We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Serritella Anton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued an artistic and creative career because it has always been the driving passion inside my heart. There is really nothing else that lights me up more than the entertainment and performing arts industry; fashion, music, dance, or theater.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I learned a very simple lesson later in my life, and to paraphrase, it is: to not try to be better than anyone else, only to be better than oneself.

In putting this idea into practice, I began to open up my growth as a performer, and as a person, so much! No longer did it matter who was watching or judging, but only that I knew I did my best work possible at that moment in time.
It must also be noted that if asked, I am very unselfish with my knowledge and/or expertise. Otherwise, I am rather reserved and quiet. People often find it surprising to discover my resources and experiences, which have taught me so much, and therefore, provided me a wealth to share.
When I work, I am truly a professional in my attitude and ethics, coupled with an affable demeanor.

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.
Being a native to Miami, there is so much to do, a week would fly by!

Of course, walks along beach boardwalks are a personal favorite, or if you prefer, a swim in the ocean, or a visit to a park, like South Pointe Park in South Beach.
I love food, and food is so culturally diverse here that you really have to narrow it down based on what you feel like eating at the time. We are spoiled and have it so good here particularly with influences from Latin, Asian, Italian, Caribbean, Southern, or Middle Eastern countries.

Bar scenes all over the city are stocked with plentiful options in specialty cocktails. And, coffee is a staple, especially, cafe Cubano.

Then, there is the dance club scene with all types of music. DJ16bit, aka Aldo Luca, of Kitchen Club is a personal favorite for New Wave and Industrial. If you prefer Freestyle/Disco, them DJ Carlos Sonic is the jam. And, there is plenty of live music and karaoke scattered around as well.

Boutique hotel lobbies on South Beach are definitely worth exploring.

Take a ballroom or Latin dance class.
Drive down to Key West for a weekend.
Shopping is fabulous either at outlet malls like Sawgrass or Dolphin, or at upscale boutique shops Bal Harbour Shops or Brickell City Centre.
Take a Duck Tour and experience the city by ground and water. Or, head to the Everglades and experience an airboat ride and possibly witness alligators.
No visit to Miami would be complete without visiting our great museums and galleries, art districts, Calle Ocho, Downtown/Bayside, or a performance at any of our beautiful theaters.
We have cruises sailing out of Port of Miami.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood is beautiful; I really like the Guitar Hotel.
For car enthusiasts, there is a car show happening somewhere almost every weekend. Zoom zoom!
And, we have all the water sports, gun ranges, golf ranges, batting cages, and more.
BIG Note: Miami is NOT cheap!
Lastly, I cannot go without noting all wonderful people, restaurants, and events of fabulous Downtown Hollywood! In fact, they just hosted the first inaugural My Pride Hollywood event, in which my band was one of the headlining acts, and it was awesome! We are already looking forward to next year.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My absolute beginnings of a career in the performing arts industry is credited to my mother, whom without her foresight, support, sacrifice, and ethical teachings, I would not have had the opportunity to become the woman in the arts I am today. To date, my parents are truly childlike in their display of genuine enthusiasm and excitement for their kids’ artistic accomplishments. They’re amazing, and I am so grateful for them.

From my educational experiences, I must credit Ms. Virginia Shuker, Mr. Daniel Lewis, Ms. Rosita Segovia, and Mr. Freddick Bratcher for their recognition of my potential; they each opened a pathway for me that I am ever grateful for.
And, of course, so much recognition goes to my rock star husband, Ray Anton. Not only is he a killer guitarist and writer, Floyd Rose and Kahler bridge specialist, but, he endlessly supplies love, friendship, support, and unselfishness towards our mutual pursuit of artistic growth and accomplishment. Without a doubt, I have achieved all that I have with him, because of him.

Website: SpotlightStudiosMiami.com

Instagram: @MariaSerritellaAnton

Facebook: @MariaSerritellaAnton

Image Credits
Jonathan Givens of EPS-Photo, Wallace Clark of Image Chaser Blog, Sergio Figuera, Kayce Armstrong

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