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

Hi Keymia, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
One habit that has been crucial to my success is my habit of always pressing forward (persistence). When I started my business, I understood that I would face many “nos” along the way. However, I also knew that each “no” would bring me closer to a “yes.” I made it a point to ask for collaborations, partnerships, and opportunities, understanding that the only way to succeed was to keep asking and not let rejection deter me. Every “no” was just a stepping stone to the next “yes.”

Another key habit is my persistent pursuit of creative solutions. This has been instrumental in crafting unique and memorable experiences for my clients. While I may not be the largest name in Miami tourism, my passion and intentionality set me apart. I am committed to creating meaningful and transformative experiences, and my creative approach allows me to offer something truly special.

What should our readers know about your business?
Key2MIA, is all about offering unique, personalized tours and experiences that go beyond the typical beach vacation in Miami. We focus on cultural exploration and education, highlighting the history and culture that makes Miami so unique.

I am most proud of our ability to craft tours that are unique, educational and engaging. Our Melanin Miami tour, which focuses on Miami’s Black history, has become our most booked tour to date. The feedback from guests who have felt a deeper connection to the history and culture of Miami is incredibly rewarding.

Getting to where I am today with Key2MIA has not been easy. Starting and growing this business required overcoming numerous challenges (both personal and professional), all while working hard to establish a presence in one of the most competitive markets in Miami. Persistence and resilience were key.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way include the importance of persistence, the power of a supportive network, and the value of creativity and innovation in business. And above all, Key2MIA is driven by passion and a commitment to making a positive impact through travel.
We hope that when you take a Key2MIA tour, you’re inspired by the stories we share. Our business is rooted in the belief that travel has the power to create meaningful change, and we strive to make every tour a memorable and transformative experience.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Here’s a solid 3 day itinerary that should allow you to really experience some hidden gems in Miami:

Day 1: An Insta-worthy Day

Start with some of Miami’s best coffee at Imperial Moto. I highly suggest the iced lavender latte.

Next, Head to the Rubell Museum, one of the largest private contemporary art collections in North America. After this museum, do an art crawl through all the galleries located on the block and end at Super Blue.

Wrap up with a delicious dinner at Hometown BBQ, known for its mouth-watering smoked meats and cozy atmosphere.

Day 2: Culture Trip

Start your day in Little Havana. It’s a cultural landmark that comes alive early. You’ll want to visit the galleries, museums, and historic monument row. Make sure you grab some ice cream and cafecito too!

Lunch at El Cristo

Head to Historic Overtown for the Melanin Miami tour to learn about Miami’s Black history.

Dinner at Red Rooster Overtown with a night at the iconic Pool Hall or The Urban

Day 3: Miami’s Countryside

Start at Pinto’s Farm with some goat yoga and enjoy all the extra amenities they have like pedal boats, tractor rides, gem mining and a petting zoo.

Head to Schnebly Redland’s Winery & Brewery for lunch and a wine tour.

Right down the street is Wat Buddharangsi Buddhist Temple, a must-see marvel where you can soak up Asian culture and get blessed by a monk.

Grab an early, inexpensive dinner at Lan Pan-Asian Café.

Catch the best sunset while taking an ATV ride through Miami’s countryside with Miami ATV Rentals.

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?
Firstly, my daughter, who has been by my side throughout this entire journey from day one. She’s been a constant source of strength and motivation for me.

I also want to give a huge shoutout to my friend, Azizi, who stepped in as my operations manager. Her dedication to ensuring that everything runs smoothly has been invaluable and has allowed me to focus on the bigger picture with peace of mind. She’s the best!

Lastly, I want to recognize my family and friends who support, book, promote, and show up for me as well as every partner that makes each tour so unique. Their collective encouragement and belief in my vision have been crucial to my success.

Website: https://www.key2mia.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/key2mia.com

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/key2mia

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.