Monday, March 15, 2010

March's Mina Maven

Annie Vazquez 
Who said a girl can’t do it all? Annie Vazquez is a Cuban American journalist that currently reports on all the hottest boutiques, trends and sales for NBC Miami. She’s always on the hunt for the best places to shop and letting us know exactly what designers and boutiques we should be keeping our eyes on, but that’s not the only reason we love her.

This fashionista is also the fearless babe, who was hired by The Miami Herald, to actually take on some of their readers biggest fears. From wrestling an alligator and flying a Cessna, to being the first woman to ride as a passenger in an Indy car, it’s safe to say that she is a no nonsense reporter who’s willing to push the limit and get the story.

In addition, Annie has always dreamed of writing a novel. So when she’s not busy teaching grammar to her sixth grade students at West Miami Middle School or volunteering at Miami Dade Animal Services , you can bet that she is hard at work on finishing her debut novel. 

On her inspiration for her upcoming novel:

I've always dreamed of writing a novel that could empower people and at the same time make them laugh, cry and learn. I decided to write this book, which tackles domestic abuse, after the whole Chris Brown and Rihanna incident occurred. When I saw how many celebrities came forward in support of victims of domestic abuse, I decided that I wanted to do something too. 

I believe a lot of people don't understand why women stay in these types of relationships and sometimes feel trapped, so I'm hoping this book will open their eyes. I want to reach out to men and woman alike who have found themselves in an abusive situation and give them a story of hope.

On how she got involved in fashion and her favorite boutiques and designers: 

Since I was in elementary school I've always had a penchant for fashion which I inherited from my mom, who has very eclectic taste. I would watch her admiringly (and I still do to this day) as she transformed herself in a classic dress or into the latest Chanel style. She would experiment with her clothes and mix trendy garbs and out-of-the ordinary baubles. She taught me to have fun with fashion and always be myself. To this day, it is the best advice I've ever heard. 

Becoming a fashion writer later in my life came naturally to me. Of course, it took years for me to get my break in The Miami Herald covering designers and boutiques, but today I get to write both for The Herald and daily for NBC MIAMI. 

I know of so many great boutiques to shop at that its practically impossible to pick a favorite, but I can say that MINA is on the top of my list. I love the variety of styles, good quality garbs and affordable prices. 

Locally, right now I'm also loving designers like Lorie Lester's dresses and Jimi Vee's tees and my ultimate favorites are Chanel, BCBG, Betsey Johnson, Diane von Furstenberg and Elizabeth and James.

On her volunteer work at Miami Dade Animal Services and her rescue pug, ELMO:

I adopted my pug, Elmo, from Miami-Dade Animal Services. He has changed my life and opened my eyes to how serious the situation in South Florida really is. Last year alone 30,000 dogs were euthanized because people don't take the time to spay, neuter or micro chip their pets.

I have volunteered at the shelter and have written several stories about it. In fact, the Pug T shirt by Jimi Vee that you are currently selling at MINA was inspired by Elmo. You see, the designer and I adopted him together and I always asked him to create something special for us.

I encourage anyone who is considering getting a pet to visit the Miami Dade Animal Services web site at http://www.miamidade.gov/ANIMALS/ .

Below is a picture of Annie and her lucky pup, Elmo...



25 comments:

  1. All the girls that are chosen here are all talented, beautiful Miami locals.

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  2. Book sounds really interesting.

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  3. Ms.Vazquez is one of the best teachers at West Miami Middle school. She is one of my inspirations.

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  4. These pictures are lovely. Her dogs is adorable.

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  5. i belive the book will become very succesuful & i will be looking foward to read it , i also see her as an insipration towards succeding in the writing business .

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  6. Writing this directly to my teacher Ms. Vazquez

    I am one of your students in your Journalism class , an 8th grader . Ms. Vazquez can you guess who ?

    okayy soo , i just finished reading your article . It's fantastic (: You are truely an amazing person . Elmo is extremely blessed to have a mommy like youu ! alsooo , everydayy to school you come dressed in top fasion . Your favorite store is Forever 21 . (felt like i had to include your favorite store in this comment ) Alsoo, as i get older i want to be as talented as you are in a Journalism .

