The Lakelander - Issue 37 by The Lakelander

ISSU E 37

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OUR ANNUAL CELEBR AT ION OF L AKEL ANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CR AF TSMEN AND ART ISTS

Style Game THE SOMMER BUILDING MASTERING THE ROAST TO WALK AMONG AMERICAN REALITY

We know you want the very best for your child. So do we. Our pediatricians and care team provide expert guidance when your child is ill, along with well check-ups and preventive care to help your child stay as healthy as possible.

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Trestlewood Eleven Polk County locations to serve you! 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

Frostproof Ft. Meade 500 N. Scenic Hwy. 1401 Hwy. 17 N. (863) 635-2645 (863) 285-9757

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

Auburndale 521 Hughes Rd. (863) 967-6602

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

Haines City 35495 Hwy. 27 (863) 422-3144 1350 N. Broadway (US 98) Bartow (863) 533-1611

LAKELAND • 2018

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C O N T E N T S ISSUE 37

ON THE COVER This year, The Orlando Magic revealed the Lakeland Magic G League team. In this issue, meet some team players for a glimpse of their off-court style. Photo by Dan Austin.

THE LAKELANDER

We don’t just help build long-term wealth. We form long-lasting relationships.

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THE CORE TEAM: THE CORE TEAM: Chuck Foss • Nathan Dunham • Andrew Foss • Paul Weaver Chuck Foss • Nathan Dunham • Andrew Foss • Matte Diaz • Paul Weaver • Angela Newell Matte Diaz • Michael Ehlenbeck • Eric Powell • Lisa Burton • Angela Newell

231 N KENTUCKY AVE • STE 217 • LAKELAND, FLORIDA 33801

CONTENTS

60 FEATURES

48 • STYLE

60 • TASTE

74 • SHELTER

88 • PHILANTHROPY

STYLE GAME

Mastering the Roast

The Sommer Building

To Walk Among

Lakeland Magic basketball players, suited in off-court style

Honing your kitchen skills, for holiday meal perfection

Heidi and Mike Campbell renovated this historic building into a business, high-end venue space, and home

The many ways Gospel Inc. continues to improve the lives of local homeless

HOLIDAY PARTY READY SERVICES

Surgical Procedures of the Body, Breast & Face Non-Surgical facial rejuvenation with Botox, Juvederm, Voluma, Volbello, Belotero and Laser Treatments

Dr. Jacob Gerzenshtein is a leading Lakeland, FL plastic surgeon who is dedicated to the pursuit of surgical perfection and complete patient satisfaction. Jacob Gerzenshtein, MD, is a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon who is board certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He takes great pride in his reputation as one of the most highly skilled plastic surgeons in Central Florida. Dr. G treats each patient seeking cosmetic surgery with the utmost attentiveness and dedication, an approach that consistently delivers outstanding aesthetic results.

Call to Schedule your appointment (863) 647-2200 or visit our website fineryou.com Finer You PA, Dr. Gerzenshtein 4429 Florida National Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813

CONTENTS

100 • PEOPLE

American Reality How three influential local immigrants brought their dreams to life

special section

116 • HOME

Underneath Antiquity & Possibility

Scout & Tag’s refurbished furniture, plus unique and rare finds

124 • STYLE

Wolves Run In Packs A local clothing company with a fresh twist on what style means

132 • TASTE

Third Wave Coffee Concord Coffee’s selection and honest roasting process

140 • ART

Blossomed Laura Helm expands possibilities for special events with Helm Florals and stunning floral arrangements

100

132

DEPARTMENTS

THE LAKELANDER

20 • MASTHEAD

24 • CONTRIBUTORS

22 • EDITOR’S NOTE

26 • LETTERS

30 • METRO

EMBRACE THE

UPSIDE OF RISK

With the help of local advisors and comprehensive insurance programs you can explore the upside of your business risk and turn problems into possibilities.

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BRANDON LEGAL GROUP

Curt Patterson Jason Jacobs • Brandon Patterson PUBLISHER

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS

Brandon Patterson

Kristin Crosby

Daniel Barceló

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

EDITOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Advertising ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ADVERTISING SALES

A Full Service Law Firm

Editorial

& Family Law Mediation Center

CONTRIBUTORS

Family Law & Divorce,

COPY EDITOR

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Bankruptcy, Business Law, & Real Estate Law

VP, FINANCE EDITORIAL INTERN SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN

Anushka van Huyssteen Dan Austin, Daniel Barceló, John Kazaklis, Jordan Randall, Tina Sargeant, Naomi Vacaro, Jordan Weiland Deb Patterson Emily Johnson Allie Bernatek

Circulation

Melissa A. Gravitt

Available by Appointment

Abdiel Gonzalez, Abigail Jarvis, Christian Lee, Adam Spafford, Benjamin Vickers Laura Burke

Creative

Criminal Law,

Lakeland Of�ice

Curt Patterson | 863.409.2449 Brandon Patterson | 863.409.2447 Jason Jacobs | 863.606.8785 Dale C. Kimsey | 863.640.1129

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR GENERAL COUNSEL

Jason Jacobs Ted W. Weeks IV

Issue 37 - November/December 2017 The Lakelander is published bimonthly by Patterson Jacobs Publishing, 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.

Patterson Jacobs

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

Brandon Of�ice 20

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E D I T O R ’ S Thorpe AC Testimonial: Lauriane Ciccarelli A while back we purchased a home and when we purchased the home we obtained a home warranty. Recently we had a problem with our air-conditioning system. We called the warranty company to get the air system repaired. The warranty company sent a repair person to our home who told us that we needed a whole new unit. He also told us that we had mold in the unit and the ducts. He proceeded to try to use strong-arm tactics on us to get us to purchase the new unit immediately. Of course for a big discount, but only if we bought the unit that day. I did not have $10,000 for a new unit. I explained that I did not have the funds and he accused me of not wanting to protect my son from the damages related to mold. I was shocked. I immediately called Thorpe. I knew Chuck Thorpe and Chris Chambers from my BNI (Business Network International) group and I knew I could trust them. Thorpe sent a service technician to my home. He proceeded to tell me that I did not have mold anywhere and did not need a new unit. He also told us that the repairs that the other company performed were not done correctly. He fixed their errors and I was not charged for that repair. Peace of mind. That is what it is all about. Thorpe gives me peace of mind. Thank you Thorpe for being there for me and being a company I can trust.

