Hispanic Roots, Jersey Pride: A Miami Heritage Celebration with Teresa & Louie

Photography Joao De Melo | @joademelo

Wardrobe Stylist Hassni Caina | @styledbyhassni

Words / Creative Direction Dr. Cybil Bonhomme | @cybil.007

Chief Engagement Officer Matt Dillon | @mattdillon1983

HMUA Amarah Hawkins | @ adrenalize_studio

Location The Thesis Hotel | @thesishotelmiami

When it comes to living life out loud—with love, laughter, and Latin flavor—Teresa Giudice and Luis Ruelas are the definition of la vibra perfecta. This power couple brings more than star power to the table—they bring heart, heritage, and a whole lot of salsa (the music and the food!).

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Miami Vibes Magazine sat down with Teresa and Louie to talk family, food, faith, and the fiery energy that makes Miami feel like home. From favorite recipes and Latin beats to raising culturally proud kids and celebrating their roots amidst the spotlight, this dynamic duo proves that culture isn’t just something you carry, it’s something you live.

Get ready for laughs, heartfelt moments, and a peek into what’s next for Teresa and Louie as they open up about life, love, and keeping tradition alive—con sabor y estilo.

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What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally and as a couple? It’s like a month-long block party for the soul! We feel this huge wave of pride seeing our culture front and center—on stages, in kitchens, in classrooms, everywhere.

It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how fabulous it feels to be loud and proud about our heritage. As a couple, it’s also an excuse to turn up the music, make all the family recipes, and celebrate the vibrant, spicy magic that brought us together.

How has your heritage influenced the way you live, celebrate, and raise your family? Let’s just say—there’s never a dull moment in our house. We laugh loud, we love big, and we dance in the kitchen like it’s a full-on salsa club. Our heritage has taught us that every moment is worth celebrating. Whether it’s a birthday or a random Tuesday, there’s music, togetherness, and lots of homemade food involved. It’s all about being present, grateful, and turning everyday life into a fiesta.

Are there any family traditions or cultural values you cherish and continue to pass down? Oh yes—food is sacred in our house. Our moms’ recipes are basically handwritten heirlooms. From arroz con pollo to empanadas, those dishes are our way of saying “I love you” without saying a word. Faith is another big one—we pray together and keep our spiritual roots strong. And we don’t play when it comes to staying connected with family. Even if it's just a group chat full of memes and emojis, we stay in touch.

How do you honor your roots while living such public and fast-paced lives? We know how to hit pause. When it’s family time, phones go down (unless we’re taking cute pics, of course!). The holidays are sacred—we bust out the old-school playlists, cook up cultural classics, and make time to just be us. In the chaos of everything else, our roots ground us. They remind us that success doesn’t matter if you forget who you are and where you came from.

What is it about Miami that keeps drawing you back or makes it feel like home? Miami is like that cool cousin who’s always hosting the best party. The second you land, you hear Spanish in the air, feel the rhythm in your bones, and smell something delicious cooking around every corner. It’s vibrant, it’s loud (in the best way), and it’s unapologetically Latin. Honestly, it feels like home because it is home—for our hearts and our hips!

How does the energy of Miami align with your lifestyle and cultural values? We’re all about high energy, high heels, and high vibes—so Miami just gets us. The weather is flawless, the nightlife is electric, and there’s always a reason to dress up and go out dancing. Whether it’s fashion, food, or fun, this city mirrors our love for life and our “live out loud” attitude. Plus, warm nights and palm trees? Yes, please.

Do you have a favorite Miami hotspot, restaurant, or hidden gem that speaks to your heritage?Versailles in Little Havana for a cafecito and people-watching—it’s a classic. Amara at Paraiso hits the spot when we want a date night with Latin flair and a view. And CVI.CHE 105? That place is a flavor explosion—we’re talking food that makes you dance in your seat. Basically, if it’s got spice and soul, we’re there.

Teresa, you’ve been a household name for years—what’s next on your journey that fans should look out for? There’s always something cookin’ in the kitchen—literally and figuratively! I’ve got some exciting TV projects on the horizon, a brand-new cookbook in the works (get ready to drool), and some fresh flavors coming to my Skinny Italian line just in time for its 15th anniversary. More sparkle, more sauce, and definitely more Teresa!

Louie, we’re seeing more of you stepping into the spotlight—can you tell us about any personal ventures or projects you're working on? I’m diving headfirst into the world of LIVE commerce—it’s like QVC meets TikTok, and I’m here for it. I’m helping brands and creators turn their fans into customers, all while keeping things authentic and fun. It’s the future of shopping... and I’m bringing the Latin hustle to the forefront.

Are there any collaborations or initiatives you're excited about that reflect your cultural background or give back to the community? Absolutely! We’re all about using our platforms to lift others up—especially fellow Latinos. I’ve been partnering with Hispanic influencers and creators, helping them break into bigger brand deals and get the shine they deserve. It’s about representation and results.

As a couple, how do you support each other in navigating business, public life, and family

We’re each other’s hype team, sounding board, and safe space. We make it a point to pause—even in the middle of chaos—to check in, show up, and just be real with one another. It’s like a tag team: when one of us needs to hustle, the other steps in and holds it down. We don’t just do life together—we win at life together.

Do you see your platform as a way to celebrate Hispanic culture and inspire others? 100%! We want people to see us and feel proud of where they come from. Whether we’re showcasing traditions, creating opportunities, or just being our authentic selves, we hope to inspire others to lean into their roots and let their culture shine. Visibility is powerful—and we’re just getting started.

How do you teach your children to be proud of their roots and cultural background? We teach through rhythm and rice! From speaking Spanish at home to dancing in the living room and cooking the foods our moms taught us, we keep the culture alive every day. We also talk about our ancestors, tell family stories, and show them that leading with love is the real legacy we want to leave behind.

If you could host the ultimate Hispanic Heritage dinner party in Miami, who’s invited and what’s being served? Oh, it’s a full guest list—our family and friends, of course, but also icons like Tito Puente, Shakira, Marc Anthony, Celia Cruz, Andy Garcia, and Bad Bunny. Can you imagine the vibes?! We’re serving empanadas, Spanish rice, paella, ropa vieja, and arroz con pollo. Basically, everyone leaves full, happy, and maybe even salsa dancing out the door.

What Latin music artist or song gets you both dancing instantly? Tito Puente Jr.’s Oye Como Va never fails—it’s like a shot of joy straight to the feet. Shakira’s La Tortura and Girl Like Me are also guaranteed to get us moving. If the beat’s hot and the hips start shaking, we’re all in!

If you had to describe each other in three Spanish words, what would they be?Mi Amor, Caliente, Sexy. Enough said.