The Seventh Annual Miami Concours unfolded over two exhilarating days in the heart of the Miami Design District, solidifying its position as one of the country's premier motorized events. Three red carpet streets made way for jaw-dropping displays of some of the most exotic, rare and iconic vehicles from the world’s most luxurious car brands, showcasing the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship. Distinguished by an unprecedented level of grandeur, this latest iteration of the Miami Concours boasted a substantially enhanced programming schedule than seen in previous years. The festivities featured a curated lineup of VIP events, immersive tours, and exclusive experiences seamlessly woven into the fabric of the neighborhood. Co-owned by the Miami Design District, The Concours Group and duPont REGISTRY, the Miami Concours transcends conventional boundaries, weaving together the realms of fashion, architecture, and design to craft an unparalleled automotive experience that captivates enthusiasts across all spectrums. An array of perks were available for VIP ticket holders; however, general admission remained free and open to the public, allowing an accessible experience for all. A portion of the VIP ticket sales benefitted Nicklaus Children's Hospital. Sponsors to this year’s showcase included CURATED, Prestige Imports, Macallan, Ralph Lauren,  Collection Suites, Braman Miami, RM Sotheby’s, Masterpiece Auto, DavidSW Watches, Squadra Lupo, TR3 Performance, Pagani of Miami, Lamborghini of Miami, Masterpiece Auto, Design District Magazine, Bentley of Miami, F1 Miami, Prada, Polynesian Girl Wine, Casa Lotos Tequila, Imperial Moto Coffee, and State of Kid. otable guests in attendance included Dacra CEO and President Craig Robins; Miami Concours Founders John Temerian Jr., Ronnie Vogel and Brett David; CEO of duPont REGISTRY Group Antoine Tessier; influencers Paola Alberdi, Georges Coupet, and Ria Michelle; Groot Hospitality Founder Dave Grutman alongside wife, model and influencer Isabela Rangel Grutman. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of World Red Eye

Ryan Gosling, Paul Mescal, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Kingsley Ben-Adir and Sheila Atim wore Gucci to the 2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on February 18, 2024 in London, England. Nominee for Best Supporting Actor, Ryan Gosling wore a Gucci custom single breasted white wool suit with piping details in Rosso Ancora, white shirt black patent leather lace up shoes. Nominee for Best Supporting Actor, Paul Mescal wore a Gucci custom Fall Winter 2024 black wool suit with white intarsia on the lapel, matching shirt and black leather boots. Daisy Edgar-Jones wore a Gucci Ancora Notte dress in Rosso Ancora with embroidered shorts. Kingsley Ben-Adir wore a Gucci custom double breasted black wool tuxedo with Round Interlocking G button detail, black shirt, black tie and Gucci Horsebit loafers in black leather. Sheila Atim wore a Gucci Ancora Notte silver sequin gown. Idris Elba wore a Gucci custom tuxedo with white jacket, white shirt, black pants and a Gucci 25H watch from the Gucci High Watchmaking collection. Images Courtesy of Gucci/Getty Images

Feeding South Florida® – the leading hunger-relief organization in South Florida – will host “Mission & Music Miami” at Pinstripes in Aventura on Tuesday, March 19, from 5-8 p.m. The happy hour event will support Feeding South Florida’s mission to end hunger in the South Florida community. Each ticket will include appetizers and one drink. Pinstripes’ best-in-class venue offers a combination of made-from-scratch dining, bowling and bocce. Currently, in South Florida, there are over 1.2 million food insecure individuals, and 1 in 9 individuals in South Florida remain uncertain about where they will get their next meal due to inflation, the strained supply chain, rising fuel prices and increased housing costs among other factors. Proceeds raised during the event will allow Feeding South Florida to fulfill its mission to end hunger in South Florida by providing immediate access to nutritious food, leading hunger and poverty advocacy efforts and transforming lives through innovative programming and education. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: Feedingsouthflorida.org/mixer By ML Staff. Image courtesy of unsplash

Ann Storck Center invites anyone in the community who has a passion for making a difference in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities to a Town Hall Meeting at the Center’s main campus on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at 12 p.m. Guests will learn about the past, present and future of the Ann Storck Center from CEO Patricia (Pat) Murphy and enjoy a complimentary lunch followed by a tour of the Ann Storck Center campus. The Town Hall Meeting will focus on Ann Storck Center’s accomplishments over the past 18 months with Murphy, who was appointed as CEO in 2022, at the helm. These accomplishments include securing over $100K in funding and programming grants, addition of new personnel, partaking in new training programs such as the Direct Support Professional Certification Program and more. The nonprofit organization will also review its goals for the upcoming year. Most importantly, they have an exciting announcement to share, which can only be heard at the official meeting. Ann Storck Center is a Fort Lauderdale-based private nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Center accommodates 96 residents and serves more than 300 individuals daily through an array of critical care, learning and ability-focused programs. For more information and to RSVP, please visit bit.ly/42koatO By ML Staff. Image courtesy of unsplash