DREAM, YES. BUT, DO. I’m not sure who’s to blame: incessant “dream big” pep talks from my college years, annual summer Disney animations from my younger years (when Disney animations were at their peak), or the strong run of romantic comedies from my ’90s youth. (You may notice a running theme of films here — a borderline problematic obsession, I admit.) But, I have long been faulted for imagining some things will just come into existence. I’m what my mom likes to call an idealist. And my rose-tinted glasses tend to blind me if I’m not careful. I was a complete dreamer as a teen. A fascination with Shakespeare and Sense and Sensibility as a high school musical geek surely did not help. And though my idealist ways would often stop me in my tracks, I came to this painful realization at a young age. Through the years, it’s been brought to my attention that there are idealists in this world, and there are realists. And for neither does life just happen. I’ve had many dreams through life thus far, some I’ve sat on long enough to jump up on the next, because I

learned that sitting and pondering — as lovely a notion as it may be — does not breathe life into dreams. If anything breathes life into dreams, it may be the less-thanglamorous blood, sweat, and tears that make a vision a reality. There are some things that feed the dreamer in us. Maybe it’s too many movies, watching professional football, or simply savoring a cup of coffee. And feeding our dreams is always good, always nourishing, always invigorating. But, what we can often miss when always feeding the monster, obsessing over the minute details before we even step foot on the ground, paranoid that perfection is possible but may never be within reach, is the beauty of the process. The pain of getting up and birthing our dreams into existence easily surpasses any idealist visions of what could be. In this issue of Lakelander Made and the ones prior, and for anyone making their dreams a reality, we commend those who do. As the daring Amelia Earhart once said, “The most effective way to do it, is to do it.”

Lauriane Ciccarelli, Attorney with Troiano & Roberts, P.A.

There are idealists in this world, and there are realists. And for neither does life just happen. Serving All of Lakeland for 34 Years

Kristin Crosby EDITOR

www.thorpeac.com 863-858-2577 22

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I SS U E 36

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

JOHN KAZAKLIS

Style written by Abdiel Gonzalez p. 48

ABDIEL GONZALEZ

Born and raised in the DC Metro Area, John came to Lakeland to study at Southeastern University in 2007. After graduating, he made Lakeland his home for the quality of life and close-knit community. A traveler and visual storyteller, John shares stories that often go untold. He is currently the program director at Catapult Lakeland. istoria.life

From a young age, Abdiel was inspired by design and the colorful culture of his native Hawaii. After moving to Florida, he formed an award-winning dance company, No Confusion, for which he received national recognition. A love of fashion developed while he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Florida Southern College. After, he managed multi-milliondollar retail establishments, designed stage costumes, and styled high-profile photo shoots. Continuing to run his styling consulting business, he and his wife, Kristy, own and operate 5th and Hall, a retail store offering exclusive national and local clothing for men and women in the city and online.

How would you describe your personal style and taste? I would describe it as “prep grunge.” I like to mix classic preppy pieces with modern street wear for a little sense of irony. A mix of old and new. There is a book called Take Ivy that is my fashion bible. It chronicles the style and culture of 1960s’ Ivy League students. The effortless way they mixed their classic tailored clothes with their everyday, worn-in favorites is what I think style is all about. How are you inspired for each Style feature? I get inspired by people here in Lakeland and what is trending in the fashion industry. I am constantly plugged into what is on the streets and on the runways, and story board ideas as they come. The purpose of the Style editorial is to show Lakeland what is going on in the fashion world and to push our thinking and comfort out of the box a bit. I want to change the way people look at style and fashion. It’s art and an expression of

who you are. It’s never “just a shirt and jeans.” What can you tell us about your shop, 5th and Hall? When I became the Style editor three years ago, I saw a big need in our area to have a local boutique for both men and women that gave the community a big-city shopping experience with a hometown feel. Out of that, my wife and I created 5th and Hall and centered the store culture around what inspired our style and fashion choices personally. A curated mix of classic American style and casual street wear, 5th and Hall brings exclusive national and local brands, designer quality, all under $100, and pieces that are not just trend driven, but will last through any season. Unlike all the “fast-fashion” stores slowing dying due to oversaturation, we buy only six pieces of each item so you can maintain your sense of individuality. We get to know our customers personally and love to connect locally as much as we can.

TH E L A K E L A N DE R

ABIGAIL JARVIS Abigail Jarvis has been a Lakeland resident since childhood. When she’s not writing for her full-time job as director of content at Qgiv, you can usually find her reading or writing fairy tales, folklore, and poetry. She lives in the Dixieland neighborhood with her husband, Dave, and their cat. See the masthead for all contributing writers and photographers on p. 20

L E T T E R S COMMENTS FROM LAKELANDERS

Fun being interviewed with others that are more creative than I am! Get your issue today. @nicolebtravis // Twitter

CONGRATS TO THE @LAKELANDERMAG FOR CELEBRATING 5 YEARS. THIS MAGAZINE CREATES BEAUTIFUL WORK, DESIGN, AND STORIES TO SHOW THE AMAZING THINGS HAPPENING IN OUR CITY. GRATEFUL TO THE LAKELANDER CREW FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO GROW AND LEARN IN MY CRAFT THIS PAST YEAR. @jkaxaklis // Instagram

How I spend most days. @kalebwalding // Instagram

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I SS U E 36

M E T R O NEW AND NOTABLE IN LAKELAND

Growing Up and Starting Up Before you launch, learn from those who’ve gone before you.

or most anyone who goes to college, the idea is to attend classes (maybe party a bit), get a degree, and get out. It’s the case for most college students regardless of what city they’re in. But, for Lakeland graduates, the ironic thing is the number of students that are attracted back to our city … even years after graduation. (If you’re about to graduate and this is freaking you out, don’t be scared.) Often, concrete plans for the near future upon graduating are either a second thought or a mind-numbing dilemma you’d rather not face until you have to — even though the dream in your head may be to wind up in a big city already congested with the same career you’re eager to embark upon. According to the Generation Opportunity organization, as of the end of 2016, the millennial unemployment rate was 12.8 percent. That’s more than double the national average of 4.9 percent. And for the first time, many students are borderline petrified to graduate, knowing the cushiony $40k jobs that used to be available to a young person with any undergraduate degree just no longer exist.

TH E L A K E L A N DE R

So, unless you’re studying to be an optometrist or a petroleum engineer, there are fewer jobs that will be rolling out the red carpet for you after graduation. Granted, today more than ever, creating your own path is more feasible and practical than it may have been considered for a millennial’s parent. Now, a growing number of graduates are drawn to the idea of launching their own businesses, and for good reason. Small business owners are able to see their visions come to life, have flexible hours, and navigate year-round calendars that can benefit a family life. They don’t have to walk into work in constant fear of job security (as long as the books are adding up, that is). And, it is truly invigorating to love what you do and never have to go to work again. So, while the dream job may not have panned out, and after four years of hoping for something above the average, the idea of a corporate job puts a bad taste in your mouth, you may be ready to roll up your sleeves and pursue your entrepreneurial dreams. But one thing millennials should realize is

that they could certainly learn from those who’ve skills, new small businesses, and even drawing small start-ups from out of state to come settle here with gone before them. Over the years, Lakeland has launched aggressive this city’s open-minded spirit. Downtown and initiatives to equip and propel entrepreneurs of the Dixieland have grown in the last decade with the likes of Indie Atlantic, city with offers of affordable Balance Culture, Core workspaces at Catapult. The Wealth, Black & Brew, GiveWell Foundation has NOW, A GROWING and Concord Coffee. invested in the dreams and NUMBER OF GRADUATES Such entrepreneurs have small business efforts with launched businesses that lofty grants that continue to ARE DRAWN TO THE IDEA are now flourishing. But grow the market and options. OF LAUNCHING THEIR each could tell you their Our city, in many ways, is OWN BUSINESSES, AND successes didn’t arrive thriving with businesses that FOR GOOD REASON. overnight. have stepped out to launch Young people have what once seemed to be the never before faced such impossible and a community eager to invest back into each effort. For many of daunting unemployment statistics, yet they’ve these entrepreneurs, these were plans long in the never had more fertile ground to venture on with making, having to wait until they were at a place fresh dreams. So, if the young are willing to ask and of fiscal stability and visional clarity to make their learn, there is surely to be something gained. And if the seasoned are willing to engage and invest, dream a full-time profession. The past two years of our annual Lakelander a community of visionaries can only multiply and Made issues have revealed a wide range of creative increase.

