The Lakelander - Issue 73

ISSU E 73

A LARGER LIFE FIND THE

Starts W I T H A R I G H T S I Z E !

perfect fit FOR YOUR FULL LIFE.

A wonderful thing happens when you choose a rightsized apartment home at The Estates: Life gets bigger and better than ever. It’s because you’re not just trading the hassles of homeownership for a maintenancefree home and more freedom; you’re putting yourself in a senior living community brimming with activities, new friendships and an overall lifestyle where each day offers spirit-swelling fulfillment.

And if there ever comes a day when you need long-term care, you’ll have that too, provided right here by people you’ll already know.

You’ll have Lifecare and a spring in your step.

Every floor plan comes with the confidence of Lifecare – a comprehensive plan and tremendous value. With Lifecare, you’ll embrace today’s opportunities, knowing you and your nest egg are protected – for life.

We have rental (limited) and Lifecare options available for all of the floor plans listed on the next page!

Our available floor plans are among the most popular at The Estates.

Call 863-588-7284 today to schedule your tour and find the perfect floor plan for you!

1001 Carpenters Way | Lakeland, FL 33809 EstatesAtCarpenters.com Like Us on

BEST IN 4 CATEGORIES: Retirement Living | Independent Living Assisted Living | Nursing Home

Magnolia

2 bedrooms – 2 bathrooms

Why you’ll love it: The Magnolia puts you in our contemporary “M” building, which is its own hub of activity.

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Private fitness center Party room Covered parking Patio with grills for cookouts One, move-in ready Signature Magnolia available NOW!

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“The Estates is different than other communities.

You get so much more out of life – all the activities, programs and possibilities. I would never think about leaving!” – Phyllis G., resident

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“The ‘M’ building lifestyle is ‘M’agnificent. I’m free to enjoy life without worrying about maintenance.

I feel like I’m on vacation every day!” – Tacy S., “M” building resident

2 bedrooms – 2 bathrooms

Dual walk-in closets in all models Why you’ll love it: Choosing the Cypress surrounds you with all the amenities and dining venues of our main building. Easily walk to the bistro, take a wellness class or grab coffee with a friend. It’s all under one roof.

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“We decided it was time to free ourselves from homeownership and the headaches that come with it. The Cypress is perfect. We got to pick everything in our apartment home. We chose the color, backsplash, cabinets and flooring, and even had a new wall installed.” – Richard and Carolyn B., Cypress residents

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Fitness center Wellness center Dining venues Easy access to the health center Two, move-in ready Signature Cypress available NOW!

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Studio

Why you’ll love it: The Aspen gives you all the outsized benefits of Lifecare and community life in a perfectly cozy space. You’ll have all the comfort you need and a whole world to enjoy just outside your door.

“I’m financially and socially better living at The Estates.

They do all the maintenance here. No more mowing the lawn or worrying about bills. They change my sheets and clean, and provide transportation and entertainment - like a nice hotel! Now I do the activities I’ve always wanted to do but never had the time for. I’m grateful to be here.”– Janet M., Aspen Studio resident

COLORS SPEAK LOUDER THAN Just Right

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WORDS We have that same feeling when selecting our accessories, wall art, rugs ... and our furniture.

Our newest living room collections reflect our thoughts about bringing more color into the home ... colorful style that’s just right .

Auburndale 521 Hughes Rd. (863) 967-6602

Eagle Lake 1515 Hwy. 17 N. (863) 294-7749

Ft. Meade 1401 Hwy. 17 N. (863) 285-9757

* * Bartow 1350 N. Broadway (US 98) (863) 533-1611

* * Frostproof 500 N. Scenic Hwy. (863) 635-2645

* * Haines City 35495 Hwy. 27 (863) 422-3144

“ What I need most

of all is color, always, always.”

- CLAUDE MONET

Lakeland - Christina 6100 S. Florida Ave. (863) 646-2921

Lakeland - Lake Gibson 6625 US 98 North (863) 858-3866

Lake Wales 126 Hwy. 60 W. (863) 676-6515

* * Lakeland - Combee 1225 N. Combee Rd. (863) 665-3111

* * Lakeland - North 1409 N. Florida Ave. (863) 682-8107

* * Winter Haven North 1399 6th St. NW (863) 251-2039

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AgniniDental.com We accept CareCredit

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Welcome to Downtown Lakeland

We are proud and delighted to have Summit locate its nationwide headquarters in downtown Lakeland.

I guess most businesspeople aren’t considered sentimental. Afterall, no matter how big or small your business is, we all spend a lot of our days looking at financial data, studying the market, and making tough decisions. At the end of the day, however, we are businesspeople not just because we want to earn a living, but because we want to build something.

Every person who starts a business is focused on providing a profitable product or service. But even the most hard-nosed business founder has had a moment at the end of a day when he or she has looked across a dark office, an empty sales floor, or a quiet production area and imagined a place full of people and pulsing with activity, a business that will become “Summit has something lasting in a welcoming become community.

everything

that I dreamed

You dream that your business it could be might become a all those place where other people will want years ago.” to work and perhaps build a career, a place that rewards those who are willing to take a risk and invest in the business. And in your wildest dreams, you imagine that your business could become an engine of economic growth and a source of pride for the entire community.

I had managed such a fund for another trade association for almost a decade, and had developed a unique set of skills: I understood Tallahassee politics, I understood trade associations, and I understood workers’ compensation. With support from Shebel, I was able to pitch the AIF Board on the idea of creating the fund. At first, the AIF board, which included some of the largest employers in the state, was skeptical. In fact, I would say they were almost hostile to the idea.

But Shebel and I kept talking until finally in February of 1978, I had their approval to move forward, and by April, we chartered our first fund. The AIF Self Insurers Fund began with $165 million in annualized premium.

By providing members with the tangible benefit of lower cost workers’ compensation insurance, AIF’s membership exploded. Less than a year later, another large trade association, the Florida Retail Federation, approached me with a similar request.

At one point I went to a crucial meeting in downtown Jacksonville as a hurricane threatened. I can still remember looking out the window of an office tower at the darkening skies as the wind tossed trash cans down the middle of empty streets.

I founded Summit Consulting here in Lakeland in 1976. At first it was a successful real estate holding company, and then Summit became an association management firm, representing several small trade associations in the state.

Getting the deal done meant scrambling almost nonstop from Atlanta to Miami and Grand Cayman trying to line up the financing and reinsurance. Later, on Christmas Eve, I stood in a warehouse at Miami International Airport awaiting a cargo plane from overseas carrying a crucial set of documents – the reinsurance contracts for a Florida Retail Federation self-insurers’ fund.

But in 1978, Jon Shebel, then the president of the Associated Industries of Florida (AIF), one of the most influential trade associations in the state, asked if I would establish and run a workers’ compensation self-insurance fund for the association’s members.

This is why it is such a thrill to witness the opening this spring of Summit’s new office building in downtown Lakeland overlooking Lake Mirror. Summit has become everything that I dreamed it could be all those years ago.

Today, Summit “… the people who know workers’ comp®” is one of the largest providers of comprehensive workers’ compensation services to businesses in the United States. It has offices in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

It is a place where people can go to work and build entire careers. A perfect example is Summit’s President and Chief Executive Officer Carol Sipe. The Lakeland native started with Summit in 1989 and worked her way up the ladder becoming president and CEO in 2010.

It’s an organization that has rewarded its investors and thousands of employers.

Summit once had written more than $1 billion in premium under management and is part of American General Finance (NYSE: AFG).

And finally, Summit has helped businesses mitigate risks and become safer workplaces, while its employees support the community through volunteer work and philanthropy.

My day-to-day involvement in Summit’s management ended more than three decades ago. So, the success the company has today is the result of a lot of hard work by talented executives and frontline employees.

It is to these folks, to Carol Sipe and her management team, to all of the employees of Summit, and to the leadership at American General Finance that I want to offer my heartiest congratulations and thanks for continuing to nurture and grow this remarkable company.

Well done! Welcome to downtown Lakeland.

C.C. (Doc) Dockery Founder, Summit Consulting, Inc.

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BRIAN STEPHENS 863.647.8600 www.brianstephens.org

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WE'RE DIFFERENT. Lakeland Christian School equips students for a lifetime of LEARNING, LEADERSHIP, SERVICE & WORSHIP.

Schedule your campus tour today to discover what makes Lakeland Christian School unique.

C on ta c t Ju l i e R i ce, Dir ecto r o f E nro llm e nt jri c e @l cs o n l i n e.o rg | 86 3 .6 8 8. 2 7 71

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C O N T E N T S ISSUE 73

ON THE COVER From left to right; CEO Frank Kendrick and President/CFO Brandon Kendrick of NuJak Companies.

Photo by Dan Austin

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Cadillac Lakeland

LUXURY REDEFINED

Complimentary. Confident. Convenient.

That’s luxury redefined at the all-new Cadillac Lakeland Formely Cannon Cadiliac

CadillacLakeland.com 863-646-5053

Cadillac Lakeland Luxury Redefined

CONTENTS

56 FEATURES

56 • TASTE

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66 • BUSINESS

Summer Seafood in The South

Built Different

Celebrating the long standing tradition of Southern cuisine with a modern twist

Headquartered in Lakeland, NuJak Companies, is one of the leading full-service, minority-certified, construction companies in the state of Florida

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JUST FOR

For over 100 years, Lakeland Regional Health has been proud to serve our growing community.

To meet all of your unique care needs, we have brought together over 250 exceptional providers practicing in more than 35 specialties at over 10 locations throughout Central Florida.

Care designed - Just For You Visit myLRH.org/physiciangroup or call 863.284.5000 to find the right provider for you.

