Fitness International, LLC proudly announces the opening of its 15th Club Studio ®  location — a state-of-the-art fitness destination at the highly visible corner of Miami Worldcenter , one of the largest and most transformative urban developments in the United States.  Located in the heart of Downtown Miami, the all-new 38,000 square-foot flagship facility  brings together premium gym amenities, five boutique studio concepts, and advanced recovery services — all within a dynamic, cutting-edge environment designed for the modern fitness enthusiast.     “Our corner location at Miami Worldcenter brings our full concept to life, giving members the complete experience. From 15 locations today, we’ll have 50 open nationwide within the next 12 months,” said Nick Roberts, Chief Real Estate Officer at Fitness International . “With over 30 years of operating history in Miami, we understand the transformative impact of the Miami Worldcenter development. Launching our first Florida Club Studio location here feels both natural and exciting.”     A Next-Level Fitness Experience  Club Studio offers innovative classes led by premier instructors and top-tier trainers. Each studio is designed to inspire performance and deliver variety, featuring top of the line fitness equipment and thoughtfully curated amenities that promote both physical and mental well-being. The Club Studio environment fosters a sense of community, encouraging members to push boundaries and achieve their personal fitness goals.  Club Studio features five different boutique studio rooms. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:    ·       Strength: Boost your endurance in a HIIT style training class called CS4® that incorporates treadmills, rowers, ski-ergs and top of the line functional strength training equipment.  ·       Box: Glove up and experience 9 rounds of signature boxing combinations, athletic drills, and a full body burn.     ·       Ride: Lighting goes down as the beat drops and we get to work. Enjoy a full body indoor cycle rhythm ride incorporating a weight sequence.     ·       Hot Yoga: Sweat, Flow, and Restore to the beat of the music in a radiant heated  “Sweat +” studio. Includes traditional yoga asanas, opening yin poses, and heart pumping burpees on the mat.  ·       Pilates:  Reset the mind, recharge the soul, and realign the body in a reformer-based Pilates class. Our high intensity classes focus on resistance training, time under tension, and muscle grouping to lengthen and strengthen the body.   ·       Cryotherapy and Recovery: A   dedicated area complete with whole body and localized Cryotherapy for athletic recovery and muscle repair.  Full access to massage beds, massage rollers, compression and percussion therapy precisely designed to adapt powerful vibration and pressure to the body’s unique physiology.  The club also provides towel service, personal training, and a Kalologie® Medspa. Additionally, members can enjoy Beaming , a healthy marketplace offering nourishing drinks, meals, and snacks. A retail area is also available for apparel and necessities.  “Club Studio’s arrival at Miami Worldcenter marks an important milestone for our development and for Downtown Miami as a whole. As one of our marquee tenants, Club Studio brings an entirely new level of health and wellness offerings to the urban core — a one-of-a-kind destination that blends boutique fitness, recovery, and lifestyle amenities under one roof,” said Nitin Motwani, Managing Partner of Miami Worldcenter Associates. “This is the type of forward-thinking concept that elevates our neighborhood and underscores why Miami Worldcenter is redefining the way people live, work, and play in the heart of the city.”    Miami Worldcenter was developed by Miami Worldcenter Associates, led by Managing Partners Art Falcone and Nitin Motwani, in partnership with Los Angeles-based CIM Group. Spanning 10 city blocks in the heart of Downtown Miami, the $6 billion mixed use development blends residential, retail, hospitality, entertainment, and public spaces at the center of the city’s cultural core.    About Club Studio:  Club Studio at Miami Worldcenter is located at 850 NE 2nd Ave, Space 121, Miami, FL 33132. As part of the brand’s ongoing expansion, additional Club Studio locations are planned in major markets across the U.S. For more information, visit clubstudiofitness.com and follow Club Studio on Instagram, Facebook, or through the Club Studio mobile app.    About Miami Worldcenter:   As the second-largest urban mixed-use development in the U.S., Miami Worldcenter is redefining Downtown Miami with a dynamic blend of world-class retail, dining, luxury residences, hospitality, entertainment, and public spaces. Spanning 27 acres across 10 city blocks, the $6 billion destination is a walkable hub where people can live, shop, play, and stay – all connected to major transit options, cultural landmarks, and Miami’s vibrant energy. Miami Worldcenter Associates, the master developer of the overall mixed-use development, is led by Managing Partners Art Falcone and Nitin Motwani, in partnership with Los Angeles-based CIM Group, a community-focused real estate and infrastructure owner, operator, lender, and developer. Together they have assembled a best-in-class development team that is transforming the urban core of Miami into one of the country’s largest mixed-use destinations. Learn more at www.miamiworldcenter.com .   By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Club Studio

LAGO SPA ’s Miami showroom offers visitors the opportunity to experience its modular, Made-in-Italy furniture systems firsthand during Miami Art Week 2025. About LAGO SPA LAGO is a Made in Italy design brand that creates modular furniture systems for every area of the home and for spaces such as hotels, offices, restaurants and stores. Guided by a vision of design as a tool for social transformation, the company creates light, timeless and highly customizable interiors that enhance people’s quality of life. With its headquarters in Italy and a constantly growing international presence, LAGO combines materials research, sustainability and artisanal craftsmanship with the reliability of industrial processes. Contact Information Website:   www.lagodesign.com Instagram:   www.instagram.com/lagodesign Facebook: www.facebook.com/lagodesign LAGO SPA showroom address and phone number: 5084 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 102 Miami , FL 5084 United States +1 305 470 8881 By ML Staff. Images courtesy of LAGO SPA

It can be challenging to find a pair of earrings that suits you. Many store-bought versions are too bulky, too basic, or just don't fit your vibe. Some metals make your skin itch, and many designs don't feel like "you.” The earrings you buy off the shelf are only fashionable, leaving you with something generic that doesn't make you feel special. They can be a compromise between style and comfort rather than being used to complete your look.  Custom earrings solve this problem completely. They let you create pieces that reflect your personality, from elegant diamond studs to striking gemstone drops. Every pair is personalized to express your unique attitude and style. They add a personal touch to any outfit, whether you're heading out for the day or to a special event. And with professional guidance, you can select materials, styles, and finishes that complement your home's features. In this article, we will go through six reasons why personalized earrings are indeed the best. 1.  Personalization That Suits You The great thing about custom earrings   is the personalization. You can choose everything from metal to gemstone and even pick the size and shape. Custom designs are a way of expressing your personality; they won't make you look like everyone else, unlike mass-produced earrings. From subtle everyday wear to thick and daring, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination. You may even incorporate emotional elements or something meaningful to add to your earrings, transforming them into more than jewelry.  This is how you turn a not-so-serious accessory into something that genuinely feels like part of yourself. 2.  