Cover Story: A Place She Calls Home

Sheena Britton

A PLACE SHE CALLSHome

BY JENNIFER LUCE

Sheena Britton, a fourth-generation Sanfordite, has watched the City of Sanford develop exponentially over the years. A local resident, born and raised in Sanford, Sheena is all about a sense of community. Her first years of life began in Sanford on East First street, right on the river. She graduated from Winter Springs High School and began establishing a name for herself in the community at an early age. She soon experienced the joys of becoming a parent. She proudly proclaims that three of her greatest accomplishments are her daughters: Kiya, Haley, and Terry, all three of whom are fifth-generation Sanfordites. Kiya is currently a Junior at Bethune Cookman University, Haley is a Senior at Seminole High School, and Terry is a Sophomore at Seminole High School. Sheena is married to her husband, Morris, and together they have established a strong foundation and rooted themselves deeply in the Sanford community.

Like a flower blossoming in the sunlight, Sheena’s journey is a true illustration of growth. She began her career in the City of Sanford’s Utilities Department ten years ago and was promoted several times until she landed the position in Economic and Community Development as an administrative assistant. Sheena worked as an assistant for Bob Turk, the former Economic Development Director for the City of Sanford. This experience helped Sheena realize just how fast the place she called home was evolving. As her men-

tor and leader, Mr. Turk encouraged her to attend every meeting with him, so she could plant her own seeds in the community. She attended numerous conferences and was finally introduced to the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). And just like a plant absorbing water to help reach its full potential, Sheena absorbed as much as she could, so in return, she could pour back into her very own community.

Sheena became a voice for the city, and her professional development soared as she became the first African-American Commissioner in District 1, which was established in 1877. Sheena had to resign from her position at the City of Sanford after 10 years. She worked with others to create strategies to further develop the community. It was also during this pivotal moment in her life where she chose to advance her mission and explore greater ways to add personal value to her community. Sheena founded her own company, The Bokey Girl-the Creative Planner.

When creating her company, her main goal was to help Sanford transform even more than it already has over the years. She focuses on creative ways to improve the city, such as taking on tasks like home refreshing and interior design. She also gets to know the people of her community better as she plans events such as surprise birthday and engagement parties. Word of mouth has been her best form of advertising. It is a priority for Sheena to invest in her city. If she can purchase items for work assignments from a local vendor, she’s all in! Even the name of her company was derived from Sanford, the city she loves so much.

She has experienced major progress in other areas of her life beyond her professional journey. Witnessing all three of her daughters’ developments as they mature and take on more responsibility is exciting. Sheena keeps herself grounded by spending much of her time in her garden, which she refers to as her therapy. This hobby began at an early age because it was an activity that most of her family participated in and enjoyed. Sheena says, “There is a true love for the Bokey Soil.” She reminisces that some of her best memories were in her grandmother’s garden.

Today, Sheena is one of a very few gardeners in the entire city who cultivates a garden in her front yard. Over the last twenty years, she has been working feverishly to expand her garden. When asked why she would plant a garden in her front yard, she states that it was intentional to encouraging neighbors to visit frequently. “We live in such a “garage” community; therefore, having my garden in the front of my house, where it is visible, urges neighbors and other people passing by to strike up conversations while I am outside harvesting and helping my garden flourish." Through her love of gardening, she has found a way to educate the community by teaching classes about food production. In addition, she publishes content on her social-media page, “You Grow, Girl Bokey.” Taking it a step further, she shares helpful tips on how to maintain a successful garden right here in her hometown, the wonderful city of Sanford.

She feels grateful to be a part of Sanford’s beautiful transformation. Witnessing the city’s evolution and contributing to it has been extremely rewarding throughout the years. She believes true growth is never by mere chance, but rather is the result of many forces working together. Sheena’s “keep going, keep growing” mindset has helped her positively impact a community that she values immensely. She proudly boasts about all the city has to offer, recognizing Sanford for being the only city other than Jacksonville in the entire state to have an Amtrak, Sunrail, major waterfront, international airport, and zoo which are all located off an interstate. Sanford is her home, a place where she will continue supporting and encouraging prosperity. To her, Sanford is a city she will forever invest in and always plant her seeds. n

Jennifer serves as the VP of Global Human Resources at Jeunesse, a wellness company dedicated to redefining youth. She has proven leadership abilities, creating a culture where employees enjoy coming to work. As a dedicated community member, Jennifer sits as a Seminole County Chamber of Commerce Member and serves as the managing editor at My Sanford Magazine. Outside of work, you can find Jennifer on the courts cheering on her son, Austin.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome, Spring!

