Meet Stef Salcedo

We were lucky to catch up with Stef Salcedo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Stef, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room has never been easy but it’s made me sharper, more intentional, and rooted in my ‘why.’ As a Latina woman running a market in spaces that have traditionally been male-dominated, or simply not built for people like me, I’ve had to learn how to take up space without apologizing for it. I stopped shrinking to make others comfortable. I learned to lead with clarity, build community from the ground up, and let the results speak for themselves.

When I created what’s now Laud Vibes Market, I wasn’t just building a place to shop I was carving out space where others who feel unseen or underestimated could shine, too. I understand the power of representation. My success hasn’t come from fitting in it’s come from standing out and staying grounded in purpose.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m the founder of Laud Vibes Market a reimagined, community-rooted pop-up experience that’s all about bold energy, tropical flair, and good vibes for all ages. What started as Gems Market has evolved into something bigger, louder (literally and figuratively), and more aligned with who I am today: a mother, a wife, a business owner, and an event curator committed to creating space for culture and connection.

This rebrand has been about more than changing a name. It’s been about stepping into my voice, putting myself out there, and being intentional about the kind of experiences I want to offer. I’m not just building a market, I’m creating a go-to destination where locals and visitors alike can enjoy a curated vibe, discover amazing small businesses, and feel like they belong.

What makes it special is that it’s not one-dimensional. It’s family-friendly but still fun and fresh. It’s community-centered but also chic and elevated. It reflects my own balance, juggling marriage, motherhood, business, and event work at Uncommon Path Brewing—while staying true to the culture and energy of South Florida.

Laud Vibes is my love letter to this city, and my commitment to making space where people can come alive.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The three things that shaped my journey most are resilience, vision, and emotional intelligence.

Resilience helped me keep going when things felt uncertain or overwhelming, especially while balancing motherhood, marriage, and business.

Vision gave me direction. Even when the path wasn’t clear, I stayed focused on what I felt God was calling me to build.

And emotional intelligence allowed me to lead with empathy, build real relationships, and stay grounded in both faith and purpose.

For anyone starting out: don’t wait to be ready. Stay connected to your why, lean into God’s timing, and get comfortable doing hard things. When you lead with heart, He equips you to grow into who you’re meant to be.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

If I knew I only had a decade left, I’d spend it being present with my family, in my faith, my church, and in the community I’m building.

I’d pour even more into experiences that create joy, connection, and impact. Spend so much time with my beautiful children. I’d travel with them, love on them so much, create certain memories with only us every single day.

I host beautiful markets that feel like block parties for the soul, and document the journey, not for attention, but so they’d always remember what we built and why it mattered.

I’d be louder with my love, bolder with my purpose, and softer with myself. I’d spend more time off my phone and more time dancing in the kitchen, praying out loud, loving like Jesus, lastly being around people who make me feel alive and loved.

Ultimately, I’d keep doing what I’m already doing, but with even more intention, because legacy isn’t built in one moment, it’s built in how you show up, day after day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://laudvibesmarket.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laudvibesmarket