Your Health. Our Promise.

myLRH.org/PhysicianGroup

76 76 • CULTURE

Speaking in Dance A collection of dancers building a vibrant dance community in Polk County

86 • PEOPLE

Rising Above the Noise Meet Cassandra Dorsaint, a young-proffessional making a positive difference in the lives of others through meaningful work in the non-profit sector

86 DEPARTMENTS

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20 • MASTHEAD

24 • CONTRIBUTORS

28 • METRO

22 • EDITOR’S NOTE

26 • LETTERS

42 • GREATER LAKELAND

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98 • HISTORY

Curt Patterson

Jason Jacobs

PUBLISHER

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Sally Ibarra Barceló

Michelle Simanca

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ART DIRECTOR

Advertising ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ADVERTISING SALES

Curt Patterson | 863.409.2449 Jason Jacobs | 863.606.8785

Editorial CONTRIBUTORS

COPY EDITOR CONTENT PRODUCER

Victoria Bardega, DeMarco Carlton, Charlene Campbell, Sally Ibarra Barceló, Jordan Randall Laura Burke Jordan Randall

Creative DESIGN INTERN PHOTOGRAPHERS

Erica Ronda Dan Austin, Joshua Mcfarquhar, Cole Adams, Emily Magdics

Digital DIGITAL MARKETING DIRECTOR

Sally Ibarra Barceló

Circulation CIRCULATION DIRECTOR VP, FINANCE GENERAL COUNSEL

Jason Jacobs Deb Patterson Ted W. Weeks IV

Issue 73 The Lakelander is published twelve times annually by Patterson Jacobs Media Group, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission of The Lakelander is prohibited. The Lakelander is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions.

Contact: Patterson Jacobs Publishing, P.O. Box 41, Lakeland, FL 33802 863.701.2707 • thelakelander.com Customer Service: 863.701.2707 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

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Like giving $2001 with a new Free Checking account.

With Free Checking, enjoy: Free early paycheck | Free ATMs2 | No monthly fees | Free online bill pay Open an account online at midflorida.com or visit any branch.

Insured by NCUA. 1. Offer valid as of August 30, 2021, and may be canceled at any time without notice. Eligibility requirements apply. See associate for details regarding fees and terms. To qualify for the $200 incentive, you must open a new Free Checking account with direct deposit ($500 cumulative which must post within 45 days of account opening), as well as accept and open online banking, online bill payment, eStatement, eNotice, and a debit card. No dividends are paid on Free Checking. Annual Percentage Yield is 0.00%. Anyone who has held a checking account with MIDFLORIDA in the past year will not qualify for the incentive. The incentive will be deposited to new Free Checking account after the qualifications have been met and will be reported to the IRS. Minimum to open Free Checking is $50. 2. ATM transactions are free at any MIDFLORIDA proprietary ATM or when using a Publix Presto! ATM.

E DITO R ’ S N OTE

Black Culture is American Culture I

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“In diversity there is beauty, and there is strength.” - Maya Angelou I am honored to have produced our third “Culture Issue” alongside our incredible team.

In this issue, we are excited to celebrate the joy of Black culture and its significant influence in our community; from cultural movements to entrepreneurs and talented creatives, there is so much to honor that can’t possibly fit in one issue of The Lakelander.

For this reason, we are committed to intentionally highlighting the diversity found within our city in every issue of The Lakelander; our Culture-themed issue is an additional opportunity to deeply celebrate and appreciate each culture individually. This issue is

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“In diversity there is beauty, and there is strength.”

- Maya Angelou intended to highlight the beauty of Black culture within our city while honoring the history of its influence because Black culture is American culture.

Sally Ibarra Barceló EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Myself

Living the best version of

As a passionate and highly-skilled board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience,

DR. FAEZA KAZMIER wants to help you feel confident in your beauty, inside and out. She offers a range of natural looking enhancement options including surgical and nonsurgical treatments that can help you achieve the look of your dreams.

• Facial Rejuvenation (Facelifts, Eyelifts and Minimally Invasive Browlifts) • BOTOX®, Dysport®, Kybella® for unwanted fat, and fillers such as Restylane®, Juvéderm®, Voluma® and RHA® for the face and hands • Breast enlargement, breast implant revision, lifts and reductions • Tummy tucks and liposuction Registered nurse practitioner D.J. Alleva Nelson, APRN, works alongside Dr. Kazmier and offers a host of highly effective laser treatments that are performed in-office with minimal downtime, including Clear + Brilliant for healthy, youthful looking skin, BBL for brown spots and veins, and laser hair removal with the Candela GentleMax laser.

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863-680-7676 Watson Clinic Women’s Center • 1400 Lakeland Hills Blvd. • Suite B • Lakeland • WatsonClinic.com/Kazmier

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Model Shown

C O N T R I B U T O R S THE WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS THAT MAKE THE LAKELANDER

“Rising Above The Noise” written by Victoria Bardega, pg. 86

DEMARCO CARLTON VICTORIA BARDEGA Victoria Bardega is a content creator and proud Lakelander. She finished her bachelor of science in journalism/public relations at Southeastern University and avidly contributes to Darling Magazine and The Everygirl. When she’s not photographing a love story or writing lifestyle pieces, she’s filling up the pages of her passport.

Between online and print, you’ve contributed quite a few pieces to The Lakelander. What has been your favorite piece to write to date?

One of my favorite articles I’ve written for The Lakelander has been “To Live Slowly, To Live in Love.” As a creative, I have a deep appreciation for art, culture, and life. Getting to dive into Spanish casita architecture and interview the lovely Elizabeth Hults was incredibly insightful and lifegiving. It helped me learn so much about the rich history of our city.

How do you overcome writer’s block?

Just as much as we give out creatively, we need to be intentionally pouring into our creativity. One of the biggest [ways] is to step away from the busyness of life and make time to get inspired.

Whether it be through experiences or travel, our mind searches for new ways to interpret stories.

In order to step out of writer’s block, I set aside time to grow more aware of my surroundings and step away from the digital screen every now and then to learn something new.

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We hear you’re newly engaged. What’s been your favorite part of the wedding planning process so far?

I would say booking our vendors. We are both naturally doers, so we enjoy getting to cross things off our lists. As well, we love being able to buy things that have sentimental value to us. We just bought a beautiful, handcrafted table runner with the lyrics to one of our favorite songs handlettered onto the fabric (Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect”).

We’re excited to have this draped on our cake table, and then keep it to lay out in our new home.

What does your ideal day in Lakeland look like?

Heading down to Born & Bread, Concord Coffee, The Poor Porker, Hillcrest Coffee — grabbing a bite to eat and enjoying the warm ambiances.

Walking Lake Hollingsworth or taking a stroll in Munn Park when there are community events.

I know a lot of store owners by name, and they know me by name. To me, that’s the coolest feature in the world, and it’s what makes Lakeland feel so unique.

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Chef DeMarco Carlton's career spans some of Lakeland’s most prestigious dining experiences, from The Terrace Hotel to his current role as Executive Chef at The Lakeland Country Club.

JOSHUA MCFARQUHAR Joshua Mcfarquhar is a motivated young photographer/videographer based out of the little big city of Lakeland. His mind is constantly running on a creative clock, and no matter how little or big the situation, Josh strives to tell every story through his lens. mcfarquharphotography.com

See the masthead on pg. 20 for a list of all contributing writers and photographers.

Honoring The Legend of

Lawrence Bernard Brown

A community leader, home-builder, and highly successful businessman

The L.B. Brown House was designed and constructed in 1892 by a self-taught master carpenter, Lawrence Bernard Brown. The Victorian style, two-story mansion located at 470 L. B. Brown Avenue (formerly Second Avenue) in Bartow stands as a living testimony to one person's triumph over adversity. The story of L.B. Brown serves as an inspiration to everyone. Although born under the debilitating influences of slavery, he refused to be limited by those circumstances.

An appropriate inscription on his headstone reads; "From slavery to community builder." In 1998, the Florida Department of State bestowed the honor of "Great Floridian 2000" upon L.B. Brown, and in 2016, the Smithsonian "National Museum of African American History and Culture" selected the story of L.B. Brown and the Historic L.B. Brown House Museum as one of its inaugural exhibits (located on floor L4). Visit www.lbbrown.com to learn more.

Visitors may tour the exterior of the home any time. Tours of the interior of the home may be scheduled by contacting 863-944-6136. Thank you Clifton P. Lewis, The Curator of the L.B. Brown House Museum.

Ad Presented By Historic Preservationists, Ricky Peacock (CEO) and Janet L. Durden (Executive Vice President of Marketing and Communications) of: Home Solution Lenders, Inc. Making Dreams Come True Since 2008 Your Mortgage Solution for FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, Construction, and Refinance Loans 863-607-HOME (4663) • HSLenders.com 1445 E Main Street • Bartow, FL 33830 NMLS: 327291 • Lic Florida MLD954

Visit Our Website

AUTO ACCIDENT?

L E T T E R S COMMENTS FROM LAKELANDERS

"THANK YOU @ LAKELANDERMAG FOR THE FEATURE! SUCH AN HONOR TO BE ACCOMPANIED WITH OTHER AMAZING LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES! #DREAMCOMETRUE"

For exceptional Chiropractic Care after a vehicle accident, contact Dr. Abraham and the professional team at New Hope Chiropractic in the Lake Miriam Publix Plaza.

D O N ’T I G N O R E YO UR INJURIES .

We would love to evaluate and treat you!

@stovercakes // Instagram

"HAVE YOU SEEN THE LATEST COPY OF THE @LAKELANDERMAG? PICK UP A FREE COPY TO READ ABOUT OUR HEALTHY FOOD PANTRY SITES WORKING TO END HUNGER IN POLK, HIGHLANDS AND HARDEE COUNTIES. THANK YOU LAKELANDER MAG FOR INCLUDING US IN THIS BEAUTIFUL ISSUE!" @uwcf // Instagram

"SUNDAY COFFEE DATES!" Dr. Abraham New Hope Chiropractic @meaganewhite_ // Instagram Phone: (863) 682-1170 4788 S. Florida Ave. Lakeland, FL 33803

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Trust your hips and knees to the leader in joint replacements.