Spring is a beautiful season to present our first Wedding Guide special edition.

The timing of the special edition release coincides with the month that my husband Benny and I celebrate 15 years of marriage!

Starting with this spring issue, we will be making positive changes to our magazine. We appreciate the support of our sponsors who allow us to continue producing special editions. Our intention is to provide our readers with a sense of community connection through My Sanford Magazine. We want our visitors and new residents to get to know the city, not only because it offers the best in food, excitement, and entertainment, but also so that they can become part of our diverse community. We want them to experience all the benefits our city has to offer as young people get married and begin their families. Our city happens to be an ideal place for retirees to plant their seeds, too! That's why we're one of the fastest-growing cities, best places to live, and a popular place to conduct business within Central Florida.

Since Mothers’ Day is celebrated in May, I want to congratulate all mothers, grandmothers, and women who fulfill the

TABLE OF CONTENTS COMMUNITY & PEOPLE

2 Cover Story: A Place She Calls Home 16 Getting to Know: John Gyllin, ED.D. 20 Face of Downtown Sanford 24 Baseball Camp in Downtown Sanford

motherly role. A special commemoration to my beloved mother who is in heaven. I thank her for teaching me values and to always have a genuine love for others. I am infinitely grateful to God for giving me the joy of being a mother of two and a grandmother of three.

Because this is our Wedding Guide special edition, I invite you to send me your marriage journey/love story before May 15th, 2022. These beautiful stories will be published on our website. Readers will be able to vote for the best love story. The winning couple will have a special romantic dinner at one of our fabulous Downtown Sanford restaurants. Send me an email at: editor@mysanfordmagazine.com

Love, Perla

WRITE TO US | ESCRÍBENOS A EDITOR@MYSANFORDMAGAZINE.COM

Perla is the founder, Editor In-Chief and publisher of My Sanford Magazine. Her goal was to produce a local magazine that would foster unity and promote good will in Sanford’s culturally diverse community. This was accomplished and the magazine has been declared a resounding success. Perla also conceived and brought to fruition the Sanford Tourism Office and serves as its first Chairperson. Proceeding her long career as a Diplomat in Rome, Italy, she served as the Director General of Tourism in Italy where she also founded a successful tourist and business magazine.

ON THE COVER

Sheena Britton in front of her home in Historic Downtown Sanford.

Photo: Jessica Carvajal Photography

LIFESTYLE

5-11 Sanford Wedding Guide 12 Art Enriches Everyone 14 Downtown Sanford Opportunities 22 Nine Things to Be Mindful of as

You Begin Your Yoga Journey

ESTABLISHED 2014

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 2

SPRING 2022 | QUARTERLY This Issue was published by MY SANFORD MAGAZINE LLC, with project management by:

Editor in Chief & Founder Perla B. Crosby Associate Editor Samantha Montgomery Managing Editor Jennifer Luce

Art Director Renée Blair

Photographers Jessica Carvajal Photography Daniella Hume, Mastropieces Photography @Mastropiecesphotography Barry D. Kirsch JP Photography Pete Wilson Photography Cover Photography Jessica Carvajal Photography Advertising Director Jessica Morales

Digital Marketing Director Brian R. Ambrosini

Social Media & Marketing Specialist Daniella Hume

Contributors Perla Bello-Crosby Lisa Holder Jennifer Luce Leon Konieczny Izzy Mendez Claudia Mundlos Samantha Montgomery Carolin Taylor

My Sanford Magazine disclaims all liability for any and all advertisements, promotions, articles, and other affiliated content contained within this publication. The opinions of the authors are those alone. We do not accept any liability for information or advice provided by any advertiser, sponsor, or associated business provided in this magazine.

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FOOD & DRINK

18 Springtime in Downtown Sanford