Did you know? The Lakeland area is home to 76,000+ small businesses. We want to celebrate all the businesses that make Swan City so special.
In honor of our many movers and shakers, we’re asking readers to nominate small businesses they love so we can share them with the whole audience.
We’ll be here to share a new batch of small businesses every month, so bookmark this page to come back for more, especially if you’ve enjoyed our Small Business Week coverage.
Editor’s note: Some quotes may have been edited for clarity and brevity.
Editor Connor’s picks
Dixieland Relics | 949 S. Florida Ave.
"[Guests] should experience creating their own terrarium, visit the unique vendors we have in our back building, and check out our new clothing section.” — Owner Austin Hayes
- This shop is a picker’s paradise, packed with vintage goods and blooming plants. Shop indoors for home pieces and clothing you won’t find anywhere else, then venture outside for garden goodies.
Take Heart | 248 N. Kentucky Ave.
“Fair trade means it’s made mainly by artisans in the Third World — you sit down directly with an artisan group and come up with a fair wage. The trade is giving them a fair sum of money for what you’re getting in return in a safe environment.” — Owner Delta Ryan
- Visit this downtown store to find jewelry, home decor, and gifts made with fair trade practices in more than 40 countries. Bonus: Proceeds from the store cover expenses, so most donations to the Take Heart nonprofit go directly to those in need.
By the Chef Pizza | 1212 S. Florida Ave.
“We have a very tightly curated menu. We don’t do build-your-own here. Everything we do is supposed to be a curated culinary experience, and then we add to that.” — Owner Peter Garces
- Whether you’re feeling a focaccia pizza or need a New York-style slice, this is the place for a premium pie. Chef Peter Garces treats his craft as part science, part art form, so you’ll only find the highest quality ingredients on the menu.
Food + drink
SUN KAVA | 5711 S. Florida Ave.
“I’m a born and raised Polk County local, and proud every day to have built such an awe-inspiring community here, for all who might be vulnerable or just a little odd, as a young woman in her 20s. We do Open Mic Nights, ‘Bob Ross'-inspired paint events, literally everything imaginable. This is only the beginning!” — Owner Brittany Davis
- Looking for community? This could be the place to find your people. SUN KAVA is open daily until 6 a.m. with a craft food menu, kava shells, and acai bowls. Pro tip: Follow the biz on Instagram for daily discounts and events.
Lakeland BBQ Company | Locations vary
“We started this business from our love of BBQ competitions and a passion for great barbecue, family, and serving our local community with food that brings people together. What makes us unique is our commitment to doing things the right way, every time. From our storefronts to our many catering events, our heart is in every plate we serve.” — Owner Melissa Sanchez Vann
- Cater your next event with succulent barbecue, hand-dipped ice cream, or a charcuterie grazing table. Need something a little smaller? The dine-in locations in Polk City + Frostproof are worth a visit — Sanchez Vann recommends the Couch Potato topped with slow-smoked meat.
Find Amethyst Bliss at local markets with products from businesses like Rafa Natural.
Photo by @amethystblissgifts
Retail
Amethyst Bliss Gifts | Online
“I believe gifting should be easy, not stressful, and I give customers a simple way to give gifts that are locally made with love and purpose. Every product is handmade by me or another local maker, and I love that I get the opportunity to support and work with other small businesses.” — Owner Jessica Machala
- Find this biz online or at a local market to put together a box filled with heartfelt, handmade gifts for a loved one. Boxes can include soaking salts, candles, eye pillows, and more, and there are themes for every type of celebration.
IPOC’s Urban Dog classes take pups out on the town to learn focus with different distractions.
Photo by Imperial Polk Obedience Club
Personal services
Imperial Polk Obedience Club | 3611 Century Blvd.
“This business was started by a group of Polk County people to share their love of dogs and the bond that is created by obedience training.” — Owner Susan Washburn
- Experience that bond with your furry family member with year-round dog training classes at this club, which started in 1964. If your pet turns out to be really obedient, try competition and sports training.
Psst — If you’d like to see a small business included in LALtoday, make sure to submit it here.
