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.
Psst — If you’d like to see a small business included in LALtoday, make sure to submit it here.
