Name(s)?
Alina

Where do you live?
Miami Beach

How long have you lived in the area? 
10 years on the beach. I used to live in Pinecrest.

Where are you originally from and what brought you to town?
I was born in Cuba, raised in New York, went to high school in Atlanta, and college in Miami.

Please share about what you do for a livelihood or what keeps you busy during the week?
I get up at 6:20am, make my coffee, work out from 7-8, hit the shower, while hair is being blow dried I answer emails.  I arrive at office between 9:30-10.  I am crazy busy with my design team, finding inspiration for new collections. After I work I try to spend time with the people that I love.  I try to make the most of every day.  It is a gift knowing that it’s always a beautiful day to be alive.

Why do you feel your brand has become so successful?
I think we’ve touched upon an emotion that everyone in the world is searching for – not just loving others but feeling loved. Peace Love World puts these positive affirmations out there – not only to change your day but to change your life. Together we are stronger to cope with our individual struggles and I feel our brand unites us as a community. 

What’s been the biggest surprise in running your business?
Oprah’s office calling me to collaborate and create the Peace Love Oprah brand to merchandise her 12 week tour. We built a relationship with her and her entire team. She is a woman of so much substance and generosity.   

How has your business changed over the last 10 years?
So much. It went from being very retail oriented to e-commerce. Now, being on QVC has brought our business to a place I never expected. It gives me the opportunity to connect with a new audience and talk about the emotional connection we have with our clothes.  You can dvr us on Peace Love World fashion to never miss a show.

What’s it like being on QVC?
It’s my happy place. I go to Philadelphia every two weeks for between two and five days. It’s a group of like minded souls. They are very appreciative and provide endless opportunities. I have two roles there, as a designer and as on-screen talent. When I go as a designer, I get to work with a team of 24 people that are experts and can bring my designs to life. When on screen, I get to emotionally connect with my audience.  

How often do you come to the Pinecrest market?
At least twice a month.

Do you have a market ritual? If so, please describe.
You, Walt, are the most important person for me when I come to the market.  I get your Turmeric Concentrate. Then, I’ll get kettle corn and sometimes an acai bowl. I walk around and enjoy the market. It is amazing.

What’s your favorite thing to buy at LNB Grovestand and why?
The Turmeric! I think anti-inflammatory foods are such an important part of health. How can I take the concentrate with me on the road?

(A+W) We have a new travel size that we started selling last week. They are 2oz plastic shots that you can freeze and put in your carry on. 

What have you made with ingredients bought at LNB Grovestand?
Smoothies. I am on a mango craze right now. Branko bought 20 mangos from you last week.

A favorite activity I enjoy with my kids?
I have three kids. We do everything together. We work together, eat together, travel together – drive each other crazy. We influence, inspire and rely on each other.  

Most-frequented local restaurants and what dish to order:
We love Hillstone for everything. Naiyara for Thai food. Branko and I love Izakaya and Matsuri.

(A+W) Our favorite sushi place is right by your office in Doral. It’s called Maido and is in a strip mall – try the DX Moriawase.

For special occasions, I go to: 
Amara at Paraiso. It’s right on the water with outdoor seating. I love it. It’s romantic and feels like vacation.   

What’s the area’s best-kept secret?
My apartment! I just moved and was shopping everywhere. I found the most amazing building – 1000 Venetian. I have a view of all of Miami with private balconies.

A worthy splurge:
Chocolate cacao shake at Dr Smood.

Rainy-day activity:
Movies at home. Designing on my chalk wall.

Do you participate in any community or philanthropic events that you would like to share? 
There are four that I am close to. Multiple Sclerosis at University of Miami, Breast Cancer awareness through the Sylvester CenterZanmi Beni children’s shelter, and Autism.

Is there a question that you would like to ask the LNBs?
How much do you love what you do?

(A+W) There is nothing more fun than Sunday. From 8:00 to 3:00, we see so many friends, have great conversations and get to share what we are harvesting.  It’s like going to your favorite party each week.  

Is there a question that you would like to ask the community?
What more can I do as a person and through my fashion to inspire my community?

If you would like readers to be able to contact you, how should they get in touch?
@peacelovealina or @peaceloveworld