MEET NAPLES' YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Young Professionals
of Naples
ARTICLE BY HAVVA KARAGOZ & DOROTHY SINKA
Sophia Cepero
Sculpted
Sophia Cepero’s story is one of finding unexpected paths and creating a meaningful impact in her
community. Her move to Naples at 14 was just another step in a journey she couldn’t fully picture back then. When she initially left for the bustling streets of New York City after high school, it was to chase the allure of new experiences. But the pull of Naples, with its unique charm, eventually drew her back, helping her rediscover a place that would become central to her life and work.
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Interestingly, Sophia’s leap into the world of fitness wasn’t born from a natural affinity. As a child,
physical activity wasn’t her strong suit, and she even struggled in her P.E. classes. Yet, those early
challenges didn’t deter her. Instead, they became stepping stones, teaching her that the real magic happens when you push through discomfort.
Sophia found power in transcending limits, transforming initial struggles into a foundation for confidence.
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Now, as the driving force behind Sculpted, a boutique hot Pilates studio, Sophia stands as a testament to perseverance. While it’s easy to see her energy and charisma during classes, the behind-the-scenes dedication is less visible.
Sophia is involved in every aspect, from designing workouts to managing the
day-to-day operations, turning Sculpted into a symbol of her resilience and faith in what’s possible. Challenges and doubts are part and parcel of her journey, but Sophia’s guiding light remains the transformation she witnesses in her clients. Watching others gain physical, mental, and emotional strength keeps her committed.
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Her professional philosophy is straightforward yet profound: growth requires
stepping into the unknown, a lesson she incorporates into every corner of her work.
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At the heart of everything Sophia does is her unyielding faith. Her vision for Naples is one where love, kindness, and generosity create a ripple effect. As a young professional, she embodies the spirit of risk-taking and dream-chasing, always guided by a belief that challenges can lead to profound growth.
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On Sundays, Sophia finds joy in her routine. A hot Pilates session, followed by a refreshing matcha or smoothie, sets the tone for leisurely walks in Baker Park. These moments of tranquility at home with her fiancé and pets provide the balance she needs to recharge for the week ahead.
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Sophia Cepero is not just a business owner. She is a cultivator of a community interwoven with strength, faith, and transformation, guiding others to discover their own paths to wellness and inner fulfillment.
What motivates you when things get hard?
What motivates me when things get hard is remembering why I started. Seeing people grow in confidence, strength, and self-belief through my classes makes every challenge worth it.
What does “a young professional in Naples” mean to you?
To me, a young professional in Naples is someone who is chasing their dreams and willing to put everything on the line to make them happen. It’s not always easy, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Favorite local spot?
The beach.
What’s one rule you live by professionally?
There’s no growth in comfort. If you want to grow and truly get better, you have to be willing to step outside your comfort zone.
What motivates you when things get hard?
Remembering how difficult it was to get started and where I am now.
How do you hope to influence the young community here?
It’s never too late to start something new! I did not start my business until I was 28 years old!
What accomplishment are you most proud of right now?
I’m most proud of the business I’ve built. When I first started, I looked up to more established photographers and never imagined I’d be where I am now, consistently booking multiple couples each week. Beyond the growth, I feel incredibly grateful for the people I’ve met along the way and the genuine connections that have come from my work.
Emily Stone
Emily Stone Photo LLC
When Emily Stone moved to Naples, she wasn't thinking of starting a photography business. Her move was motivated by family ties and new opportunities; her parents had been settled there for years, and two years ago, she joined her father in sales. The choice felt natural, given Naples’ beautiful weather, stunning beaches, and creatively inspiring ambiance.
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Photography has always been an integral part of Emily's life, even before she viewed it as a professional path. She was the friend perpetually capturing memories, often without realizing it. Eventually, she decided to upgrade her camera to see where this interest might lead. That decision was the beginning of something much larger.
Today, Emily is at the helm of Emily Stone Photo LLC, a flourishing photography venture regularly booking multiple couples each week. Once aspiring to be like the seasoned photographers she admired, she now beams with pride over her achievements and the relationships she's fostered along the way. It’s the connections she forms through her work that bring true significance
Emily’s journey wasn’t devoid of obstacles. Each time she moved, Emily had to rebuilt her business from the ground up, which involved forging new networks, attracting clients, and rebuilding her confidence. These experiences have honed her resilience and taught her to restart without losing momentum.
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In times of difficulty, Emily reflects on the struggles of her early days, reminding herself of her progress. Her professional philosophy is simple: punctuality. Whether it’s arriving for a session or delivering the final product, reliability and respect steer her operations.
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Emily aims to inspire Naples’ younger community by demonstrating that new beginnings are always possible. She started her business at 28, proving that opportunities are not limited by age.
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Through her lens, she documents not only moments, but also a community in transformation.
Allison Mauriello
Sewing Bar
When Allison Mauriello moved to Naples, she wasn’t chasing a new business idea, she was following a feeling. Originally from the Chicago suburbs, Allison had already taken a leap of faith by opening Clothing Bar, a boutique she launched straight out of college. But when her fiancé was accepted into law school in Florida, the move south offered more than proximity to family. It offered space to rethink what fulfillment really looked like.
Sewing had always been part of Allison’s life. She learned at eight years old, went on to study fashion design at Western Michigan University, and even completed a design internship with Kate Spade in New York City. Like many 2020 graduates, the career she imagined disappeared almost overnight when COVID-19 hit. Instead of waiting for things to return to normal, Allison adapted teaching sewing camps across Illinois and Michigan and discovering how powerful creative education could be, especially for kids.
That passion followed her to Naples. In 2024, craving something more hands-on and meaningful, Allison bought four sewing machines, a few rolls of fabric from Joann’s, and began teaching a small group of children from her dining room table. What started as a side project quickly became something bigger.
That’s how Atlas Sewing Bar was born.
Today, Allison runs the program full-time, having officially closed Clothing Bar in 2025 to fully commit to teaching. While many assume sewing is outdated or reserved for older generations, Allison sees it differently. Sewing, she says, builds confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills, and gives kids something tangible to be proud of in a mostly digital world.
More than teaching stitches, Allison builds relationships. She treats every student like family, mentoring them not just creatively but personally. One of her students, Vita, is only nine years old and already runs her own small business. Allison helps guide her through everything from sewing techniques to pop-ups and social media, drawing from her own entrepreneurial experience.
For Allison, being a young professional in Naples means shaping the future before it fully forms. Through patience, creativity, and genuine care, she’s helping kids see what’s possible, and teaching them that passion, confidence, and hard work can turn a skill they love into something meaningful.
What motivates you when things get hard?
I know I have to push through not only for my students, who rely on me and look up to me, but also for the life I’m building. With my wedding in six months, dreams of owning a home someday, and plans for future kids, giving up simply isn’t an option. Every hard day is an investment in the future I’m working toward
What’s one rule you live by professionally?
One rule I live by professionally is to always provide an experience and go above and beyond for each student. I truly do treat each of them like my own little sister
Favorite local spot?
There are so many great spots! Every Wednesday, I take my dog to agility class at Ruffers Dog University. Afterwards, we like to try a different coffee spot, pup cups included, of course! Our favorite is The Bean Trolley Cafe!!