Effortless Comfort A common issue with ready-made earrings is that they can be uncomfortable. They are either too heavy, dig in, or irritate the delicate skin. Custom earrings address this issue by tailoring the fit to your anatomy. The weight, size, and type of clasps of earrings are all adjustable by the designers to ensure that the earrings are comfortable to wear. In this manner, you will be able to have beauty and comfort at the same time. You will never have to choose between fashion and comfort again. 3.  Distinct Style Earrings that are mass-produced tend to follow trends, so you see the same type all over the place. Custom earrings are a chance to escape generic styles and design a pair that is as unique as you are. Try different metals, gemstones, and styles to reflect your personal style. Whether you love simple chic looks with bohemian flair to stand out, or daring designs, your custom earrings will be a statement of who you are. Every pair is special – a unique conversation starter of its own. Your earrings, made by hand and designed to your specs, aren't just earrings – they're part of what makes you special. 4.  Special Moments Custom earrings are more than accessories – they're memories in the making. Many people choose to create items that celebrate everything from birthdays and anniversaries to promotions.  It is a nice touch to engrave initials, dates, or symbols into the earrings, transforming them into something more than jewelry. Whenever you wear them, you remember that moment that they signify. This emotional attachment makes a pair of earrings a narrative you carry, priceless in a way that cannot be measured in money. 5.  Good Quality Materials When you choose custom earrings, you can select materials that make the most sense for your preferences and lifestyle. Every option is up to you – from high-quality gold and refined platinum to ethically sourced gemstones.  Usually, mass-produced earrings sacrifice material quality to save money, whereas custom-made earrings offer durability and luxury as inherent qualities. You may select hypoallergenic metals if you have sensitive skin or choose gemstones that have a special meaning to you. That means not only are your earrings gorgeous, but they're also made to last and fit you just right. 6.  Define Your Look Everyone has their own style, and earrings should accentuate that, not compete with it. With a custom design, you can let the world know who you are.  For example, classic designs with simple elegance may fit your style, or perhaps you are drawn to bright, artistic designs that feel loud and want to make a statement. The metal, gemstone, shape, and finish combine to tell the world who you are.  Design your earrings to match your personal style and items that really resonate with you – you'll never feel dull again, and no outfit will ever need anything short of amazing. 7.  Thoughtful And Memorable Gift Personalized earrings are great to gift as well; they show consideration and empathy. Rather than going generic, you can tailor a pair just for the recipient.  You can think of their favorite colors and styles, or even specific small things that mean something to them. Handing over custom-made earrings shows you appreciate the person's uniqueness and the time you took to craft something for them.  This personalisation ensures that your present will be remembered and treasured, something that mass-produced factory jewelery can't do. Conclusion Custom earrings aren't just accessories; they're statements of identity, fashion, and personal achievement. From comfort and fit to the quality of materials and uniqueness, no pair of store-bought earrings can do that.  Their vibrant colors and distinctive details are beautiful on you or in a special moment in your life. When you select custom earrings, you are buying jewelry that will make you look better than ever and feel like a one-of-a-kind.  When it comes to perfect earrings? The answer isn't on store shelves; it's in a custom design made just for you. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of FreePik

In the heart of Miami, where art, beauty, and innovation intersect, one name is redefining the boundaries of aesthetic medicine: Dr. Rian A. Maercks. A board-certified plastic surgeon with a foundation in fine arts and philosophy, Dr. Maercks brings a rare and visionary perspective to his craft. As the founder and medical director of The Maercks Institute, he is internationally recognized for pioneering techniques that elevate natural beauty while minimizing recovery and risk. In this exclusive interview with Miami Living Magazine , Dr. Maercks opens up about his groundbreaking work, his philosophy of “timeless” aesthetics, and how Miami itself inspires his pursuit of excellence. Miami Living (ML): Your journey from fine arts and philosophy into plastic surgery is quite unique. How have those early disciplines shaped the way you see the human face and body?  And how does that influence the way you operate? Dr. Maercks: My background in fine arts and philosophy wasn’t a detour, it was the foundation. Fine arts trained my eye to see and understand form, proportion, light, balance, harmony and to truly understand and love beauty. My philosophical works focused on my passion for ethics and beauty and how they are truly intertwined.  I’ve always been especially moved by Iris Murdoch’s concept of beauty as a moral force, what she called a way to “unself.” In many ways, beauty is our most accessible form of goodness, something that can pull us out of our own heads and into a state of presence and connection. This idea resonates deeply with me and informs my entire approach. When I talk about timeless and natural beauty, I’m referring to that universal, almost spiritual quality; something that makes people feel more like themselves, more alive. When I began my medical training, I found myself questioning many of the norms I was being taught. Why were we creating breasts that didn’t resemble human anatomy? Faces that didn’t reflect natural proportion or expression? I couldn’t reconcile the mechanical, standardized approach with the deeply nuanced understanding I had developed through art and philosophy. That dissonance led me to step outside the mainstream path, absorb the technical expertise I was being taught, but then reinterpret it through a different lens. This journey led me to collaborate with brilliant minds around the world, fellowships in Europe, Central and South America, and years of study that allowed me to refine my own methods. I developed new techniques, including aesthetic facial balancing and my own approaches to breast and facial surgery, all guided by one core idea: not to impose a new face or body onto someone, but to  reveal  the most balanced, resonant version of their own. So yes, the tools I use are different, the goals I aim for are different, and naturally, the experience and results are different. Every decision I make in the operating room, from the placement of a filler to the vector of a deep facial suspension, is informed by that dual foundation of artistic intuition and philosophical depth. ML: You often speak of creating “timeless” beauty and describe your results as “subtle but profound.” What does timeless beauty mean to you, and how do you achieve that balance between transformation and authenticity? Dr. Maercks: To me, timeless beauty is the kind that never needs to be justified or explained, it simply  is . It’s quietly compelling, effortlessly harmonious, and transcends trends. You see it in the curvature of a classical sculpture, the stillness of a sunset, or the grace of a wild animal. It’s not attention-seeking; it’s presence. In contrast, much of today’s aesthetic culture, particularly what dominates social media, is built around distortion. Overfilled cheeks, sharply contoured jaws, features that catch the eye but lack cohesion or subtlety. When I describe my work as “subtle but profound,” I’m referring to a transformation that’s undetectible to the outside world but deeply felt by observers and the patient but not noticed. The kind of transformation that doesn’t scream “plastic surgery,” but rather evokes an unspoken admiration.  