The world’s largest cruise ship sails by my condo every week, and I’m sharing some of Eliot’s photos. My latest podcast features a young artist who is a freshman in college who has great promise in the art world. The most unique Apple store ever is about to open this month at Miami Worldcenter. Ny friend, Marcha Isabelle Chaudry is set to host the Beauty Founders Mixer, an exclusive event celebrating innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in the beauty industry. Don’t miss it.

The World’ Largest Cruise Ship

Photo by Eliot Hess

One of the biggest perks of living in Miami is that you get to see a steady lineup of cruise ships in either the ocean or the bay. Even if you don’t live on one of the waterways, most of the roads in Miami certainly do. Everyone sees water everyday. I haven’t realized how special that is until I have company from the north who usually want to sit on my terrace at happy hour time to catch the world’s largest ship leave the port and go out to the ocean.

A sculpture of a swimmer hangs above an internal courtyard – known as “Central Park” on the ship

The cruise industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of tourism, with young people in particular interested in cruise holidays, according to the trade body Cruise Lines International Association.

The onboard water park is dubbed “Thrill Island”

Art Lovers Forum Podcast – Episode 34 – Carmin Kilpatrick

I just want to say that I love Carmin Kilpatrick’s artwork. She was raised in Parkland, Florida. That’s a half hour drive away from Miami. I am helping her start her career as an abstract expressionist artist.  The reason I am writing about her is because I interviewed her on my art podcast and I was so impressed with how she understands what she has to do to be a strong adult. Many young people are lost in today’s chaotic world. It’s so refreshing to hear Carmin articulate  what the universe can offer her and what she has to do to have a secure future.

She is only a freshman in college and yet she has mastered creating art that is filled with mystery, intrigue, secrets, fascination and new shapes and designs. I can stare at her work forever. I have shown her work to a few experts who like what they see and are now waiting anxiously to see what she produces over the next few years. I am going to collect a few of her paintings now because I believe she is going to embrace new trends and opportunities in the future.

When you listen to her podcast interview, you will hear she has the right, genuine attitude, interest, and natural desire to make her mark in the art world. Carmin feels that through her work, she can provoke thought, spark dialogue, and illuminate important personal and social issues. Her art delves into the intertwined concepts of truth, judgment, and change, exploring how they shape identity in a rapidly evolving world.

She was born in California but grew up in South Florida and attended the Arts Academy at North Broward Preparatory School for high school (as their first scholarship recipient). Carmin traveled to Italy and received a grant to spend 6 weeks in Wexford, Ireland, practicing art with a small group of students. Besides art, she loves fashion and creative direction—from mood boards, to styling, to photoshoots. Carmin hopes to work with fashion as another medium of art. She is currently a Studio Art BFA major at Florida State University. Listen in wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Apple to Open its Most Sustainable Store

The date is set. Mark down January 24th on your calendar to see the most unique Apple store ever.  According to the Miami Herald, “the new Apple store fronts an outdoor courtyard garden at Worldcenter, 1010 NE Second Ave. Apple wanted to take advantage of its “garden in the city setting.”

The new store is located at the Miami Worldcenter, a $6 billion, 27-acre mixed-use development of retail and residential units. The new Apple Store features eco-friendly architecture. It will also feature  a biophilic garden with natural materials and lush greenery

Several newspapers reported that in addition to the new retail space, Apple recently secured 45,000 square feet of office space in nearby Coral Gables, highlighting its expanding commitment to South Florida.

This is Apple’s 10th store in South Florida. The others include Lincoln Road Mall in Miami Beach, Dadeland, Aventura and The Falls malls from Kendall to North Miami-Dade nearby Brickell City Centre.

A press release said the Miamicenter area was conceived in 2016 to replace nondescript surface lots across the street from the Kaseya Center. The area also includes Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty, Museum of Ice Cream, lululemon, Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café, Juvia and The Container Store.

In addition to the Kaseya, Miami Worldcenter is near the Pérez Art Museum Miami and the Frost Museum of Science; the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts; and Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus.

Marcha Isabelle Chaudry Hosts the EWC Beauty Founders Mixer

Renowned attorney, advocate, and founder of the Equity and Wellness Collaborative (EWC), Marcha Isabelle Chaudry is set to host the Beauty Founders Mixer, an exclusive event celebrating innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in the beauty industry.

Marcha is a close friend of mine. I am her self-appointed Jewish mother. We both live in Miami without much family around us. We also have a lot in common even though we are decades apart in age.  When you like and believe in the same stuff, age disappears. I am very proud of her and her accomplishments.

If you are in Miami and you are available, I suggest you go to Marcha’s event. Taking place on January 22, 2025, at the Mondrian South Beach, this event promises to be a highlight of Miami’s bustling beauty and wellness scene.

Marcha brings over fifteen years of experience in nonprofit leadership, advocacy, and public health policy to her role as host. Known for her unwavering commitment to advancing equity and promoting sustainable, ethical practices, Marcha has established herself as a trusted voice and leader in the beauty and wellness industry.

The mixer, organized by EWC, reflects Marcha’s vision to create meaningful spaces for connection, collaboration, and celebration. Guests will have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, brand founders, influencers, and wellness experts, all while enjoying a relaxing evening on the terrace of the Mondrian South Beach.

Key highlights of the event include:

• Wellness Experiences: A serene atmosphere to unwind and enjoy the scenic views of South Beach.
• Networking Opportunities: A chance to connect with innovators shaping the future of beauty and wellness.
• Celebration of Beauty: A focus on clean, sustainable, and inclusive beauty practices.
• Curated Refreshments & Gifts: Special treats to enhance the evening’s experience.

EWC, founded by Marcha, is a unique organization dedicated to empowering beauty, wellness, and health companies, as well as mission-driven nonprofits. EWC offers comprehensive support in meeting and exceeding regulatory standards, including compliance management, claims substantiation, labeling, and certification. Beyond legal guidance, EWC works with nonprofits to spearhead advocacy campaigns, develop impactful programs, and promote equity, transparency, and consumer safety across industries.

Marcha’s passion for fostering community and her dedication to driving change in the industry makes her the perfect host for this inspiring event. As the founder of EWC, she has built a platform that not only supports companies in achieving compliance but also challenges them to lead with purpose, transparency, and integrity.

Don’t miss this chance to join Marcha and a diverse group of beauty enthusiasts as they come together to celebrate the future of beauty.

For more information, email us at Info@equitywellness.org. Visit their Website