When you have your hip or knee replacement procedure at a BayCare facility, you’re trusting a leader in Tampa Bay and West Central Florida. No health system or hospital does more hip and knee replacements than BayCare. That level of experience means clinical excellence, which is why 98 percent of our hip and knee replacement patients are up and walking within 24 hours of surgery.

For a physician referral: BayCareJointRepair.org or (844) 260-7155

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M E T R O NEW AND NOTABLE IN LAKELAND

“Our portrait of American style, and our vision of the American dream, would be incomplete without Black experiences like this.”

- RALPH LAUREN PH OTO : N A DI N E I J EWERE/ POLO RAL PH L AUREN

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Over the past few years, our nation has made progress on several fronts, including the widespread recognition of reflecting on the past and celebrating the present and future of Black culture. The national conversation around inclusivity has urged everyone to reexamine their approaches to race, representation, and inclusivity at every level of operation. Amongst the brands making serious strides in their approach include Ralph Lauren.

In a historic collaboration, Ralph Lauren launched a collection that honors the rich heritage and sartorial traditions of historically Black colleges and universities through the lens of two iconic educational institutions, Morehouse and Spelman College. The collection celebrates each college’s contribution to American style, inspired by vintage campus wear from the 1920s to the 1950s while building on a broader commitment to support HBCU students.

The brand seeks to reassess its brand story with the help of James Jeter, a Black Design Director and Morehouse graduate at Ralph Lauren. For more than 50 years, Lauren has been writing a tale about what it means to be American. And now he’s made a significant edit. It isn’t so much a correction as it is a clarification to the narrative.

In a recent interview with the Washington Post, Ralph Lauren tells the story of Jeter bringing his Morehouse’s books to him and saying “...the world has always thought Ivy League [style] was only White people. This exists; the college

“ H I S T O R I C A L LY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES H AV E U N I Q U E LY BEEN CENTERS OF BOTH INTELLECTUAL DISCOURSE AND C U LT U R A L I N F L U E N C E FOR MORE THAN 150 YEARS”

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exists; the taste levels existed”.

“This collection expresses the spirited history, deep sense of community, and legacy of timeless dressing at historically Black colleges and universities,” said Ralph Lauren, Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of Ralph Lauren Corporation. “It’s so much more than a portrayal of a collegiate design sensibility.

It’s about sharing a more complete and authentic portrait of American style and the American dream — ensuring stories of Black life and experiences are embedded in the inspiration and aspiration of our brand.”

“Historically Black colleges and universities have uniquely been centers of both intellectual discourse and cultural influence for more than 150 years,” said David A. Thomas, Ph.D., President of Morehouse College. “The Morehouse partnership with Ralph Lauren intelligently, creatively, and boldly puts this intersection on full display, reflecting the breadth of impact we have had in driving societal transformation throughout our history.”

Inclusivity requires constant nurturing and intentionality. In this approach, we are reminded that striving for inclusivity and justice is never-ending.

But ultimately, these types of efforts have the potential to correct the narrative and reflect on the past to celebrate the present and future.

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METRO

THE AWARD-WINNING CUPCAKE After 18 years with Publix bakery, Chequita Blake, born and raised in Winter Haven, started her own cupcake business from her apartment. That small cupcake business has now grown into Best Blue Velvet Cupcakes, with her desserts being some of the most sought after in the state of Florida. Her cupcakes won a Top 25 People’s Choice Award at Dessert Wars Season 7 in Miami. Her business offers a variety of baked goods that have allowed her to grow into a Lakeland Square Mall.

A Pathway to Success

thebestbluevelvetcupcakes.com

Lakelander Ashlee Wright-Haggins is on a mission to ensure students receive the proper education through a New Beginnings High School education program.

wouldn’t be far-fetched to say that you are where you are today because someone, somewhere, believed in you.

With New Beginnings High School, founder Ashlee Wright-Haggins has offered that kind of faith to hundreds of kids in Polk County who might need it.

New Beginnings High School is a charter school founded by Wright-Haggins in 2011 and is a place where students ages 15-24 can earn their State-Recognized High School Diploma. The school has over 700 students between three campuses located in downtown Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Fort Meade.

The school, simply put, exists as a second chance. It is an extended hand to those who need it and an opportunity for everyone in Polk County to have access to a good education because every kid deserves that.

The school’s mission statement is simple, “To create the best educational environment for

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students who are seeking a new beginning.”

New Beginnings offers that “new beginning” through flexible scheduling and interactive computer-based courses so that no matter what a student’s schedule might look like, they still have options for their education. The school also offers free tuition, meals, and childcare.

Advisors are also available at the school to make sure students are staying on track, and New Beginnings even has employees who will pay visits to students’ homes if they haven’t been attending their classes. This is their way of ensuring the school’s students are prepared for their future.

With New Beginnings High School at work, countless students in the last decade have had and continue to have an opportunity to shape a better future for themselves.

Now their lives, and Polk County, are better because of it.

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LOCAL MUSIC INSTRUCTOR GOES VIRAL Sean Wilson, a musician, and teacher in Lakeland, graduated with a degree in mathematics, but life seemed to have other plans for his talents. After Sean started developing some online music training courses and posting them online, his career path shifted. His YouTube page now has over 64,000 subscribers, and his website, seanwilsonpiano.com, teaches students how to play gospel and jazz by ear at a high level. youtube.com/SeanWilsonPiano

METRO

W E SH OUL D A L L LOV E O U R H E ALT H Y R O OTS Yelitsa Jean-Charles is on a mission to help children embrace their hair — and redefine society’s beauty standards along the way.

One Christmas, when Yelitsa Jean-Charles was 6 or 7, her parents bought her a doll whose brown skin was similar to her own, and she immediately burst into tears because she was looking for the blue-eyed blonde hair doll she had asked for. Years later, Jean-Charles realized how influenced she had been by what society deemed was beautiful.

In 2014, Yelitsa Jean-Charles posted a question on Facebook: “To any of my Black female Facebook friends, can you share your experience with dolls as a child? Did dolls influence you in any way? Do you believe that there is a lack of positive representation for young Black girls?”

The answer was a resounding “Yes. Today, Jean-Charles is the founder and CEO of Detroitbased startup Healthy Roots Dolls, which launched in 2019 with Zoe, a doll with browncolored skin, large brown eyes, and curly, voluminous hair that can be washed, braided or twisted.

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Healthy Roots Dolls products include Zoe, a doll with hair you can wash and style, individual fashion outfits, and The Curl Power Kit: a kit of products with beads, brush, spray bottle, and butterfly clips that kids can use on their hair and Zoe’s hair.

The idea for Healthy Roots Dolls was born during JeanCharles’ time at the Rhode Island School of Design, where she

studied illustration and dreamed of designing children’s toys. As part of a class project in 2015, she reimagined the fairytale princess Rapunzel as a beautiful brownskinned girl with kinky, curly hair.

“I created Healthy Roots Dolls because I never had a doll that looked like me growing up. As a children’s illustrator, I understand that toys influence how kids think, act, and see themselves, so

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when little girls can’t find dolls that look like them, it negatively impacts their self-esteem. That’s why Zoe is more than just another doll painted brown. She is an educational play experience around hair care”, explains JeanCharles.

Jean-Charles’ goal is to create a living, breathing community around the Zoe doll and Black hair. Data reveals that 65% of the world’s population has curly/wavy hair, and according to tohealthyroots.com, Dove conducted a study in 2016 and found that only four out of 10 girls love their curls.

Healthy Roots’ success includes securing a deal with Target and selling out entirely while expanding into their own brick-and-mortar retail space and earning many awards, grants, and support from companies such as Proctor and Gamble.

Jean-Charles’ believes that “no one should feel less than because of the kink of their curl or the color of their skin. All children should love their healthy roots”.

METRO

Providing Hope,

Confidence, and Beauty One More Child opened their first orphanage in 1904.

Now, over a century later, and with millions of children and families helped, the nonprofit organization continues to help those in need with their newest initiative, Bundles for Brown Girls.

After learning that hair care products for girls of color are one of the greatest needs for sex-trafficking victims, the team behind One More Child put their heads and their hearts together to launch the Bundles for Brown Girls initiative. The

initiative provides hair care products to girls and women of color across One More Child’s ministries, including Foster Care, Single Moms, Family Support, and AntiTrafficking programs.

Last year, One More Child served nearly 325,000 children through foster care, anti-trafficking, child hunger, single moms, and family support programs. That includes providing foster or adoptive homes to children who have been abandoned, clean diapers for a newborn

baby, food for a hungry child, and many other methods of providing real help to those in real need. The Bundles for Brown Girls initiative continues to carry that legacy of compassion forward for One More Child.

The new campaign will collect funds, accept hair

care product donations, and recruit hair styling partners to donate their time and skills.

You can support One More Child’s newest initiative by donating via their website and typing “Bundles” in the gift notes. All donations will help provide hope, confidence, and beauty to

EDEN’S ROSE TOTAL CARE 13 years ago, after her daughters were stuck dealing with balding from eczema and contact dermatitis, Devin Forehand took matters into her own hands. She invented her own original recipe to help treat her daughters’ hair through trial and error. Soon after,

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her daughters had their hair back and healthier than ever, Eden’s Rose Total Care was born. Today, Devin sells her all-natural, organic hair and skin care products online and at various markets in Lakeland. You can find her products at edensrosetotalcare.com.

LAKELAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S COOKIE CONCERT

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Our Spending Habits Have Power Supporting Black-owned businesses is not just a trendy hashtag, it is key to helping shape the future of our economy.