    You're an amazing teacher and personn, never change .. iluu (:
    Anonymous : P

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  7. Annie Vazquez is one of the most amazing people I have ever met. She truly us an inspirational role model and she's made up of hard work and kindness. I hope she achieves much more goals and to always keep showing of her shimmering smile.

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  8. Annie Vazquez is a talented writer. I have been following her since her early days in The Herald. For those of you who are just discovering her I recomend you start reading her work. She has a vast knowledge of not only fasion but of all things Miami. Great local writer. One of my Favs.

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  9. I love how "MINA" symbolizes and showcases women that embody and reflect the true beauty inside all women and how it blooms on the outside. We all shine when we realize our full potential...this is when "life" happens at its best! Thank you MINA, Annie, Josie, and Carly for being gorgeous blooms!

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  10. Wow, Mrs. Vazquez is my teacher at West Miami Middle School. I have her for 1st she is my homeroom teacher ans she is the best!

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  11. this blog is one of the most interesting blogs i have read in my entire life!! I also love so so so much that Elmo came on the picture. O and plus Annie is my Language Arts teacher so we can really enjoy her and her pup!

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  12. this teacher is the best teacher ever and this is one of her students.

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  13. wow this is so intresting who knew my first period teacher ms.vazquez would be the march mina 2010 i like this blog alot its awsome my teacher's like a celeb! and this picture is so CUTE :)

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  14. I love Mina's different take on woman. It's great how these three young ladies Michelle Marianne and Monica have personally selected these girls based on their talents and ambitions. Its a pleasure to say I am overly impressed by their selections.
    Keep up the good work.

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  15. ms.vazquez is one of my favorate teachers in west miami middle school im in 6th grade and i already luv her she is my taecher, my inspiration and my friend. she is one of those people that it's hard to forget about them. she is an amazing person and an awesome journalist i cant wait until next when i can be in her yearbook class. luv always u know who.

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  16. Cindy salgado said....

    ms.vasquez is my fave teacher in west miami middle school. she is talented and beautiful. your class is my fave class because your class is exciting and fun. ricardo jimenez thinks you are hot and the hottest woman in the world he luvs u.lol. i luv u always cindy bye

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  17. Anniee is beautifull

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  18. Karla Bello Says .......

    Ms. Vazquez Is My Favorite Teacher At West Miami Middle. She Is Bueatiful & Talented. She Is Funny Smart Etc. I Love Heer No Matter Whaat Even Though Im Her FAVORITE Student She Still Loves All Of the Other Ones jk lol. And The Book shes Writting im going To Make Sure I Read It !. I Love You Ms.Vazques Your The Best ;D

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  19. jejejeje.blondie walks with waperia!!!!!! lol we love you.
    -Helen & Michelle

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  20. Way to go Annie for following your dreams! We are so happy and proud of your success. You have grown as a writer and we are thankful to MINA for showcasing your talent and the other role models they have paid tribute to in the past months.
    Love Mom & Dad

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  21. Many thanks to MINA boutique for establishing such a great blog that allows Miamians to appreciate local talent, especially when they are women. Annie, you are great in every way I can think of and you know your book is my shelf already. Im glad I have such a person like you in my life and Elmocito too.

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  22. I think her dog needs to go on a diet!

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  23. Hahaha ! Helen & Michelle are the funniest peoplee everr ! (Elmo does need to go on a diet ] I have Ms. Vazquez for 1st period , and she is definetlyy my FAVORITE teacher ... Shes shes SUPER nice , always coming in the classroom ( latee :] ] in heels and always in AWSOMEE fashion , and is always there for you when you need herr ! ILYY Ms. Vazquezz Guess who it iss ]


    - " E.A " ;]]

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  24. omg ! i know you from school !! your really pretty and talented i have no doubt of you and im sure you'll make it through everything in life ..(:

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