3 Tips For Aspiring Entrepreneurs ASK A BUSINESS OWNER OUT FOR COFFEE.

GET INVOLVED IN LOCAL BUSINESS EVENTS.

CATCH UP ON SOME INSPIRING PODCASTS.

For many young aspiring business owners, approaching those who have successfully built a business can be intimidating. But, the best place for you to start is by being interested and ready to learn. Be sure to not show up expecting the conversation to just naturally morph from talking about the weather. Come prepared with questions and a solid idea of where you are headed. And remember to bring a notebook and pen. Taking notes isn’t just for the classroom.

Places like Catapult have made it nearly impossible for small startups and entrepreneurs not to be networking on a weekly basis. If you can’t afford a membership to rent an office space at Catapult, their program is packed with informative sessions and workshops yearround to help you be fully equipped while stepping out, and get you acquainted with other similar startups and business owners in town.

If you’ve got your game face on, you are likely filling every waking hour with inspiring and informative talks for start-ups and entrepreneurs to keep on the right track. And if you’re not doing this, you should be. Here’s a handful of popular podcasts fueling entrepreneurs nationwide:

I SS U E 37

Thefoundation.com An entire online program for entrepreneurs, this podcast features weekly guest lectures on how they got their businesses up and running. Mixergy – Start-up Stories Offers weekly in-depth success stories for proven entrepreneurs, business founders, and thought leaders. London Real Academy More than a mere podcast, this site invites entrepreneurs to build social networks and listen in on lesson-type interviews with a holistic slant.

METRO

X-PERIENCE AT CINEMARK The X-Perience Theatre’s ultra-surround sound will make you feel like you’re a part of the film and simulteously in the comfort of a luxury home theater, with automated lounge chairs and the ideal amount of space to truly kick back and enjoy the big screen as it was intended. 43800 US Hwy 98 North

CHAMBERLIN’S NATURAL FOODS This Central Florida health-food store has expanded to a second location in Lakeland. It’s stocked with the latest of natural remedies, produce from local vendors, and products catering to every type of diet. Though, we unbiasedly admit the highlight of this new spot is a fresh juice bar and kombucha on tap. 4001 US Hwy 98 North, Suite 103

Lakeland’s New Mayor-Elect A new mayor has been elected and our current system will remain. A fresh start appears to be in the works for Lakeland come 2018. On November 7, Bill Mutz was elected Lakeland’s next mayor, “OUR COMMISSION winning 72 percent of the votes in a four-man race. Anticipation WILL CONSISTENTLY for this year’s election over the months has peaked much interest, ADDRESS with the push for the Strong Mayor ballot initiative. However, met with strong opposition from the No Boss Mayor campaign, the OPPORTUNITIES current system was elected to remain. The No Boss current system WHICH FOCUS ON entails that the mayor-elect serves as chair of the City Commission THE GREATEST and represents the city in ceremonial functions. Remaining under this long-standing system, Mutz will begin his term in January GOOD FOR ALL ITS 2018. The former owner of Lakeland Automall, Mutz will be the CITIZENS.” first mayor of the city elected into office who has not previously held an elective office. In response to the election results, Mutz says, “I am humbled by the broad community support reflected by our recent city election. We live in an exciting time! Our Commission will consistently address opportunities which focus on the greatest good for all its citizens. This is a unique community because of its heart. We care about people. In an era of national division, Lakeland can become a model city nationally reflecting what happens when unity is pursued by creating the greatest good for the most people possible.” As for City Commissioners, Larry Durrence continues to hold the Southwest District C with a 46-percent win, Stephanie Madden won Commissioner at Large with over 50 percent of the vote, and Scott Franklin was elected with a solid 64-percent vote.

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

LAKELAND LANCERS RUGBY CLUB The city’s first rugby team has arrived. The Lakeland Lancers play teams from all over Florida and will soon be part of the professional circuit. They are accepting new players of various skill levels. For more information, or to try out for the team, visit facebook.com/ lakelandlancersrugbyclub.

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THE LAKELANDER’S

Outdoor Enjoyment Starter Kit When you live in the great Sunshine State, there’s always a reason to be outside. But when that crisp, near-cool air arrives, that is still somehow called autumn and winter in Florida, being outside is just darn invigorating. Nothing invites a great weekend of camping or a refreshing hike quite like this time of year. And you don’t need to travel far to enjoy the best of it. Follow our lead for the best places to prepare you to explore nature, and the stores to get you in tip-top shape for some outdoor adventure.

CIRCLE B BAR RESERVE For some ideal local hiking, this former cattle ranch and now a reserve with over 1,200 acres of successfully restored wetlands, the Circle B Bar Reserve is an overlooked local park to venture out in any week of the year. Explore the reserve’s 3.5mile loop trail. Or make it six if you’re feeling extra peppy. 4399 Winter Lake Road

RED WING SHOES Long a city staple, Red Wing is your ultimate pit stop for a trustworthy, durable shoe or boot that can carry you on your next hike, hunting trip, or adventure. 1621 E. Edgewood Drive

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

HOLLOWAY PARK A preserved park and natural reserve, Holloway Park is a prime location for hiking and cross-country trails with 3-, 5-, 8-, and 10-kilometer courses. Keep your eyes open on the trail for a bit of wildlife viewing of birds, reptiles, and even (if you’re careful to spot them) bobcats and coyotes. 2402 Holloway Park Drive

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500 S. Florida Ave. | Ste. 100 | Lakeland | 863-683-2300 | CenterStateBank.com I SS U E 37

Outdoor Enjoyment Starter Kit

VET’S SURPLUS STORE For some essentials to prepare you for your ultimate survival mode in the great wild, shop the city’s Army/ Navy surplus store for canteens, tents, fire starters, and even propane-fueled cooking sets. You also may want to pick up a jacket or military apparel to dress yourself up as the ultimate outdoorsman. 819 N. Florida Avenue

NATHAN’S MEN’S STORE An iconic men’s apparel store downtown, Nathan’s carries durable and lightweight performance shirts from Tommy Bahama and Southern Tide, Florsheim casual Comfortech shoes, and wool and straw hats from Stetson and Bailey to guard you from the sun and keep you looking dapper while trekking the woods. 221 E. Main Street

STONE’S OUTHOUSE - BAIT & TACKLE Before you venture out for that next fishing trip or camping weekend, check out Stone’s selection of cast nets, variety of baits, bait buckets, and even some new shades and a shiny new Yeti cup to complete your ensemble for the great outdoors. 2049 E. Edgewood Drive

LAKELAND HIGHLANDS SCRUB This quiet, multipurpose preserve on the west side of Polk County offers two trails. One is a 2.2-mile loop welcoming equestrians, bikers, and hikers. The other is a simple 0.6-mile walking loop, a great introduction to the preserve. 6998 Lakeland Highlands Road

At LCS, we’ve been intentional about building the best

Character

possible community to ensure that your child will become an intelligent, faithful and successful adult. A community

Community.

that cares deeply for your child. With first-rate academics, athletics, fine arts. Engaged, passionate teachers. Safe and modern facilities. All of it shaped by shared values and immersed in a Christian worldview.