It’s not about changing someone, it’s about  revealing  something that was always there, just obscured. That kind of shift requires more than technical skill. It demands a cultivated aesthetic sensibility, a deep understanding of human perception, and the humility to really listen, not just to what a patient says, but to the essence of who they are. One of the most misunderstood aspects of beauty is that it’s often assumed to be subjective. But in fact, the forms and proportions that humans find beautiful are remarkably consistent across cultures and observers. That suggests something closer to an objective reality, a kind of shared human ideal. By anchoring my work in this understanding, I’m able to create results that feel natural, harmonious, and, most importantly,  authentic . It’s not about invention, it’s about unlocking the beauty that already exists which is indeed transformative and authentic. ML: The Maercks Lift and your approach to deep plane facelifts have gained international recognition. Can you walk us through what sets this technique apart from conventional facelift surgeries, and why recovery is so different for your patients? Dr. Maercks: The MAERCKS Lift is the physical expression of my core philosophy: one that values anatomical precision, respect for natural form, and innovation grounded in timeless aesthetic principles. The name itself, Musculo-Aponeurotic Elevation and Retention Check Kedge Suspension , may be a mouthful, but each component reflects a deliberate design optimizing facelift results and experience. Traditional facelifts tend to rely heavily on pulling the skin, which often results in that recognizable “done” or overly tight appearance. In contrast, the MAERCKS Lift works from the inside out. It targets the deeper structural supports of the face, ligaments, fascial planes, and foundational architecture, and repositions them along bespoke vectors that honor each patient’s natural harmony. The technique I developed, called  kedge suspension , borrows from sailing and architectural engineering. It allows us to secure deep tissues in a way that restores youthful contours without distorting expression. What patients notice most is not just the refined, untouched appearance of their results, but the experience itself. This is a  histiocentric, minimally invasive  approach, designed to minimize trauma and maximize elegance. Many of my patients are comfortably out to dinner or attending social events within a day of surgery. We’ve coined this “zero-downtime recovery,” and it’s not an exaggeration. These outcomes are almost unheard of in traditional facelift surgery and have become a major reason we document and share patient journeys so transparently. Pain, too, is dramatically reduced. By pairing this technique with a precise, targeted application of the long-acting anesthetic  Exparel , most patients experience  zero pain  and require no narcotics postoperatively. It’s a radically different experience, one that reflects my commitment not only to beautiful results, but to human-centered care at every step. ML: You coined the term “Aesthetic Facial Balancing” long before it became a buzzword. What inspired this technique, and how does it differ from what people might experience with traditional filler treatments? Dr. Maercks: Aesthetic Facial Balancing emerged from a deep dissatisfaction with what I saw as a fragmented and reductionist approach to facial aesthetics. In traditional filler treatments, there’s often an obsession with isolated features, lips, cheeks, nasolabial folds, treated independently and reactively. This tends to produce results that may address specific concerns but ignore the harmony of the whole. What results is often unnatural, exaggerated, and, ironically, less beautiful. My goal was to move beyond this piecemeal thinking. Aesthetic Facial Balancing (AFB) was born from years of interdisciplinary study, drawing from fine arts, philosophy, psychology, and even cultural anthropology. I became fascinated by the idea of why certain faces captivate us, why some people, despite deviating from “average” human proportions, are universally perceived as beautiful. I began exploring the  phenomenology of perception : how beauty isn’t just recognized consciously, but  felt , often within the first 200 milliseconds of visual processing. This is where AFB departs radically from conventional filler work. It’s not about fixing flaws, it’s about  activating the unconscious perception of beauty  that every human brain shares. My approach doesn’t cater to personal insecurities or trends; it addresses the underlying structures that determine whether a face “reads” as youthful, vibrant, and harmonious at the most primal level. To achieve this, I developed a unique framework based on the  subunits of facial aging : the periorbital region, the perioral area, the jawline, the temples, and the frontal bone structure. These are the areas that undergo the most significant volumetric changes as we age, and they have a disproportionately strong impact on how we perceive a face. Critically, I treat these subunits holistically. Partially treating a subunit, or ignoring the dynamic relationship between them, leads to the unnatural, “puffy” look that we often see in poorly done celebrity work. With AFB, even large-volume treatments result in patients looking  fresher, more elegant, and often even slimmer , rather than overfilled. It’s a process of  revealing , not reshaping; a restoration of innate harmony that’s deeply human and undeniably compelling. The focus is again that timeless and natural beauty that just resonates and doesnt distract. ML: Many people are understandably anxious about surgical pain and recovery. Your use of Exparel and the tumescent technique seems revolutionary.  How has this changed the patient experience at your practice? Dr. Maercks: Exparel as I use it in a tumescent or expanded form has absolutely revolutionized the patient experience in my practice.  About a decade ago I started using exparel in the solution i used to minimize pain recovery and bleeding in every procedure I perform from facelifts to breast and body work and even genitalia reconstructions.  I found with this perfected solution most patients experience zero postoperative pain even with abdominoplasty which is really incredible.  I learned that this expanded exparel solution allowed me to also do just about any procedure without general anesthesia with a seamless, pain-free recovery.  I love being able to offer patients pain-free surgery whether they are awake or asleep.  I realized about a decade ago the biggest risk of using exparel in this way is that patients do not feel like they just had surgery so they may forget to take it easy and sometimes I find patients laughing and jumping around immediately after facelift or breast surgery.  They need a reminder that they just had surgery and should take it easy from an activity perspective because pain is simply not there to remind them.  Patients are actually able to enjoy their recovery and a little break without pain and the confusion and drowsiness caused by typical pain medications. The introduction of Exparel, particularly in the expanded, tumescent formulation I developed, has truly transformed the way my patients experience surgery and recovery. About a decade ago, I began incorporating Exparel into the fluid I use during procedures not only to minimize bleeding and surgical trauma, but to significantly reduce or even eliminate postoperative pain. What began as an experiment quickly became standard practice across the board: for facelifts, breast and body procedures, even complex genital reconstruction surgeries. The results have been nothing short of remarkable. Most of my patients report  zero postoperative pain , even after recovery from traditionally challenging surgeries like abdominoplasty. It has really reshaped what recovery can look like. This approach also allows me to perform nearly any procedure  without general anesthesia , making for a  seamless, pain-free experience  whether the patient is awake or asleep into recovery. What’s equally rewarding is seeing how this pain-free recovery impacts patients emotionally. There’s no grogginess from narcotics, no fog of confusion, no need for addictive pain medications. Patients often describe their recovery as surprisingly peaceful, some even say it feels like a restorative pause in their daily lives rather than a disruption. Interestingly, the greatest challenge we now face isn’t managing pain, it’s reminding patients that they just had surgery. Because they feel so well, I often catch them laughing, jumping around and being expressive with their arms immediately after a facelift or breast surgery. We now have to build in gentle reminders that while they may not feel discomfort, their bodies still need time to heal. In essence, we no longer have pain to use as a guidepost during recovery and we need to be more intentional in care and communication on limitations.  