Meet Roxanne Vogel | Fitness Instructor & Playa Bowls Owner

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

Hi Roxanne, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

In 2019 I found myself at a crossroad. I’d been working in higher education for most of my life and while I was being invited to the boardroom, I never quite got a seat at the table. With a strong passion for fitness and Orangetheory, I was being encouraged to become a coach. I took a leap after leaving higher education and pursued the unpredictable, a new career in the highly rewarding world of fitness coaching. There was something about helping others make a positive change in their life that fueled me. Quickly I learned how much happiness could come from nourishing your body the right way and helping others do the same.

When the pandemic hit in 2020 and my studio shut down, I found myself unemployed for the first time in my life. I loved helping others create more life, but I was struggling with the financial safety of my own.

Fast forward to the summer of 2021 when my daughter found a job and a home at Playa Bowls Ft. Lauderdale. My family loved everything about Playa Bowls. From the easy-going surfer vibes to the delicious bowls and nutritious smoothies…we were hooked. Coming from a culinary background, I knew that this was really superior quality food. At my daughter’s encouragement, I decided it was time to take fueling my community’s bodies to the next level. If I wasn’t being invited to the table, I could build my own table! I was ready to create a place that encouraged happiness from the inside out, from the way you move your body to the way you fuel it.

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?
At Playa Bowls we are more than just good food, we are earth conscious. We do our part in encouraging a better tomorrow, by looking for more ways to make a difference in how we do business.

The name Playa Bowls has become synonymous with acai bowls. Unlike most, the fresh fruit bowls we serve at Playa are top of the line. Until you’ve tried Playa Bowls you won’t be able to tell what a truly fresh quality bowl tastes like. What most people don’t know is that we are so much more than just acai bowls. Our menu offers 42 different bowls with 8 unique bases, 11 smoothies, 7 juices, protein bites, coffee, and specially sourced power drinks. Don’t see a combo that catches your eye? You can always make up your own bowl!

We also strive to create a welcoming positive vibe for all who walk through our doors. Playa Bowls- aka Pineappleland- is an escape from hustle culture, a place you can go for a mid-day vacation. You’ll feel like you’re right on the beach and watching the waves.

As a graduate from Johnson & Wales University and Florida International University, my degrees in culinary and hospitality along with over 25 years industry experience make me uniquely qualified to bring the Playa Bowls brand to Miami. Navigating the culinary and hospitality world is never easy but I bring repeated successes in strategic process/system enhancements, logistics, leadership, and training along with a proven track record of innovation, promotions, and collaboration. My experience in higher education has equipped me with the skills necessary to work with college students. While my experience in non-profit organizations will always remind me that not only do I have a responsibility to take care of our customers, but my employees and my community as well.

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.

First things first, grab some Playa Bowls and head to the beach. We like to go to quieter beaches like Hollywood and Lauderdale by the Sea. We would also go to our favorite place for paddle boarding and kayaking: Oleta River State Park. Right off of 163rd street, Oleta has the perfect trails for those looking to adventure or new paddlers. You can stay in the shady mangroves and look for wildlife or venture out with the boaters to Beer Can Island. After soaking up some sun, we refuel at the Taco Stand in Wynwood while shopping around and supporting local artisans. On our way out of Wynwood, we pick up the best donuts and coffee from a girl boss owned bakery, The Salty Donut. Then we head west to watch the stunning sunset from the Everglades.

Some of the other places wewould include catching a Heat or Panthers game, walk along the beach for some seashells, shop around Sawgrass Mills, and catch a concert in town.

Our go to eateries: The Alchemist, Taverna Opa, Ally’s Comfort Cafe, Little Havana, & Louis Bossi

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

They say it takes a village and my inspiration comes from a village of girl bosses.

Ellen Latham, Founder of Orangetheory: who also found herself at a career change later in life has always told me to remember my why

Clara: my fitness instructor who saw something in me and encouraged me to become an coach

Lydia: continuing to ignite my passion for health and wellnes

Daniella Levine Cava: who has shattered ceilings to become the first female mayor of Miami Dade Countyand recognizes her responsibility to uplift her community

My daughter who reminds me to always know my worth

My husband who provides all the support needed to make this goal a reality

My son who reminds me you can make money and still be happy

Website: playabowls.com

Instagram: @playabowlscoralgables @playabowlsmiamimidtown

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannevogel/

Facebook: @playabowlscoralgables @playabowlsmiamimidtown

Yelp: Playa Bowls Coral Gables & Paya Bowls Miami Midtown