Meet Natali & Brian Kociak | Shakes Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natali & Brian Kociak and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natali & Brian, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
At Holyshakes, our mission goes beyond delicious treats — we aim to nourish the soul of our community. We create a welcoming, family-friendly space where people can connect, celebrate, and enjoy high-quality, feel-good products. We believe in the power of small businesses to bring people together, and we proudly hire local staff, support neighborhood events, and collaborate with other small brands to boost the local economy.

We’re also mindful of the impact we have on families. From offering nutritious shake options to including items without added sugar or salt for kids, we help parents feel confident about what they’re sharing with their children. As immigrants and entrepreneurs, we hope our story inspires others to believe in their dreams and build something meaningful.

Every visit to Holyshakes helps us continue building a business that’s rooted in community, creativity, and care — one shake at a time

What should our readers know about your business?
Becoming entrepreneurs through a franchise like Holyshakes has been a truly transformative journey. While having the support of an established brand and a proven system gave us a strong foundation, it also came with big challenges: adapting to standards, staying true to the brand’s essence, and at the same time bringing our own energy and personality so our store would have its own identity.

What sets us apart is the love and dedication we put into every detail. We’re not just operators — we’re passionate about what we do, and we’re deeply involved in every part of the business, from customer service to team building and growing the concept.

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that entrepreneurship, even within a franchise, takes initiative, commitment, and resilience. It hasn’t always been easy — there were tough moments, uncertainty, and hard decisions — but each challenge helped us grow, become more professional, and connect more deeply with our community.

We’re proud to see how our location has become a beloved spot in Hallandale Beach. And what excites us most is knowing we’re building something that goes beyond business: we’re creating experiences, happy moments, and real connections.

We want the world to know that behind every franchise are real people — with stories, dreams, and a lot of hard work. Holyshakes is a brand, yes, but for us, it’s also a way to leave our mark, to share our values, and to show that when you lead with heart, results always follow.

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?
If my best friend came to visit for a week, I’d make sure she got the full Hallandale Beach experience — local spots, great food, beach vibes, and fun moments to remember.

Day 1: Sunset & Fresh Flavors
We’d kick things off with a sunset walk on Hallandale Beach, followed by dinner at Casa Crudo, a stylish spot with fresh, modern dishes that are perfect for a light and flavorful start.

Day 2: Café Hopping & Holyshakes
We’d start with breakfast at the beautiful and Instagram-worthy Pink Café. Then I’d take her to visit Holyshakes, our pride and joy, for a refreshing smoothie (Berry Bliss is a must!) and some of our famous empanadas. Later, we’d walk around Gulfstream Park, and end the day with sushi and fusion flavors at Sokai Sushi Bar.

Day 3: Pamper & Wine
A relaxing spa day at the Diplomat Beach Resort would be just what we need, followed by a cozy dinner at Il Mercato, a hidden gem with homemade pasta and great wine.

Day 4: Water Views & Culture
We’d have brunch at Juniper on the Water, right by the canal. In the afternoon, maybe check out an art exhibit or explore Atlantic Village, a trendy open-air plaza with cool shops and events. Dinner at Padrino’s Cuban Cuisine — full of flavor and energy.

Day 5: Beach Picnic & Bikes
We’d spend the day on the beach with a little picnic made of local favorites — smoothies, empanadas, and fresh fruits. Later, we’d bike around South City Beach Park and have a relaxed dinner at Elements Bistro & Bar.

Day 6: Night Out
Easy morning, maybe some shopping, and then we’d dress up for a fun night at Carousel Club in Gulfstream — music, cocktails, and a great atmosphere.

Day 7: Sweet Goodbye
Final breakfast at Mitch Bagel, then a quiet walk, and of course — one last stop at Holyshakes before heading to the airport. Because what better way to end the trip than with something sweet?

Hallandale Beach has so much to offer in a compact, charming area — beautiful beaches, unique food spots, and a growing creative scene. I’d want her to leave feeling inspired, recharged, and already planning her next visit!

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?
Our main shoutout goes to the entire Holyshakes team, whose effort, commitment, and passion make the brand grow and reach more communities. Their dedication and desire to build a solid business with a positive impact are the driving force behind everything we do every day.

We also want to recognize our local community in Hallandale Beach and all the customers who choose and support us. Without them, none of this would be possible.

Finally, a special thanks to the mentors, suppliers, and collaborators who believe in our vision and accompany us on this journey of growth and transformation.

Website: https://www.holy-shakes.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holy.shakes/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/holyshakes-hallandale-beach-2?osq=holyshakes

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@holyshakes.atlant

Image Credits
Facundo Varela Gomez from PhotoshooterMiami