One of our favorite things about Lakeland is how much it supports its small businesses. With National Small Business Week taking this week through Saturday, May 4, we looked to you to help us celebrate the ones you love most.
After 200+ reader responses, here are some of the small bizzes you shouted out:
Retail
360 Unlimited | “They have cool stuff!” — Reader Kristin L.
A Hint of Resin | “It provides handmade gifts that can’t be found anywhere else!” — Reader Tiffany R.
Bungalow Boutique | “They have a great selection of high-quality clothes. The ladies that work there are always ready and willing to help.” — Reader Neva E.
Decades Reclaimed Vintage Depot | “Very very customer friendly and very unique.” — Reader Warren K.
East of These | “They give back to community and make beautiful products!” — Reader Kelly F.
el be’s | “They offer not only quality apparel but they’re also quick and responsive along the way.” — Anonymous reader
Iconic Lakeland | “They go above and beyond to provide excellent service. Very friendly vibe, veteran-owned — plus, they have cute shop dogs!” — Reader Jess D.
Inklings Book Shoppe | “They are so family friendly.” — Reader Luke T.
Lakeland Antique Mall | “The employees are amazing and it’s the best pre-loved sustainable shop in Lakeland!” — Reader Ashley B.
Low Country Vintage | “It sells almost all previously owned merchandise, much of which comes from Lakelanders. It has unusual items.” — Reader Michael S.
Rafa Natural | “Their products are luxurious and made locally.” — Reader Kristin R.
Roam & Ramble | “Everything she creates is absolutely amazing and the prices are fantastic!” — Reader Jess A.
Scout and Tag | “Awesome store and great staff. So fun and great to find gifts that also support local.” — Reader Kitt E.
Stationery Loft & Gift Boutique | “The owners always go above and beyond to help with their clients’ needs!” — Reader Beth H.
Swan City Retro | “They offer vintage and retro clothing & accessories while promoting sustainability. They offer educational information in the boutique and on their website and tips in person.” — Anonymous reader
Take Heart | “All of their proceeds go toward education and entrepreneurship programming in Kenya. All of their products are fair trade or local artisans.” — Reader Rose Y.
Top Buttons | “The staff is friendly and welcoming plus their mission is commendable.” — Reader Carol D.
Dining
Black & Brew Coffee House and Bistro | “Their menu items are fresh & inventive.” — Reader Holly T.
Dena’s Place Diner & Grill | “Food is great. Reasonably priced. And staff always makes you feel welcome.” — Reader Patti S.
DIPT Sweets | “All of their treats are so delicious. Some many different varieties to choose from. The creativity and design is always a hit.” — Reader Rick B.
Fat Jack’s Deli & Pub | “Great family atmosphere, fairly priced and great food. I’ve been going there for over 38 years!” — Reader Robert L.
Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar | “Great atmosphere, food, and service.” — Reader Bob M.
Graze by Lakeland BBQ | “A-mazing grazing tables. Hired them to do one for my wedding & it was absolutely beautiful and delicious.” — Reader Becca D.
Lakeland Ice Cream Company | “Friendly staff, they are awesome! We love the red velvet cake ice cream.” — Reader Joey S.
Lake Morton Market and Deli | “I love this neighborhood store! Everyone is super friendly. They have a great pizza shop, Pizza Daddy’s, inside that is amazing. Adam and his staff always make everyone feel welcome inside their store.” — Reader Maegan N.
Mitchell’s Coffee House | “I love this business because of the great coffee and small town vibe.” — Reader Sarah B.
Nana LuLu’s Cookies | “Her cookies are amazing, always fresh.” — Reader Tammy G.
Philly Steak and Wings | “Everything is awesome!” — Reader Shuiqing L.
Sabrina’s Delicacies | “Sabrina has the best charcuterie boards in Lakeland. Fresh cuts of meat and cheeses, the creativity of the boards. I love everything!” — Reader Lourdes T.
Tapatios Mexican Restaurant | “I love this business because of the varied menu and friendly staff.” — Reader Allyson A.
