Meet Sheila Vasquez | Attorney, Chef, Author, Entrepreneur

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

Hi Sheila, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
I believe being organized is one of the best habits I have developed. I schedule everything from meetings to gatherings with family and friends. Organizing my thoughts and schedule have helped me achieve my goals in a timely manner. It also keeps me honest with timeliness and follow ups. Also, seeking mentorship in different areas of your life is a habit that has been crucial to my success. I have a life, legal, and financial mentor. Mentorship opens you to opportunity and knowledge in a field you wish to develop and grow in.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I self-published and co-authored a children’s book, “Play Outside, Let’s Go!”, with my daughter, Jazara Jones during the pandemic. Becoming a self-published author has always been a goal of mine but being able to do it with my two-year-old daughter was a dream come true. She was the fuel that sparked my light. I would always see her face light up whenever she picked up a book and thought to myself, how awesome would it be if she saw herself in a book. I spent months researching and considering whether I was going to pursue a self-publishing versus traditional publishing route. But it was important to me that I was able to be involved in every decision made. From where the words on the page were positioned, to choosing the background colors on the page, and facial expressions of the characters. I interviewed several illustrators and professional formatters; this part was probably the most difficult as it was crucial to find someone who supported my vision and could handle my critiques. Throughout the process, my daughter Jazara was involved in every step of the way. She would give me cues such as a smile when she liked the sketch of an illustration, walk away with no emotion when she didn’t, and show excitement when hearing the words come together. This book is special to me not only because I developed it with my daughter, but because it touches on family, displays diversity, teaches children about my favorite season; winter, understanding emotions, and expressions. My book is published under my business, Jazara Unlimited. I named my business Jazara Unlimited because I want to teach my daughter at a young age to learn the importance of exceeding expectations as a young woman and how to become business savvy and financially independent. This is just the beginning of all the amazing things to come from Jazara. I want her and every child to know, that their potential is unlimited. You can do anything as long as you put your heart and time into it.

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?
South Florida is full of amazing places to visit. I graduated from Johnson & Wales University, North Miami campus for my undergraduate studies of Food & Beverage Management and Hospitality Management so my love for food and hospitality venues would influence a weeklong itinerary for a friend visiting the area. I would carve out an entire day in Wynwood, which is full of beautiful street art murals, perfect for a photo opportunity everywhere you turn. Some favorite places to eat, drink, and party there: SuViche, Chica, Made in DR Wynwood, and Raket. On the weekend, I would advise to check out Faena in Miami Beach, full of beautiful architecture, and boasting with sophistication. Los Fuegos, a restaurant in Faena, is filled with exquisite food options, perfectly cooked steaks on the grill and the beat roasted cauliflower I’ve ever had. For gorgeous views and delicious drinks, I would send them to Amara at Paraiso in the midtown/downtown Miami area. The second-floor patio overlooking the water never disappoints. South Florida is filled with happy hour options, and The Rusty Pelican has a great happy hour menu with sushi options, small bites, and great drinks. Shopping recommendations would include Sawgrass Mills Mall for great designer deals and the Aventura Mall and The Bal Harbour Shops for a more high-end feel. Strolling down the Hollywood boardwalk for a more relaxed feel and to hear the sounds of music or Ocean Drive in Miami Beach would definitively be on the itinerary. If time permits, bowling at Kings Bowling at City Place Doral which is a beautiful Cul de sac designed area with great lunch options such as Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant. Lastly, after so much food, drink, and shopping, relaxation is a must so a spa treatment at Tierra Santa Healing House or The Spa at Carillon Miami would be a perfect finish to a long week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
SkillsUSA is a national student leadership organization that I was a part of in high school. It has provided me with the essential tools and foundation to grow as a professional student and adult. The life lessons learned in this organization were invaluable. I learned professionalism, community service, mentorship, and leadership skills. Throughout my life I’ve had great mentors, but this organization really established a foundation in me that I was able to grasp, develop, and turn into lifelong lessons and experiences. I also have some amazing family members and mentors who deserve credit and recognition for their endless support; Angela & Juan Vasquez, Qua Jones, Martha Sylvestre, Joshua Klemp, Paul Persaud, Daman Brody, Esq., and Judge Fred Seraphin.

Instagram: @Playoutsideletsgo
Website: https://amzn.to/2Z5z2jb

Image Credits
Lisa Thelwell Jonathan Victor Reynolds Lana Lee