A fashion industry insider and influencer, Kimmie Sussman’s work has been seen on runways, red carpets, in editorial shoots and music videos. With an impeccable eye for style, she has dressed bold faced names and A-list celebrities including Serena Williams and Mariah Carey. Developing her love for fashion in New York City before launching her career in Los Angeles, Kimmie’s hard work has taken her to inspiring heights. Today, she serves as Aventura Mall’s head stylist, helping women and men build their personal style at one of America’s busiest shopping centers. Now calling North Miami home, she gives us an insider’s guide to the transformative neighborhood, with a curated roundup of the best the city has to offer. “I have eclectic taste, a dynamic and adventurous spirit and an easy-going personality,” says Sussman. “North Miami has all those characteristics, and we suit each other perfectly!”
What makes North Miami a great place to visit and live?
The area is fabulous – it's up and coming with new places continuously popping up. You’ll find a mix of exciting things to experience, from beautiful public parks and cultural attractions, to tasty restaurants and shopping. Nestled along beautiful Biscayne Bay and between two vibrant cultural hubs, Miami and Fort Lauderdale – North Miami’s enviable location positions it close to all the best South Florida has to offer. There are also super places to live, like ONE Park Tower by Turnberry at the incredible master-planned community of SoLé Mia. As a stylist, I am drawn to seamless design and alluring aesthetics, which designer Meyer Davis expertly achieved at ONE Park Tower.
How has North Miami evolved in the past few years?
North Miami has become an ideal place to live, work, play and thrive. The area has evolved into a vibrant cosmopolitan melting pot, full of marvelous things to discover and experience.
Where should we grab a bite to eat?
I love to start my day with a cup of coffee and a green juice from Pura Vida. I can either grab and go during those pressed-for-time mornings or indulge in their fresh, organic and clean menu for a sit-down meal. I actually crave the fire bowl.
Oishi Thai is another local gem. Their Japanese lunch special features the freshest sushi, and they also have a delicious Thai menu, which is perfect for me because I am a vegetarian and love a vegetarian curry.
As a native New Yorker, I must mention Toku, which has a location only a stone’s throw away from North Miami. I find that everything, from the exquisite minimalist decor to the delectable cuisine, blends together to create an unrivaled Asian experience. It really is amazing to have New York restaurants right here in South Florida and to be able to indulge in epicurean treats. My husband especially loves the Duck and Lychee Skewers and the tender Roasted Lobster. Getting a table, particularly on weekends, requires a reservation!
What are the best areas to spend time outdoors?
I am a nature girl and to reset after a long work week, North Miami has some of the best outdoor escapes. Greynolds Park is definitely a favorite of mine, it is a beautiful place to kick off a weekend. The grounds are majestic with lush trees and green spaces. Oleta River State Park, Florida’s largest urban park, has beaches, miles of biking and hiking trails, kayaking and fascinating wildlife, like great blue herons. Being close to nature feeds my inner artist.
Another one of my favorites is scenic Haulover Park, located on a narrow shoal between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. My husband and I enjoy going for a walk on the beach, then renting an umbrella and relaxing to the sound of crashing waves.
For families, I highly recommend The Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park. The park has a petting zoo, pony rides and horse stables – it’s a treasure chest of surprises for children and my son loves it.
What are your favorite neighborhoods?
I love the location of ONE Park Tower by Turnberry at SoLé Mia, it’s an urban oasis overlooking the lovely Biscayne Bay and Oleta State Park–the views are breathtaking. The community has a stunning, swimmable, turquoise lagoon the size of 21 Olympic pools, offering watersports like paddle boarding and kayaking plus a private beach for residents. It’s a wonderful place to be active or relax with the family. With 184 acres of active and passive green space, residents can hike, bike and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the property. SoLé Mia has an amazing resort lifestyle, abundant outdoor offerings, and convenient shopping, schools and medical facilities–what more could you ask for.
Any recommended active pursuits?
North Miami and the adjacent areas offer seemingly endless options for active pursuits of every kind. Many of the parks, like Haulover, have tennis courts, so I like to combine a day at the beach with a few matches. For golf aficionados, Miami Shores Country Club boasts a championship 18-hole golf course, arguably one of the best in South Florida, as well as multiple tennis and pickleball courts. There’s also the iconic Greynolds Park Golf Course, which has been around for decades. With only nine holes, Greynolds is intimate and less crowded. SoLé Mia also just announced they will open a Reserve Padel. The two-story club will span 100,000 square feet, with 4 indoor and 6 outdoor padel courts, plus a state-of-the-art fitness and wellness center.
Where are best beaches?
In my opinion, the best beach is the one at the seven-acre Crystal Lagoon in SoLé Mia next to ONE Park Tower. It's an exclusive, private oasis where I've spent brilliant days with friends and family, enjoying the sparkling water and powdery white sand. The beach club, with a concierge and beach service from the chaises to the adjacent café, will make this a wonderful place to relax carefree with the family.
Are there any family-friendly spots?
Families won’t get enough of Dezerland Action Park’s indoor go karting, roller skating, arcade games, ropes course, trampoline park, mini ninja course and more. It’s an absolute blast! And of course, the parks I mentioned previously, particularly Oleta River State Park and The Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park, are made-to-order for families.
Any other things to do that you highly recommend?
A must-see is The Ancient Spanish Monastery, a historically and architecturally fascinating gem that dates back to the 12th century. The Monastery was purchased by William Randolph Hearst and brought from Spain to the United States, where it was reassembled decades later in North Miami Beach. This place takes me back in time in a way few locations in South Florida do.
The Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami – with works by local, national and international artists such as Edward Ruscha, Keith Haring, and Alex Katz – is also well worth a visit. In my work, I draw inspiration from art.
Aventura Mall is an inspired destination where chic and culture coalesce, just minutes from North Miami. You’ll experience an extensive selection of luxury boutiques and shops, several dozen international restaurants and eateries, museum-quality art, and unforgettable experiences for the whole family. Kids can enjoy the indoor Rainbow Valley Playground; the Aventura Slide Tower, a soaring 93-foot-tall steel and glass slide; and the Gorillas in the Mist fountain, an interactive feature of the outdoor courtyard. And of course, I’m the head stylist at Aventura Mall, so do come see me!
