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

Hi Phae, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think in the past, I had an aversion to risk. From how I grew up, I was taught to play it safe… become an engineer and live my life in white picketed suburbia. However, from years of therapy and introspection, I am now at a place where I feel more comfortable to take chances… and it’s very rewarding. I think part of it is embracing failure. Failure is how I learn constructive criticism and improve.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m most proud of embracing vulnerability in an art form. Writing songs has been very cathartic and therapeutic to me. The song that most illustrates that is “Phae, I’m Sorry.” I wrote that song from the viewpoint of my father, someone who was absent for most of my life. I realized I needed an apology from him to help me cope and unfortunately, I was never going to get that, so I decided to write it myself. I spent so much time crying but I felt in writing that song, I was able to heal and move on from a dark point of my past. Being vulnerable can be scary – but the most rewarding risks in life are scary, at first.

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.
My absolute favorite place to go to is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park – so we have to go there. It has beautiful scenery and has a fraction of the crowds you normally encounter at South Beach. I’d also have to mention some of my favorite vegan eateries: Planta South Beach, Mora Pizza, Vegan Parlour, and SoBe Vegan. And I like to do activities with my friends we normally wouldn’t consider – a smash house, parasailing, karaoke, making candles, etc. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to thank my husband, Mike, for being an amazing rock. He believed in me when I was my worst critic and continues to support me in ways I never thought existed. From cheering me on to being my videographer and photographer to giving me feedback, I can always count on him.

Instagram: @heyitsphae
Youtube: http://youtube.com/daywithphae, https://www.youtube.com/user/phaedra4321

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.