Kate Miano may have more titles than she does hats — and as anyone who knows her can attest, this woman owns a LOT of hats.
As for titles, she’s a former queen of Fantasy Fest, the Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year for 2018, a past president of the Key West Innkeepers Association, previous Conch Shell Blowing Contest winner, 2018 candidate for mayor of Key West, longtime member of the Waterfront Playhouse board of directors, beloved owner of the internationally acclaimed Gardens Hotel, tireless fundraiser for local causes, and constant companion of a fluffy, pocket-sized dog named Tiny.
That list only chronicles a few high spots in Miano’s life since 1996, when a difficult divorce prompted her to relocate to Key West from St. Louis, Missouri. Her titles also include proud mom to actress Jessica, who lives in Los Angeles and often appears in Key West productions; and stand-up comedian Amanda, who lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, and recently performed in Barcelona, Spain.
In addition, Miano played a notable role in the Conch Republic, the Florida Keys’ lighthearted alter ego “nation,” alongside her former love and forever best friend Peter Anderson, who had assumed the title of secretary general of the nascent Conch Republic. Anderson was the guiding spirit of the offbeat republic until his death 11 years ago.
“You know, you either get Key West or you don’t get Key West,” said Miano, who has lent her talents to countless organizations and high-profile events that benefit the community. “I always thought I was supposed to have been born here — I never understood why I wasn’t because I felt the magic in Key West immediately.”
A specialist in renovating historic properties in St. Louis, Miano wasn’t an innkeeper when she moved to the island and purchased the five-room inn on Fleming Street called Ambrosia House.
“I had no experience in the guesthouse business, but I did have experience in renovation contracting and in rental property management,” she said.
That background proved to be ideal for her new career. Ambrosia House quickly became a success under her charismatic management.
During vacations in the island city before her relocation, Miano had discovered The Gardens Hotel, a lush historic property on Angela Street. Enthralled by its potential, she immediately made an offer when it went on the market in 2004.
“That was my dream — to me, it was the finest property,” she said simply. “It was built really well, and I could visualize what I could do with it.”
Though her bankers were initially skeptical about the feasibility of the purchase, Miano moved resolutely forward. With characteristic determination, she staked everything she owned to acquire the property.
“I always had a saying that I’ve repeated to myself over the years: ‘Do not worry, do not fret; everything will turn out okay,’” Miano said. “The reality is things always do work out, and it’s always good if you let it happen.”
Things did work out — perhaps better than even Miano could visualize. With her expert eye for renovation and design, she enhanced The Gardens’ dramatic potential and historic island flavor, creating a gracious enclave of 23 rooms, suites and cottages surrounded by decadently landscaped grounds.
The property has since earned numerous high-profile travel awards and draws a steady repeat clientele (who often bring gifts for Miano and dog toys for Tiny).
“Because they’re on vacation, people who come to the hotel are predisposed to be happy,” she explained. “We give them a glass of Prosecco when they come in. We want to know about them; we want to make their stay as wonderful as we can — and the space itself is magical.”
The Gardens is also a hub for community events, such as a recent Derby Day fundraiser for the Key West mounted police, where hotel guests and locals can mingle.
Modestly, Miano credits much of the property’s success to the people who helped her along the way and those who surround her today.
“The people that work there are amazing — loving, genuinely happy people who like others,” she said.
When not immersing herself in events or overseeing The Gardens, Miano delights in traveling. At home she starts each day by taking Tiny, a sweet-natured Japanese Mi-Ki dog who weighs less than 5 pounds, to Truman Waterfront Park for a romp they both enjoy.
Whether making guests feel like extended family, or throwing unforgettable parties and fundraisers, Miano effortlessly takes center stage — exhibiting a warmhearted nature, distinctive personal style (remember all those hats!) and boundless enthusiasm for life.
“I think happiness is a choice, and you can decide to be miserable or you can decide to be happy,” she said. “Why wouldn’t you decide to be happy?”