Midtown Dental mymidtowndental.com 607 S. Missouri Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33815

Established over 10 years ago, Midtown Dental is known for its customer service and engagement in the community.

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Owner and Nail Technician of Lauren Nailed It, Ashanti Lauren is an expert on all things natural nails and nail designs.

This year will go down in history for many reasons and one of them is advocating for and supporting Black-owned businesses. The call to support Blackowned businesses is long overdue, and understanding why it matters and how our spending habits have power is important.

1. Closing the Racial Wealth Gap – Today’s racial wealth gap can be traced back to Jim Crow-era practices like redlining and job discrimination.

These practices segregated African Americans from higher-paying jobs and homeownership opportunities that ultimately prevented generational wealth building.

2. Supporting the Local Economy – When small businesses thrive, so do their respective communities.

3. Holding Large Corporations Accountable – Launched in 2020, The 15 Percent Pledge, a 501c3

non-profit advocacy organization, is urging major retailers to commit 15 percent of their shelf-space to Black-owned businesses. The 15 Percent Pledge seeks economic equality and prosperity for Black future founders, Black students, and Black people in the workforce.

Here are 10 local notable Black-owned businesses to support in Greater Lakeland.

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Natural, plant-based health and beauty products.

Unique and carefully crafted jewelry pieces.

A unisex salon + spa focusing on natural hair care

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Belle La Vie bellelaviesalonandspa.com 4525 Florida Ave S Suite #16, Lakeland, FL 33813

Belle La Vie Spa & Salon offers a unique and enjoyable experience that caters to all your relaxation and beautification needs.

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Pinder Counseling is both a Private Practice and Consulting Firm offering services specific to the Mental Health Industry.

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5 KEYS TO CREATING A WORKPLACE CULTURE OF INCLUSION “Inclusion is leadership. There is greatness you can build when you include the voices and perspectives that have been overlooked.” – Ruchika Tulshyan Written by Charlene Campbell

Over the past 5-10 years, executives have prioritized the concept of implementing Diversity and Inclusion practices within company cultures. By definition, culture is “the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a particular people or society.” An organization’s culture is defined by leaders’ priorities and shared beliefs, values, and behaviors and then communicated and reinforced through various methods, ultimately shaping employee perceptions, behaviors, and understanding.

Companies with healthy, diverse, and inclusive cultures create environments where team members feel like they belong and can contribute. Although it is not easy to create a culture where ideas are valued, developing team members is standard practice, and becoming a place where unique skills and talents are discovered; still, there is a reward when investing in the people-side of business.

Culture plays a significant role in shifting the diversity needle and forming genuinely inclusive environments.

Variation in lived experiences, lifestyles, backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures moves a business from being a onenote, lifeless box with windows into a dynamic, flexible environment where the fear of failure is minimized, risks are taken, fresh ideas are born, and cuttingedge forward movement and growth are generated within the business. Equitable, standard criteria for the development

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and promotion of people are a prevalent determining factor contributing to a business’s internal success.

“If your company rewards vague traits like ‘executive presence’ and ‘leadership skills’ without measurable behaviors and skills, bias is likely to creep into advancement decisions.” - Brene Brown There is a saying that strategy and culture drive the overall success of a business - if this is true, embracing and developing the entirety of the individuals who comprise your workforce is worth the time and effort. Connection, true mentorship, coaching, and development can occur, and real strides towards a healthy, inclusive workforce culture can be made when a team’s success is founded on individual and communal development that builds both the individual and the business.

The purpose of this article is to reveal measurable steps towards shifting standards, procedures, and practices that can create a culture where individuals are valued as themselves and feel they belong.

Should you want to learn more about creating a workplace culture of inclusion, the Spotify podcast “Dare to Lead” with Brene Brown and guests Jodi-Ann Burey and Ruchika Tulshyan, is a great starting point.

“Managers cannot be considered effective if they can only manage employees who are like them.” - Jodi-Ann Burey

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EMBRACE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE Growth is uncomfortable. Truth is uncomfortable. To get to a culture of truly embracing the individuals in your workforce, you first need to find out where you are, which means looking in the company mirror.

Are there business norms currently in place that promote inequitable promotion, reward microaggressions (or aggressions), and create an environment of imbalanced

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diversity of thought and expression? If so, the organic, healthy internal growth of the business has been stymied, and valuable unique perspectives have been overlooked.

An environment where portions of the workforce feel inhibited to express themselves due to pressure, be it implicit or explicit in the company culture, creates an oppressive working environment. The only way to know what kind of culture has truly developed is to go on Undercover Boss or to ask your workforce.

Internal growth means listening, hearing, and working with your workforce to co-create an environment that embraces and empowers individual team members, conducive to internal and external business growth. When used correctly and paired with real action, listening is a powerful tool that can build a solid foundation for a healthy culture that embraces and includes the voices of individual team members.

Improving company culture can look like a daunting task. However, some rewards are on the other side of closing the gap.

BANISH THE BIAS FROM THE TOP “The barrier to people being themselves is the culture people have built (at the top) to protect themselves. We must assess how safe it is for people to be themselves. The myth is that it is the work of the individual, not the work of the leadership to create a culture where people can show up as their authentic selves.” – Ruchika Tulshyan Vague policies and procedures on how to advance within the company create an environment of scarcity and competition due to the unknown path of advancement.

This type of workplace culture rewards aggression and peacocking and stifles the voices of individuals whose input is just as valuable, just not as visible.

Clearly defined policies and procedures on how to develop and grow within the company encourage individuals to create their own path of learning that interests them and serves the needs of the business. Systems of valuable professional development give individuals an accurate gauge of where they stand and where they see themselves going. As a result, they tend to stay with the company longer.

Advancement measures that accurately evaluate the skills and qualities of individuals create a culture where individuals are recognized and valued for their developed skills and accomplishments,

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and when assessed within an equitable system, promotion becomes an opportunity available to all team members. When leadership teams are comprised of individuals of a singular background, the question becomes whether the business is truly interacting with the community around them or if the systems for qualifying individuals for those roles are biased.

Are you flexible enough to make room for individuals and their differences that represent portions of the population that you are unfamiliar with?

MENTOR TO MOVE FORWARD “The ABCDs of sponsorship: managers must Amplify, Boost, Connect, and Defend...” - Jodi – Ann Burey Coaching and Mentoring can come down to simply staying curious a little bit longer. Being truly curious, interested, and connected to the development path of individuals means creating a culture where people feel supported and can come as themselves with the simple requirement of committing to developing and growing daily.

Fear-based workplace actions stem from team members who are unsure of their place and whether they are accepted, belong, and measure up to the standards they have placed for themselves, no matter how inaccurate those measurements may be. Mentoring individuals on your team can create an environment where team members have an accurate representation of their work efforts and guidance and support for moving forward. Individuals who have had minimal coaching or mentorship typically start at a disadvantage in the workplace due to the lack of encouragement of others who have walked a similar path. The confidence that comes from the acceptance and belonging of being mentored into a position is a privilege not afforded to all.

COMMUNICATE TO COUNTERACT IMPOSTER SYNDROME “It’s easier to set up a professional development program, put money into training, or to even pay for a coach or a mentor rather than think about the values, ideologies, and subsequent practices amidst the severe underrepresentation in organizations that create imposter syndrome as a mainstay.” - Dr. Kecia Thomas, Organizational Psychologist

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Imposter Syndrome – There is an irrational fear of being found out due to a lack of developed confidence in oneself. “Conditions that Trigger Imposter Syndrome: Underrepresentation, Microaggressions, Uncredited Work Efforts.”

Mentorship helps people leaders uncover the skills, talents, voices, and unique perspectives of the individuals on their team. As mentoring and coaching happens, team members will begin to take risks and develop themselves in the areas in which they have been challenged. It is the role of the people leader to continue to encourage advancement, regardless of setback, and amplify the successes of individuals on their team.

Mentorship is about aligning with the developmental goals of individual team members and guiding and supporting them through and to their goals. The goal of mentorship is to create a culture where a diverse workforce can come together, embrace differences, grow, and empower others at the start of their developmental journey.

EMPOWER TO EMPOWER Truly inclusive environments value diversity and equity at every level in the organization. The leadership capacity is not reserved for a small few at a certain level in the hierarchy. A system of team mentoring allows team members to support and encourage each other and build confidence in their skills, talents, and leadership capacity. Individuals are also more likely to see someone like themselves represented, which perpetuates a culture where team members are accepted and belong regardless of background, culture, lifestyle, or ethnicity.

Workplaces truly devoted to inclusion from the leadership down can experience the rewards of witnessing a culture of collaboration, sincere communication, and efforts to champion each other for the cause of the business’s success. Each business is comprised of the interwoven tapestry of diversity held in the identities of each individual in the workforce. The question is how, or if, you will choose to utilize the valuable commitment of individuals committed to your vision.

“Bring your whole self to work because, that way, you can bring full ideas and the wholeness of your unique abilities.” Bozoma Saint John

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Greater Lakeland ORLANDO

AND BEYOND

M A K E T H E J U M P TO L I G H T S P E E D W I T H S TA R WA R S :

GALACTIC STARCRUISER E

ver wish you could spend the night in a galaxy far, far away? With Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, Walt Disney World’s new highly anticipated and immersive twonight experience, you finally can.

Disney’s new Galactic Starcruiser isn’t just a Star Wars hotel; it is a highly immersive experience that was built to take you on a journey. With the Galactic

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Starcruiser 2-night adventure, you’ll get about as close to entering into your own Star Wars story as you ever have.

Throughout your 2-night stay, you’ll be tasked with various hero missions and activities to complete as you become your own character in this Star Wars story in progress. Surrounded by other guests and a handful of both new and familiar characters, everyone will need your help to create alliances

and complete important missions during your stay.

