Meet Michelle Posada of Michi’s in Doral - VoyageMIA
Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Posada.
Michelle Posada is not your typical Venezuelan bombshell. The renowned telenovela actress turned in her script book to cook up healthy concoctions of favorite comfort foods in the kitchen. The former thespian, social media influencer and host of Michi’s Kitchen on YouTube have checked off more accomplishments than most people do in a lifetime. This April she celebrated her 25th birthday, the one year anniversary of her healthy restaurant concept Michi’s and became engaged to her sweetheart and business partner.
Michelle Posada starred in TV commercials and movies since an early age in her native Venezuela, where a passion for the culinary arts led her to buy and run a food truck when she was 18. When she moved to Miami, she began working on telenovelas, while putting her communications degree to good use by managing social media accounts for dozens of local restaurants. While learning the ropes, she amassed more than 120,000 followers on Instagram—turning her into a social media celebrity and Youtube foodie sensation.
In 2017 she launched Michi’s with the goal of offering healthy versions of foods we all love to eat: pizza, arepas, pasta, pancakes. A whimsical mix of Latin favorites, Miami fare and downright delicious eats nobody can refuse.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I arrived in the United States five years ago when I was just 20 years old with $300 to my name and a suitcase full of dreams. As an actress, I wanted to conquer the small screen and achieve the American Dream. I had some failed business ventures (online clothing store), castings for roles that I didn’t get and promises that were never kept. But I believed too much in myself to give up on my dreams and knew that failures were just a part of the journey to achieve success. My passion for cooking to maintain a healthy lifestyle led me to share recipes with my followers on social media and eventually Michi’s Kitchen. The project took on a life of its own and my followers almost were the ones who set out the course before me. One of the challenges I struggle with each day in my restaurant, Michi’s, is to maintain consistency, excellent customer service and offer innovative dishes.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Michi’s – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Michi’s is a restaurant for the whole family where you can find a great variety of dishes from Italian classics like pizza and pasta to Latin-American favorites and new trends like Hawaiian poké bowls.
At first glance, most of the foods on the menu would seem strictly prohibited
when you’re trying to eat a balanced diet. However, I made these foods healthy by replacing artificial sugar, refined flour and fatty oils with fresh ingredients so that the plates don’t only look good on the outside, but make you feel good on the inside.
Desserts and cocktails at Michi’s are unique because they not only taste amazing, they also only have a fraction of the calories and are made with the best ingredients for your body. A never before seen concept in the restaurant business, Michi’s was inspired by my YouTube channel, where I post everyday recipes. Michi’s offers its guests an exclusive experience by combining social media and food: the best of both worlds in a cozy atmosphere and with a fresh and healthy touch.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Now that Michi’s already turned one year old, I’m ready to embark on a new future as Mrs. Nathan Winship. We are planning a destination wedding in Cartagena in March 2019 to begin a new life together a husband and wife. Also on the horizon, we are looking to expand Michi’s to its second location to keep growing the brand.
Also, during Hispanic Heritage Month, I joined forces with the non-profit foundation “Un Par Por Un Sueño” to debut the “Chicha Smoothie” in “Michi’s” in Miami, with proceeds to be donated to feed children in Venezuela.
The Venezuelan Chicha is a traditional beverage, acclaimed throughout the country. It’s an elixir for those with a sweet tooth, tantalizing the taste buds with its iconic combination of rice and milk with just a touch of cinnamon. Of course, the version offered at Michi’s is a lighter alternative, like all the dishes prepared in the restaurant but with the same pride of the Hispanic community.