Nucleus, a venture studio for psychedelics wholly owned by Iter Investments, will present its Psychedelic Series at Soho Beach House Miami on Thursday, February 29, at 7 p.m. Moderated by Iter Investments’ Managing Principal Dustin Robinson, Esq. CPA., the panel will feature Rick Doblin, Ph.D., and Keren Tzarfaty, Ph.D., where they will discuss the future of MDMA therapy. Doblin is the Founder and President of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Doblin studied with renowned Psychiatrist Stanislav Grof, MD, Ph.D., and was among the first to be certified as a Holotropic Breathwork practitioner. His professional goal is to help develop legal contexts for the beneficial uses of psychedelics and marijuana, primarily as prescription medicines but also for personal growth for otherwise healthy people, and eventually to become a legally licensed psychedelic therapist. Doblin founded MAPS in 1986. MAPS is a nonprofit research and educational organization that develops medical, legal and cultural contexts, so people can benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics and marijuana. MAPS sees a world where psychedelics and marijuana are legally and safely used for peoples’ benefits. Tzarfaty is the co-founder and CEO of MAPS Israel and leads psychedelic-assisted studies in Israel. She is a senior trainer and supervisor for MPBC and has been a clinical investigator in MPBC MDMA-assisted psychotherapy FDA-approved clinical studies. Tzarfaty is the co-founder of the Hakomi Institute of Israel, a Hakomi Trainer and one of the founders of the new MA program at Haifa University: Integrative Psychotherapy: Body, Mind, spirit. She holds an MA in Somatic Psychology and a Ph.D. in East-West Psychology. Robinson is the managing principal of psychedelics venture capital firm Iter Investments; founding partner of psychedelics and cannabis law firm Mr. Cannabis Law; co-founder of psychedelics non profit Mr. Psychedelic Law; and co-founder of psychedelics data ecosystem Nucleus. He is a leader within the psychedelic ecosystem and has been ranked by Psychedelic Invest as the Top 100 Most Influential People in Psychedelics. The psychedelic series was launched in 2021 by Robinson and visionary leader Sam Baum. The series features experts in the psychedelic space such as CEOs, doctors, lawyers and celebrities. The panel started at Soho Beach House Miami and over time has expanded to locations throughout the country including, New York, Chicago and California, as well as internationally in London and Amsterdam. When: Thursday, February 29, at 7 p.m. ET Where: Soho Beach House Miami 4385 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33140 How: The event is private and only open to Soho House members. EDITOR’S NOTE: Media is invited to attend the Psychedelic Series events. Please contact iter@dureeandcompany.com to RSVP. Limited space is available. About Nucleus Nucleus is a venture studio creating brands in the growing psychedelics industry. Nucleus has built 12 brands that bridge industry gaps in media, data, and technology. The data platform, Neuly, powers the ecosystem while Psychedelic Invest serves as a content network for those curious to learn more about the psychedelics industry. Nucleus has also developed a marketing platform, a directory of practitioners, and a blockchain protocol, to further support the many ways Nucleus can power the industry on its way to help millions of people find the right treatments, experiences, and overall well-being. For more information, visit withnucleus.com. About Iter Investments Iter Investments is an investment firm that deploys capital in and around the burgeoning psychedelic industry. Iter Investments invests with the mission of reimagining how the mental health and wellness industry delivers care. For more information, visit www.iterinvestments.com or email contact@iterinvestments.com. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Unsplash

