This week’s episode comes from Anaheim, CA. We are sitting down with Erwin Rocha. In December of last year, Annette met Erwin’s mom, Nelly, in Homestead, FL. Annette kept her word that when she made it to the west coast, she would connect with Nelly’s son. Two months and 2800 miles later, it happened! “Erwin Rocha, husband, father, police officer, Mentor, music producer, and follower of Christ. I'm just an ordinary guy trying to make the world a better place by serving the community. As a seventeen-year veteran police officer, I have been inspired to mentor at-risk youth and their families. I've been blessed with the opportunity to create music camps, hiking clubs, and leadership curriculums. My Parent Formula class has been extremely helpful for parents seeking emotional and inspirational support. Music is the universal language that breaks all barriers and unites us all. As proud owners of Harmony Studios, My wife Aubrey and I, find great joy in sharing our love of music with the world. (bio provided by https://www.erwinrocha.com/about)

In this episode, we’re in Gulfport, MS with Storme Hannan. Storme has an incredible story of survival and resilience. She was born in England and grew up in an unstable and abusive environment which led her to teen years filled with rebellion, dangerous coping mechanisms, and an abrupt move to the states. She was institutionalized more than once and struggled with addiction. Storme has persevered and is currently running a very successful Airbnb business, traveling the world, and inspiring others to tell their stories.

Lita Edwards Benduhn, owner of Metamorphosis Ink in Dunedin FL motto is  “Transforming scars, transforming lives, one drop of ink at a time.”  Lita is using her amazing skills as a  tattoo artist to help others through the healing of tattooing. Lita has worked with cancer patients creating masterpiece mastectomy tattoos, cutting and scar coverups, burn victims, and a variety of skin scarring that most tattoo artists shy away from. Lita provides a safe space for her clients to share their stories and works with them to transform their scars into beautiful works of art.

In this episode we also hear from Chris. Lita and Chris are currently beautifying Chris’s arms covering up childhood scars from cutting. Her tattoos are giving her confidence to show her arms, confidence in her workplace, and have created a lifelong friendship.

For more information about how to book Lita or another talented artists at Metamorphosis Ink head on over to https://www.metamorphosis-ink.com 

In this episode we're sitting down with Ramiro Ramires. Ramiro came to the US in his early 20s and worked hard in the tomato fields as well as numerous other jobs. He later became a member of the maintenance team at the Everglades Alligator Park. Hard work, determination, and a mind set on succeeding, Ramiro saved until he was able to open his own business. Years later, Ramiro has created a world where his success is not only in the 2 restaurants that he owns as well as the multiple properties, but in the success and opportunities he is opening up for others. Ramiro is respected and loved by his employees as well as by the city of Florida City and Homestead. 

If you're ever in the Florida City area, stop by Taqueria Morelia at 961 W Palm Dr, Florida City, FL 33034

In this episode, Annette sits down with Nelly Martinez. Annette met Nelly at Robert is Here Fruit Stand in Homestead, FL. After a few minutes of fruit education and a killer milkshake recommendation (Mango, Pineapple, and Passion Fruit) Annette invited Nelly to see the bus and participate in the Beautiful Strength project. This simple meeting ignited a 2 hour conversation and the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Nelly is a spitfire of a woman. She packs a lot of personality into her 5’ 2” stature that could easily compete with giants. Cuban born, Nelly’s chances to come to the United States were very slim, but miracles happen and the universe brought her to the states at 17. Nelly hustled and never took no for an answer. She landed her first job in the US because she spoke from her heart and rightfully won over the owner. She proved she was worthy, smart, and dedicated. Nelly married the love of her life and enjoyed 42 years of marriage. She is extremely proud of her 2 sons and is known as “Mamma Nellie” to everyone at the fruit stand. Here is Nelly’s story… of which we were only able to scratch the surface.

In this episode we sit down (ok technically Annette is getting a tattoo at the same time!) with Heather Belle, a tattoo artist from Columbia, SC. Belle has always been into art since she was a kid, but tattooing wasn’t legal in South Carolina when she was younger so she had no career path planned out. She was the outcast, artsy kid that everyone thought was weird. After a while she started to embrace that aspect of herself and love the artist and the person she had become and was becoming. Tattooing fell into place at the perfect timing when she needed it the most and she loves what she does more than anything in the world. Belle loves being able to make people happy with her art and give them a gift they get to keep forever. Heather tattoos people’s lives, things they love, people they love, memories, hobbies, etc. She gets to be part of their journey of life for a few hours and connect with them. Belle has the honor of being part of their story. She makes people smile everyday and that is what makes her the happiest of all. According to Belle, “Life is an amazing journey if you can trust the process and look for art and beauty in all things and NEVER stop following your dreams.”

We sit down in Titusville, FL with Susan Naylor who is the Associate Director at SPCA Brevard. SPCA’s mission is to protect and provide a voice for homeless animals. They believe “You won’t change the world by saving an animal, but you will change that animal’s world.” 2021 Life-Saving Statistics 2,067 Animals Cared for 300 Active Volunteers Over 100 Active Foster Parents 1,778 animals found forever homes Head to https://www.spcabrevard.com to find out more about the great work this organization is doing, to donate, or to adopt