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

Hi Natalie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted to bring something fun and nostalgic to the local Miami community—something that feels personal. Italian charm bracelets were such a staple growing up, but nowadays most people only find them on big websites where you can’t really hand-pick your charms or see them in person. With Charm City Miami, I wanted to create a space at local pop-ups where people could take their time, mix and match, and build something that actually feels like them. It’s about making that experience more interactive and meaningful, not just clicking “add to cart.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Starting Charm City Miami has been such a ride. I had no background in business or retailI, I just had an idea and the motivation to make it work. I spent a lot of time researching and learning how to actually run a business. I’ve grown a lot by pushing myself out of my comfort zone, whether it’s talking to strangers at markets or navigating slow sales days without letting it discourage me. I’ve learned that consistency is key. Not every market is a success but showing up and staying excited about what I’m building has made all the difference.

One of my biggest goals with Charm City has always been to build community. I’ve always loved inclusive spaces in Miami that give locals a chance to connect. There’s something special about seeing people come together. That’s the kind of space I want Charm City to grow into, more than just a booth or a bracelet, I want it to become somewhere that people feel welcomed and part of a community.

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 was visiting Miami for a week, I’d take them to some of my favorite spots around Miami. We’d spend a day at the beach, then grab food and drinks at Gramps Getaway. For evening drinks, Over Under and Thorn are my go-to places. I recently did a rug tufting class at Artisans Playhouse in Hialeah and loved it. I’d definitely take a friend there to try some of their other classes. Lastly, for dinner, Shima’s and Shibui are both solid options depending on what we’re craving.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without the people closest to me. Every pop-up and market day is a team effort and I’m so lucky to have such an amazing support system helping me set up, take down, and keep everything running smoothly. They truly go above and beyond and I’m so grateful for them. I have the most supportive friends and family who show up, spread the word, and promote Charm City like it’s their own. Having that kind of encouragement and love around me has made all the difference.

Instagram: @CharmCityMiami

Other: Tiktok: @CharmCityMiami

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