Kate Miano could have extra titles than she does hats — and as anybody who is aware of her can attest, this girl owns a LOT of hats.
As for titles, she’s a former queen of Fantasy Fest, the Pink Cross Humanitarian of the Yr for 2018, a previous president of the Key West Innkeepers Affiliation, earlier Conch Shell Blowing Contest winner, 2018 candidate for mayor of Key West, longtime member of the Waterfront Playhouse board of administrators, beloved proprietor of the internationally acclaimed Gardens Lodge, tireless fundraiser for native causes, and fixed companion of a fluffy, pocket-sized canine named Tiny.
That checklist solely chronicles a couple of excessive spots in Miano’s life since 1996, when a tough divorce prompted her to relocate to Key West from St. Louis, Missouri. Her titles additionally embody proud mother to actress Jessica, who lives in Los Angeles and sometimes seems in Key West productions; and slapstick comedian Amanda, who lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, and lately carried out in Barcelona, Spain.
As well as, Miano performed a notable function within the Conch Republic, the Florida Keys’ lighthearted alter ego “nation,” alongside her former love and without end finest good friend Peter Anderson, who had assumed the title of secretary normal of the nascent Conch Republic. Anderson was the guiding spirit of the offbeat republic till his dying 11 years in the past.
“You understand, you both get Key West otherwise you don’t get Key West,” mentioned Miano, who has lent her skills to numerous organizations and high-profile occasions that profit the group. “I at all times thought I used to be speculated to have been born right here — I by no means understood why I wasn’t as a result of I felt the magic in Key West instantly.”
A specialist in renovating historic properties in St. Louis, Miano wasn’t an innkeeper when she moved to the island and bought the five-room inn on Fleming Road referred to as Ambrosia Home.
“I had no expertise within the guesthouse enterprise, however I did have expertise in renovation contracting and in rental property administration,” she mentioned.
That background proved to be perfect for her new profession. Ambrosia Home rapidly turned a hit beneath her charismatic administration.
Throughout holidays within the island metropolis earlier than her relocation, Miano had found The Gardens Lodge, a lush historic property on Angela Road. Enthralled by its potential, she instantly made a suggestion when it went in the marketplace in 2004.
“That was my dream — to me, it was the best property,” she mentioned merely. “It was constructed rather well, and I might visualize what I might do with it.”
Although her bankers had been initially skeptical concerning the feasibility of the acquisition, Miano moved resolutely ahead. With attribute dedication, she staked the whole lot she owned to accumulate the property.
“I at all times had a saying that I’ve repeated to myself over time: ‘Don’t worry, don’t fret; the whole lot will prove okay,’” Miano mentioned. “The truth is issues at all times do work out, and it’s at all times good in case you let it occur.”
Issues did work out — maybe higher than even Miano might visualize. Together with her professional eye for renovation and design, she enhanced The Gardens’ dramatic potential and historic island taste, making a gracious enclave of 23 rooms, suites and cottages surrounded by decadently landscaped grounds.
The property has since earned quite a few high-profile journey awards and attracts a gentle repeat clientele (who usually carry presents for Miano and canine toys for Tiny).
“As a result of they’re on trip, individuals who come to the resort are predisposed to be completely happy,” she defined. “We give them a glass of Prosecco after they are available. We need to find out about them; we need to make their keep as great as we will — and the house itself is magical.”
The Gardens can also be a hub for group occasions, comparable to a current Derby Day fundraiser for the Key West mounted police, the place resort friends and locals can mingle.
Modestly, Miano credit a lot of the property’s success to the individuals who helped her alongside the best way and people who encompass her at present.
“The folks that work there are wonderful — loving, genuinely completely happy individuals who like others,” she mentioned.
When not immersing herself in occasions or overseeing The Gardens, Miano delights in touring. At residence she begins every day by taking Tiny, a sweet-natured Japanese Mi-Ki canine who weighs lower than 5 kilos, to Truman Waterfront Park for a romp they each take pleasure in.
Whether or not making friends really feel like prolonged household, or throwing unforgettable events and fundraisers, Miano effortlessly takes middle stage — exhibiting a warmhearted nature, distinctive private type (bear in mind all these hats!) and boundless enthusiasm for all times.
“I feel happiness is a selection, and you may resolve to be depressing or you’ll be able to resolve to be completely happy,” she mentioned. “Why wouldn’t you resolve to be completely happy?”