During your time with the Galactic Starcruiser, your choices will determine what happens during your stay.

You’ll get the chance to wield a lightsaber and put your skills to the test with a lightsaber training session or relax with a few drinks in the Sublight Lounge. Guests can also visit the Starcruiser’s bridge to learn about its systems and how

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to operate them, including navigation and defense. Every window in the Starcruiser, including the ones in your cabin or suite, featuring a changing view of the galaxy, keeping you immersed in your story. Your stay also includes a unique entry to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, as well as the rest of Hollywood studios. With the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience, you’re no longer just a fan; you’re a part of the story.

W I N T E R H AV E N

DUNEDIN

REGIONAL NEWS & STORIES – CURATED FOR LAKELANDERS

Camp is Calling

Looking to put the razor down? The Wax Haven, located in Winter Haven, is Winter Haven’s first and only licensed wax salon. The Wax Haven focuses on putting your skin first by removing hair effectively and safely, providing you with the most comfortable hair removal process possible. A qualified and licensed esthetician will analyze and educate you on your skin to make sure you have a customary regime upon leaving that you can practice at home. You can book an appointment for your own experience now on their website. thewaxhaven.com

Camp Dunedin has begun registration for their 2022 summer camps.

The camp offers a variety of full-day and half-day activity camps for ages between 4-17, all of which will provide various activities that allow participants to stretch

TA M PA

Wax on/Wax Off

their skill sets and use their creativity. Summer camp registration takes place at the Dunedin Community Center and MLK Jr. Recreation Center and initial registration must be done in person. Camp begins May 31, 2022. dunedingov.com

Oscar Short Films The historic Tampa Theatre will be showing all of the Oscar nominated short films this year leading up to the big night, including the animated, documentary and live action short films.

It will all conclude with the big Oscar night party on March 27. The Tampa

Theatre is one of the few sanctioned theaters allowed to show the live telecast. Tickets are $11.50 for adults, or $9.50 for ages 3-12, and you can purchase tickets at the theater at 711 N Franklin St., Tampa, or online. tampatheatre.org

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STEEPED Written by Jordan Randall Photography by Emily Magdics

The tea garden has had its roots in herbalist traditions of health and wellness, today local entrepreneur, Prima Burney, is dedicated to supporting the mind, body, and soul, through these centuries-old traditions.

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To

be in good health is to be in good standing with your body, mind, and soul.

Obtaining an optimal level of wellness requires attention and focus on your needs, which can be hard to prioritize amidst the ups and downs of everyday life.

Winter Haven native, Prima Burney, created her business Open Door Wellness with you in mind. She believes that you are truly deserving of a nurturing, healthy relationship with yourself and that you are capable of achieving one as well.

Open Door Wellness began as a way for owner Prima Burney to give back to her local community and support those around her in the ways she best knew how. “Open

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Door Wellness is my offering to the community, and the goal is to support the mind, the body, and the soul,” says Burney. “We do that through our handcrafted herbal products and our yoga sessions. I am a certified 200-hour yoga teacher, but I was a certified culinary chef for over 15 years and a certified dietary manager. So I rely on that a lot within my approach to blending and mixing the herbal remedy and offerings that I make for Open Door Wellness”, continued Burney.

Burney wanted to build a business where she could utilize her skills to benefit the community around her.

With those goals in mind, she leaned into her previous life experiences and knowledge, including her practice

“OPEN DOOR WELLNESS IS MY OFFERING TO THE C O M M U N I T Y, A N D THE GOAL IS TO SUPPORT THE MIND, THE BODY AND THE S O U L .’ ’

Shop loose leaf teas, spice blends, herbal extracts and steams through the Open Door Wellness online store.

in Ayurvedam, a natural system of medicine.

Ayurveda originated in India more than 3,000 years ago, and the term Ayurveda derives from the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge). Thus, Ayurveda translates to knowledge of life. “I was pursuing some training with one of my teachers, Alex Smith, and she introduced me to Ayurveda, which is the sister science to yoga,” explains Burney.

“The whole basis of it is that they use spices and herbs for their traditional healing system, which originated out of India. I was fascinated by it. I had this light bulb moment where I knew where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do with my business, and so I started testing out teas within my yoga community, and it was very well received. So by January of the following year, in 2020, I was looking

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to transition professionally. I decided to focus on teas, there was a great demand and following for tea already in the community, and I felt like it was the easiest vehicle to get herbal wellness directly in people’s hands.”

Along with her handcrafted herbal products, Burney attributes yoga as being a significant contributor to her wellness journey. Yoga, which is a practice that attempts to bring harmony between the body and the mind, is something that Burney offers through Open Door Wellness via private group classes or one-on-one sessions. “Yoga has been instrumental in my wellness journey,” says Burney.

“It is the modality that I connected to when my life was in this sort of upside-down energy. And I found this place on the yoga mat where I could quiet my mind that I had not experienced anywhere else before. I

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found this place of stillness, and I was blown away?

Burney also quickly realized in her yoga journey that as a black woman, she wanted to help bring this healing practice to her community. “Being a woman of color, I was often the only person that looked like me in this space, and I just thought, “This should be reaching way more people. I hope to make it a safe space for other people who look like me to feel welcome.

Because we all deserve wellness, we all deserve to have something in our life that takes us from surviving to thriving.”

Open Door Wellness first opened shop in 2020, right before the pandemic. After making some noise at local markets, when everything shut down in mid-March, Burney was forced to not only pivot but rely on her local community for support.

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“Once everything began closing down in 2020 due to the pandemic, I dedicated a lot of effort to show up to markets that were no longer happening.

I had to figure out what was next for the business, and soon after, the few connections I made locally and the people I now call friends and family began to show up and support me during that time”, tells Burney.

That support carried Burney and Open Door Wellness throughout the pandemic and into a new season of markets. One that brought her to Lakeland, where she was met with an overwhelming amount of support.

“When the markets started to open up again, I was able to get into Buena Market in Lakeland. And they were amazing. I was literally blown away at how the community was showing up and shopping in Lakeland, and

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“BEING A FEMALE OF COLOR, I WAS O F T E N T H E O N LY PERSON LIKE ME IN T H AT S PAC E A N D I JUST THOUGHT “THIS SHOULD BE R E AC H I N G WAY M O R E P E O P L E .”

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“ I W A S L I T E R A L LY B LO W N AWAY AT H O W THE COMMUNITY WAS SHOWING UP AND SHOPPING IN LAKELAND, AND IT OPENED MY EYES U P T O W H AT W A S R E A L LY HAPPENING IN POLK C O U N T Y, W H I C H I S A M O V E M E N T .”

Yoga Class offerings include Yin Yoga, Chair Yoga, Classic Yoga and Yoga for Pain Relief.

it opened my eyes up to what was happening in Polk County, a movement.

And I’m so grateful and proud to be a part of it.”

Not only was the Lakeland community so supportive of Burney and Open Door Wellness, but she has been able to find support from other entrepreneurs and creative leaders by joining Catapult, which has been fulfilling in more ways than one.

“I joined Catapult, and it has just been amazing to be a part of the community there,” says Burney. “I feel like it’s been such a symbiotic relationship, anything that they can do to pour into myself or the other Catapult members, they’re stepping up to do that. So it’s just been a blessing, and I’m grateful.”

Throughout the whirlwind of the last few years, Burney is just grateful to be here still, thriving and making a difference with Open Door Wellness.

She doesn’t take those early days at the markets for granted, sitting and talking with community members as they pass through. All of it has been important

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to Burney and instrumental to the relationship she’s grown into with her local community here in Polk County. No matter what the sales reflected, Burney was available to have conversations with the community.

She is grateful for those days when she would pop up at markets and share her passion for what she was doing to let people know that this is so much bigger than simply placing herbs in a bag. “I’m infusing this with every intention for all good, for each individual I come across through Open Door Wellness,” says Burney.

Looking forward, Burney wants to continue to grow in possibilities with Open Door Wellness, evolving the way she offers her products and services to reach even more community members.

She’s excited to grow Open Door Wellness to a mobile retail space that offers drinks. Since testing their drinks concepts at Catapult pop-ups and markets, they have had a great response, and so this next step would be a natural evolution for Open Door Wellness. “But our long-term goal would be to own some land and grow a majority of the herbs that we’re using to make our products. That is really where I see Open Door Wellness going long term”, says Burney.

opendoorwell.com @ opendoorwellness_wh

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“Just like I am local, I want to do business with a local bank, and Wauchula being a institution that’s family-owned, that’s local, I get the best of both worlds - the personal service that I want for my business, but I also am supporting a local bank, that in turn, is supporting me.”

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Welcome Home!

Lakeland’s premier adult community.

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Board-certified Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgeon DR. TAREK GARAS and his team specialize in comprehensive Gynecologic services for all stages of life, as well as minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, advanced robotic surgery, and the latest treatment options for incontinence and other common pelvic floor disorders.

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For more information or to make an appointment, please call 863-680-7312 or visit www.WatsonClinic.com/Garas.

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summer seafood IN

THE

SOUTH

Summer is here, and it is all about fish, shrimp, and even the seafood boil. In the next few pages, Chef DeMarco Carlton shares his modern approach to southern cuisine.

Written by Sally I. Barcelo Recipes by Chef DeMarco Carlton Photos by Dan Austin Food Styling by Keila Rivera Prop Styling by Hannah Fenclau

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There is something special about summer seafood in the South. For these recipes, we are merging the love of the South and seafood together.

Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, with family in Polk County, Executive Chef DeMarco Carlton spent his childhood between these two southern cities surrounded by fresh seafood and southern cuisine. “Cooking was a part of my life growing up, from my grandmother, mother, and father - they were all talented cooks who inspired me to do what I do,” says Chef Carlton.

