Success Stories & Testimonials
Real people. Real impact. Real community transformation.
Stories of Impact
Our work is rooted in the lived experiences of the people we serve. Every small business supported, every storefront preserved, and every entrepreneur empowered represents a step toward a more inclusive and resilient Allapattah. These stories reflect the heart of our mission—community members building stability, growing wealth, and preserving culture.
From Survival to Stability
Biz Latina
Touch of Vintage LLC
Owner: Xiomara Carbajal | Category: Perfumes & Accessories
From Shy Entrepreneur to Confident Brand Builder
Xiomara Carbajal joined Allapattah CDC as a reserved entrepreneur, committed to learning but still developing her voice as a business owner. Through Biz Latina, she embarked on a transformative journey focused on brand development, strategic communication, and personal confidence in perfumes and accessories.
Today, Xiomara has a cohesive brand identity with a strong social media presence and has expanded into community events like the Festival del Plátano with branded materials. She is now an emerging community leader—actively referring clients and proving that passion, with the right support, becomes sustainable success.
Preserving Legacy, Building the Future
High Class Barbershop of Miami Corp
Owner: Omar Fotine | Category: Barbershop
Resilience and Reinvention in the Heart of Miami
High Class Barbershop has served Miami for over a decade, specializing in haircuts, beard grooming, fades, and personalized facial treatments. Despite the pandemic and the extended closure of the 17th Ave bridge, the shop stayed resilient, even offering home services for six months to keep serving clients.
Through the MOFB 2024 Grant ($9,989) and the Mom & Pop 2024 Grant, the barbershop is renewing chairs, improving signage, building a website with online booking, and expanding digital marketing through video. These upgrades will attract new clients, modernize operations, and strengthen its community presence.
Turning Vision into Opportunity
La Colmena Mini Market LLC
Owner: Maria Jose Acevedo | Category: Mini Market
Upgrading Infrastructure to Serve the Allapattah Community
La Colmena Mini Market won the Miami Open for Business Grant, receiving $18,935 to upgrade its refrigeration equipment. Established in 2021 during the pandemic, the market serves the Allapattah community with essential goods including Nicaraguan products, Latin foods, sodas, cheeses, and money transfer services.
The upgraded refrigeration will prevent spoilage, expand the selection of Central American products, and reduce energy consumption. The grant will also support hiring a part-time employee and growing marketing efforts through social media, enhancing the store’s sustainability and connection with the community.
What Our Community Is Saying
Why These Stories Matter
Behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a dream. At ACDC, we believe that economic development must be community-led, culturally grounded, and rooted in equity.
These success stories are proof that when communities are invested in, they don’t just survive—they lead.
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