We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lori Arbel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lori , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I truly believe we live in one of the most fantastic family-friendly areas in South Florida. I am extremely happy to be the one, along with my team to share it with all of you in an easy-to-use website and weekly e-newsletter with social media components. My 14-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son inspire me to give to our community the way I know best.

I am a South Florida native, artist, Florida state-certified teacher, and creativity coach guiding young adults through personal journeys of self-discovery and, often, the discovery of their own creative talents. My passion to create innovative mixed-media art – and to help others bring out their own inner artists – has led me to teach in schools and community spaces for 20+ years.

My passion for mental health awareness and arts advocacy has a unique role in this publication.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Macaroni Kid Fort Lauderdale and Miami East is a media brand that reaches over 11K+ active moms & families with pre-K and school-age kids. This local influence is what gives Macaroni Kid its unique credibility and value to readers. Readers get the inside scoop on what to do with their kids in their town from the mom who always knows what’s going on. We help our local economy! Our advertising partner’s messages are integrated into both the e-newsletters and webpage. In addition, we offer promotional opportunities, social media outreach, brand integration, and more.

Our Mac Kid edition’s also love showcasing the arts and act as an advocate for mental health and creative expression!

I first learned about MacKId 14 years ago when my youngest was in my belly. What will I do with her when she’s born? Macaroni Kid showed up…years later I decided this would be a great platform to help the community.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As a teacher I was bullied my last year in the classroom. This had a profound impact on my psyche. Luckily I love art and healing and introspection. This set me on a new journey which allowed me to work from home and find Macaroni Kid in divine timing. I currently work for myself as MacKid Fort Lauderdale publisher, and am a teaching artist from home. This new way of working helped me birth my FIRST SOLO ART SHOW which was on display at Pompano Cultural Center January 2020.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

While teaching you receive a yearly salary. Macaroni Kid is based on a sales mindset. I learned that what you put in is what you get back. Consistency, follow through, and commitment to helping our community thrive is very different through this lens.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pinecrest.macaronikid.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mackidmiamieast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MacKidMiamiEast
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loriarbel/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MacKidMiamiEast