Carlton’s career spans some of Lakeland’s most prestigious dining experiences, from The Terrace Hotel to his current role as Executive Chef at The Lakeland Country Club. For him,

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it’s the blend between his classical training as a Chef and his roots where he allows his creativity to shine in some ways. “...to recreate southern comfort food into fine dining experiences is special because people enjoy this modern approach more than expected,” explains Carlton.

Like every other form of art, the culinary arts have evolved over time. In the past decade, chefs worldwide have found new ways to enjoy southern cuisine - one of them being through fine dining experiences. These culinary developments don’t forsake the past by any measure; instead, they give it the recognition it deserves in the present.

We hope this spring/summer you enjoy these elevated-traditional southern seafood dishes.

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Modelo Especial is a rich, full-flavored pilsner lager which pairs perfectly with dish.

Jumbo Shrimp with Cajun Grits and Tasso Gravy For the shrimp: 4 jumbo shrimp 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1 tablespoon cayenne 1 tablespoon coriander 1 tablespoon granulated garlic 1 tablespoon dried thyme Salt to taste For the gravy: 1/4 cup diced Tasso Ham 1 teaspoon freshly minced garlic 2 tablespoons finely chopped jalapeños 2 laurel leaves 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup whole milk 1/4 cup diced tomatoes 1 tablespoon chopped parsley For the grits: 2 cups Carolina Gold Stone ground grits 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 4 cups water Freshly cracked black pepper to taste For the shrimp, combine the smoked paprika, cayenne, granulated coriander garlic, dried thyme, and salt. Season the shrimp with the ingredients listed above and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until the shrimp are done. Remove shrimp and set aside.

For the gravy, in the same pan; add butter Tasso ham, fresh garlic, chopped jalapeños, and Laurel leaves. Singer with flour, add milk and bring to a boil, stir and add diced tomatoes and fresh parsley.

For the grits, add stone-ground grits, butter, salt, and pepper to boiling water. Cook for 1 hour or until grits are soft. Arrange shrimp on top of the Grits, then add gravy. Adjust flavor to desired taste and serve.

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Pan-seared Halibut with Chinese black rice pilaf, tomato ragout, and charred French beans F O R T H E PA N - S E A R E D H A LI B U T 6 oz fresh wild-caught halibut 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon Plugra unsalted butter 4 sprigs of fresh dill F O R T H E B L AC K R IC E PI LA F : 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 fine shallot dice 1 1/2 cups Chinese black rice 1 tablespoon fresh thyme 2 1/2 cups & 1 teaspoon of broth or stock (veggie or chicken) 1 tablespoon minced fresh Garlic 1 laurel leaf 2 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley Salt and pepper to taste F O R T H E T O M AT O RAG O U T: 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil 1 shallot fine diced 3 sprigs fresh thyme 1/2 cup heavy cream 2 cloves minced garlic 3 pints cherry tomatoes halved 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar 1/2 cup julienned basil F O R T H E C H A R RE D FRE N C H BE A NS: 1 lb french green beans (trimmed) 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 large garlic clove, minced Salt and pepper to taste

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FOR THE PAN -S E ARE D HAL I B UT Pat halibut fillets dry. Sprinkle them on both sides with salt and pepper.

Over medium-high, prepare a heavy pan with olive oil, and one tablespoon of Plugra unsalted butter is melted but not browned; then turn the heat down to low. Place the fillets in the pan and cook for about 4 minutes. Don't move the fillets until they're ready to flip. Use a thin metal spatula to test the fish, they should release themselves from the pan by gently shaking them. If you can slide the spatula under the fish without the fish sticking to the pan, it's ready to flip. If the fillets won't release, give them another 30 seconds. They'll release when they've finished cooking.

After flipping, divide the remaining 1 tablespoon Plugra over both fillets. Cook fish for another 2-3 minutes until done. Fish will be golden on both the top and bottom and opaque all the way through when done. Transfer the fish to plates, pouring the remaining butter over the fish.

FOR THE TOMATO RAGOUT: Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat and add garlic and shallots, stirring until golden and fragrant, about 4 -5 minutes. Add rice and thyme; saute for 3-4 minutes. Add stock and Laurel leaf.

Bring to a simmer. Cover, turn heat to low, and cook 35-40 minutes or until all the liquid has evaporated and rice is tender—season with salt and pepper to your desired taste. Garnish with parsley.

FOR THE TOMATO RAGOUT: Heat a pan over high heat, add olive oil and allow to warm for a few seconds. Add shallots and fresh thyme, cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add garlic, tomatoes, and heavy cream. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until tomatoes have softened and juice is released. Add balsamic and fresh basil simmering for another 8 minutes—season to taste with smoked Himalayan sea salt and fresh cracked pepper.

FOR THE CHARRE D FRE N CH B E AN S : Coat green beans in olive oil. Heat a large pan on high heat, add green beans. Spread green beans out in a single layer and cook for 3 minutes.

Turn green beans and cook for 1 minute. Lower heat to medium and add garlic, cook green beans and garlic for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to desired taste.

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Broiled Stuffed Unicornfish 2 pounds Unicornfish fillets 2 tablespoons minced garlic 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon 2 tablespoons Coleman's dry mustard 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs 1/2 cup finely chopped shallots 1/4 cup finely chopped baby shrimp 1/4 cup lobster claw meat 1/4 cup crab claw meat 1/2 cup double egg mayonnaise, 1/2 tablespoon cayenne pepper 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup white wine Salt and pepper to taste

Season fish with salt and pepper. Over high heat, quickly sear fillets for 1 minute on each side. Remove from heat and reserve the fish on a grease broiler pan.

In that same hot pan, add the remaining tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil, sauté the shallots, fresh garlic, and tarragon until translucent (be careful not to burn the garlic). Add the baby shrimp and sauté for two minutes, then add all cooked claw meat, lobster, and shrimp.

Deglaze the pan with white wine.

Unicornfish are herbivores that live in tropical waters around coral reefs and are part of the surgeonfish family, Acanthuridae.

Add remaining ingredients to a mixing bowl and add seafood mixture. Mix thoroughly, adjust salt and pepper to desired taste. Layer mixture over the fish, bake for 8 minutes at 425° or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

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Pair this traditional dessert with an after-dinner sip, such as cognac.

Spiced Apples in Cast Iron with Caramel Crème & Shortbread Crumble 3/4 cups diced Braeburn apples (peeled) 8 ea Ceylon cinnamon sticks 1 cup lemongrass tea 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon allspice 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup softened butter 1/2 cup flour 1/2 French vanilla bean

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In a heavy cast-iron skillet, combine diced Braeburn apples, Ceylon cinnamon sticks, lemongrass tea, ground ginger, and heavy cream. Bring saucepan ingredients to a rolling boil and reduce them by half, set aside, and reserve.

Add flour, allspice, softened butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar to a medium-sized bowl and mix well.

Drop quarter-size pieces over apple mixture and bake until golden brown at 375* or 15 minutes. Serve warm with French vanilla ice cream.

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James Boley 863-400-7460 3615 S Florida Ave, Lakeland geico.com/lakeland-boley ¡Hablamos Español!

Limitations apply. See geico.com for more details. GEICO & affiliates. Washington, DC 20076 © 2021 GEICO

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Written by Sally Ibarra Barceló Photography by Dan Austin

NuJak Companies is leading the way in the construction industry through its people-first culture in business and beyond.

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Founded in Lakeland by Frank Kendrick in 1992, NuJak Companies is one of the leading full-service construction companies in the state of Florida. Today, NuJak Companies is led and operated by father and son duo Frank and Brandon Kendrick.

Celebrating 30 years in business, the Kendrick’s entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for building community continues to be the driving force behind NuJak. As a full-service, minority-certified (MBE) construction company, NuJak specializes in providing pre-construction, construction management, design-

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build, and general contracting services.

Headquartered in Lakeland, NuJak has offices in Central Florida, Tampa, South Florida, and North Florida.

“I grew up in a construction industry household; my father was a contractor. In some ways, I was raised on a construction site, around industry conversations with decisions being made regarding construction topics quite often,” tells Frank.

In his younger years, Frank never thought he’d be a contractor or pursue a career in construction, but the idea of building something from the ground up always piqued his interest. “Watching that

NuJak’s team members have 100 years of combined experience in the field delivering projects on time, on budget, and of the highest quality.

process was always somewhat interesting to me. Whether it was a renovation or a different kind of project, I would always enjoy watching where [my father] began through the final stage and completion of any project.”

Frank and his dad talked about this “game plan” to start a company together in West Palm Beach, where Frank grew up, instead life led him to Lakeland. In 1989, Frank became the first in his family to graduate college with a Bachelor’s degree in Building Construction from the University of Florida, where he met his wife. Frank’s wife and her family were from Lakeland, so when his in-laws had a family accident that burned down their home, Frank and his wife moved to Lakeland to build them a new home. What was supposed to be a temporary relocation became NuJak’s first project. Since then, NuJak has grown to one of the largest minority-owned construction firms in Central Florida.

Brandon Kendrick’s role as President/ Chief Financial Officer for NuJak Companies wasn’t an obvious career path for him, regardless of the family business.

“I was always a numbers guy, and I didn’t

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FRA N K KE N DRICK

Founder & CEO NuJak Companies

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The operable roof on the IST building consists of a series of hydraulically activated brise-soleil. The louvers are individually controlled and programmed to follow the course of the sun throughout the day.

necessarily share the same passion for the construction industry,” says Brandon.

After high school, Brandon continued his education and received his master’s degree in Accounting from Liberty University, a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Florida Atlantic University, and eventually a certificate in construction management from Florida Atlantic University. He is also certified with Ameritrade Investment Certificate Program. Although Brandon’s passion was in the sports industry, a series of life experiences led him back to NuJak Companies. “I love sports so much that it was such a tough decision. I prayed about [the opportunity] at NuJak, and there were just different things that happened; I honestly felt like everything was divine.

