Lakeland’s business community is so tight-knit that some bizzes, like Bloom Shakalaka + East of These, are even opening joint storefronts. | Photo by Justin DeMutiis
Small Business Week powered by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union is drawing to a close, but not before we pass the mic to a few more Lakeland business owners. From what makes doing business here unique to which other businesses deserve your support, here’s what they had to say.
Q: What’s unique about the small business scene in Lakeland?
Melissa Vosik Music Studio: “Lakeland is unique in that it promotes small business and provides many contexts for entrepreneurs to encourage one another.”
Kennedy Neghan Healthcare Resources, LLC: “Lakeland, FL, has a vibrant and diverse small business scene that offers a unique blend of local charm and modern innovation.”
Change Your Narrative: “I recently discovered that Lakeland is the number 1 spot in the country for female entrepreneurship. I can say, I have become successful once I leaned into the resources here, locally.”
The team behind Pinoy Cravings also opened Tilaw, a new concept at Mulberry’s Depot 303 food hall.
Q: Pass the mic. What other small business in town should everyone know about, and why?
Our Noire Kitchen: “Sabrina’s Delicacies is a vibrant shop with yummy bites, Pinoy Cravings with authentic Filipino food is growing into a new food hall, Sweet Cup is a treat with authentic tacos!”
iNugGits STEM Academy: “iBoss Films because it is a great platform to showcase independent filmmakers.”
JJ’s Fusion Khaana: “Mom’s Momo, they represent the growing diversity in town, serving up the most authentic Chinese dumplings with a taste of tradition in every bite. The business owners are hardworking and friendly.”
Build your own terrarium at Austin’s Backyard Garden when you go treasure hunting at Dixieland Relics.
Q: When someone visits your small business for the first time, the one thing they have to do, see, or try is _____.
Dixieland Relics: “They should experience creating their own terrarium, visit the unique vendors we have in our back building, and check out our new clothing section.”
Lloyd’s of Lakeland: “Go see Wilda our scarlet macaw.” Find the bird hanging out on the second floor.
Note: Responses have been edited for clarity + brevity.
Our Small Business Week coverage is powered by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, where you’ll find better banking for your local business.
Events
Events
Friday, May 9
Hurricane Prep for Central Florida Yards | 10-11 a.m. | Hollis Garden | Free | Get your landscape storm-ready by learning how to identify risks and spot potential hazards.
Girls Night Out | 5-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Price of purchase | Gather your gal pals and pick up your passport to sip + shop your way around downtown.
Mother’s Day Market | 6-8 p.m. | The Modern Pearl | Free+ | Head to this boutique for plenty of gift ideas, giveaways, beverages, and a complimentary flower bar.
Whiskey Whisper | 7 p.m. | Union Hall | $10+ | It’s performer Brandon Marshall’s farewell show — pop in during the Dixieland Night Market to send him off in style with a night of country tunes.
Saturday, May 10
Wings ‘n Waffles | 9 a.m. | SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus | $10 | Gene Conrad + Eric Crump of the Aerospace Center for Excellence will speak about its future plans while you dine on chicken and waffles.
Mother’s Day Brunch | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Camp Margaritaville, Auburndale | $50 | Honor a mother figure in your life with brunch, mimosas, and mini massages in the Paradise Pavilion.
Nuts About Nature | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Explore the connection between marine ecosystems and Asian and Pacific Island cultures + economies through hands-on activities.
Kids Museum Day | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Florida Air Museum | Free | Eyes on the skies — the museum is free to explore for all families for one day only.
Sunday, May 11
Morning Yin and Mindfulness | 9:30 a.m. | Yoga Haven, Winter Haven | $18+ | Relax into gentle poses and guide your breath to stay present with meditation practices.
Makers Market | 12-5 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free+ | Stroll, shop, and support local vendors at this outdoor market before it takes a summer break from June to August.
$5.6 million. That’s how much Polk County Public Schools will save per year by ending its Polk Virtual School and Fresh Start programs and consolidating its Lakeland + Auburndale REAL Academy sites. The district will reassign the 95 staff members working with these programs to other schools. (The Ledger)
Edu
In other PCPS news, the School Board has approved two big contracts: a three-year agreement with new general counsel James Greene and a five-year contract extension with Superintendent Fred Heid. The superintendent’s contract now ends in 2030, with an annual base pay of $283,000. (The Ledger)
Community
What should Lakeland prioritize when it comes to housing + community development? The City of Lakeland invites you to answer this question at a public forum at the Coleman-Bush Building on Monday, May 19 at 6 p.m. to help inform the next year of programming, beginning in October.
Open
The ribbon is cut on Lighthouse Ministries’ Next Steps Housing. These five affordable housing townhomes on Tennessee Avenue are open to residents who have completed Lighthouse’s Life Learning Program — learn more.
Biz
Small Business Week powered by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union may be drawing to a close, but there’s still plenty of time to take advantage of deals at local businesses. Save this map with deals like a $149 HydraFacial Signature at Skin & Tonic or double loyalty points at Mitchell’s Coffee House.
Award
The Polk Young Professionals Awards are coming up in August, but nominations are now open through Sunday, June 1. Nominate someone ages 21-42 who works in Polk County for the Emerging Leader, Legacy Builder, or Philanthropic Champion awards.
Eat
Curry Mango is hosting a special Mother’s Day buffet this Sunday, May 11. Visit from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to treat mom to lamb, seafood, vegetarian dishes, and more all-you-can-eat fare for $19.99 per adult.
Talk
LkldNow and Lakeland Vision are teaming up for a Lakeland Arts Forum on Thursday, May 15, 6-8 p.m. Head to the AGB for a discussion with creatives and advocates about cultivating the local arts scene over light refreshments.
Announced
Spots in our 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide are full ahead of Mother’s Day. Luckily for you, we’ve added a few more for Father’s Day. Hurry — save 20% with code PGG2025 when you secure your spot now.
Tech
AI won’t take over the world — people who know how to use AI will. Subscribe to Superhuman AI for free and learn AI skills in just three minutes a day.*
Category
Biz
Who’s next?
Your business could be among the greats founded here in Lakeland. | Photo submitted by Reader Bob K.
We’ve loved celebrating Swan City’s small businesses this week, but we’re also excited to see all the new ones that will open next. If you’re feeling inspired by the small bizzes you’ve been reading about and ready to take the next step, here’s how you can start your own business in Lakeland.
The City of Lakeland has a Business Resource Office at City Hall, offering support for new + existing businesses. This office within the Community & Economic Development Department is available to help your biz with everything from finding a site to paying taxes.
Just request a copy of the city’s Business Resource Guide, and a team member from the Business Resource Office will walk you through each step of the process.
Support small businesses and artisans across the country when you shop Amazon Handmade. The marketplace features thousands of unique products and gifts, like this etched rolling pin that can transform your homemade baked goods into genuine works of art.
Featuring small businesses is one of my favorite things we do here at LALtoday, and this week has put even more on our radar. For example, I learned about Bakeland, a new microbakery selling from a home in the Lake Morton neighborhood with some delicious looking loaves. If you have a tip about a new biz you love, our inbox is always open.
Answered
Answered
Of the 60+ businesses we’ve featured this week, which one is the oldest?
Inklings Book Shoppe, founded in 1975. Visit the shop today at 243 N. Florida Ave. to shop new + used books, and get a free sticker with your purchase.
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