World No. 1s Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek will headline this year’s Miami Open presented by Itaú, taking place at the iconic Hard Rock Stadium, March 17 – 31, with the world’s top ranked ATP and WTA players on the entry list. Owner of a record-breaking 24 Grand-Slam titles, Djokovic returns to the Miami Open for the first time since 2019 as he looks to add to his remarkable tally of six Miami Opens and claim his first title of the 2024 season. Swiatek, who consolidated her position at the top of the WTA rankings with a straight-sets win over last year’s Miami Open runner-up Elena Rybakina in the Qatar final last weekend, is seeking a second Miami Open title, having previously triumphed in 2022, beating four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka in the final. Defending champion Petra Kvitova is not playing this year, having announced her pregnancy at the start of the year. Kvitova will have plenty of inspiration for making a speedy return to the court with new mom Osaka playing in Miami this year. Having returned to competition only six months after having her daughter Shai, she enjoyed her first back-to-back wins since her return in Qatar last week, beating world No.20 Caroline Garcia in the first round. Defending men’s champion Danill Medvedev and finalist Jannik Sinner are back, with Sinner having reversed the result of last year's Miami Open final at the 2024 Australian Open, where he came back from two sets down to become the first Italian man to win a Grand Slam title since 1976 and is undefeated since on a 12-match win streak. World No. 2s Aryna Sabalenka and 2022 Champion Carlos Alcaraz, are both returning to the Miami Open with reclaiming their No.1 rankings at the top of the agenda. Sabalenka started her year emphatically, repeating as Australian Open champion, this time without dropping a set. Alcaraz, who at age 20 already has a Wimbledon and US Open title, four ATP Masters 1000 and a half dozen other titles to his name, will be looking to get back into the winner’s circle for the first time in 2024. Leading the home challenge are Florida residents Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys, sitting at No.3, No.5 and No.16 on the WTA rankings with Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton at No.10, 14, 15 and 16 on the ATP rankings, all in with a chance of becoming the first American singles champions at the Miami Open since Sloane Stephens and John Isner won in 2018. Gauff, the global superstar from Delray Beach, Fla. Who turns 20 on March 13, won the Miami Open doubles title with Pegula last year, before going on to win the US Open singles title. She sits at a career high ranking singles ranking of No. 3. Known for its world-class fan experience, the Miami Open presented by Itaú will again welcome tennis fans to Hard Rock Stadium, complete with the only tennis stadium court in an NFL venue, and its sprawling campus in Miami Gardens. Boasting more than 30 of Miami’s leading restaurants and bars, organizers will once again aim to infuse tennis with the iconic culture of Miami through award-winning culinary offerings. The year’s edition of the Miami Open presented by Itaú will also feature more on-court action for fans than ever before. Taking place in the second week, the Miami Open Wheelchair Invitational and Major League Pickleball Showcase are also new additions to the program, marking the first time both events will take place at any 1000 series tournament. For a full list of tournament sponsors and for ticket information, please visit www.miamiopen.com By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Miami Open presented by Itaú

We are constantly inundated in the world of technology. But when did that slowly start to mesh with our dating lives? And when did it get so challenging to date in the real world? Though there are a variety of factors that contribute, it’s important to take notice of the forces that are attempting to swing back against digital dating. As the turn of the 2010s hurled towards us, a new age of tech, anonymity, and social exchanges were thrust upon us. Clicking, liking, commenting, and engaging all became the new (and necessary) social standard of interaction between people, and this was something we were required to accept. We were expected to keep up with this completely new landscape of social contracts, and if we didn’t, the feeling of missing out on social media was almost too much to bear. Thus, a new standard of communication slowly became our standard of community. Our communities in real life now had their own discourse online. It was easier to engage virtually with topics or people you loved. Everything got a little easier, and with that, more impersonal. Queue a big, wide window opening for the internet to usher in a new type of relationship into our life - our collective, complicated, and on-and-off relationship with dating apps. Dating apps began materializing seemingly out of thin air. Then all at once. They all offer the same silver platter to you. One that will satisfy your needs, whatever that may be, and deliver it with ease and quickness. If it’s a hookup, relationship, or attention virtually for the next 12 hours, dating apps promise you a solution to your lonely heart. Once there were real dates, which slowly turned to a DM. There were flowers, which now have shaped into an Instagram "like". There was date night, but now… hell, Netflix and chill? Some dating apps are based on specific factors, like sexual orientation, ethnicity, status, age, profession, religion, or even fetish. The variety within dating apps has gotten so vast, it’s begun to turn people off to the idea entirely. Enter the concept of “dating app fatigue”. In the age of booming tech growth, convenience, hookup culture, and AI, there is a deep longing for romance that can be born organically. With this collective societal desire (and feedback from peers) in mind, Joseph Feminella got