ML: You’ve built a reputation not just for innovation, but for revision surgery - especially facelifts gone wrong. What are the most common mistakes you see in facelifts today, and how do you approach correcting them? Dr. Maercks: Indeed, roughly half of my facelift practice is dedicated to revision surgery, with patients traveling from across the country and around the world. What brings them to me is usually the same concern: something just doesn’t look or feel right, especially when they smile, talk, or animate. These are not just subtle imperfections; they are often structural missteps that result in expressions that appear unnatural, distorted, or even unsettling. The most common issues I see involve unnatural tension, particularly around the mouth and ears. Patients often present with visible scars that distort or obscure their natural ear anatomy, or incisions that extend onto the facial plane, clear signs of poor planning in flap design and incision placement. But the more pervasive problem is a technical one:  an avoidance of the deep plane , the anatomical foundation that actually supports the face. Many facelifts marketed as “deep plane” procedures are, in reality, simply lateral tension lifts, pulling the edges of the face horizontally or vertically without addressing the central architecture of aging. This often leads to an imbalance where the outer contours are tight, but the midface, the area under the eyes, around the nose, and at the corners of the mouth, remains unsupported. The result is a face that appears hollow or deflated in the center and overly taut at the periphery. One of the more distinctive deformities that arises from this is what I call the  “Joker line”  phenomenon, named after the exaggerated expression of the infamous character. This occurs when pulling forces cause tissue around the mouth to rotate in unnatural directions, often downward then sharply upward toward the jaw, creating strange, attention-grabbing curves. While not always this extreme, the aesthetic disharmony is palpable: tight skin near the ears, persistent nasolabial folds, and corners of the mouth that droop or appear frozen.  Unfortunately the past decades of academic facelift discussion and techniques have been fixated on vertical pull which tends to create these deformities.  This is another reason why nuanced and thoughtful surgical planning are so important.  The one-size-fits-all vertical pull limits the need for deep dissection to achieve neck improvements and is a very easy and quick procedure but comes with the cost of the above described unnatural findings and distortions.  Vectors, or directions of pull, need to be customized for each patient and each plane of the face in order to achieve beautiful results. Why does this happen? Largely because most surgeons choose to avoid the deep plane altogether. Understandably so, as it’s where the facial nerve branches run. These delicate structures sit adjacent to the very ligaments that must be released and resuspended for optimal, natural results. But avoiding this plane limits what can be accomplished and often forces reliance on tension-based techniques that distort the face rather than rejuvenate it. In contrast, my approach embraces this anatomy. I have deep respect for the facial nerve, and by working  within the deep plane under direct visualization , I can precisely identify and protect these critical structures. In fact, I find this approach to be  safer , not riskier. I’m not operating blindly, I see the nerves, I see the ligaments, and I know exactly what I’m doing at every step. When correcting previous facelifts, the process involves careful removal of old scar tissue, undoing the rotational misdirection of facial tissues, and reestablishing  anatomically accurate, harmonious suspension . My goal is not just correction, but restoration, a return to a version of the patient that looks refreshed, elegant, and entirely natural. Revision work is one of the most rewarding aspects of my practice. These patients have often lost hope, and it’s deeply gratifying to help them feel not only like themselves again, but better than they imagined possible. Restoring natural beauty, especially after it’s been compromised, is both a challenge and a privilege I take very seriously. ML: Miami is such a vibrant, image-conscious, and diverse city. How has practicing in this environment influenced your approach to beauty, patient expectations, or even your own aesthetic philosophy? Dr. Maercks: Miami’s aesthetic culture is as vivid and unapologetic as the city itself. That kind of environment can be both inspiring and, frankly, challenging for a surgeon who is deeply committed to naturalism and timeless beauty. Rather than shifting my philosophy to conform, Miami has reinforced my resolve to remain grounded in what I believe: that beauty should never be loud, forced, or trend-driven. It should move with a whisper, not shout. Throughout my career, I’ve watched aesthetic trends come and go, sometimes dramatically. The "duck lips" era, the chipmunk cheeks, the exaggerated breast augmentations with hyper-round, high-profile implants that seemed to defy anatomy. More recently, filler placement trends emphasize projection at the sides of the face or overly forward on the zygoma, creating what I call the "Skeletor look." I’ve observed these phases with a kind of fascinated discomfort. It’s not judgment so much as a deep concern for what happens when beauty is treated as spectacle rather than substance. Early on, these dominant trends made my aesthetic perspective feel almost out of sync with the local culture. Much of my patient base came from places where my emphasis on proportion, harmony, and subtlety was more readily embraced - New York, Los Angeles, Europe, South America. But something remarkable shifted in the post-COVID migration. As more people relocated to Miami, many of them from design-forward, cosmopolitan cities, I saw a rapid rise in patients who were already aligned with my aesthetic philosophy. These are patients who don’t just want change, they want  meaningful , intelligent, nuanced transformation. What’s unique about Miami, though, is that even these discerning patients often have dynamic, high-visibility lifestyles. They’re attending galas, hosting events, dining out, living on camera. So my practice evolved not only to uphold high aesthetic standards, but to meet the demands of a fast-paced, image-driven culture. This is one of the reasons I’ve devoted so much time to refining techniques like the  Cold-Subfascial Breast Augmentation ,  MicroLyft , and the  MAERCKS Lift . These procedures deliver  profound, yet natural-looking results , but equally important, they allow patients to return to their lives almost immediately, without the downtime or “tells” typically associated with surgery. Practicing in Miami has also pushed me to expand options for younger patients. I’ve developed strategies to deliver age-appropriate refinement, enhancements that preserve the patient’s unique beauty rather than overwriting it. This includes advanced non-surgical interventions and surgical techniques that are truly preventative, not reactive. These younger patients don’t necessarily want to “fix” anything, they want to  stay ahead  of aging without sacrificing their individuality. So yes, Miami has shaped my journey. Not by changing my values, but by challenging me to refine them. To stand firm in my belief in beauty that endures, while designing treatments that speak to the lifestyle and aspirations of this bold, global city.   