Experience the LCS community today.

Visit our website, then call Julie Rice, Director of Admissions, for a campus tour.

1111 Forest Park Street, Lakeland • 863-688-2771 • lcsonline.org

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Boondock Studios A beautiful and practical leather company opens their store Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not often you come across a homegrown, husband-and-wife-run business, but Daniel and Stacy Tabb are the ultimate exceptions. Daniel served in the Navy, where he suffered severe nerve damage, and upon returning home could barely do the smallest task. For therapy, he got into leather making, which had run in the family, and together with Stacy, DANIEL AND STACY created an unforgettable company. HAVE CREATED AN Boondock Studios UNFORGETTABLE creates products ranging from beaded handbags, BUSINESS. carved journals, and messenger bags, to handcrafted jewelry, hand-stained yarn, and hand-cut face masks. Started in 2009, the business was booming with just a few products and a dream to now being able to design and open their shop. On October 14th, Boondock Studios opened their store at 811 N. Florida Avenue, just north of Bartow Road and Main Street. The event was a hit and included raffles for the chance to win products and classes. There was also ice cream from The Revolution Ice Cream Co. and live music. The new Boondock Studios showcases their ever-growing product supply with new wood shelving, brass lighting, and a natural feel to the store. boondockstudios.com

THE PEACEMAKERS ART EVENT

NEW DOWNTOWN APARTMENTS

A local organization called The Peacemakers LKLD was inspired to design an event that would bring together the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homeless community and local residents. The H.E.A.R.T (Hope Expressed Through Art Restoration Therapy) event was a creative and therapeutic outlet consisting of 12 painting easels and canvases that were set up in Munn Park. On October 14th, people came to share their stories and express themselves through the drawings and paintings. The artwork will be on display in the ARTifact Studio on Massachusetts Avenue through November. The Peacemakers plan to continue doing these events to bring the community together.

On October 2nd, the City of Lakeland was asked to approve the purchase of 10 acres of land behind the Lakeland Police Department. Framework Group, a Tampa-based developer, has offered $3.7 million for the land in order to build a 306-unit apartment complex. Estimated at $58 million, the project will consist of apartments having an urban, modern look. While the community is giving push-back on the idea of another run-of-the-mill apartment complex, Mayor Wiggs has approved the deal, and plans to start building are in motion.

TH E L A K E L A N DE R

4 Board Certified Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

INJURY SPECIALISTS

Need someone in your corner? all-injuries.com Main Office: 832 S. Florida Ave. / 863-688-7766 Handling Cases Statewide / Toll free: 877-688-7766

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Refine Studio FIRST WATCH As if the city’s taste offerings and restaurants couldn’t be any quainter, an affordable brunch shop called First Watch has recently been added to the scene. With two locations, north and south side, you can get your avocado toast and lemon ricotta pancakes no matter what side of town you’re on. 4620 S. Florida Avenue, #130 4316 US Hwy 98 North, #200

FORD’S GARAGE The ultimate burger stop will soon be in Lakeland. Serving Black Angus or Kobe beef, as well as turkey, chicken, tuna, and more, this one-stop shop will have everything your taste buds could desire. It’ll make you feel right at home with their decor featuring influences from Ford’s classic 1920s’ Model Ts. location to be determined

ith a desire to step into commercial photography and simultaneously bring affordable studio space to other Lakeland area photographers, local photographer Tina Sargeant opened Refine Studio last year. Centrally located in the newly burgeoning midtown area, the studio features 1,100 square feet of rentable shooting and meeting space, including two separate shooting spaces — a controlled light bay with a basic prep kitchen, and a natural light bay with floor-toceiling, west-facing windows and beautiful light any time of day. Refine offers per-hour studio rentals, as well as a limited number of memberships to photographers using the space consistently.

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FOR MORE INFO

or to book the space, go to refinestudiolakeland.com.

National forecast by

Brian Wesbury STATE forecast by

Allen & Company of Florida, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC

Dr. Tony Villamil

7AM-9AM THURSDAY

01.18.18 RP FUNDING CENTER | 701 W LIME ST

I SS U E 37

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WAYS TO SUPPORT HURRICANE IRMA & MARIA VICTIMS UNICEF Donate to disaster relief and victims from Puerto Rico to the Carribean. unicefusa.org

City Responds to Crisis Local initiatives quickly come together to restore the damage Irma left behind.

we all know, Hurricane Irma landed as a Category 4 storm and demolished most anything in her path. The City of Lakeland had to switch into support and relief mode both before and after Irma. Our colleges and local businesses stepped up to the rescue to see that families and locals were back on their feet. Florida Southern College made sure its students were safe before issuing the guidelines to leave campus if possible. Polk State closed for the week to ensure the safety of its students. Southeasternâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own Dr. Houlihan, founder of Crossroads Alliance & Ministries, stepped up to the plate when it came time to help Lakeland and other cities recover. He and Steve Edwig, founders of the organization called in local pilots and partnered with Convoy of Hope to help deliver supplies to the Florida Keys and local churches and homes in the surrounding area. At the Lakeland airport, many church volunteers helped load the planes. Local businesses also helped the community return to normal. Mass Market, otherwise known as HAUS 820, partnered with Cinnaire to provide over 500 lunches a day for five days to first responders and community volunteers. As the need grew, they added two more days, providing 700 meals each day. But you can still help. There were an estimated 1.2 million people affected by Hurricane Irma, and organizations such as Volunteer Florida, Feeding Florida, and Americares all continue to accept volunteers and donations.

OUR COLLEGES AND LOCAL BUSINESSES STEPPED UP TO THE RESCUE TO SEE THAT FAMILIES AND LOCALS WERE BACK ON THEIR FEET.

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

VOLUNTEER FLORIDA Support Hurrican Irma response and recovery by donating or volunteering. volunteerflorida.org

FEEDING FLORIDA Donate to Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Feed Bank Network feedingflorida.com

CONVOY OF HOPE Donate or sign up to volunteer for natural disaster relief. convoyofhope.org

Following the devastation of Hurricane Irma, Convoy of Hope served over 185,260 individuals in Florida.

