BELLA Around Town MIAMI with Tara Solomon

Miami

The Queen of Miami

Tara Solomon

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THE ENDLESS SUNSHINE OF MIAMI'S LIFESTYLE

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Miami Vanessa Coppes Chief Executive Officer, Editor-in-Chief, Creative Director Jennifer DeCillis Editor-At-Large Lynette Barbieri Business Development Director Daniela Uribe, Jonathan Calixto Contributors Yvonne Roman, Office Operations, Isabella Alvarez, Digital Marketing Assistant Rebecca Wasserman, Intern 7

Photography Ricardo Mejía, Michele Behre, Valentina Rivera

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BELLA Around Town is a quarterly publication featuring organizations at the heart of our communities.

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BELLA Magazine has joined forces with Beautify.tips, a beauty-focused, digital platform powered by leading global beauty brand, KISS. Together, they are relaunching BELLA’s popular “Real Talk” podcast with a new name, “B2B”, which will feature content that will be inspirational and will enable listeners to delve deeper into the beauty industry.

The new B2B: A Beauty and Lifestyle Podcast will provide its audience with stimulating discussions that are witty, informative, and present insider news. It will be hosted by two industry-known journalists and experts, Janene Mascarella, EIC of Beautify.Tips and Vanessa Coppes, CEO + EIC of BELLA Magazine.

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Biz Tips

Photography Michelle Behre

Welcome to Miami!

My name is Jennifer DeCillis, and I am the EditorAt-Large for our debut BELLA Around Town Miami issue – a publication dedicated to all things Miami. As the Publisher of BELLA Magazine, my life and career has been focused on and based in New York City. At the beginning on 2023, I moved to beautiful South Florida and instantly knew that BELLA would have a presence here, specifically the Miami area. The impact this city has already had on me has been unexpected and exciting.

The city of Miami is thriving, business is booming, and I see how quickly and immensely it is evolving in the sphere of fashion, entertainment, dining, and more. As a newly converted Floridian, and the now editor at what will be an influential publication in the Miami area, I wanted to share a few of my recommendations for things to do and places to explore in the area – all experienced personally!

WHERE TO DINE AND DRINK MILA - Located in the heart of Miami Beach, MILA is a transportive venue bringing an elevated and multi-sensory dining experience that awakens all the senses, through refined taste, bespoke mixology, transporting ethnic sounds and an unparalleled ambiance. From bespoke mixology to eclectic music and a lively ambiance, MILA fuses minimalistic Cycladic islands design with Japan’s Wabi-Sabi philosophy of embracing life’s unpredictability and accepting imperfections as beauty.

AZABU - The Michelin-starred concept, Azabu Miami Beach, invites guests to savor authentic Japanese cuisine and experience one of their various concepts; tied together with the spirit of Omotenashi, the essence of Japanese hospitality.

Located inside The Stanton, Azabu Miami Beach elevates the culinary scene in the South of Fifth neighborhood. Concepts include a full-service dining room with a stunning open kitchen, an exclusive hidden sushi counter helmed by Tokyotrained chefs called The Den, and a classic cocktail bar showcasing an array of sakes and imported whiskies

By Jennifer DeCillis

QUEEN - new luxurious restaurant and lounge has taken over the historic and iconic Paris Theater in Washington Avenue, built in 1945 by famous Art Deco architect Henry Hohauser. Led by worldrenowned chef and Queen Miami Beach’s Chief Culinary Officer Chef, Julien Jouhannaud, and local chef Mitchell Hesse, leading as Queen Miami Beach’s Executive Chef, Queen offers a curated menu that blissfully marries French techniques with Japanese ingredients. .

@Jennifer.DeCillis

WHERE TO STAY AND PLAY JOIA BEACH – The vibrant day-to-night oasis, Joia Beach Restaurant & Beach Club, located near downtown Miami on Watson Island. Both a restaurant and a beach club, Joia Beach is the only private beachfront location in Miami where guests can dine on the sand, while enjoying a European-inspired menu with freshly sourced seasonal ingredients.