ML: With your intense surgical schedule and high-profile practice, how do you personally stay inspired, grounded, or just unwind, in a city like Miami? Any favorite local spots or routines that help you recharge? Dr. Maercks: I feel genuinely fortunate that my practice doesn’t feel clinical or transactional. It often feels more like a series of living room conversations or dinner party catch-ups. Many of my patient interactions evolve into something more personal, even familial. That human connection is one of the most energizing aspects of my work. When I sit down with someone for a consultation and we truly align, when I understand what they’re seeking and can exceed that in ways they didn’t think were possible, it’s incredibly fulfilling. That connection, and the opportunity to surprise people with subtle, life-enhancing transformation, is honestly fuel for my soul. Of course, maintaining the level of precision and thoughtfulness I demand from myself, especially in complex or revisional surgeries, requires a tremendous amount of focus and energy. It can be draining, mentally and physically. That’s why I rely heavily on nature and creativity for balance. Water has always been a powerful, grounding force in my life. I’m out on the boat as often as possible, usually early in the morning with my dog, watching the sunrise before the day begins. Sometimes I’ll break away in the afternoon for a quick grill-out and swim in the middle of the bay. There’s something incredibly centering about being surrounded by water, removed from the speed of everything else. I also decompress through cooking, which has become a kind of creative ritual for me. I love refining a dish until it’s just right. Last night it was a new interpretation of au poivre that I’d been thinking about for weeks. It’s not so different from the surgical process in that sense: it’s all about refinement, balance, and sensory intuition. For a more passive kind of reset, I’ll retreat to The Standard. I’ve kept a membership there for almost as long as I’ve been a surgeon. It’s one of the few places where I can fully disconnect, reflect, and restore. When I want a bit more social energy, I’ll unwind at Faena or Setai. And if I need a true escape, I head to the Keys; or better yet, Little Palm Island. It’s a place where time slows down and the world feels wonderfully far away. When I have longer stretches of time, I love revisiting the creative practices that shaped me: drawing, painting, sculpting. Disappearing into that kind of work is therapeutic. But interestingly, I also find that same kind of creative immersion when I’m designing the internal support structure of a face or reimagining a breast’s natural architecture. In those moments, I’m fully absorbed, working intuitively but precisely. Whether it’s art or anatomy, it’s the same language of beauty and balance, and I never tire of speaking it. ML: Looking ahead, are there any areas of aesthetic surgery - or even philosophy- you’re currently exploring that you think will define the next chapter of your work? Dr. Maercks: Absolutely. Lately, I’ve become increasingly fascinated by the relationship between aging and identity; specifically, how our internal sense of self evolves, and how aesthetic interventions can either affirm that identity or create dissonance. I witness this profound psychological shift every time I perform a facelift. The moment a patient sees their transformation, there’s a strange kind of disassociation from their “before” image. It’s as if that prior appearance belonged to someone else entirely: someone older, more tired, less  them . The current, post-operative version feels instantly familiar and aligned. This reaction is consistent, and it never stops fascinating me. It speaks to a deeper truth: we often carry an internal image of ourselves that doesn’t match the face we see in the mirror, and when those two things are brought into alignment, there’s an almost spiritual sense of restoration. This phenomenon has led me to explore the concept of  aesthetic congruence - the idea that the most meaningful interventions don’t change who we are, but rather restore visual harmony between how we feel and how we present to the world. It’s not just about looking younger; it’s about looking  like yourself , with your vitality and essence clearly expressed. On the technical side, I remain deeply committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with minimal trauma and maximal elegance. The beauty of operating at this level is that refinement becomes infinite. With every surgery, no matter how optimized the technique, I find micro-adjustments that improve flow, tension, or integration. These are often subtleties that no one else may notice, but that’s where the true artistry lies. It's a quiet evolution, rooted in relentless attention and a reverence for detail. Looking ahead, I also feel a strong sense of responsibility to pass on this body of work. I’m currently laying the foundation to bring surgical fellowships into the practice: one each for face, breast, and body. My goal is to train a new generation of aesthetic surgeons who can not only master the technical elements I’ve developed, like histiocentricity and my unique planes of dissection, but evolve them further. I hope that these future partners will carry forward the philosophy and innovation of The Maercks Institute with the same precision, creativity, and integrity, continuing to push boundaries long after I’ve made my final incision. By ML Staff

Exhibitions at 924 Lincoln Rd + 928 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach One Is Two and Two Are Many More Curated by Gean Moreno On view Nov. 19, 2025 – Jan. 18, 2026 Carlos Betancourt | Assemblages I, Faith, 1992 | Mixed media, found objects, paint | 50 x 36 in. | Courtesy of the artist. As part of Oolite Arts’ ongoing 40th anniversary celebrations, One Is Two and Two Are Many More examines the institution’s influence on Miami’s evolving cultural landscape and the artist-led initiatives that have helped define it. The exhibition brings together four decades of creative exchange and independent projects that have intersected with Oolite Arts, including the Alliance Film/Video Co-Op, Ground Level Gallery, Imperfect Utopia, the Listening Gallery, and CAVA. Featuring works by Carlos Betancourt, william cordova, Dara Friedman, Luis Gispert, GeoVanna Gonzalez, Robert Melee, and Tag Purvis, the exhibition highlights how artmaking, experimentation, and collaboration have shaped Miami’s creative fabric. Designed in collaboration with Office GA, the presentation creates a space where past and present meet in dialogue, inviting reflection on how artistic communities grow through shared vision and innovation. “Co-op Cohort!”   Curated by Barron Sherer On view Nov. 19, 2025 – Jan. 18, 2026 Presented as a companion to One Is Two and Two Are Many More, Co-op Cohort! revisits the artist-run legacy of the Alliance Film/Video Cooperative, founded in 1992 by Mark Boswell and William Keddell. Supported by the City of Miami Beach, the Co-op transformed Lincoln Rd into a hub for experimental cinema, offering affordable access to equipment, editing bays, and workshops while nurturing a generation of filmmakers working outside commercial systems. Featuring restored works by key members including Barron Sherer, José Isaza, and Rodney Ascher, the exhibition captures a defining moment in Miami’s creative evolution when collaboration, resourcefulness, and community shaped the city’s independent film scene. “Co-op Cohort!” honors this legacy and reaffirms Oolite Arts’ ongoing commitment to experimentation and artistic exchange. Art Fair Highlights NADA Miami – Lee Pivnik In the chimeras , artist Lee Pivnik imagines a group of queer dissidents who have resettled a post-hurricane Miami. Through elaborate costumes and performances inspired by surrounding species, the chimeras adapt and thrive, celebrating the resilience and creativity of queer communities. Untitled Art – Bex McCharen In partnership with Dot Fiftyone Gallery Queer Atlantics is an immersive visual archive by artist Bex McCharen that captures moments of queer and trans communities finding comfort, freedom, and refuge in Florida’s bodies of water. Miami Art Week / Art Basel Celebrations VIP Brunch + Open Studios + Tour Saturday, Dec. 6, 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. 924 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach As part of its annual Miami Art Week tradition, Oolite Arts welcomes artists, collectors, and cultural leaders to its VIP Brunch. Guests will celebrate One Is Two and Two Are Many Mor e and meet Oolite Arts’ 2025 resident artists. The event is free and open to the public. By ML Staff. Content/images courtesy of Oolite Arts.

