Michael Leyva

Michael Leyva grew up at the Opa Locka Flea Market, what he refers to as his “second home”, helping his parents run the family business.

Leyva’s childhood was spent running through the isles of the flea market with his friends and riding bike around the perimeter of the flea market.

“I remember coming here everyday after school to hang out with my friends whose parents also had flea market businesses. We’d help our parents stock up the shelves and then play around here until it was time to go home.”

The flea market, Leyva’s second home, is a place where he can turn to for comfort. He can’t describe his childhood without talking about the flea market. His parents, Carmen and Luis, have owned Michael’s Discount since the flea market opened in 1984.

Leyva is a high school graduate who never attended college. He was not expected to get a degree, but was expected to help put food on the table for his family. His childhood dreams of becoming an artist and going to college were no longer a priority after he learned of his father’s disability.

“I love to paint. I have always enjoyed it since I was a kid, but when my dad suffered his hip injury, my mom could not run the business alone and turned to me to help make our store survive.”

Leyva has been an active member in his community volunteering within his church and helping refugees like his parents find jobs.

He has been around the flea market his whole life and knows many families that have been working there for years, so it is easy for him to find open positions for people looking for jobs.

Juan Echevarria, a Cuban refugee, has been working for Leyva and his family for 10 months.

“Thanks to Michael, I have been able to support my family and make enough money to survive.”
After graduating from high school, Leyva took on the full-time job at the flea market working 7 days a week from open to close.

Leyva wanted to open an art supply store of his own, but that has proven to be unsuccessful because of the amount of time he has to put in to the family business.

“I had different plans in mind for my future, but this has turned out okay for me and my family. I try to look at things positively and whatever I do, I give it my best.”

Scott Miller, the owner of the flea market, has seen Leyva grow up. Miller has known Leyva and his family since 1984 when the flea market opened.

“Michael and his family are hard workers. I remember when Michael used to run around here and get into all sorts of trouble and come to me to get out of trouble. I’ve known him since he was born. He’s a good kid who looks out for his family and he’s like a son to me.”

Leyva does not have plans of leaving the flea market like he used to. His focus now is making sure their business continues to make money and survive during this economic recession.

Leyva continues to help refugees find jobs at the flea market and is an active community volunteer.