We jump over hurdles so you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to. Save money on printing, phones, network, backup & more www.boring.com I SS U E 37

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Sustainable Living: Step by step Written by Abigail Jarvis

We often strive to keep things tidy and clean, be resourceful, and set out our recycling bin each week. But what if a little more effort could yield an even greater result? Composting may not be the most cutting-edge, trendy way to go a little greener, but it certainly couldn’t be more sensible.

you cook with any kind of regularity, you’re familiar with how much food is wasted while making a meal. You’ve tossed out broccoli stems, onion tops, potato skins, eggshells, and coffee grounds. You’re throwing away a treasure! All those carrot tops and apple peels can be composted and used to fertilize your lawn, your plants, your trees, and your gardens. The idea of composting isn’t particularly glamorous, but it doesn’t have to be gross or time-consuming. And at the end of the process, you’ll have turned your garbage into a usable product instead of throwing it away. WHAT DOES COMPOSTING ENTAIL? At its most simple, composting requires three steps: add composting materials, keep the material damp, and turn it occasionally.

WHAT CAN I COMPOST? Successful composting requires two kinds of material: “green” and “brown” material. Green material is fresh waste: vegetable trimmings, fruit peels, grass clippings and weeds, coffee grounds or tea leaves, eggshells, and so on. Brown material is dry: sawdust or wood shavings (but NOT if the wood is pressure-treated!), hay, dry leaves, shredded newspaper, etc. Don’t add pet droppings, animal products, anything greasy, or parts from plants that are diseased. Brown and green materials should be added in equal parts. After you’ve added your kitchen trimmings to the pile, add a handful or two of dry leaves or other brown material. Adding equal parts of both materials will keep your compost from getting smelly.

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WHEN DO I WET MY COMPOST? Compost shouldn’t be a soggy mess — that will result in rot, not healthy decomposition. Your compost pile should be damp but not wet. In Lakeland, we have enough rain and humidity during the year that you won’t regularly have to wet your compost pile. During dry times of the year, sprinkle it occasionally with your water hose. You know how good dirt feels kind of damp? That’s the level of moisture you’re looking to maintain. SO DO I JUST LEAVE MY COMPOST PILE ALONE? Composting is simple, but it does require a little maintenance. You’ll need to turn your compost pile occasionally, which helps ensure the green and brown materials are well-mixed.

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ALL THOSE CARROT TOPS AND APPLE PEELS CAN BE COMPOSTED AND USED TO FERTILIZE YOUR LAWN, YOUR PLANTS, YOUR TREES, AND YOUR GARDENS.

This is an important part of preventing odors. It also helps aerate your compost, which keeps the microorganisms that break down the materials healthy. WHAT MATERIALS DO I NEED? The materials you need to establish a compost pile vary based on your preference. Some people have a dedicated spot in their yard for their compost and don’t put it in containers at all. This is a good option for people who own larger pieces of property. If you choose to compost this way, keep your pile away from your house. It can attract rodents or bugs, which are harmless to your compost but are unwelcome in the house. If you can’t (or don’t care to) have an uncorralled compost pile, options for composting bins are nearly infinite. You could build one with old pallets (avoid pressure-treated wood). You could build a DIY version — the Internet is full of tutorials on how to build an effective composting bin. You could also spring for a self-contained composting bin from a hardware or specialty store; there are even versions that you can turn with a crank. Once you’ve settled on your setup, you’ll only need a shovel or rake to turn your pile. There are plenty of other accoutrements you could add to your operation — worms to speed the breakdown of plant material, special compost thermometers to monitor the internal temperature, sieves, compost starters — but

the beauty of composting is that it’s a lowmaintenance way to put your kitchen waste to good use. WHAT DO I DO WITH MY FINISHED COMPOST? Finished compost is brown, crumbly, nutrient-rich soil that can be used almost anywhere. Adding a layer to your garden beds before planting each year will result in bigger flowers, better vegetables, and healthier plants. Use it in flower pots, add to container gardens, spread around the base of fruit trees, or use it to supplement the soil before you plant anything in the ground. Composting is especially useful in Florida; our sandy, acidic soil is great for some plants, but it’s nice to add nutrients so other species can thrive. HOW CAN I GET STARTED? Getting started doesn’t require spending a bunch of money. Check online for instructions on building a DIY compost bin; they don’t have to be fancy to work! Get a small jar or pail to keep on your kitchen counter that you can use to collect green materials. Rake together some leaves or dried grass clippings — now’s the perfect season to do it! Composting is a cheap, easy way to practice a more sustainable lifestyle. You turn your trash into gardening gold and use old produce to grow new produce. Try it out! Search how to compost at diynetwork.com.

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Saws, hammers, and nails not really your thing? You can buy preassembled compost boxes like this one from williams-sonoma.com.

the

Christmas Gala

Highly anticipated each year, the Department of Music’s Christmas Gala has become an essential holiday tradition for the community. This year’s edition, Joys of the Season: The Christmas Gala, offers a wonder-filled array of musical favorites performed by Department of Music students, faculty, and guests, including members of FSC’s Dance Program. Come join the holiday fun and festivities in beautifully adorned Branscomb Auditorium!

Satu rd ay, D e c e m b e r 9, 2 0 17 2:30 & 7:30 pm • Branscomb Auditorium Adults: $8 • Students: $4

Festival of F I N E A R T S

BOX OFFICE: 863.680.4296 | flsouthern.edu/ffa

STYLE

Styling and story by Abdiel Gonzalez Photography by Dan Austin

This year, The Orlando Magic revealed what would become our cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s G League team, the Lakeland Magic. While their talent shines on the court, these players are wellsuited for some timeless style inspiration off the court.

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ne of four boys growing up, I was the only non-athletically inclined son who not only couldn’t dribble a basketball, but was the only one not glued to the TV on Game Days, aka male bonding time. Basketball was the Gonzalez family’s sport of choice; the Chicago Bulls were second to God (Michael Jordan being God). The one unifying factor that brought my brothers, jocks, and the rest of us together was the players’ off-court style. The iconic ’90s Kangol hats, quilted bomber jackets, and flashy suits that superstar athlete Michael Jordan wore off-court set off a global trend, from professional sports players to the young men playing ball on their high school court. It put a spotlight on sports that still shines in 2017. These days, off-court style has become just as important as the team uniform and equally as competitive as the NBA Finals. Players these days show up to games in silk shirts, embellished trousers, leather coats, and carrying designer bags, carving their place as style role models to their fans. From Dwayne Wade’s perfectly tailored suits to Kevin Durant’s flashy street style, it’s the season when we look to basketball players for what’s next and acceptable among the sports circle worldwide. We met up with players from the Lakeland Magic to talk style and, of course, show you some of their off-court looks that all of us men will fearlessly be attempting this season.

THESE DAYS, OFF-COURT STYLE HAS BECOME JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE TEAM UNIFORM.

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blazer, sweater, pocket square, and shirt Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wearhouse watch: Vintage Tag Heuer Monaco Munchelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Jewelry

TROY CAUPAIN Position: Guard College University of Cincinnati Favorite item in his wardrobe: sneakers Celebrity style icon: I dress like Troy. Pre-game hype song: Heavy Heart by Meek Mill Style advice for aspiring pro-athletes: Keep it simple. Let your game do the talking.