an idea. One that would give birth to his own definition of dating intentionally in the digital age. Feminella then created First Round’s On Me (FROME). Abandoning the prototype for every other dating app out there, Feminella set out to create a concept for an app that encouraged chivalry, discouraged the dreadful chatting cycle on apps, and employed the ethos of dating with intention. Founded in 2020, First Round’s On Me has changed the landscape and expectations surrounding dating for its users. It challenges the way people approach dating by having specific perimeters that coax the online generation to make lasting connections with others, ones that can only take place in real life. To match with someone on First Round’s On Me, you must send them a date invitation or ask them to plan one with you. This invitation includes a date, time, and location that is all planned in-app. To begin chatting with your new crush, you must accept the date they have planned, with the chance to adjust time or location. After this, you may only chat in-app for up to 12 hours before your planned date. Talk about doing things with purpose. Additionally, First Round’s On Me has carefully curated Neighborhood Guides, which show hidden gems and tried and true date spots close to you. Whether your poison is coffee, tea, or a stiff cocktail, FROME has vetted locations for your date all in-app to choose from. If you’re having alarm bells go off regarding safety, we anticipated them. Upon arriving at your date, FROME will send you a safety check-in within 15 minutes of arrival. This ensures everything is going to plan. If anything feels off, there is an option for FROME to alert your emergency contact immediately with your location. First Round’s On Me has begun to build its community across the United States through events involving local restaurants, bars, brands, artists, and personalities. Through this local engagement, there is an opportunity for safe and organic meetings to take place. Whether you leave a FROME event with a new friend or potential date, it takes all the pressure off of meeting someone new. FROME founder Joe Feminella & his wife Hannah Now active in 12 cities (including Miami), the belief behind the app has never wavered. This has made First Round’s On Me the fastest-growing dating app, ever. We believe in the dire need for true human connection, now more than ever. At a time when it’s easier for us to stay indoors and connect virtually with others, chivalry has lost much of its gusto and presence in the dating world (and the world in general). Dating is a practice in confidence. At First Round’s On Me, there is ample opportunity for practice. We believe in putting yourself out there, and boldly. We cannot wait to continue to grow our community and see the relationships that are made from our app. For more information about First Round’s On Me, go to firstroundsonme.co to download our app, view our social media, and to check out our blog and podcast. We hope to see you in a city near you, and would like to formally invite you to begin dating differently. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of First Round's On Me

Core Health Miami, a primary care practice, will be launching in Miami this February, ushering in a new era of personalized primary care and wellness experiences for patients seeking top-tier medical services. With a combined 30+ years of physician expertise, Dr. Kristen Doddo and Dr. Ketevan Leo have created a concierge medical practice focusing on providing direct access to personalized, comprehensive, and convenient care. The concierge model operates without insurance regulations, allowing Dr. Doddo and Dr. Leo autonomy in decision-making and providing more time with their patients. This approach makes healthcare more personal and enables the physicians the time to get to know their patients and provide the education and support necessary to make each patient’s health and wellness journey a success. “In today’s world, healthcare has become transactional and impersonal. Core Health Miami is dedicated to individualized care and focuses on developing lasting relationships with our patients” said, Dr. Leo. For an annual membership fee, patients gain full access to the practice. Full access includes comprehensive healthcare services that offer 24/7 access to your physician, prompt same-day or next day appointment scheduling, virtual healthcare through telehealth appointments, extended consultations with no time constraints, screenings for early detection focusing on cancer prevention, specialized therapies and treatments such as IV therapy, hormone replacement therapy, peptide therapy, and much more. Both physicians are Board-Certified in Internal Medicine, reflecting their commitment to maintaining the highest standards. Core Health Miami is located at 2550 South Bayshore Drive, Suite 204, Coconut Grove, Florida 33133. For more information about services go to www.corehealthmiami.com. About Kristen Doddo, MD: Dr. Kristen Doddo is a distinguished medical professional whose journey is marked by a commitment to excellence, compassion, and a genuine passion for healthcare. A native of Miami, Dr. Doddo graduated at the top of her class from Miami Palmetto Senior High School in 1999. She went on to earn her undergraduate degree from Harvard University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2003. She returned home to fulfill her dreams of becoming a doctor and received her medical degree at the University of Miami Leonard Miller School of Medicine in 2007. She later completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Jackson Memorial Hospital in 2010. As an Internal Medicine Hospitalist at Baptist Hospital since 2010, Dr. Doddo has become a respected figure in the healthcare community, treating an extended spectrum of acute and chronic illnesses and working closely with subspecialists across all fields.   