As South Florida’s art and design season unfolds with Miami Art Week and Art Basel Miami Beach drawing global attention, Michael Tronn continues to redefine immersive environments. The artist and creative director is behind TIMBR, a vineyard-inspired restaurant on Las Olas Boulevard that unites architecture, storytelling, and hospitality. TIMBR is the debut concept from 3 Hospitality, the visionary team of Michael Tronn, Paul Brown, and Max Van Fleet, each bringing decades of expertise in design, operations, and brand-building to create a space where art, food, and human connection coalesce. It spans 8,500 square feet and functions as a living installation. TIMBR’s design integrates live-edge tables, indoor trees, denim-upholstered seating, and a brick façade that Tronn says is “meant to communicate warmth and familiarity while sparking imagination.” He collaborated with a brick mason to craft each individual brick, ensuring the materials felt authentic and lasting. “Everything needed to feel real and timeless — something that could weather and tell its own story,” Tronn says. The restaurant is part of Tronn’s larger creative practice, which blends art, design, and human experience. Over three decades, he has launched more than 30 destination venues, produced thousands of events, and helped shape creative communities from New York and Los Angeles to Miami’s Wynwood Arts District, where he was one of the first artists to paint the neighborhood’s now-iconic exterior walls. Tronn’s work—both in physical spaces and visual art—centers on themes of connection and universal origin. “My work reminds people that we all come from the same origin,” he says. “The universe manifests itself in infinite ways, including through every one of us.” His artwork is currently being shown at Plan B Gallery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and his design ventures have welcomed more than one million guests. At TIMBR, that philosophy takes tangible form. The space moves through distinct settings — from its ethereal Atrium to the Parc Dining Room lined with indoor trees — each designed to engage the senses. Vineyard-inspired cuisine and fire-driven dishes reflect the same care found in the restaurant’s construction. “Fort Lauderdale is becoming part of the creative conversation,” Tronn says. “It’s a natural extension of the artistic energy flowing through Miami.” A new menu and cocktail program will be released in early 2026, expanding the restaurant’s focus on thoughtful hospitality and design. As Tronn’s creative projects continue to evolve, TIMBR stands as his clearest expression yet — a place where art, food, and storytelling meet in harmony. For more information, visit www.timbr-restaurant.com and www.michaeltronngallery.com . By ML Staff. Photos/Michael Tronn

Before he became known as Mr. Black, Jayson Winer spent two decades navigating the upper tiers of global finance. As the manager of a $2 billion Wall Street fund, he lived in a world defined by pressure, performance, and power. Yet somewhere along that 20-year climb, Winer noticed a shift, a growing gap between truth and the systems that claimed to protect it. So he stepped away. Born in Jerusalem and now based in Miami, Winer left the markets not to retire, but to build. What he wanted to create, he says, had to be incorruptible  – completely free from industry manipulation, political influence, or institutional control. His first experiment in purity took the form of a bottle: Casa MALKA , a tequila produced with strict honesty. No additives, no shortcuts, no misleading marketing. In a corner of the spirits world known for illusion, Casa MALKA declared itself a rebellion. Then came the idea that would define everything that followed: “The eyes are always watching.” For Winer, those are God’s eyes, not the eyes of elites, governments, or institutions. What began as a statement evolved into a massive Bitcoin ordinal project: a 21,000-piece collection designed to reflect society, call out corruption, and preserve truth in a form that cannot be edited or erased. For Mr. Black, art is not expression, it is architecture and permanence. Q&A with Mr. Black Q: You spent 20 years in high finance. What finally pushed you into a completely different world? Mr.Black : After managing a $2 billion fund, I saw clearly how vulnerable systems are to manipulation. I wanted to build things that couldn’t be touched by that. Purity and truth drove me, clean tequila, and Bitcoin art that can never be censored. Q: Casa MALKA seems like an unexpected first step. Why did it matter so much? Mr.Black : The tequila industry is full of hidden additives and fake claims. Casa MALKA was my stand against that. No additives. No shortcuts. No lies. It became my first way of showing what truth looks like. Q: And then came “The Eyes Are Always Watching.” What sparked that message? Mr.Black : It means God sees everything…not the elites, not governments, not institutions. People fear the wrong things. That message became the foundation for my entire chapter in art. Q: The scale of your ordinal collection is huge 21,000 pieces. Why build it that way? Mr.Black : I didn’t want an exclusive club. I wanted something global. I used 777 traits, references from cultures around the world, a spiritual storyline from Adam and Eve, and depictions of athletes, actors, musicians, political figures, and icons. It’s not just art. It reflects humanity. Q: Your work openly confronts powerful institutions. What are you exposing? Mr.Black : The forces that influence society without accountability. Soros appears symbolically as a devil figure, not literally, but representing the chaos and hardship I believe he spreads. Q: Why choose Bitcoin as your canvas? Mr.Black : Because ordinals make art impossible to censor. Once it’s on a satoshi, no one can change it or silence it. It’s the first art form in human history with that kind of permanence. Fear God, not man — that’s how you stay fearless. Q: What do you want people to understand when they encounter this work? Winer: That this is a mission. Truth still matters. Corruption needs to be challenged. Freedom needs to be honored. And God is in control. Ending Note A movement built on permanence. The Eyes Are Always Watching is not just another digital art release,  it is a declaration encoded into Bitcoin. Through Casa MALKA and this vast ordinal collection, Jayson Winer has created a body of work that cannot be revised, censored, or controlled. It stands as a challenge to corruption and a tribute to purity, truth, and God. Follow Mr. Black on X:   @ MrBlack4384 See his messages and get a look at his collection. Website: https://eyes4384.com #MiamiLiving #JaysonWiner #MrBlack #MiamiCreators #MiamiArtScene #MiamiCulture #MiamiVisionaries #CasaMalka #PurityAndTruth #ArtThatInspires #ArtInMiami #ModernCreators #DigitalArtMovement #OrdinalArt #BlockchainCreatives #ArtOnBitcoin #TruthInArt #InnovatorsOfMiami #MiamiInfluence #CulturalVoices #SouthFloridaCreators #MiamiLifestyle #MiamiArtCommunity #ArtWithoutLimits By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Jayson Winer

Miami Living  introduces Casamonte , a Fort Lauderdale studio located just under an hour from Miami, where wallpaper becomes a canvas for creativity. Rooted in the Claramonte family’s legacy of craftsmanship, Casamonte transforms walls into immersive works of art—spaces that tell stories, spark emotion, and reflect the unique style of those who inhabit them, whether at home or in commercial settings. Embracing this vision, Casamonte introduces  The Artist Collection , a celebration of fine art and surface design that brings together renowned creators to reimagine wallpaper as a true form of artistic expression. This series transforms walls into expressive masterpieces, each design capturing the unique spirit, creativity, and perspective of its artist. Through these collaborations, Casamonte continues its mission to blur the lines between art and interior design—offering surfaces that not only enhance a space but also tell deeply personal and visually compelling stories. Among the featured artists is  Carlos Betancourt  ( carlosbetancourt.com ), whose collection explores the intersection of art, architecture, and design. Inspired by his memories, travels, and cultural heritage, Betancourt infuses his work with the lush tropical energy of Puerto Rico, the vivid colors of Mexico and Greece, and the refined elegance of Miami’s Art Deco aesthetic. His designs unfold like visual narratives—rich with nostalgia and imagination—transforming walls into dynamic expressions of place, memory, and emotion. Also, part of this series is  Virginia Casado Polo  ( virginiacasadopolo.com ), an Argentinian-born artist celebrated for her intuitive and emotive approach to form and color. Her work reflects a life shaped by vibrant landscapes—from the golden fields of Buenos Aires to the radiant blues and golds of Miami—translated into fluid, organic patterns that pulse with vitality. Guided by intuition and spontaneity, Casado Polo’s designs capture the harmony between art and life, evoking a sense of movement and joy that brings any interior to life. Casamonte’s wallpaper and film debut in the showroom at Decorators Plumbing, South Florida’s destination for plumbing supplies for more than 30 years. In order from L to R: Julian Claramonte (CEO Casamonte), Carolina Martinez, Christian Claramonte (VP Biz Dev.), Virginia Casado Polo (Artist), Mayra Guanche (Decorators Plumbing), Gabriela Sanchez-Vega (GSVV Design), Jeff Guanche (Decorators Plumbing). Casamonte Studios Phone: (954) 400-7000 Website:  casamonte.com Address: 3714 Southwest 30th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 Hours: Monday – Friday: 9am to 5pm | Saturday: By Appointment Only | Sunday: Closed By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Casamonte.