I felt led by God that this was what I was supposed to do,” tells Brandon.

Brandon’s role at NuJak has been pivotal to using the most modern technology and processes to drive efficiency and continuing to reinforce the company values and family legacy within the company and beyond. “One of my favorite reminders from Frank is “Without vision, people perish,” says Brandon.

These values have carried the company through since its inception. One of NuJak’s most significant projects early on was a remodeling project for “The Lakeland Civic Center,” also known as the RP Funding Center. The Assistant City Manager at the time invited Frank to be a part of the ad hoc committee to make sure that minorities were involved with the

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construction of the community and the project was inclusive in its nature.

Then, their next significant project was a lead from a community leader, Mr. Don Williams. Williams connected Frank to the CEO of MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, which led him to a bid opportunity for the construction of a new MIDFLORIDA branch. Frank closed on the project and offered excellent client experience and services, setting the foundation for a twentyseven-year business relationship with MIDFLORIDA. NuJak’s client services are cutting-edge compared to industry standards.

NuJak implements a human-centered design approach across its team and offers clients the best experience possible. NuJak prides itself in its reputation by ensuring they keep all lines of communication open with clients and makes them collaborators throughout the project’s process. “Not surprisingly, our commitment to excellence has resulted in over 90% of our clients choosing us for their next project and referral leads,” says Frank.

For the past five years, NuJak has partnered with Southeastern University, the fastest-growing private Christian university in the country, on a $40M+ capital expansion program. NuJak has built a new 3,500 seat Football Stadium amongst six other buildings at Southeastern.

In 2011, NuJak was awarded their largest project when they became one of the two construction firms in Florida chosen to build the iconic 162,000 square foot Innovation, Science, and Technology (IST) building for Florida Polytechnic University. The building was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Completed in September 2014, with an overall budget of $107 million, Florida’s 12th and the newest public university is focused on STEM technologies. To date, the IST building has earned more than 20 architectural and engineering awards since its completion and has been featured in numerous publications.

The “New Jack” essence is a person who looks for opportunities, sees the opportunities in front of them, innovates, and is a leader. “Back in my day, they called our generation the “New Jack” generation. It means being a trail trailblazer and a pioneer,” explains Frank. It was after a conversation between Frank and a close friend where Frank mentioned his idea to start

TH E L A K E L A N D E R

“...SUCCESS [IS] ABOUT BEING WHO GOD CREATED ME TO BE AND SETTING THE WORLD ON FIRE THROUGH GENEROSITY. IT’S ABOUT MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS”

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a construction company and his friend said to him, “Oh man, you’re going to be the New Jack of Lakeland,” so then that was the name Frank thought of when another person asked for the name of his new company.

Today, the Kendrick’s have made it their personal and professional mission to honor their namesake and “blaze trails” beyond the company’s business ventures. They are passionate about making the path more accessible for those that follow, especially minorities.

NuJak has had the opportunity to open many doors in areas that weren’t always accessible to minorities and create

opportunities for themselves and other minorities in the construction industry. They have been certified by the National Minority Supplier Development Council since 2001 and by the Office of Supplier Diversity since 2007.

NuJak believes in being a good corporate citizen by staying involved in the community giving to causes of education and empowerment. By 2007, NuJak began offering scholarships to minority students in Polk County who had aspirations in construction.

Frank Kendrick is known for his creativity, innovation, and standard of excellence. He is also a motivational speaker on financial

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stewardship, vision, and servant leadership.

“At NuJak, we want to give back and help youth imagine a future different from the one they’re coming home to every day,” says Frank.”

For Frank, success is embodied through accomplishing goals in front of him which can be interchangeable, “But one thing that never changes is my desire to please God. Mark 8:36 says, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” I am convinced that the core focus of Heaven is people. If I’m going to be successful in the grand scheme of life, it’s only when I’m an extension of God’s arm doing work for His people. The highest honor is to one day hear God say, “Well done.”

Brandon adds, “I feel successful when I achieve goals and can provide for my family, but success means so much more than that.

It’s about being who God created me to be and setting the world on fire through generosity. It’s about making a difference in the lives of others...I’ve always been a passionate giver. Personally, this is when I feel the most successful”.

For NuJak, success is about maintaining the happiness and satisfaction of their clients as they continue to build and serve their relationships. “Having the ability to create opportunities, provide jobs for the community, and give back in meaningful ways is a success. Recruiting impactfully, fostering, valuing, and rewarding teamwork while remaining intentional about building culture helps our company achieve sustainable success as a team. We realize that some people may never visit a church, so it is our desire that God will reconcile people to Himself through us,” says Frank.

NuJak Companies 717 N Kentucky Ave Lakeland, FL 33801 863.686.1565 nujak.com

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speaking in dance

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Written by Jordan Randall Photography by Cole Adams

Local Motive, a growing dance community invites Lakelanders from all walks of life to experience Central Florida’s dance scene and express themselves through rhythmic movement.

Everybody has a little dance in them. It’s the reason we tap our foot to that song on the overhead speakers while in line at the grocery store. It’s the reason we bob our heads to our favorite hits in the car. It’s the reason why cleaning the kitchen is so much easier with that playlist you made.

Dancing is in our blood. It’s an expression through movement that can put us in our most vulnerable and our most freeing state. If words are how our minds and hearts speak, then dance is how our bodies get a word in.

Dancing is communal, and Local Motive is here to shine a light on it in Lakeland.

Local Motive is a collection of dancers here in Lakeland, Florida, who want to see a thriving dance community in Polk County. Selfproclaimed ambassadors of dance, Local Motive exists to form a bridge between dancers and nondancers alike, exposing Lakeland to the dance culture that already exists here in Central Florida. “At its core, Local Motive is a space where people can experience the dance scene of Florida,” said Freddie Taylor, a member of Local Motive.

“We want to bring the talent from the surrounding areas like Tampa and Orlando to Lakeland and expose the dancers and nondancers alike to the culture.”

DANCING IS IN OUR BLOOD. IT’S AN EXPRESSION through movement THAT CAN PUT US IN OUR MOST VULNERABLE AND OUR MOST FREEING STATE. Exposing everyone to the culture of dance has been on Local Motive’s collective mind for a few years now. Still, things didn’t really start to take off until July 2021, after attending a summer night block party put on

by Buena Market in Lakeland.

“It was our first time attending a Buena Market event, and when we showed up, this local DJ, T. Couture, was playing hit after hitwe couldn’t help ourselves,” said Taylor. “We all started to dance, and before we knew it, the sun was down, a few hours had passed, and it felt like we were dancing with the whole city. After that, the team behind Buena Market approached

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us about coming back and being an official part of future events.”

And Local Motive, a play on the word locomotive (referencing the train that runs through Lakeland to surrounding cities), was born.

Local Motive is all about bringing people together, right here in Lakeland, to celebrate dance.

“We want to bring everything to Lakeland,” Taylor expressed. “Being right between Tampa and Orlando, cities with established dance communities, we want to bring those communities here and show them that this is a city that they are missing, and create a middle ground for surrounding areas to come to and dance with each other.”

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“the mission

WAS ALWAYS TO BRING DANCE TO LAKELAND,”

Before Local Motive, the dance communities in Tampa and Orlando proved to be major creative outlets for members of the local dance crew, providing dancing inspiration and motivation for years, along with the thought that someday they could build something like that themselves, here in Lakeland.

“The dance communities in both Tampa and Orlando have been major inspirations for most of us in Local Motive ever since any of us arrived in Lakeland (however many years ago),” said Caleb Jimenez, a member of Local Motive. “By being exposed to [these Central Florida dance communities] pretty early on, our dance journey sort of took off, and we’ve grown a lot by watching them and attending events in both cities. I don’t think any of us really knew what we were actually capable of before witnessing them do their thing, and we owe a lot to them.”

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Well, dreams do come true.

Fast forward to February 2022, and Local Motive has officially hosted their very own event, “For The Love of Dance,” right here in Lakeland. The event took place at Union Hall on February 11th and was done in collaboration with the team behind Buena Market. The event was completely free to attend and was Local Motive’s way of officially “dipping their toes” into the dance scene in Lakeland.

“The mission was always to bring dance to Lakeland,” said Taylor. “With our first event, I feel like we did that and then some.

But of course, we were nervous.

I’d compare it to trying a recipe for the first time and inviting everyone you know and their friends over for dinner. You’re not sure who’s going actually to show up or if they’ll even like what you’ve made. Thankfully, the event was more of a success for our community than I think any of us could have anticipated.”

TH E L A K E L A N D E R

THE LOVE OF

DANCE

local motive

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UNION HALL

2/11

2022

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GO AHEAD AND TRY NOT TO SMILE WHILE YOU WATCH SOMEONE DANCE. IT’LL BE PRETTY HARD IF YOU’RE BEING HONEST WITH YOURSELF. THAT’S BECAUSE DANCE IS JOYFUL. IT IS BOTH PERFORMATIVE AND HONEST. I SS U E 73

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It’s true. The event was a smash, and Union Hall was packed out with both dancers and non-dancers alike. Even members of the Tampa and Orlando dance communities made the drive to check out what was going on that night here in Lakeland. And really, it’s not often your exact target audience of everyone who shows up to the event you’re putting on, but the stars seemed to align for this one.

Truthfully, it can be challenging to market an event like this. Most people would not brand themselves “dancers,” and dancing, though it is communal in nature, can strike nerves in a number of people when simply spoken of. But the mission of Local Motive is straightforward: bring everyone to the dance circle.

And somehow, it’s working. “ Local Motive’s target audience has always been everyone. We just want to show people there’s more to do in Lakeland besides boutiques. You don’t have to dance to feel at ease [when attending] an event like ours.