Her Board Certification in Internal Medicine underscores her commitment to upholding the highest standards of patient care. Values of humility, kindness, empathy, and gratitude are cornerstones of Dr. Doddo's professional philosophy. She firmly believes in the importance of appreciation and hard work and is grateful for the privilege to help her patients through their health journey. Dr. Doddo is fluent in both English and Spanish. Outside of her medical endeavors, Dr. Doddo is an accomplished pianist and former ballet dancer. She dedicates most of her free time to her children, her dog Lola, and her family. Dr. Doddo also loves football and is a diehard fan of the Miami Dolphins. About  Ketevan Leo, MD: Dr. Ketevan Leo, MD, stands as a testament to the global impact of healthcare, embodying a career marked by dedication, education, and compassionate patient care. Born and raised in Ukraine, Dr. Leo's journey led her to graduate high school in Vinnitsya, Ukraine, before earning her degree from Vinnitsya National Pirogov Memorial Medical University in 2002. Her commitment to internal medicine took her to New York, where she completed her residency at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in 2009. Since then, Dr. Leo has made significant contributions to the medical field, serving as an Internal Medicine attending at Aventura Medical Center from 2009 to 2013 and subsequently at Baptist Hospital of Miami since 2013. Her wealth of experience is a testament to her unwavering commitment to patient well-being. Dr. Leo, fluent in English, Ukrainian, Russian, and with a hint of Georgian, brings a multilingual and multicultural perspective to her practice. Her ability to connect with patients across diverse backgrounds is the foundation of her patient-centered approach. Off-duty, Dr. Leo resides in Coconut Grove with her husband, son, and two spirited chihuahuas. Her commitment to excellence extends beyond the hospital walls, creating a balanced and compassionate approach to both her professional and personal life. By ML staff. Images courtesy of Core Health Miami.

Unfortunately, the main favorite for the title, the Spanish Carlos Alcaraz, was forced to withdraw from the Rio Open presented by Claro after sustaining an injury during his match against Thiago Monteiro on Tuesday night at Quadra Guga Kuerten. As a result, Thiago Monteiro and Felipe Meligeni are set to engage in a Brazilian showdown in the round of 16 of South America's premier tournament. Alcaraz injured his foot early in the match, attempting to soldier on for two games before ultimately deciding to retire. Speaking at a press conference, he attributed his withdrawal to bad luck. "I landed awkwardly while changing direction and fell. It's unfortunate because I had high hopes for this tournament, where I usually perform well. It's disappointing not to finish a match like this, but these things happen," Alcaraz remarked. Expressing regret over his opponent's misfortune, Thiago Monteiro, who now faces Felipe Meligeni in the round of 16, extended his best wishes for Alcaraz's swift recovery. "I hope he recovers quickly. He's a significant figure in tennis, always expected to excel in every tournament, particularly among the new generation on the circuit. It's disheartening to see someone's performance cut short due to injury, so I sincerely wish Carlitos a speedy recovery," Monteiro stated. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Rio Open/Jumphoto You may also like Carlos Alcaraz Covers Miami Living Magazine

In a world that seems increasingly divided, OneUnited Bank, the nation’s largest Black-owned bank, proudly introduces the OneLove ™ Card. This card is not just a financial tool but a beacon of unity, symbolizing the Bank's unwavering commitment to fostering love, belonging, and understanding within the Black community and across the nation during Black History Month. Art work "Abstract Kiss" by artis Addonis Parker In 2024, the OneLove Card carries a theme that resonates deeply in today's society – the need to feel love and belonging amid growing divisiveness and resistance against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This visionary card, featuring designs from the internationally acclaimed artist and OneUnited Bank Artist-in- Residence, Addonis Parker, encapsulates the essence of unity and love, visually narrating the importance of togetherness in today’s fragmented world. The OneLove message is comprehensive, embracing self-love, romantic