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

Hi Maral, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Looking back there really was no thought process. There was one thought – “I don’t want to continue working where I’m currently working” – and then life pushed me into jumping in and simply taking one first step.

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?
I think what intrigues people that never tasted Armenian food is the possibility of experiencing something new. On the other hand, those that have tasted it in the past, get the opportunity to be transported back in time or even reminded of a family member, reconnecting. Both of these ideas fill me with pride – the thought of introducing Armenian cuisine to someone for the first time, as well as the thought of someone reconnecting to their roots or memories again through food.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Monday keeping it classic with live music and great wine at Lagniappe Tuesday The Citadel for pizza at Ash and Frice Cream Wednesday outdoor movie and picnic night at Soundscape Park Thursday dinner at Jaguar Sun Friday evening walk to Surfside beach and end up at the local sushi spot Saturday wind-powered sailing outing with Salty Miami on Biscayne Bay during the day and an Improv show at Just the Funny at night Sunday brunch at Josh’s Deli

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This shoutout goes out to my friend Magdalena Pire Schmidt, founder of helloheron.com. She has been supporting my Spicy Dolma journey from before its official conception. She helped me let go of the job I was fearfully holding on to and encouraged me to finally and courageously take on this new adventure.

Website: www.thespicydolma.com

Instagram: @the_spicy_dolma

Image Credits
Eugenio Mazzinghi

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.