But also, there are a lot of hidden dancers in the area looking for a lowpressure outlet to express themselves, and I think we’ve provided a space for them to let loose.”

Go ahead and try not to smile while you watch someone dance. It’ll be pretty hard if you’re being honest with yourself. That’s because dance is joyful. It is both performative and honest. And when expressed in a safe and healthy environment, it is life-giving. Local Motive exists to create a genuine connection with people through the expression of dance, and it is truthfully a joy to watch as they bring Lakeland along with them.

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@ localmotivedance

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PEOPLE

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Rising Above The Noise Cassandra Dorsaint’s personal and professional experiences have shaped her passion for helping the lives of the most marginalized and vulnerable to be heard, seen, and celebrated.

Written by Victoria Bardega Photography by Joshua Mcfarquhar

ike many who call our swan city home today, Cassandra Dorsaint, came to this city for college. But little did she know, Lakeland would mark a significant ground of growth in her life.

In the fall of 2013, she walked into her freshman year at Southeastern University.

Originally from Naples, Florida, she was inspired to venture off to Lakeland after watching her older brother come home from college seemingly different. “[He had this] strengthened love for God,” she recalls.

As the youngest of six children, it was that strengthened love that empowered her to follow in her brother’s footsteps. She graduated from Southeastern University with her Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership and Practical Ministries and also went on to complete her Master’s degree in Business Administration.

When it comes to Education, the motivation she cultivated for it early on was all attributed to her parents and their story

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of coming to the United States to pursue the American Dream.

“I am a first-generation HaitianAmerican [who] was raised by two immigrant parents,” she shares. Her parents migrated and labored to build their own business of serving the mentally disabled–a business they still successfully manage today that focuses on helping their community.

Having started at zero, Cassandra found so much wisdom through the investment of her parents’ efforts to build from the ground up.

“My dedicated mother and father valued Education. [My father] would [often] share– “Education is the passport to life.

The world can discriminate against you if they so choose, but your Education has the opportunity to allow you to not only get your foot in the door but stand toe-to-toe with anyone, regardless of what you look like or where you come from,’” she remembers.

She looks back at her upbringing and notes that her parents’ sacrifices and love for people are what brought her to do more

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than just serve her own community…but advocate for them, too.

“I grew up with a consistent affirmation of the things I can accomplish in this world.

But, once I left the nest of my parents, unbeknownst to me, I was told for the first time that I couldn’t do or acquire my aspirations because I am a woman, and at that–a black woman,” she admits.

When it comes to her personal interactions with the racial tensions that still exist in the world today, she shares, “[she] quickly understood that to the world [she] was at the bottom of the totem pole, and [she] started to believe it.”

More than ever, Cassandra developed a passion for empowering young women to know their value and has become a voice that champions people from all walks of life, especially people of color.

“With so much racial tension and discrimination, [in the past] I often found

“I grew up with a consistent affirmation of the things I can accomplish in this world. But, once I left the nest of my parents, unbeknownst to me, I was told for the first time that I couldn’t do or acquire my aspirations because I am a woman, and at that–a black woman,”

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myself asking God why He made me black,” Cassandra Dorsaint shares candidly.

After experiencing personal growth and development, she notes she not only finds a renewed sense of pride in her roots, but she has also found a drive to make sure all have a seat at the table in every arena, profession, and conversation.

While working on her Education at Southeastern University, Cassandra served in leadership roles that supported the establishment of crucial departments on campus: the Department of Multicultural Affairs and an I.F. Gathering Chapter.

During that time, she cultivated strong connections, something that Lakeland continues to offer. She learned the value in hearing the needs of others in diverse realms, and with that, she shares she has “had the opportunities to build both programs and initiatives to help the most marginalized and vulnerable to be heard, seen, and celebrated.”

Most recently, her career led to her current position within the community that is bringing tangible, life-changing support to struggling families. As Regional Director of Partnerships for the nonprofit organization, One More Child, Cassandra uses her platform and desire to serve others by strategizing ways to reach children and families—primarily in minority communities.

“Bundles” was launched this last month as one of One More Child’s newest initiatives that Cassandra has helped present and advocate for. After learning hair care products are one of the greatest needs for sex trafficking victims, Cassandra and her team proposed a campaign to raise funds and hair care product donations to provide

Last year, One More Child had the privilege of serving 324,409 children across their five programs.

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S O L D

N L AKE L AND

S O L D

SE L AKE L AND

“Having these people in our corner who champion us, inspire us, and motivate us to grow into the people we are called to be, affects the difference we make in others’ lives along our journey.”

– CASSANDRA DORSAINT

for girls of color in foster care, single moms, and family support programs.

Being a woman of color, hair care products are noticeably more expensive and can be more challenging to find.

But through initiatives like this one that Cassandra has become passionate about advocating for, women of color within the trafficking community can receive these resources as an empowering message of selfcare to help bring support to the needs of these women. “[Everyone is] worth a seat at the table,” she concurs. And this same mantra is what continues to fuel her love for the tight-knit community she discovered in moving to Lakeland.

“The people I have met have impacted me most here in Lakeland. They have helped me become the person I am today,” shares

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WHEN YOU LOOK GOOD, YOU FEEL GOOD. Belle La Vie Spa & Salon offers a unique and enjoyable experience that caters to all your relaxation and beautification needs. We pride ourselves on our dedication to please our clients by offering the utmost customer service and an exquisite array of treatments performed by our skilled professionals.

“My salon brings a Miami vibe/attitude to Polk County and aims to make your inner beauty match your outer beauty. I am originally from Nassau Bahamas and have been creating fabulous hair color and hair extensions for 14 wonderful years. I enjoy getting to know my clients and creating the best look for each of them – it is very rewarding to see my clients’ transformations. I love my career! When I am not in my salon, you can find me traveling, exploring and learning so that I may bring back the latest trends to my clients.

Bienvenue A’ Belle La Vie! Welcome to a beautiful life!”

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863.617.5408 bellelaviesalonandspa1@gmail.com I SS U E 73

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Cassandra, as she thinks about the journey that has led her to such a priceless time in her career.

It takes a village - a whole village - to stir positive influence and impact. Having these people in our corner who champion us, inspire us, and motivate us to grow into the people we are called to be, affects the difference we make in others’ lives along our journey. When it comes to the people who have inspired her efforts to empower others, she “can name so many from mentors in college, to business owners, leaders, influencers, and even students that have changed [her] life for the better.”

Throughout history and culture, women of color have stood in the gap for so many others to feel seen and heard. They have marched through unknowns, faced the hardships of being underestimated and discriminated against, and have still paved the way for future generations to find freedom in the color of their skin.

“I wasn’t always proud to be black, but now I am. I now have a revelation that this is the skin God put me in intentionally…” she expresses. “I am inspired most by [people of color] because throughout history, we as a people have come out on top, despite [all of the opposition].”

We rise above to bring others above.

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MESSIEH ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC

MESSIEH ORTHOPEDIC CLINIC Leader in anterior hip replacement in Central Florida since 1991 Less-invasive surgery for the active patient looking for a quick recovery and a quicker return to work

Leader in anterior hip replacement in Central Florida since 1991 Less-invasive surgery for the active patient looking for a quick recovery and a quicker return to work.

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Two Locations 1601 Sixth Street SE Winter Haven, FL 33880 863.419.9301 3200 Physicians Way Sebring, FL 33880 863.471.9700

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We see things through your eyes.

Accountability is the Schwab way.

At Schwab, we hold ourselves accountable for your satisfaction.

It’s why we offer a Satisfaction Guarantee, which ensures that if you’re ever dissatisfied with us, we’ll refund your fee and work with you to make things right. You won’t find that kind of promise everywhere, but you will find it here.

Lydia Boyd Branch Leader

Get started at schwab.com/lakeland

6419 S. Florida Ave., #103 Lakeland, FL 33813 863-450-3272

If you are not completely satisfied for any reason, at your request Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”), Charles Schwab Bank (“Schwab Bank”), or another Schwab affiliate, as applicable, will refund any eligible fee related to your concern within the required time frames. Schwab reserves the right to change or terminate the guarantee at any time. Go to schwab.com/satisfaction to learn what’s included and how it works. © 2022 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) Member SIPC. All rights reserved.

(1120-0JP6) SCH4953-13 (1/22)

Since 1972 We’ve treated them like family.

Vegan + Nontoxic gels & polishes · Sculpted gel · Gel-X paintnailbar.com 863.777.2947 hellolakeland@paintnailbar.com 1486 Town Center Drive Lakeland, FL 33803

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• Comprehensive Medical Services • Professionsal Grooming & Stying • Comfortable & Spacious Lodging • AAHA Accredited 3710 Cleveland Heights Boulevard 863.646.2995 pethospital.com

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Marshall Jewelers COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL/NATURAL GAS | LP/APPLIANCES-PIPING-REPAIRS

New Location!

2058 E Edgewood Dr | Lakeland, Fl 33803

863.682.4725

863.224.2354 INFO@ALTERNATIVEGASCONSTRUCTION.COM PO BOX 9461 WINTER HAVEN, FL 33883-9461

marshalljewelerslakeland.com

The Lakeland Air Conditioning Company • 863.859.4090 I SS U E 73

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HISTORY

Children volunteer at the Lake Alfred Garden Club 1969 Photo courtesy of the Lakeland Public Library

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This is

your

shot to make a difference!

I’m proud to join over 63% of the country who has been fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. The COVID-19 vaccines are the most effective means for avoiding severe illness and hospitalization, and they’re readily available at no cost to you.

To schedule an appointment, please call 863-680-7190 or submit a request through your MyChart Patient Portal account.

Watson Clinic Main 1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd.

Lakeland, FL 33805