Amber Nichole Ortiz
Tell us about your business.
I call myself the traveling beauty slayer I help men and women age gracefully with a technique, treatment called micro channeling utilizing marrow stem cells. I also am a beauty consultant for a naturally based beauty company, and I am an influencer and social media coach.
What does the word "explore" mean to you, personally or professionally?
Explore to me is the adventure of life. Traveling is my love language so working a job I love to be able to travel whenever I like is the ultimate.
What’s a risk you took that led you somewhere incredible?
I quit my job. I sold my house and I moved to California to help my husband raise his children, and I found a new passion in serving others.
How has “exploration” shaped your approach to your work or creativity?
Well, the only way we can learn and move forward, is by exploring all options, especially in anti-aging and aging gracefully. My line of work would not be as fulfilling without science and exploration into advanced technology and natural ways to help age gracefully.
What’s the most unforgettable local experience you've had while traveling?
The company I work with, Monat, does an incredible job with their gratitude program and every time we earn a new trip, which is usually twice a year, they will give back to the local community. Usually it is a local school or children’s program. The last one that was so fulfilling was in Tulum when we helped an independent school for art and music, repaint, clean and organize for their kids before they came back from their break.
Matthew Anzivino
Tell us about your business.
The Perry Hotel Naples / Luxury Hotels.
What does the word "explore" mean to you, personally or professionally?
To me “Explore” is the spirit of discovery that drives travelers to seek out new experiences, places, and cultures. In the world of hotels and travel, it means venturing beyond the familiar—whether it’s uncovering hidden local gems, indulging in authentic cuisine, or finding adventure in unexpected destinations. It’s about creating memorable journeys that inspire connection, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for the world around us.
How has “exploration” shaped your approach to your work or creativity?
Exploration has played a vital role in shaping my creativity by constantly exposing me to new environments, cultures and perspectives. This allows me to bring unique, creative solutions to both personal and professional challenges.
What’s the most unforgettable local experience you've had while traveling?
Spending two weeks in a village in Burkina Faso sharing in the incredible tribal unity, experiencing the simplicity of life while learning the values of culture and family!
What city or country has inspired you the most and why?
Venezuela. After almost two years of living in Rubio Venezuela, traveling around the country and exploring different cities and villages provided a one-of-a-kind cultural plunge. Experiencing other cultures and sifting through the similarities and embracing the differences definitely contributed to my desire for Travel and Exploration.
You have 24 hours to explore any city in the world with unlimited access—where are you going and what’s first on your list?
Tokyo, Japan, visiting the District of Akihabara and the Golden Pavilion.
Where do you go—physically or mentally—when you need to recharge?
On the water!
Jonathan Marc Frantz, MD, FACS
Tell us about your business.
Frantz EyeCare is the largest physician owned physician led eye care practice in Southwest Florida. We serve patients across three counties and seven locations. We have 6 world class surgeons, 12 board certified optometric physicians, over 250 employees.
What does the word "explore" mean to you, personally or professionally?
"Explore” means discovering the highest level of personalized care. It invites patients to: learn about advanced technologies like laser cataract surgery or premium lens implants. Understand their vision correction options. Experience a state-of-the-art facility and elite surgical outcomes.
What’s a risk you took that led you somewhere incredible?
Opening offices in what has been one of the most competitive eye care markets in the country was a huge risk.
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
Every day, patient care is unique and personalized and presents unique opportunities every day.
Where do you go—physically or mentally—when you need to recharge?
My waterfront area at home provides me with incredible peace and solitude.
How has “exploration” shaped your approach to your work or creativity?
We constantly strive to improve our patient care and experience every day. Sometimes that means rethinking things you’ve done for decades.
Anna Pashalis
Tell us about your business.
Estia is our take on an upscale fish tavern in Greece. We make it as authentic as possible by flying in local fish directly from the Mediterranean.
What does the word "explore" mean to you, personally or professionally?
Exploration for me is looking for anything that's truly unique!