love, parental love, and love for community, country, and humankind. It is a clarion call to the Black community and the world at large, spotlighting the crucial role of unity and belonging in healing divides and building an inclusive society that works for all. This initiative draws inspiration from the pioneering work of john a. powell law professor and chair of the Othering & Belonging Institute at the University of California, Berkeley. The institute's dedication to addressing exclusion, marginalization, and structural inequality by promoting belonging aligns seamlessly with OneUnited Bank's mission. In supporting the Black L.O.V.E pledge, OneUnited Bank stands firm in its commitment to empowering individuals to Live, Own, Vote, and Excel (LOVE), rejecting fear and stigma. Teri Williams, President & COO of OneUnited Bank, underscores the significance of this campaign: “The OneLove message is crucial, especially now, as we witness a divisive political climate and push back against needed DEI initiatives. Our commitment goes beyond words – it's about actions that foster inclusion, fairness, and justice. The OneLove Card is a testament to our dedication, not just to the Black community, but to the very fabric of America.” The OneUnited Bank OneLove Visa Debit Card elevates the #BankBlack and #BuyBlack Movement The OneUnited Bank OneLove Visa Debit Card elevates the #BankBlack and #BuyBlack Movement, infusing it with a renewed sense of purpose and unity. To become part of this transformative movement and to learn more about the OneLove Card and OneUnited Bank's array of benefits, community programs and educational initiatives, we invite you to visit www.oneunited.com/onelove. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Addonis Parker

Miami Living Magazine recently had the pleasure of interviewing American actress, model and social media sensation Lexi Hensler. Renowned for her magnetic charm and comedic prowess, Lexi graciously shared her experiences and reflections on her remarkable journey to social media prominence, how she has passionately utilized her platform to champion mental health causes, and the lessons she has learned along the way. ML: You're a content creating machine! How did you get started and what do you love most about sharing your creations online? LH: Thank you, I sure try to be! I’ve actually been creating content longer than most people realize. I started making home movies and YouTube videos when I was 8 years old with my mom’s digital camera, which, at the time, was crazy technology. I have always loved creating, but I never imagined it would become my full-time job. Growing up I was told the only way to be successful was to go to college and graduate school so I tried to do just that. Although I was focused on college most days of the week, I would use any free time to film videos or take photos with friends. I would post everything online purely for lighthearted fun so I couldn’t believe when I actually started to grow a platform from it. I almost gave up my dreams, but thankfully the universe had other plans. I took one semester off of college to pursue content creation full time and I still haven’t been back since that day 4 years ago. I love everything about my job. I love the process of creating content and getting to work with other creative minds. I love that I can connect with people all across the world and hopefully make them laugh or inspire them. I still feel shocked that this is actually my job and I hope I can continue it for years to come. ML: You've been really honest about your mental health journey and even started your own brand, HUGZ, to help others dealing with anxiety and depression. What inspired you to create this brand and how do you hope it will make a difference for people? LH: I had a medical emergency at 17, that led to me having severe panic attacks for the first time. One of the things that made a huge difference in helping my anxiety was weighted blankets. I loved how it was a tool I could use that had no side effects or risks. I dove into researching why weighted blankets work and learned how the weight actually relaxes the parasympathetic nervous system by lowering blood pressure and heart rates. I wanted to create a more portable version, which has led to my mental health brand ‘HUGZ’. ‘HUGZ’ is devoted to promoting mental health and wellness through our products of weighted stuffed animals that simulates the feeling of being hugged. I hope it will not only be a helpful tool, but also a conversation starter. Also, in an effort to further our impact, a portion of ‘HUGZ’ proceeds goes to mental health charities. ML: You've teamed up with "Your Mom Cares" to donate part of your HUGZ profits to children's mental health programs. That's amazing! Why is this cause so important to you and how do you think your brand can make a positive impact on kids' mental health? LH: Children don’t get enough credit for how difficult things can be for them. They deal with numerous challenges while they’re still developing their minds; one of the biggest challenges being how severe bullying has become. I went through bullying in school every day and then it would follow me home through the