Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bella Miranda. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Bella, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Our mission is to transform local businesses from mere names into familiar faces by highlighting their unique stories, local impact, and the individuals behind the scenes. We offer an insider’s view into the latest news, top dining spots, and the best places to relax with a cocktail. Our coverage includes everything from health and wellness tips to real estate trends, living and design insights, and vibrant community events. Virginia Beach Magazine is your stylish and modern guide to the freshest trends and hidden gems. Discover what makes Virginia Beach a special place to live, work, and play with us.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve always had a passion for creative design and exploring various digital platforms. From watching YouTube tutorials on starting a business to experimenting with blogs, YouTube channels, and Instagram accounts, I’ve explored various ways to share my interests – and my goal was always to establish a presence in the digital world. Around April 2022, I noticed a gap in the local digital landscape—there were few platforms offering engaging, insider perspectives on Virginia Beach’s vibrant scene, from restaurants and bars to beach events and local shops. I saw an opportunity to create something unique: a platform that not only highlights local businesses but also brings their stories to life.

That’s when I launched Virginia Beach Local Finds, which quickly gained traction and caught the attention of local businesses. My goal was to humanize these businesses by showcasing their stories and connecting with the community on a deeper level. What started as a simple idea has grown into a thriving platform where people can easily discover the hottest trends, events, and food specials in our area.

What sets us apart is our modern and trendy aesthetic, coupled with a focus on genuine engagement. While others have tried to replicate this concept, none match the distinctive style and personal touch we bring. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built—it’s more than just photos and videos; it’s about creating meaningful connections and celebrating the heart of our community. We average between 65k and 88k views a month, reflecting our growing impact and popularity.

As we prepare for our rebrand to Virginia Beach Magazine, we’re excited to further our mission: transforming local businesses from mere names into familiar faces. Our magazine will offer an insider’s view into the latest news, top dining spots, wellness tips, real estate trends, and vibrant community events. Virginia Beach Magazine will be your stylish and modern guide to the freshest trends and hidden gems in our city. Discover what makes Virginia Beach truly special with us.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

In building my social media audience, I stayed true to my values: organic growth and consistency. To me, that means absolutely no buying followers—doing so only damages your analytics and authenticity. I focused on being myself and putting my own spin on things, while also ensuring that my content resonated with a broad audience. Staying up to date with trends and creating unique, standout content helped me build a loyal following. What sets my content apart is its modern and trendy vibe. I pay attention to every detail, from visuals to the music, making sure it all aligns with what’s current and appealing.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect for me as a creative is the deep connection I’ve built with the local community. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how much Virginia Beach loves and appreciates the work I put into my content. I can’t express how much it means to me when I hear people talking about my page. I’ve even had friends share texts where someone is like, “Did you see @vabeachlocalfinds page? Should we go to this place tonight?” Moments like that remind me why I do what I do—it’s all about making those genuine connections and creating something that resonates with our community in a meaningful way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thevirginiabeachmagazine.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vabeachmag/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088550290190&mibextid=kFxxJD

Image Credits

Bella Miranda
@vabeachmag