FONTAINEBLEAU MIAMI BEACH - Situated on oceanfront Collins Avenue in the heart of Millionaire's Row, Fontainebleau Miami Beach is one of the most historically and architecturally significant hotels on Miami Beach. A blend of Miami’s glamorous golden era and stylish modern luxury, this iconic oceanfront hotel features signature restaurants by award-winning chefs; two chic nightlife venues, including ultra-exclusive lounge and a high-energy nightclub, LIV; a two-story spa, 11 distinctive pool experiences, and miles of pristine beach.

THE POOL AT STRAWBERRY MOON - Named for the full moon that occurs closest to the summer solstice, Strawberry Moon is the centerpiece of The Goodtime Hotel in the heart of South Beach, offering an energetic gathering place for all guests. A vibrant and energetic dining scene, led by David Grutman and Pharrell Williams, The Pool at Strawberry Moon is equipped with two bars, two parallel pools, and a DJ booth where VIP guests will always be mixing.

QUEEN

JOIA BEACH

THE POOL AT STRAWBERRY MOON

5 Must-Have Makeup Essentials from Pyramid

By Vanessa Coppes

Pyramid makeup features high-quality, premium products designed to elevate any beauty routine. With a focus on bold and vibrant colors, Pyramid offers a range of finishes to suit any skin tone and style.

The Pyramid brand is expertly formulated with nourishing ingredients to soothe and protect your skin, leaving you with a flawless finish that lasts all day. Pyramid is vegan, Leaping-Bunny approved, sleek, and modern.

Whether you're a beauty beginner or a seasoned makeup pro, Pyramid will offer the go-to you need to achieve your desired look with ease.

Shop now at PyramidTri.com.

"I'm Not Bougie But" Ultra Glitter Lip Gloss is the perfect addition to your everyday makeup routine! Featuring a stunning array of shimmering glitter particles, this lip gloss is designed to give your lips an irresistible sparkle that's impossible to ignore. Whether you're heading to a party or simply looking to add some glittery glam to your day-to-day look, this lip gloss is sure to turn heads and make a big impression.

Berry Berry Bubblegum Liquid to Matte Lipgloss is made with nourishing ingredients that won't dry out your lips, to keep your lips feeling smooth and hydrated. The light and fragrant scent of berry bubblegum will also add a playful touch to your daily beauty routine.

The richly pigmented formula provides a bold, long-wearing matte finish that is transfer-proof and smudge-proof, ensuring your lips stay luscious and velvety all day or night. And with its easy-to-use applicator brush, you can apply Berry Berry Bubblegum with precision and without any mess.

The Brow Down Betches 3 Piece Brow Kit is the ultimate solution for all your brow needs! This kit comes equipped with everything you need to create perfectly shaped and defined brows, including Clear Brow Tint, Brow Pomade, and a Duo Brow Brush. All ingredients are printed on the Brow Kit Box. The dual-ended brush features an angled brush on one end and a spoolie on the other, making it simple to apply and blend your brow powder. The brow pomade, available in three different shades, allows you to achieve the perfect color match for your brows. And the clear brow gel sets everything in place, keeping your brows looking flawless all day long.

The velvety consistency of "Take It To the Runway" Highlighter in Rose Gold melts beautifully into the skin creating a natural, luminous glow! Take your makeup game to the next level with this facial highlighter—perfect for giving your skin a dewy, luminous glow that looks like it’s been kissed by the sun.

"Talk Like an Egyptian" Lip Oil is carefully crafted with a trio of plant oils to comfort, nourish, and leave your lips looking visibly plumped while also providing the perfect layer of high-shine color. Formulated with Jojoba, Sunflower, and Safflower plant oils, this lip care treatment works all day to hydrate and revive, while Vitamin E provides a protective shield and additional nourishment. The conditioning oil texture is light and non-sticky, delivering a cushioned and cocooned effect.

Meet C e n i a paredes

Styling: Tara Solomon Photography: Ricardo Mejía

The Queen of Miami

Tara Solomon

By Jennifer DeCillis

If you’ve ever attended an event, dined at a restaurant, or spoken to a local in Miami about the who’s who of the city, chances are you’ve heard of Tara Solomon. Aptly dubbed the “Queen of Miami,” the title is reminiscent of her column at the Miami Herald, “Queen of the Night,” and truly speaks to her overall reputation of being at the helm of all things in the “magic city.”

An obvious choice for the cover of the debut issue of BELLA Around Town Miami, we sat down with the entrepreneur and public relations powerhouse, to hear about her start in the industry and what to do around town…

As a born and bred Florida girl, what makes Florida so special to you, particularly Miami, where you reside?