Friends of The Underline announced that it has been awarded a multi-year grant to present a free outdoor music series on The Underline  in 2026, 2027, and 2028. The grant will bring 10 free concerts to Miami in 2026.  Funded by the Levitt Foundation, a national social impact funder supporting the largest free outdoor concert series in America, Levitt Music Series Grants  are an exciting, multi-year matching grant program bringing the joy of free, live music to towns and cities across the country. Each Levitt Music Series location presents 7–10 free outdoor concerts annually, fostering community connection and celebrating diverse music genres. As The Underline advances into its Phase Three expansion, the series will activate multiple locations along the corridor, including the new Inter Grove Gallery in Coconut Grove. The Levitt BLOC Miami Music Series reflects The Underline’s commitment to accessible cultural programming while elevating emerging and established Miami-based talent. The 2026 performance schedule will be announced in the coming months. “This grant gives The Underline the ability to curate a powerful first season of free concerts, lifting up local and emerging artists, creating new cultural experiences for our community, and continuing to turn The Underline into Miami’s most exciting stage,” said Lisle Bowen, Chief Marketing Officer of Friends of The Underline.  Reflecting the Levitt Foundation’s commitment that all Levitt projects be community-driven, the 2026–2028 grant recipients were selected following a public voting period and comprehensive review process. In Miami, the votes cast by residents from September 5–15, 2025, made it clear that The Underline was the community’s choice to host and bring the series to life. Levitt Music Series Grants encompass several grant opportunities, including the Levitt BLOC program that The Underline will be presenting as the Levitt BLOC Music Music Series. Levitt BLOC  ( B uilding  L ayers  O f  C ommunity) activates different neighborhoods in a town or city by “layering” concerts across multiple public spaces, broadening the overall reach of the music series.  “The Levitt BLOC program activates a number of public spaces, fostering social connections and adding to the economic vitality and cultural vibrancy across neighborhoods in a town or city—creating exponential impact through the power and joy of free, live music,” said Sharon Yazowski, President & CEO of the Levitt Foundation. “The Levitt Foundation is excited to welcome The Underline as a new grantee, with the Levitt BLOC Miami Music Series presenting dynamic shows and offering people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to come together, while experiencing different sites throughout their community,”  Combining 34 new and 32 returning grantees, the Levitt Foundation will award over $7 million dollars over the next three years to nonprofits serving towns and cities across the U.S. as part of the Levitt Music Series Grants. Levitt Music Series reach a broad range of communities across America, presenting a wide array of music genres, spanning pop, rock, folk, world music, country, jazz, Latin, children’s shows, blues, and more.  By ML Staff. Content courtesy of Friends of The Underline. Photo  Credits: The Underline

Coconut Grove just got a lot more delicious. Da Angelino Cucina Italiana , the latest culinary gem from Graspa Group and Ariete Hospitality, is now serving up a weekday Executive Lunch and an elevated happy hour, making it the perfect spot for business meetings, casual catch-ups or simply treating yourself to a classic Italian meal. A Slice of Italy in Coconut Grove For $39 per person, Da Angelino's new Executive Lunch menu runs Monday through Friday, 12-4 p.m., offering a curated three-course experience that feels both indulgent and comforting. Start with an antipasto of your choice, like the Impepata di Cozze, steamed mussels in white wine, garlic and black pepper, creamy burrata paired with slow-roasted tomatoes or a Caesar salad with prosciutto. The main courses are equally tempting. From comforting pasta classics to fresh seafood, there’s something for every palate: Gnocchi alla Vodka, the slow-cooked richness of Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, a fresh pesto-tossed Rigatoni al Pesto e Stracciatella, or the Branzino Capperi e Limone. And don’t skip dessert, the classic Tiramisù is a sweet finish to your meal. Even better? The full dinner menu and daily lunch specials are served throughout the day, making it easy to mix and match your favorites or try something new each visit. Elevated Drinks for After Work When the workday winds down, Da Angelino keeps the good times rolling with an upscale happy hour from 4-6 p.m., Monday through Friday. This isn't your standard half-off drinks affair; guests can enjoy premium cocktails crafted with fresh ingredients and top-shelf spirits, along with wines by the glass and select beers. Signature sips like the Negroni, Angelo’s Amore or the Italian-French inspired Sidecar Vitelio are made to satisfy both the eye and the palate. With its warm atmosphere, authentic flavors and Italian wines, Da Angelino offers a true taste of Italy in the heart of Coconut Grove. For lunch, cocktails or a leisurely evening out, it combines the best of Italian tradition and Miami charm. Reserve your table and explore the full menu at  daangelino.com . By ML Staff. Content/images courtesy of Da Angelino Cucina Italiana .

