📸: Photo courtesy of Radical Partners
Hey Zaylin! Who are you and what do you do?
I am the Founding Managing Director of BrĂ©vo Theatre. In my current role, I work in the Programming Department as an Engagement Manager at the Adrienne Arsht Center, where I manage, coordinate, and communicate production logistics while monitoring production budgets across the center. I also serve on the Heritage Committee at the Arsht Center, a program dedicated to celebrating black artists in the South Florida community.Â
When I am not working, I also serve as the Board President for the Loch Lomond Club South Homeowners Association and sit on the Division of Arts & Culture grant panel for the Florida Department of State. Lastly, I serve on the Worship Experience Team at Church By The Glades.
Wax poetic for a minute and tell us: what brings you most alive about this city?
The various cultures and people throughout the city. I heard it best from one of my mentors, Mo Beasley, that Miami is like a patch quilt. Each individual has their own individual identity and personality, but we are woven together and complement each other to make one big diverse patch quilt.
How does Miami help you do what you do or influence your work?
Miami helps influence my work by having so many cultures to pull from. When it comes to sharing my love of the arts with the community, I am able to easily find representation. I always try to ensure my art is rooted in the community and speaks to the community so I want some in the audience to be able to identify with my art.
What’s an unpopular opinion you have about the city?
I believe South Florida also has quite a few disingenuous people. A lot of people who I first met when I moved down here were opportunists and did not have my best interest at heart. It forced me to not be as trusting anymore, but at the end of the day, I believe it definitely made me more resilient.
What is your favorite Miami memory?
My favorite memory is visiting a burlesque show at the Faena Theater. I love theatre and I’ve always wanted to see a burlesque show. Getting a chance to walk around the beautiful Faena Hotel and watch a spectacular show there was truly a night I would never forget.
If you could eat only one meal from a local restaurant for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It would be the jerk chicken or lump crab mac & cheese from the House of Mac. I’ve never eaten so much mac & cheese in my life and it is one of my favorite foods.
Outside of the obvious stop above, share where else you’d go on your perfect Miami day.
I would first visit Miami’s botanical gardens because when I just want to find some peace, I will visit different gardens, and parks. Also, the next obvious destination would be Miami Beach because water is also another form of therapy for me and I love the energy on the beach.
What’s your favorite local social media account to follow and why?
My favorite local social media account to follow is @sunnispeaksvegan who is an amazing vegan chef. She is one of the most genuine and down to earth people I have ever met, and her vegan food is unmatched!! Also, if I ever need a good laugh, I just go to Sunni’s page.
If you could give any one piece of advice to locals, what would it be?
I would advise anyone to just be true and genuine to who you are. There are so many influences in South Florida, and I feel like sometimes people alter who they are so they can fit in certain social circles or certain crowds. Again, Miami is a patch quilt and what makes this city so unique is each and every one of us.
What are you looking forward to through the end of this year?
I am just looking forward to more prosperity and success for both my life and business. I have met some of the most incredible people within the past year, and so many doors have also opened that I can’t wait until 2023 when I can start revealing some of these opportunities. I am a firm believer that when you start walking in your passion, God will present blessings to you that you do not even think you are ready for.
That’s a wrap on this week’s Locals to Know. Know someone who ought to be featured or would like to be featured yourself? Reach out by sending an email to [email protected] with the subject line “TNT Locals to Know 2022.” If chosen, you might just see yourself or a friend in a future newsletter.