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

Hi Maggie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started as a venue owner, renting my home to sweet couples looking for a more personalized place to say I do. I’ve always loved entertaining and with a career in fundraising, events were my expertise. I thought what better way to evolve professionally, than use my own home and my experience in events and entertaining to help couples celebrate their love!

What should our readers know about your business?
I own a catering and wedding planning company. From this, I’ve also developed two other brands which include a charcuterie/grazing box delivery service and a soon to be launched wedding master class designed for the couple who doesn’t have a fortune to spend on their celebration, so they’re seeking guidance from professionals on how to have a memorable wedding, on a modest budget. I’m super excited about this new production! It’s been five years in the making, and I truly believe it’s going to help so many couples! I believe what sets not only me, but my team apart, is that we’re in this profession because we truly believe in what we do. We give up our weekends and evenings to make our clients occasions special and help create timeless memories for them and their families. This is definitely not something we take lightly. I’ve learned many lessons after more than 15 years, in the wedding/event business. Most recently, with the COVID 19 virus, as my industry has faced serious challenges. It is during these tough times that we see how community comes together to support each other. We see how creatives get creative, and find new ways to continue evolving their business, from creating beautiful back drops for drive by parties, to turning catering kitchens into meal delivery services- Ingenuity at its best! I’d like for the world to know our family of brands stand for professionalism, integrity, and most important compassion! It’s at the core of our value system.

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?
I’m not huge on late night activities, but I love trying out different dinner spots throughout the city. So I’d start with breakfast in the Gables, followed by a shopping day at Merrick Park, along with a stop for a drink at one of the great restaurants at the outdoor shopping space. Then, I’d head for dinner in the Grove and live music at a local jazz bar. Some of my favorites are Grazianos Market, Soya & Pomodoro in Downtown, and the Ritz in Key Biscayne with their live entertainment. Other favorite spots include No Name Harbor for delicious fried fish, Il Gabbiano for a nice night of splurging, and of course little Havana’s Ball and Chain for a taste of Miami!

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?
It takes a village not only to raise a child, but for any good success story! So many people help pave your path to success. Some in a positive way, and others in the tough lessons they teach us. I can’t single out one person, as I have too many to list in the more than 15 years of my career.

Website: inspiredeventsmiami.com; masterclasswed.com; thegrazingboxmiami.com
Instagram: @miamiweddings @thegrazingboxco
Facebook: @miamiinspiredevents

Image Credits
PS Photography Claudia Ríos Photography VMF Photogrpahy

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