The Back Nine | “Family, friends, great food, and good service, always makes for a good time!” — Reader Alesia C.
Vegetation Cafe | “They make delicious and healthy food, and they make you feel like family when you’re there.” — Reader Rachel M.
Z’s Teas | “I love this business because of the sense of belonging and community they’re building.” — Anonymous reader
Services
Cohesive Brands | “Jessica’s attention to detail is spot on!” — Reader Dori S.
Frame Event Rentals | “They are a family that supports other families by creating beautiful event decor for all celebrations. Their work is truly a masterpiece!” — Reader Hannah A.
Help(her) | “They’re empowering women by providing work opportunities and services to others.” — Reader Jordan W.
Infinite Matterz | “The owner is a super nice guy. He takes his time and truly cares to see his customers happy. He does powdercoating and cerakoting.” — Reader Mariah A.
Keepsake Studio | “It’s incredibly unique and creative and something no one else is doing!” — Reader Emily E.
Larger Than Life Event Planning Custom Designs and Treats | “They have the heart for the community.” — Reader Ebony M.
Pop by Peyton | “It brings all of my events to life!” — Reader Charles B.
SurfSong Travel | “It’s a small woman-owned travel agency and she is amazing.” — Reader Michelle R.
Personal care
LaBella Beach Bodies | “Amazing fitness instructor, amazing results” — Reader Heather S.
Lavish Looks Beauty Lounge | “She does the best lashes! She is so talented and every treatment is customizable per client!” — Reader Natasha V.
Polk Concierge Medical | “The owner Asia, is the most amazing nurse practitioner I have ever worked with. She is compassionate, she takes the time to hear you out. And she offers amazing solutions. I always look forward to my visits with her!” — Reader Latoya M.
Primal Strength and Conditioning | “I am a functional fitness and strength coach who specializes in weightlifting, mobility, and balance.” — Reader Stacey W.
Satnam Wellness | “Their various mindfulness practices and community gatherings bring peace, comfort and encourage communal support for happy, healthy living.” — Reader Naomi P.
Skin & Tonic | “You not only look and feel amazing after your treatment, but you feel like you spent the time with your best friend. Valerie is amazing!” — Reader Stacy E.
Skullys Barber Salon | “They actually care about their customers... One of the few local businesses that truly are Lakeland through and through.” — Reader Mark S.
The Skin Boutique | “The girls in this office are the sweetest. They are very knowledgeable and genuinely care about their clients!” — Reader Eva G.
Vega Spa | “Natasha really cares about the body, mind, and spirit of her massage and facial clients!” — Reader Jordan R.
Venue Salon | “They go out of their way to make sure you have exceptional service every single time. In addition, they support so many other local small businesses and the community.” — Reader Valerie V.
Pets
Companion Animal Hospital | “Dr. Mattson and her team are kind and understanding when it comes to your pet’s needs. Trust is a hard thing to earn when it comes to your pet and they have certainly earned mine.” — Reader Craig S.
Furever Friend Pet Sitting | “So great to have such a reliable and amazing Petsitting service whenever we need it! So great with our pets and always put them first!” — Reader Gabby C.
Hollywoof Pet Resort | “They don’t just board dogs, they love them! They also do grooming, daycare, a private dog park and they are building Lakeland’s first luxury cat boarding facility.” — Reader Karyn M.
Kitty Cat Lounge | “It shares the spotlight with numerous Catapult artists, promoting community and care for people and animals in Lakeland.” — Reader Jasmine S.
Lucky Puppy Nail Specialists | “They go the extra mile to care for your pet and make them comfortable.” — Reader Theresa C.
The Doggie Bag Boutique | “They are so helpful and genuinely love helping Lakeland’s pups! Best selection of high quality treats too!” — Reader Valerie J.
Vivid Aussie Kennels and Pet Sitting | “They care for our pets while we’re away. We’re able to enjoy our vacations without worry and we won’t use anyone else to care for our pups.” — Reader Maci M.Z’s Teas | “I love this business because of the sense of belonging and community they’re building.” — Anonymous reader