internet, which is something our parents’ generation didn’t have to deal with. There are constantly new factors making it more and more difficult on the mental health of children, but I do have hope because I believe our society is working harder than ever to combat it. My mom works in a children’s hospital and she has seen the shocking rise in children coming in with mental illnesses. She introduced me to the organization ‘Your Mom Cares’ because she saw the major value they have in making an active impact in the healthcare of children. I’ve gotten to watch from the sidelines as Rady Children’s hospital works tirelessly to innovate new programs for children’s mental health. I have a lot of faith that we’re heading towards a turning point where we will finally understand how to prevent mental health complications before they can get a foothold on children. ML: You've talked about how a life-threatening experience changed your outlook on life. Can you tell us more about that experience and how it shifted your perspective? LH: I’ve noticed we all seem to think we’re promised time. We save for retirement and postpone plans to focus on saving money. I’m not saying we shouldn’t do that, but we should also not wait until our 60’s to start living. I sure didn’t expect to almost lose my life as young as 17, but when I was lying in a hospital bed before even finishing puberty it fully changed my perspective. I started my bucket list to organize everything and actively making plans to complete it. I would make a savings plan for a trip and schedule it as soon as I could afford it. No excuses anymore, just actions. If I ever end up back in a life-threatening situation, I hope I would feel that I’ve experienced enough to make peace with it. ML: Since making a bucket list of 50 things you want to do in the course of your lifetime, you've done some pretty incredible things! From sleeping in an underwater hotel to skydiving out of a hot air balloon, what have been some of your favorite bucket list experiences so far and why? LH: I cannot believe how many things I’ve crossed off the list already! I feel so incredibly grateful to have had any of these experiences, let alone this many. You definitely nailed some of my favorite memories! Skydiving out of the hot air balloon was far more terrifying than skydiving out of a plane. I jumped tandem (attached) to my instructor and while we were connected, we had to climb over the side of the basket and stand on this tiny wood platform and wait until we got high enough to jump. My feet dangled off, there was only room for his feet on the platform and it was a wild moment of my brain yelling at me that this was the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done. I’ve actually never felt that much fear from any experiences I’ve had. With that being said, the feeling that followed facing that fear and taking the leap was absolutely priceless. I think it’s good to face your fears head on. Also, flying a helicopter was pretty f-ing cool. ML: Have you spent any time in Miami? If so, what do you like to do while you're here? Do you have any exciting projects in the works involving Miami? LH: I have been to Miami, but it wasn’t the typical experience you’d expect! I was visiting my good friend who has an exotic animal rescue right outside of the city. He put me to work for the weekend cleaning the enclosures and feeding the animals. Before you ask, of course I filmed it and it’s up on my YouTube channel. I definitely plan to come back to Miami soon and experience the other side with the beautiful beaches and world-famous food! ML: Looking ahead to the future, what are your plans? Where do you see yourself in five years? LH: Time is flying! I can’t believe I’m already 25 and how much my life has changed in the last few years. I plan to still be traveling as much as possible and creating content along the way. The more I check things off of my bucket list, the more I seem to add to it as well! I hope to continue to grow Hugz and make an impact in the fight against the mental health epidemic. I actually want to move out of California for the first time, I think it would be good to experience something different. Also, this year I’ve been working hard at music so you can expect to hear some later this year! Wherever I am, I just hope I’m happy. Credits Photographer: Ben Cope Stylist: Sophia Rahimi Hair: J Michael Makeup: Janice Daoud Hugz official site: givehugz.co TikTok: @lexihensler YouTube: @lexihensler Instagram: @lexihensler By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Lexi Hensler