Where holiday spirit meets big-top fun! CityPlace Doral will host Holiday of Miracles Winter Carnival and Toy Drive   on Thursday, Dec. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. The community is invited to a holiday carnival full of magic, fun and festive cheer, all while giving back to Jackson Health Foundation®. Attendees will enjoy free photos with Santa, carnival-style games and treats, including cotton candy and popcorn. Guests can laugh along with a clown show by Petunia y Cantaleta and dance the night away at a Christmas-themed party with falling snow. Festive characters, including Snowman, elves, Rudolph and Nutcrackers, will greet guests and spread holiday cheer.    Photo resource Deposiphotos . Guests are encouraged to bring a toy to support Jackson Health Foundation’s Holiday of Miracles toy drive and help make the season brighter for children in need. CityPlace Doral is once again partnering with Jackson Health Foundation this holiday season to donate new, unwrapped toys for pediatric patients being treated at Holtz Children's Hospital and UHealth/Jackson Children’s Care. Now through Dec. 12, participating CityPlace Doral retailers are placing collection boxes at their locations to encourage shoppers to donate new, unwrapped gifts for children of all ages, from infants to teens. A box will also be placed at CityPlace Doral’s management office. Shoppers can also support with monetary donations through a QR Code that will be placed at each of the participating retailers’ registers.  When : Thursday, Dec. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. Cost : CityPlace Doral’s events are free and open to the community.    Parking at CityPlace Doral is available for an additional charge in the parking garage. Valet service is also available. For more information, please visit  cityplacedoral.com/events .   Where: CityPlace Doral 8300 NW 36th Street Doral, FL 33166 By ML Staff. Content courtesy of CityPlace Doral.

The  Community Foundation of Broward  hosted an unforgettable evening “under the sea” to honor its 2025 Community Builders, visionary philanthropists who partner with the Community Foundation to create endowed charitable funds of $1 million or more, that shape a brighter future for Broward.    Dev Motwani, Gary Wendt, Alice and Mike Jackson, Robert Taylor and Robin Taylor Fleming, June Wise, and the Little Owl Fund (created anonymously) are now among the 66 Community Builders who have partnered with the Community Foundation to transform and invigorate the community they love with endowed giving that ensures their impact never ends. The 66 total Community Builders, whose collective gifts exceed $155 million, represent nearly half of the Community Foundation’s assets, which fuel the Foundation’s grantmaking to local nonprofits.   These dedicated individuals, families and community organizations support innovation and tackle Broward’s big challenges with grants – in their name or anonymously – from their endowed funds. By working with the Foundation for their philanthropy, Community Builders amplify their impact today and create a legacy of community support that never ends. Through the Community Foundation’s careful stewardship, the principal of their endowment is invested and grows over time, providing a continuous and permanent source of support that uplifts the community by championing charitable causes important to the Community Builders.   During the 2025 Community Builder celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at Pier Sixty-Six’s Aviva Ballroom and Lawn, South Florida’s top community leaders, philanthropists, and influencers were among the guests who joined the Community Foundation of Broward for an enchanting evening to recognize those who uplift, connect, and inspire – driving real change in Broward. Guests gathered for an evening featuring coastal-inspired décor and live entertainment. Attendees were welcomed with a steel drum band and enjoyed a special performance by Troy Anderson's Wonderful World Band. That included the song, “Lead with Love,” which was written by the Community Foundation of Broward’s Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Kirk Englehardt.    “It is an honor to celebrate the visionary philanthropists who choose to make waves that never stop,” said Community Foundation President/CEO Jennifer O'Flannery Anderson, Ph.D. “By working with the Foundation, our Community Builders amplify their impact today while creating a legacy that never ends. It’s not just smart giving; it’s giving that leads with love.”   Dev Motwani  reshapes the skyline with developments that elevate the economy, and his philanthropy transforms lives and propels the community to new heights. Motwani is managing partner of his family’s real estate and investment firm, which began with the transformation of a local hotel where he lived as a child. To give back to the community he loves, Motwani empowers Broward College students to launch careers, and he champions the arts with support for the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The endowed Dev Motwani Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward ensures his support for the community never ends.   Gary Wendt  shapes brighter futures with philanthropy that empowers others to achieve success. He supports college scholarships for students in his hometown of Rio, Wisconsin. Wendt is a longtime supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs and started a nationwide initiative building college placement organizations for Native Americans who attend clubs on Native Lands. In Broward, Wendt invests in youth leadership initiatives, education advancement and training to help nonprofits thrive. To create endowed support for his charitable passions, Wendt partnered with the Community Foundation of Broward to shepherd the Wendt Family Scholarship Fund and the Valerie Ahneman and Gary C. Wendt Leadership Fund – named for Wendt’s longtime partner, Valerie.   Alice and Mike Jackson  lead by example to lift up the community they love. They volunteer their time and dedicate their giving to causes and organizations that shape a brighter future. They support nonprofits that champion working families in need, early childhood education and cancer research. Their endowed Alice and Mike Jackson Family Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward ensures their community impact will never end. By partnering with the Community Foundation, their endowed grantmaking support for early education, the arts, cancer research and paying kindness and generosity forward will transform lives and enrich the community in perpetuity.   Robert Taylor and his sister Robin Taylor Fleming  established the endowed Sherry Taylor Family Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward to honor their mother and ensure permanent support for Sheridan House Family Ministries. Sherry Taylor helped her husband, Bob, create a company that grew into Burdette Beckmann, Inc. (BBI) – one of the nation’s largest specialty sales agencies, where Robert later became CEO. Sherry also helped start Sheridan House in Davie, which helps children, single mothers and families in need. Through the Foundation’s stewardship, the fund celebrating Sherry’s memory will always be there to support counseling, residential care, aid for struggling mothers and other Sheridan House ministries.   June Wise , a self-proclaimed free spirit who wasn’t shy to speak her mind, used to say she liked animals better than people. Born in England, Wise pursued a hotel career that took her to Canada, the Caribbean and Florida, where she started an antiques business in Dania Beach. Throughout her adventurous life, Wise’s charitable giving helped animals and protected the environment. By partnering with the Community Foundation of Broward to create The June Wise Fund, she established endowed, sustainable support for organizations that champion animals and the environment. With the Foundation to shepherd her fund, Wise’s impact will never end.   The Little Owl Fund  at the Community Foundation of Broward supports opportunities to make the world a better place. Year after year, grants from this endowed fund transform lives by improving housing, feeding the hungry and fighting addiction. It lifts the human spirit with ongoing investments in the arts and education. Through the Foundation’s stewardship, the fund will always be there to protect the environment with support for plants and animals. The Little Owl Fund honors the Joseph Uihlein family’s tradition of philanthropy and pays homage to the family name, which translates to “owl.” The Uihlein family established and owned the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company. By ML Staff. Content/images courtesy of Community Foundation of Broward.