an intern and he was a production assistant when we first met at work and the rest is history. I always say he’s an angel sent to earth by my mom. Yes, he’s an amazing husband, father, he’s my best friend, but he’s also my biggest motivator pushing me no matter the task, no matter the challenge. He always has my back and he’s always in my corner. We’re a team and when I feel doubtful or apprehensive, he’s there to give me that extra nudge. He’s my person. There are so many others that have inspired or influenced me in some way, and for them and for the experience, I’m grateful. I have to give credit to the city that made me. I always say, ‘born in Miami and made in NY’. Moving to NY and being part of that fabric had a huge impact on my life. It saved me. It built my confidence. Showed me so much more of my resilience and who I am as a person. I’m equally thankful for these two worlds that shaped who I am today. Can my therapist be one too? Ha! Because honestly, the woman deserves a medal. She is also a guiding light and has helped me so much when it comes to my mental health. I must mention her because she is part of my growth on so many levels- growth that I would not have been able to accomplish without her guidance.

Website: www.kathybuccio.com
Instagram: @kathybuccio
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-buccio-b69ab065/
Twitter: @katbucciotv

Image Credits
@dmargherite  @laurelcreative

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.