Courtney Cahoon, the force behind a social media following of over 1.5 million, sits down with Miami Living Magazine for an exclusive interview. From her background in Broadcast Journalism and modeling to the creation of her successful activewear line with ACTA and notable partnerships with star brands such as Nike, Lululemon, Sephora and Alo Yoga, Courtney shares insights into her engagement strategies, daily routines, and the seamless blend of family and fitness in her content. Join us as we delve into the dynamic world of this digital influencer and her passionate road to digital stardom. Miami Living (ML):  Building a following of over 1.5 million across platforms is no small feat!  What strategies have you found most effective in engaging and growing your audience, and how do you ensure your content remains relatable to a wide range of viewers? Courtney: When it comes to growing a following, I think the biggest things are staying consistent, and staying authentic to who you are. It is important that your following knows you are going to show up for them, whether it’s once a week or twice a day, just them knowing that you are consistent and will be there is a huge thing. Also, staying authentic to who you are is going to be what separates you from everyone else. People follow you because they want to see you and your personality and so I think it’s important to stay true to yourself. ML: With a degree in Broadcast Journalism and prior experience as a model and certified group fitness instructor, how did your educational background influence your journey into social media, and what prompted the transition from traditional career paths to becoming a lifestyle content creator? Courtney: I honestly never imagined I would be a creator, let alone it be my full-time job! I am so grateful for it and that I can do it full-time, but it was never planned out that way. When my social media started to grow, I was teaching group fitness full-time and modeling on the side. Eventually I had to narrow down what I was doing because I was all over the place all the time, and I am a mom and wanted to make sure I wasn’t so spread thin that I could still be present when I am with my family, so it was more time management that had me make the switch to full time creator. I still sub here and there with fitness because I love teaching so much, but the balance now is so much better. ML: In your daily vlogs, we get a glimpse into your routine. What's your favorite part of your daily routine? Courtney: I would say my favorite part of my morning routine would be drinking my clean simple eats greens. It’s how I start my morning every morning and is quite literally the first thing I do. It makes me feel good and sets the tone for my day! ML: With a loving husband, son, and two adorable dogs, are there any unique family traditions or rituals that you enjoy together? Courtney: Our favorite thing that we love to do is every morning we all get in the car, including Billie and Lulu our dogs, and go get a drink together. It’s so simple but I look forward to it every morning. We get quality time going to get a fun drink and plan out how the rest of the day is going to go or catch up and chat. It’s so cute because even Hudson now asks right when he wakes up if we can go in the car and get a drink. We all look forward to it and it makes starting the day so fun! ML: Congratulations on the extraordinary success of your activewear line with ACTA and having sold out within the first hour! What inspired you to venture into creating your own activewear line? Courtney: Thank you so much! I was so excited when ACTA reached out and wanted to collaborate. I am a big fitness girl and with teaching group fitness I feel like I lived in my workout clothes constantly so when it came down to design and fit, I knew exactly what I wanted because I have tried so many items to know what worked and what didn’t work. I was so excited to be able to put my personal spin on it and ACTA was so great to really let me have full reign when it came to designing the pieces! It was a dream! ML: It's clear that philanthropy is important to you, especially in areas like childhood cancer research and women's shelter donations. Can you elaborate on how you choose the causes you support and how you use your platform to make a positive impact in these areas? Courtney: It’s so important to me to make sure I am not only giving back to my community, but to also be making a positive difference on my platform as well. I am big on donating to the women’s shelter in my community for multiple reasons, but I think that’s something most people can do or have access to. Even if they can’t donate, so many shelters need volunteers and a lot of people just might not know that, so being able to spread awareness on how to even get started is so important to me. I also am big on childhood cancer research because I have a close friend whose child is currently battling cancer and after seeing what she is going through and learning more about it, childhood cancer research is severely underfunded and hardly any money goes into researching it. It broke my heart when I learned that because I had no idea, so being an advocate for those that are still too little to be able to speak for themselves is a huge thing for me. ML: Considering your current success, what are your future aspirations and goals both personally and professionally? Are there specific projects or milestones you're looking forward to in the coming years? Courtney: I am so excited for this upcoming year! There are so many big things coming and certain collabs that I can’t wait to share more about! It’s going to be an exciting year and I can’t wait to share more when it’s closer! _ Follow Courtney on: Instagram | TikTok | Youtube By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Jen Henderson