The University of Miami is a highly regarded hub for entrepreneurs, giving students access to a world-class business education, expert guidance from trailblazers in their respective fields, and a vast network of powerful and supportive alumni.
’Cane Biz, the official directory of alumni-owned and operated businesses, connects friends and fans of the University with entrepreneurs and exclusive discounts for alumni.
Celebrate the holidays and your alma mater with the help of your fellow ’Canes below.
Cookies, chocolates, coffee, and brunch
- Blake Warman, B.S.C. ’21, began his cookie business, The Blakery, while a student at the University of Miami. Since graduating, Warman has evolved his business into an e-commerce empire—with celebrities like Gordon Ramsay and Lisa Vanderpump raving about his talent. Try the cookies for yourselves and get 15 percent off with the code "CANES" at checkout. To learn more about Warman’s entrepreneurial journey, click here.
📍 Baked in Miami, FL; available online - Carolina Quijano, B.A. ’07—or the “Chocolate Empress” as she prefers to be called—founded Exquisito Fine Chocolates in 2014 with the mission to bring ethically sourced, high-quality, and handcrafted chocolates to the masses. Quijano offers a special 20 percent discount for her fellow ’Canes. To learn more about this dessert lover’s paradise, click here.
📍 Crafted (or Handcrafted) in Miami, FL; available online - College friends Christopher Nolte, B.B.A. '05, and Paul Massard, B.B.A. '05, founded Per'La Specialty Roasters with a shared passion for exceptional coffee. Roasted in Miami and shipped internationally, let Per'La elevate your coffee experience with a 10 percent discount for alumni. To learn more about their entrepreneurial journey, click here.
📍 Roasted in Miami, FL; available online - Grampa's Bakery & Restaurant, operated by Carol Davis Grampa, B.Ed. ’62, attracted the attention of Guy Fieri on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” for good reason. Visit the restaurant for its hand-rolled bagels, fresh-baked goods, omelets, wraps, and sandwiches.
📍 Dania Beach, FL
Stocking Stuffers
- Sisters Adrienne Vendetti Hodges, B.B.A. ’09, and Stephanie Vendetti Thomas, B.B.A. ’11, created How to be a Redhead to champion the authentic beauty of every redhead with advice, apparel, and products for hair, brows, lashes, and lips designed with redheads in mind. To learn more about the Vendetti sisters and how they graduated their business from the University of Miami to Shark Tank, click here.
📍 Available online - Stephen Mackey, B.M. ’92, who starred in the HGTV’s “Dream House,” penned his memoir “Dream Build Believe” detailing his experience converting an abandoned cattle ranch into the Notaviva Farm Brewery & Winery, an award-winning winery in northern Virginia. Dave McIntyre of the Washington Post called the memoir “both revealing and inspiring for anyone seeking to flee the city for the vineyards.”
📍 Based in Purcellville, VA; available online - Filippo Maria Olivi di Briana, B.A. ’85, founded Flow Pte. Ltd. to bring the timeless allure of rum to markets across the globe. Discover Paraguay’s most precious secret and experience the smooth, rich flavor of El Supremo Rum.
📍 Available online
Moments to remember
- Plates by Lisa, created by Lisa Weintraub, B.B.A. ’13, offers a new way of dining with her customizable, in-home, gourmet culinary experiences fusing global influences with fresh, local produce. To learn more about her culinary journey, click here.
📍 Hollywood, CA - Grace by Nia, founded by Nia Grace, ’04, puts a new twist on the timeless charm of supper clubs of a bygone era, offering soul-infused dishes, live entertainment, and cocktails.
📍 Boston, MA - Triangle Game Night and Events, LLC, founded by Erin Dean, B.S.C. ’06, is a woman-owned small business offering themed parties, trivia nights, and game nights.
📍 Raleigh, NC - Bodega Taqueria y Tequila, founded by Jared Galbut, B.B.A. ’05, is bringing the best Mexican street food to South Beach, serving award-winning cocktails, locally sourced paletas (popsicles), and innovative interpretations of Mexican favorites.
📍 Miami Beach, FL
Browse the full directory of alumni-owned businesses, or submit your business to the ’Cane Biz directory.
