BELLA Boss December 2025 Miami Around Town Issue
By Lynette Barbieri + Jennifer Maclellan
Success in business demands ambition, resolve, determination, and a relentless pursuit of goals. Here, we highlight successful entrepreneurs whose remarkable accomplishments demonstrate the importance of self-belief and daring leaps of faith. If you’re looking to reshape your career journey, let their achievements inspire you to carve your path to success.
LINDA VILLAFANE
MIAMI, FLORIDA
Loews Hotels & Co, Area Director of Public Relations: Miami Beach, Coral Gables & Atlanta
Loewshotels.com
How do you prioritize your self-care and well-being?
As a publicist, I’m naturally wired to be “on,” and since hotels never close, accessibility is part of the job. That’s why I treat self-care like a full-time responsibility. I know I can’t perform at my best if I’m not taking care of myself first. I lean on small but meaningful habits—stepping outside during the day, staying committed to exercise, and making time for my personal and social life. It’s not always easy, but prioritizing my well-being ensures I show up as my best self. For me, self-care fuels the positive mindset that drives strong leadership.
What one piece of advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
It’s up to you to achieve your goals. As cliché as it may sound, you have to trust yourself, believe in your talents, lead with integrity and stay rooted in your dreams - and in the joy those dreams bring you. Along the way, you’ll encounter many helping hands, all of which are invaluable. But remember, the people who believe in you are drawn to what they see in you.
In only one sentence, what would you say is the secret to your success?
My success comes from valuing and investing in my relationships - personal, professional and everything in between - with the same commitment and enthusiasm that I invest in myself.
GINA GENNA
Photography By PickyPic Studios
MIAMI, FLORIDA
Sr. Area Director of Marketing,
InterContinental Miami
ICMiamihotel.com
How do you prioritize your self-care and well-being?
It is a daily priority starting with SLEEP, followed by eating (or trying to eat) the proper foods, obsessed with Electrolyte hydration sticks and a nightly skin-care routine. Most important, being kind is the easiest task while surrounding yourself with others to create a positive environment wherever you go!
What one piece of advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Build relationships, champion creativity, and remember that every campaign is an opportunity to elevate the brand and yourself.
In only one sentence, what would you say is the secret to your success?
Put in the work and never take shortcuts - when you stay consistent, dedicated, and deliver excellence every time, your hard work will always get noticed!
JESSICA BONILLA
Photography By Sunny Lee
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA
Jess Bonilla Beauty - Owner
JessBonilla.com
How do you prioritize your self-care and well-being?
I protect my well-being by slowing down, creating space to breathe, and staying connected to the people and routines that fill my heart. As a Latina, a mamá, and an entrepreneur, caring for myself is how I honor my roots and ensure I can show up with strength, grace, and purpose for everyone who depends on me.
What one piece of advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Build your business from a place of purpose, not pressure. When you stay aligned with your vision and surround yourself with the right people, the opportunities, clients, and growth you’re meant for will always meet you.
In only one sentence, what would you say is the secret to your success?
I lead with faith, work with heart, and remind myself that every step I take builds the legacy I came to this country to create.
Dr. Blanca Conigliaro Fiallo
Santo Domingo, República Dominicana
Coordinadora del Programa de Prevención de Cáncer de Mama, Próstata y Cervicouterino; Programa de Implantes Cocleares en el Servicio Nacional de Salud Coordinadora de Uniendo Voluntades, Oficina de la Primera Dama
Consejo
Cree en tu voz y no pidas permiso para usarla. El liderazgo público necesita mujeres que hablen con firmeza, actúen con empatía y no teman incomodar. Prepárate, rodéate de redes que te impulsen, y nunca olvides que estar en espacios de poder no es un privilegio: es una responsabilidad que tú también puedes asumir con dignidad y propósito.
Inspiración
Desde muy joven sentí una profunda necesidad de ayudar a los demás, especialmente en momentos de vulnerabilidad. La medicina me pareció el camino más humano y directo para hacerlo. Saber que, con conocimiento y empatía, puedo aliviar el sufrimiento de alguien—o incluso salvar una vida—especialmente en comunidades vulnerables, fue lo que me inspiró a elegir esta carrera.
Cuidados Personales
Aprendí—a veces por las malas—que estar en un puesto del servicio público no significa sacrificarme por completo. Al contrario, mientras más exigente es el rol, más importante es cuidar la salud física, mental y emocional. Priorizar mi bienestar se convirtió en un acto de disciplina y de amor propio. Tomo pausas sin culpa, reservo tiempo para mi familia y mis pasiones, y he aprendido a decir “no” sin sentir que estoy fallando, porque liderar con humanidad implica reconocer nuestras propias vulnerabilidades.
Servicio Público
La clave para la eficacia en el servicio público es liderar y tomar decisiones con empatía, basadas en evidencia, escuchando con humildad y actuando pensando en el bien común.