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Lakeland’s modern style destination for men and women

1117 S. Florida Ave. • 863.940.4212

5thandhall.com • @5thandhall

AND

est. 1983

AND est. 1983

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5H 1983

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AND

T.J. PRICE Position: Guard College Western Kentucky University Favorite item in his wardrobe: baseball cap Celebrity style icon: Wale Pre-game hype song: I listen to everything. Style advice for aspiring pro-athletes: Be yourself.

suit and shoes: Nathanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Menswear watch: 1960 Vintage Omega Munchelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Jewelry

suit and shoes: Lakeland Dillard’s watch: Breitling Limited Edition Munchel’s Fine Jewelry

RODNEY PURVIS Position: Guard Drafted from: University of Connecticut Favorite item in his wardrobe: shoes Celebrity style icon: Offset Pre-game hype song: 7 Min Freestyle by 21 Savage Style advice for aspiring pro-athletes: Be you.

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JOHN PETRUCELLI Position: Guard Favorite item in his wardrobe: slim-fit blazer Celebrity style icon: Steph Curry Pre-game hype song: anything by Drake Style advice for aspiring pro-athletes: Stay comfortable.

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HEALTHY

Smiles For that perfect family picture.

smile by Dr. John Paul

2024 Edgewood Dr. South Lakeland, FL 33803 863.665.6201 smilebydrpaul.com

75 YEARS Customer Service Never Goes Out Of Style.

221 E. Main St. Lakeland, FL 863.682.2811

YO U ' R E G U A R A N T E E D T O L O V E YO U R . . .

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STYLE ...is a way to say who you are without having to say a word.

T W O LO C AT I O N S S O U T H F LO R I D A & E D G E W O O D

 8 6 6  E R  S A LO N S 58

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JAY WRIGHT Position: Guard Favorite item in his wardrobe: My Jordans suit, turtleneck, and shoes: Zara watch: Citizen Eco-Drive - Munchelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fine Jewelry

Celebrity style icon: Young Thug Pre-game hype song: Mink Flow by Young Thug Style advice for aspiring pro-athletes: Be yourself.

I SS U E 3 6

TASTE

LAKELANDER KITCHEN SKILLS 001

Mastering the Roast There are some kitchen skills that are often intimidating but essential. In our Kitchen Skills series, we hone in on the often underrated skills that can create a masterpiece out of simplicity. This issue, Nineteen61's pastry chef, Benjamin Vickers, shows how to roast a meal to a crispy perfection. Because simple, classic recipes should never be daunting. Written by Benjamin Vickers / Photography by Jordan Weiland

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RECIPE

ROAST TURKEY

Few activities are more communal and gratifying than preparing food and filling our bellies. Gathering around the hearth for a meal seems like something from an old Campbell’s Soup commercial. This issue’s Taste feature: a detailed look at how roasting a Thanksgiving turkey will reintroduce out-of-practice home cooks to the many pleasures of the kitchen. This classic roasting guide can be broadly applied to a variety of meals; however, your instinct, taste, personality, schedule, and the needs of your family will ultimately guide you to the perfect meal.

Day One: Buying and Brining STEP 1 Shopping for the star of your Thanksgiving dinner shouldn’t be complicated or stressful. This recipe was developed using a 13-pound young turkey from Roger’s Meat Market and Deli. They keep frozen birds on hand year-round and offer Thanksgiving pre-orders for gorgeous, fresh turkeys. When estimating the size of your bird, one and a half pounds per person is enough to feed your guests and still have enough for round two of turkey heaven the next day. A common concern for home cooks (besides totally forgetting something in the oven) is having dry, tough meat at the end of the roast. Roasting uses extended cooking time to slowly, evenly heat food, but this method can dry out small cuts of meat or finely cut vegetables. Utilizing a brine is the perfect insurance policy against dry, tough meat and an excellent opportunity to add additional flavor and aromatics.

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For brine 2 cups of salt 2 gallons of water Aromatics such as peppercorns, bay leaves, dried herbs, spices, citrus peel, etc.

STEP 2 Mix the brine ingredients together (the salt will dissolve by itself, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gritty at first) and pour into a brining bag or sturdy, unscented trashcan liner. Remove any stray feathers, organs, or neck bone from the raw turkey, and drain the juices from the packaging. Completely submerge it in the brine and store carefully and securely in the fridge, forgotten about until tomorrow.

Event Facebook Page: Pints for Paws Lakeland Beer Fest & Follow us on Face Book: Bernie Little Distributors Budweiser

NEW LOCATION! NEW DATE! NEW LOOK!

January 19th, 2018 7pm - 10pm Lake Mirror Promenade pintsforpawslakelandbeerfest.com Purchase Tickets at: pintsforpaws2017.eventbrite.com Ticket sale proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Polk County

Over 100 different beers to sample

live entertainment & interactive beer stations Food trucks & more!!! Leashed pets welcome

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Day Two: Drying

Day Three: Roasting

STEP 3

STEP 4

Today, your only task (besides chugging pumpkin spice anything and watching leaves change color on Instagram) is to remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry. Go ahead and place it on the roasting rack in the pan so that air can circulate around it. Store it in the fridge to dry out until you’re ready to roast tomorrow. It can be covered lightly with a plastic bag to protect it from any mishaps, but air circulation is important. Of course a turkey can be roasted on day two, but allowing it to dry for a day will provide a shatteringly crisp and well-browned skin.

All of your patience is about to pay off! Begin by removing the turkey from the fridge and letting it return to room temperature for an hour. During this time, preheat the oven to 450°F, and prepare the fillings and garnishes.

Preparing the turkey for roasting is a simple and quick task. Coarsely chop the vegetables, preparing enough to fill the cavity and also sit in the bottom of the pan during roasting. Lastly, rub the entire bird with melted butter and season with salt and pepper. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the butter; it won’t make your meat fatty! It instead melts away over the duration of the roast, slowly basting your bird for you along with the steam created by the vegetables in the roasting pan so that you don’t have to constantly pause A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving to peek in the oven.

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For the cavity Onion and celery, coarsely chopped Apple and orange, quartered Fresh herbs such as thyme and rosemary For the bottom of the roasting pan A good glug of white wine Another good glug of chicken or vegetable broth For rubbing over the turkey Melted unsalted butter Salt Freshly ground black pepper

So… Is everything ready to go? • The oven has been preheated to 450°F for at least 30 minutes. • Your turkey has been allowed to return to room temperature. • The cavity and roasting pan are filled with veggies and stock and wine. • The skin is rubbed with butter and seasoning. If so, pop it in the oven and turn the temperature down to 350°F for the duration of the roast. Now, pat yourself on the back. You’ve worked hard for this moment! Let your oven do the rest.

How long should this turkey cook? STEP 5 Every piece of meat will be different. The most accurate way to determine doneness is to insert a probe thermometer in the thickest part of the breast and thigh. I like to roast my bird undisturbed for about two hours, then take a temperature to get a sense of how fast it’s cooking. The turkey is ready to take out at 155160°F. It is critical to let any roasted meat rest at room temperature for at least 20 minutes after removing from the oven. During this time, the temperature will continue to rise and the juices will set. This final resting time is also perfect for using the pan drippings to make a quick gravy. Transfer to a serving platter and dress up your masterpiece for the table to show off your creation. It’s ready to carve up for your family to annihilate. Sitting together and sharing the bounty of your table is a wonderful way to give thanks for our friends and loved ones. We hope this guide serves you well for many meals to come. Dear Lakelander readers, we are so thankful for your loyalty and friendship. Have a happy Thanksgiving!

