Marina on 24th Street: A Sequel to the Soul and Crochet

Some stories arrive quietly and change you. Mine began on the sand outside the 1 Hotel, where a woman named Marina crocheted under the South Florida sun.

She’s Russian. Her husband is Cuban. Their children live here in the States. For the last three years, she’s called this coastline home. Every year, she applies for a permit to sell in the same exact spot — 24th Street — because that’s what the system allows: for her to remain outside.

But that’s not where she belongs.

This is a woman creating slow fashion with her own two hands — a $60 top that takes her three days to make, a $40 hat woven with intention. And while the boutiques inside the 1 Hotel offer python-skin purses and $20 cocktails, it was a no-brainer where I wanted my money to go that day. I gave her the $100 I had — money I made from my own job — not because I had it to spare, but because this is the world I believe in.

One where handmade goods are honored.

One where artisans are valued.

One where “resident artist” means something again.

We chatted. She told me, “Call me the woman on 24th Street.”

Immediately, I thought: This is the sequel to Miracle on 34th.

I offered to take content for her — just as a human being who sees another. She took a few photos of me wearing her pieces. The top fit like it was stitched for me. She said, “¡Qué linda! You should be a model.”

And I responded: “I am — for people like you.” First “Model” then Storyteller. Researcher. Writer. Interviewer. Muse. Target Market. Customer.

As I rode my bike away, I stopped by the sand and opened my sketchbook. I drew what I saw, what I felt. Not as a guest. Not as an employee. Just as a girl on her bike — a true local, and founder of Locals Closet.

I mean she literally crocheted MIAMI BEACH on this bucket hat. You can’t find that kind of craftsmanship at ZARA! Cue Zara stealing this idea and launching a craftsmanship campaign for Miami.