Esmeralda Prieto, now known as Esmeralda Boss, arrived in Miami back in 2010 at the age of 22. With no English skills and zero driving experience, she was brought over by her father. Fast forward sixteen years, and she's the star of the fifth episode of "Show Me the Money," a podcast spotlighting Cuban entrepreneurs hosted by Katia Sánchez. In the episode, she reflects on her journey to becoming the leader of seven different companies in South Florida.
From the moment she set foot in the U.S., her ambition was crystal clear: "I wanted to achieve something big." Within a week, she was waiting tables at a local restaurant and attending English classes in the evenings. Living rent-free with her father allowed her to save almost all her earnings. She avoided brand-name purchases and relied on public transportation for years.
Her early work experiences included two years at the Dolphin Mall and a brief six-month stint at a beachfront bar, which she quickly realized wasn't for her. "I'm a night sleeper," she stated simply.
The Turning Point
Everything changed when her grandmother passed away in Cuba, and she couldn't afford to say her goodbyes. "That was rock bottom," she admitted. This moment inspired a shift — she distanced herself from friends content with mediocrity, unlearned old habits, embraced Christianity, and took on volunteer work.
She then spent two years at a plastic surgery center, learning every aspect of the business with the same dedication she had used to save money. Concurrently, she earned her real estate license. Realizing that a steady job was holding her back, she quit to sell properties — her "leap of faith" — and used her license to purchase her first home with her husband, Roland.
Building a Business Empire
In 2018, Esmeralda launched her first venture, a spa, with the help of a friend. The business started on a shoestring budget with credit card funding. When a promised client base from a surgery center fell through, she taught herself digital marketing from scratch, just as Facebook ads were gaining traction.
Client surveys pointed her next direction: many complained about surgery centers neglecting them post-payment. Right before the pandemic, she and her partner opened their own plastic surgery center, while she also established her real estate agency.
Her business portfolio continued to expand with a line of gummy vitamins for women — a tribute to her daughter, conceived after eight years of trying. This was followed by a second surgery center and finally, the FE Medical Center on Coral Way, Miami, a Spanish-speaking facility for seniors where the podcast episode was recorded.
Currently, she dedicates 16 hours a day to managing these seven enterprises, with her partner Arianna Rojas and her husband Roland as co-partners. "I'm the calm one who loves risks but analyzes everything. They're much bolder," she explained. Roland's foundation, Giving Future Foundation, distributes food every Thursday at the medical center's parking lot.
Empowering Cuban Entrepreneurs
Esmeralda is the first female guest on the "Show Me the Money" podcast, which has been featuring Cuban entrepreneurs in exile weekly since October 2026. In her conversation with Katia Sánchez, she touched on leadership, community, and family, sharing her belief: "A victim can never be a leader because they're always blaming others for their circumstances."
When asked which business gets most of her attention, she didn't hesitate: "My family."
Insights on Esmeralda Boss's Journey
What was Esmeralda Boss's initial job in Miami?
Esmeralda's first job in Miami was as a waitress at a local restaurant.
How did Esmeralda Boss start her first business?
She launched her first business, a spa, with a friend using modest savings and credit card financing.
What motivated Esmeralda to change her life approach?
The inability to attend her grandmother's funeral in Cuba motivated her to make significant life changes.
Where is the FE Medical Center located?
The FE Medical Center is located on Coral Way in Miami.