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WITH EVERY PURCHASE OF $100 IN GIFT CARDS.* *Promotion is valid from Nov1-Dec 24

Harry’s Holiday Trio

Tender grilled Filet medallions topped with delicately fried Lobster and Shrimp accented with our New Orleans sherry cream sauce. Accompanied by our classic smashed potatoes and green beans.

Frenchman Street Crepes

Tender Shrimp and Chicken mixed with sautéed spinach, Fontina cheese, Ham and Bacon and rolled into delicate, savory crepes. Finished with a light and creamy Shrimp sauce.

101 N. KENTUCKY AVE LAKELAND 863-686-2228 ORDER ONLINE NOW AT HOOKEDONHARRYS.COM • E-CARDS AVAILABLE

Andouille Crusted Grouper

Blackened Grouper fillet crusted with a blend of panko breadcrumbs, creamy parmesan cheese and finely diced Cajun sausage. Set in a velvety red bell pepper sauce and served with Smashed Potatoes.

LAKELANDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PREMIER COFFEE HOUSE & CASUAL EATERY

205 E MAIN ST

863.682.1210

TH E L A K E L A N DE R

With the turkey out of the oven and resting, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect time to use the pan drippings to make a quick gravy.

RECIPE

APPLE PIE FOR A 9” PIE TIN This pie can be baked the day before. When the turkey comes out, turn the oven off and let the apple pie sit in it while you have dinner. It will be warm and ready to slice by the time your table is cleared for dessert! Just don’t forget the ice cream. Two pie crusts for the top and bottom crust 24 ounces Granny Smith Apples 1 ounce melted butter 1/2 ounce lemon juice 5 ounces sugar 1.5 ounces corn starch 2 teaspoons cinnamon and other spices 1 teaspoon salt

Line the pie crust so that the apple filling can go right in. Don’t make the filling until you are ready to bake. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Peel and chop the apples into small chunks Toss the apples with the butter and lemon juice. Mix the dry ingredients together, then toss into the apple mixture. Fill the bottom pie crust with the apple mixture and lay the top crust on top. Seal the crusts together, and cut holes in the top to let steam escape during baking. Brush the top crust with whisked egg and milk, and garnish with raw sugar if desired. Bake for about 50 minutes, until the crust is beautifully golden and the filling is thickened and bubbling. Let cool completely.

PIE CRUST RECIPE can be found online at thelakelander.com

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DooRs open.

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RECIPE

ROASTED RED POTATOES The pan of potatoes can go in the oven during the last hour of your turkeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roast. Red potatoes, washed and cut into large chunks Olive oil Salt and pepper Dried or fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary

Pat the cut, washed potatoes dry and toss with oil so they are evenly coated. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs as desired. Line a baking tray in a single layer with the potatoes and roast at 350Â°F for about an hour, until tender with no starchy flavor.

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At The Twisted Teapot, we are dedicated to providing an unforgettable afternoon tea experience with quality food and exceptional service. Here, the customer comes first; whether it's catering to a special need or delivering a truly unforgettable experience for a special occasion. If you have any questions, concerns, or inquiries, don't hesitate to contact us or stop by!

OPEN TUES-SAT 11AM- 3PM Reservations are highly recommended

863.299.5000 200 1ST ST. SOUTH, WINTER HAVEN, FL 33880

twistedteapot.com

www.facebook.com/ TwistedTeapotWH

SHELTER

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

the sommer building

Heidi and Mike Campbell knew a relocation downtown would be no small feat. And neither would tackling the additional plan of renovating a historic building in the downtown district as a store, a venue space, and a home. But when the Campbells saw the potential in the Sommer Building. they couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t imagine it not being done.

Written by Christian Lee Photography by Tina Sargeant

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fter meeting at the University of Miami, entrepreneurs Heidi and Mike Campbell moved from Coral Gables to Winter Haven in 2004 and then on to Lakeland in 2006. Together they own the Stationery Loft and Gift Boutique on N. Kentucky Avenue along with a number of popular businesses in the area. Their love of Lakeland led them to support and invest in both the community and downtown. They recently completed an extensive renovation of the circa 1920, three-story Sommer Building. They have reinvented this historic location to serve as a home for both themselves and their business, together with a 2,500-square-foot event venue. Maybe not by birth, but Heidi and Mike are clearly Lakelanders through and through. This is their fascinating story. The Lakelander: Did you grow up in Lakeland? And, were there any stops along the way that you would like to tell us about? Heidi Campbell: Mike and I met at the University of Miami. I was working on my MBA and he was in law school. We married in 1986. We have three children: Katie (25), Robert (23), and Christopher (19). Katie is an engineer and lives in NYC working for Citibank in their corporate offices. Robert lived at Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Landing (Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ark), a community for special needs adults, until September, when he moved back home. Chris is double majoring in math/physics at UF. In 2004, we moved to Winter Haven, and on to Grasslands in 2006 so two of our children could attend Bartow IB.

Stationery Loft & Gift Boutique, carries beautiful planners, cards, and gifts and specializes in special event invitations.

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In 2008, Stationery Loft opened (the rest is history). Mike had his own law office until 2015 when he and a partner opened the Steak ‘N Shake on the east side of Winter Haven. He and his business partner also own Sal’s Garage (two locations, also in Winter Haven). While he continues to practice law in the areas of personal injury, class actions, consumer fraud, and aviation, he no longer maintains an office outside of The Sommer Building (230 N. Kentucky Avenue). TL: What are the most important aspects and features of the Lakeland community for you and your family? HC: Frankly, Lakeland feels like home. It’s of similar size to Coral Gables which was our previous home for over 20 years prior to moving here. We love so much about our community: IB is one of the finest schools in the country. The myriad places we can go for a walk, the wonderful local restaurants, easy access to the arts, and proximity to Tampa and Orlando. And last, but certainly not least, the wonderful people that live here. We are continually impressed by how kind, loving, and charitable our community is. There is so much that is wonderful, it’s hard to list it all. TL: Your home and business are now combined on N. Kentucky Avenue. What is it about this location that attracted you to buy and renovate in the downtown area? HC: We have always thought it would be amazing to live and work in the same location like people did decades ago. We love old buildings and historic areas. When we found 230 N. Kentucky Avenue, we immediately saw its potential. In fact, our romance as a couple and our romance with the building culminated with the closing on the purchase Valentine’s Day 2014. Little did we know how difficult the renovation process would become. Its success was finally due to the commitment of several key city employees, Rodda Construction, and Mike (who took a sabbatical from his other endeavors to oversee its construction the last year). The process took almost three years but is well worth it. We love living downtown! We walk out our door to so much of what is interesting in Lakeland. In fact, I drive my car only two to four times per month. It is amazing what downtown offers, from the [Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market] to local shops, so many great places to eat, theatres, outdoor events, holiday celebrations, First Friday, food truck rallies … the list just goes on and on, all right out our front door. TL: How long have you been in business with the Stationery Loft? What things do you most like about your business?

