MEET NAPLES' YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Young Professionals
of Naples
ARTICLE BY HAVVA KARAGOZ & DOROTHY SINKA
Skin by Katlin
501 Goodlette Frank Rd N, Building D Suite 23
Naples, FL 34102
Beyond my business, I’m a mom first. That role shapes everything I do and every decision I make. I’m a woman walking in faith, deeply thankful for where I am and where I’m being led. I trust God’s timing, even when the road requires discipline and endurance.
I value growth, resilience, and consistency, and I absolutely have the drive to keep going, to build, and to show up no matter what. Over the past year, I’ve made a conscious decision to put myself first so I can lead better in every area of my life.
When work isn’t the focus, nature grounds me. Being outside is where I can reset my mind, and realign my purpose.
I’m also deeply creative by nature. Whether I’m in the kitchen, working with my hands, painting, or creating dog portraits just for fun, creating keeps me present and reminds me that growth and faith often show up through the act of building something.
I started my business after reaching a point of burnout in the culinary world. I loved the craft, but the lifestyle wasn’t sustainable for my mental health or for the life I wanted to create for my son. I knew I needed a pivot, one rooted in purpose, flexibility, and self-regulation.
I WANTED TO SHOW UP HAPPIER, MORE GROUNDED, AND MORE ALIGNED.
This business became the answer, a way to care for others while honoring my own well-being and calling.
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Life in Naples today is full, disciplined, and intentional. I’m an entrepreneur, a (sports) mom, and the sole provider as a single mom. There’s no safety net, I am the driving force. That responsibility fuels me. I show up every day committed to getting better, not just for my clients, but for myself and for my son.
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I’ve made a promise to grow as a person, and Naples gives me the space to pursue wellness, faith, and purpose all at once.
What I love most about Naples is the balance it offers. The pace allows room for reflection, growth, and presence. Nature, wellness, and community are woven into daily life here, and that aligns deeply with how I want to live and lead.
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Naples would benefit from more intentional spaces for young professionals and entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and build together. Community creates momentum, and having environments that encourage growth and support would elevate the next generation of leaders here.
My business solves confidence emergencies, sometimes very literally. I receive early-morning and late-night calls from clients who need support, and I answer because service matters to me. Before working with me, clients often feel nervous or unsure, especially if they’ve had negative experiences elsewhere or never tanned before. Afterward, they leave confident, comfortable, and taken care of. I would never allow someone to walk out wearing a tan I wouldn’t wear myself. If something isn’t right, I make it right. Period.
What sets my brand apart is intention and integrity. Every appointment is approached with gratitude, care, and excellence. My philosophy is simple: enhance what already exists. My clients leave not only glowing on the outside, but with peace of mind. There’s trust, connection, and respect in every interaction, and I’m incredibly thankful for the community I’ve built.
My ideal client is someone who values self-care, growth, and showing up as their best self. Some arrive already confident and want refinement, while others need reassurance and support. Either way, my goal is the same, for them to leave feeling tan, empowered, and more confident in who they are.
What I’m most proud of since starting my business is the consistency and integrity with which I show up. I’ve built trust, strong relationships, and a business that excites me every single day.
As for what’s next, there’s more coming than I can share right now, but I know it’s aligned, purposeful, and guided. I’m excited to watch it unfold at the right time.
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!!