One of the best things about living in Florida is the abundance of tropical flora and fauna that surrounds us.

The flowers, the trees, the birds, the butterflies!!!

Nature is in overdrive here in Miami, and we are so incredibly blessed to be able to experience it daily.

Tara, you have been dubbed the “Queen of Miami.” When you hear that, how does that make you feel?

Although there are many other individuals more deserving of this title in my opinion, it is a beautiful compliment and a testimony to my longevity and devotion to our dynamic city.

I visited Miami frequently with my family while growing up and have lived here full-time since 1987. I am extremely proud to call Miami home base.

Former columnist for the Miami Herald, all-around expert on the Miami nightlife scene, and now owner of the renowned public relations agency, TARA Ink. - tell our readers how you got started in the industry and what your journey was like transitioning through each of those ventures.

I’ve never been one to say no to a good opportunity, even if my life was too full to fit another thing in. I follow my intuition — and live life by my rules.

Which is how both The Miami Herald and my first PR client, a national retailer, found me — they both wanted an “It Girl” to represent them.

The Herald had no idea I was a UM communications major, magna cum laude, when they approached me to debut the paper’s South Beach column. They just thought I was fun and connected.

It turned out to be a great fit. My “Queen of the Night” column debuted in April 1993 in The Herald’s Friday “Weekend” section and was an immediate hit with readers.

It was a chatty social diary with lots of photos, some of which I took. I also wrote fashion, beauty, and celebrity for The Herald, and had a style column in “Tropic,” the paper’s Sunday magazine.

I worked a lot and loved it. I got to cover New York Fashion Week and interview fashion legends including Christian Lacroix, Oleg Cassini, and Gianfranco Ferre.

I passed my nightlife scepter on in 1998, when I got bored with going out all the time. I continued to write for The Herald until I founded TARA, Ink., a public relations, marketing, and events firm, in 2001.

I am proud to say that TARA, Ink. celebrated its 22nd anniversary this year. I owe much of its success to my super-strategist partner, Nick D’Annunzio.

When it comes to PR, your namesake, TARA Ink. is at the helm of everything and anything in Miami, and around the country, with a mega client list including the biggest brands in the world. What are some of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of running such a successful agency?

The most challenging aspect of any service-driven industry is finding, and managing, team members who are as committed and passionate as you are… it’s not easy being an alpha lol.

The most rewarding aspect is witnessing growth and exceeding client goals. It never gets old!

As the go-to guru for all things Miami, can you share some of your favorite spots to stay, eat, or play? Any hidden gems?

There are so many hidden gems in Miami! Some of my favorites include Pinkgun Gallery in North Miami for curated vintage clothing, hats, and decor; Athen’s Juice Bar in mid-Beach on Collins Avenue for fresh fruit salad and ginger shots; and Screaming Carrots in Hallandale Beach for great organic vegan food — dine-in or takeout — with a Thai twist. I could eat there every day!

@TaraSolomon @TaraInkPR

Why Checking your Credit Score Important

By Lynette Barbieri Knowing your credit score is important for several reasons: 1. Loan Approval: Your credit score is one of the primary factors that lenders consider when deciding whether to approve your loan application. A high credit score can increase your chances of getting approved for a loan, while a low credit score can make it difficult to get approved.

2. Interest Rates: Your credit score also affects the interest rate you'll be charged on a loan. A higher credit score can result in lower interest rates, which means you'll pay less in interest over the life of the loan. Conversely, a lower credit score can result in higher interest rates, which means you'll pay more in interest.

3. Credit Card Approval: Credit card companies also use your credit score to determine whether to approve your application. A high credit score can increase your chances of getting approved for a credit card with a lower interest rate and better rewards.

4. Insurance Rates: Insurance companies may also use your credit score to determine your insurance rates. A higher credit score can result in lower insurance premiums, while a lower credit score can result in higher premiums.

5. Employment: Some employers may also check your credit score as part of the hiring process. While they can't see your actual score, they can see your credit report, which can give them an idea of how responsible you are with money.

Overall, knowing your credit score is important because it can affect your ability to get approved for loans, the interest rates you'll be charged, and even your insurance rates and job prospects.

@LynetteBarbieri