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

Hi Lance, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to start something that I truly believed in, and that would allow me to control my own destiny. I decided to build something from the ground up and brought on other key team members to help the business grow and develop. It’s not always easy managing your own business, but it’s always rewarding. It’s been amazing watching our evolution, and through all the ups and downs (mostly ups) I’ve always enjoyed the ride.

What should our readers know about your business?
Having great ideas and great people around to help you come up with those concepts and bring them to life. That’s what makes ZAG Creates so successful.

The single most important decision you can make is the decision to believe in yourself. There will be missed opportunities and roadblocks along the way. You have to decide to have faith in yourself and your mission and be willing to keep moving forward despite any adversity. Not everything is going to work out exactly how you think it will. You need to keep your head up and your eyes on your goals.

I want people to remember that I was a man of my word and conducted my business with integrity, doing right by my clients and creating impactful, quality work.

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.
Miami is such a beautiful place to live. I consider myself lucky to have grown up in a tropical environment that most people aspire to vacation in. If I had a friend visiting town, I know just where I’d take them. Fresh off the plane, we’re heading to Cafe Versailles. No trip to Miami is complete without a Cuban sandwich, and this place is legendary for a reason. The perfect snack after a long flight.
For some mid-week action, we’ll hit Wynwood. It’s easier to skip the weekend crowds and enjoy all of the artwork that literally lines the street. When we get thirsty, we’re rolling through Lagniappe for happy hour. Chill outdoor vibes with vino, charcuterie and local live bands. It’s a home run.
Then of course, we’re off to the beach. I like to post up under an umbrella at Soho House, snack on the infamous Dirty Burger and then head up to Ocho (the eighth floor) for some sunset rooftop party action. The Picante Margarita always hits the spot with just enough Miami spice.
Dinner plans? There are so many great spots. KYU is definitely at the top of the list. Insane Korean Fried Chicken, Mushroom Hot Pot, and Spicy Hamachi Crispy Rice. But my new favorite is La Natural. Natural wines, sourdough pizza, and some really inventive dishes paired with a chilled out vibe and amazing tunes. Money.
We’ll fight off the food coma with some cocktails at the Broken Shaker, a mid-beach staple with awesome drinks and great outdoor seating. And then it’s off to the races for the evening. Miami is brimming with amazing parties and world-class DJs. ATV Records and Do Not Sit On The Furniture are some of my favorites.
For our last day in paradise, we’ll head to The Standard Spa. Sun, pool, garden hammocks. Maybe some hammam action to sweat out the tequila. It’s dog friendly so my pup Wrigley is coming with. There’s no better spot to watch the sunset and close out a trip to Miami. Mission accomplished.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I couldn’t be where I am today without the support, guidance, and partnership of my mother, Zoe Torres. She founded ZAG and brought me on in the early days to grow and nurture the business. We are now in our 10th year of business and continue to help our clients’ businesses blossom! I also have to shoutout my incredible ZAG Creates team for always going the extra mile, bringing our client’s visions to life, and making every day at work fun!

Website: zagcreates.com

Instagram: @zagcreates

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/z-advertising-group/mycompany/?viewAsMember=true

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zagcreates

Other: https://vimeo.com/zagcreates

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