What’s a risk you took that led you somewhere incredible?
Moving and expanding the brand into Naples, has been by far one of the biggest risks we took as a family personally and professionally! We are truly so blessed to be here!
How has “exploration” shaped your approach to your work or creativity?
Traveling to different places all over Europe has greatly expanded our inspiration to our dishes and designs in our brand.
What city or country has inspired you the most and why?
Many parts of Greece such as Thessaloniki, Paros, Rhodes, etc, have influenced us the most. Being born and raised in Greece has given us an amazing opportunity to present this culture to others.
How does your palate reflect your own exploration of food and flavor?
I think a lot of times we want to take the best of one cuisine and marry it with another as an experiment and many times it works out.
You have 24 hours to explore any city in the world with unlimited access—where are you going and what’s first on your list?
I would love to explore a city like Tokyo! Its vibrant buildings and culture as well as cuisine are something I would love to experience and learn more about.
George Fistrovich
Tell us about your business.
(Retired) Former EAM, Director of Food and Beverage at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, taking a short break.
What does the word "explore" mean to you, personally or professionally?
Seek out new ideas, push the boundaries, go where no one goes, "make it personal and impactful.”
What’s a risk you took that led you somewhere incredible?
Moving to food and beverage from being a life long chef, I was once told that working in service will make you a better chef. Pivoting to the front of the house allowed me to impact the whole guest experience by creating and implementing a new concept at the resort.
What’s the most unforgettable local experience you've had while traveling?
We went to China in 2024 and drove to Shangri-La to Meili Snow Mountain and stopped overnight in a town called Cizhong where we stumbled across a third generation wine grower who aged wine in her basement in clay barrels. It was rose honey wine, totally unexpected.
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
My retirement. It’s my first week, I would say it's something very new.
You have 24 hours to explore any city in the world with unlimited access—where are you going and what’s first on your list?
Hard question. Probably back to Hong Kong eating dim sum.
If your career were a travel destination, what kind of adventure would it promise?
Off the beaten path, undefined and always unforgettable.
How does your palate reflect your own exploration of food and flavor?
How the food is prepared; local and always fresh.
Jennifer Couture Garramone
Tell us about your business.
At Garramone Plastic Surgery in Fort Myers, we know that surgery can change lives, and doing it with love and refinement is an art. I respect the power of what we do for people; it’s incredibly rewarding and exciting.
We've elevated the experience in aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery, offering the latest treatments with an unwavering commitment to care, privacy, and beauty for our patients. My role encompasses many elements, from marketing and hospitality, and keeping all focus on a greater creative vision to ensure every guest experience is a wonderful journey towards the patient goals. It is collectively our desire to help patients achieve the real physical visualization that creates the best version of themselves.
What does the word "explore" mean to you, personally or professionally?
To explore is to embrace curiosity over certainty. It brings excitement and often adventure. It means being open to all possibilities and willingly entering unfamiliar territory, evolving creatively without expectations.
What city or country has inspired you the most and why?
I love Carmel, California, it takes my breath away. The beauty, the landscape, the water, and the quaint charm of the city are uniquely enchanting. Italy draws me in and inspires me, with its deep reverence for history and beauty woven into every aspect of life. The architecture to cuisine, and the warmth of its people.
Any secret spots in Southwest Florida you think everyone should experience at least once?**
I love growing plants and flowers, gardening makes me happy. So I would have to say the Naples Botanical Garden is always a favorite for its beauty and thoughtfulness. However, I have a secret spot on Captiva Island that I can’t disclose the location, but I could take you there. It has been my private piece of heaven since childhood.
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
A few months ago, for my husband’s birthday, I surprised him with a seaplane trip to the Florida Keys. Our pilot humorously apologized as we were descending that there would be no boat to pick us up to take us to shore and there was no way to get us to shore. Long story short we had to swim to shore after landing in the water and then navigate climbing over huge rocks. It was quite the unexpected adventure!