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HC: The idea of Stationery Loft came about when my youngest informed me that I needed to find something else to do. I had been one of those helicopter moms who volunteered for everything at school, and he was ready for me to move on after his elementary years. I had always loved paper; pens; journals; and unique, interesting gift items. In Miami, we entertained a lot, but here, there was nowhere to go for invitations or paper-related items. I found myself driving to nearby cities to find the things I loved. Mike was the one who pointed out that there was a need in our town for the type of store I had frequented in South Florida. He encouraged me to put my skills and creativity into play and explore the possibilities. I took a trip to Atlanta in January of 2008 and prayed the whole drive there. I needed to know if I was on right path or if I needed to let the idea go. Everything on that trip made it clear that Stationery Loft was going to happen. The name came about from the original vision for the store. I had found a location with a loft. The gift area was to be downstairs; the stationery / invitations went in the loft, hence the name. As it turned out, the building had roof leaks. Water does not mix well with paper, so I regrouped. It was too late for the name change as I had already incorporated and started receiving my purchases from the first market trip. So, I kept the name. What I love most about my business are the people we are blessed to serve. I have had the privilege of doing invitations on so many weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, showers (bridal and baby), graduations, and some very unique celebrations. I have become friends with many of my customers and rejoice daily in someone’s happy celebration. How many people get to say they are in the business of happiness? I love what I do. I have been blessed with the most wonderful staff as well. With the venue, we are expanding our reach into the “Happiness Business.” It is so rewarding to see people come and go with stories to tell, all adding to the history of this amazing building. My previous career experiences were in sales-related positions and management (insurance and law), both of which served as fertile training ground for what I do now. TL: Was this your first renovation project? HC: We have owned 12 different homes. Six of them were major redos, and six of them were new construction. Additionally, we fully renovated a twostory office building in Miami that housed Mike’s law firm prior to moving to Polk County. We never thought we’d ever be in a three-year project, nor would we recommend it.

The Stationery Loft underneath, the Campells’ stunning home sits above, with a crystal-clear overview of downtown.

TL: When you decided to move your business from South Florida Avenue, were you only focused on downtown, or did you consider other locations? HC: As lease renewal approached on the South Florida location, I started to explore options. I stumbled upon The Sommer Building and called Mike from the car. He was intrigued. We scheduled a viewing and fell in love. As we explored the building, the idea of the venue came to light. I had managed a catering firm in Miami as my first job out of school, so it seemed like a natural choice to put a venue on the second floor. My Stationery Loft brides had often expressed a lack of venue choices in Lakeland, so the dots just seemed to connect, and Mike was enthusiastic. TL: There often seems to be an “uh-oh” moment in all renovation projects. Were there things associated with this project that you did not expect, things that caused you to say “uh-oh?” HC: Yes. They both involved contractors. The city partnered with us to discover and remedy the problems. We are very pleased with the structural soundness of the building and the quality of construction that Rodda executed. TL: Sometimes a place can generate a sort of kismet experience when you see it. Did you feel that somehow this particular building and location were destined to be part of your future when you found it?

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HC: Mike definitely did. He loves the fact that he lives in a building that was built 100 years ago and that he is personally responsible for its current state of “coolness.” I am a workaholic and loved the idea of a 47-step commute to work. TL: We have to talk about the dreaded “B” word: budget. Without revealing any numbers, did you have a budget in mind to accomplish your goals? HC: Yes. We blew it. Enough said. TL: About the renovation itself, you essentially gutted the building and renovated from the ground up. Did you have an architect or builder involved in the process, or did you do it yourselves? How did you work out a floor plan and design for three different floors? HC: We built a brand-new building within the original four walls. Our 11 other homes had prepared us for how we wanted to live. We know what we like, and the third floor and the rooftop patio embody all of it. Our architect converted our ideas to reality. With few exceptions, the entire building is what we envisioned from the beginning. Our main goal was to give the venue the tallest ceiling possible and put the window sills at bar height. The original walls are so deep that the window sills double as high-top tables. Much of what we did was to turn the second floor into the kind of venue our kids

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would be dying to have their wedding receptions in. We think we succeeded. Stationery Loft was easy. It’s a wonderful retail space that was designed as a blank canvas. It evolves every season based on fixture placement. TL: There always seems to be tradeoffs during renovation. Were there design needs that had to be considered for the separate spaces? Furniture or other fixtures that you wanted to ensure inclusion in the spaces? HC: Our considerations varied based on what we were talking about. Construction: we were required to bring the building to current building code based on the mixed usage (retail, assembly, residential), including fire, electrical, structural, and plumbing. Regarding materials, we worked very hard to use sustainable, high-efficiency products whenever and wherever possible. Regarding lifestyle, we started the project with three kids who spent a lot of time at home. By the time we finished, we were empty nesters. Regarding décor, we were consolidating three homes, so we were able to keep our favorite items and let go of others. We designed the rooms to accommodate our favorite furniture.

“It is so rewarding to see people come and go with stories to tell, all adding to the history of this amazing building.”

TL: What aspect of the construction and renovation process did you find to be the most challenging and the most rewarding? Did one person take the lead on the design and decorating issues? Did you have a timeline for completion and move-in that was critical? HC: I think we agree that the most difficult thing was dealing with our early hiring choices. Fortunately, we became much more astute at spotting the good (and bad) in the construction industry as the years passed. Our timelines were blown so many times that we both surrendered to His will. For me, the most rewarding was getting Stationery Loft’s certificate of occupancy just in time to open the evening of the Holiday Walkabout. Mayor Wiggs remains my hero! For

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Consolidating furniture from three previous homes, the couple focused on designing each room to accommodate their favorite pieces.

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The couple enjoys ending most nights on their rooftop patio with their poodle, taking in the beauty of downtown city life.

Mike, it was the day Dan Gargas, the city’s building official, hand-delivered the final certificate of occupancy. Mr. Gargas has earned both of our respect. Our mutual favorite was seeing the kitchen completed. We love our kitchen! As for design and décor, we used a veto system. I have a slight visual/perceptual deficit, and architectural plans are difficult for me to visualize. Therefore, Mike handled construction / system / mechanical / execution decisions, giving me veto power. When it came to décor, I took the lead, passing veto power to Mike. There’s one issue we could not reach a compromise on … the laundry room. It remains incomplete. TL: The renovation landscape is littered with wounded relationships and marriages. Do you have a survival secret that you would like to share with us? HC: Two things: 1) We never fell out of love the same week. 2) We meant the covenant, “Till death us do part.” Jokingly, neither of us was willing to commit a capital offense. TL: Knowing what you know now about the buying, renovation, and remodeling process, would you do it all over again? HC: That’s a hard question. Downtown is awesome. Living here is even more awesome! However, this one took a lot out of us. But we both agree, we would do it again, but very differently. We gained lots of wisdom and are willing to share.

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TL: What are some of the things you like the most about Lakeland and the community in general? HC: Mike loves all of the people he runs into when he’s in our garage on Trader’s Alley, especially Saturday mornings. TL: Can you compare and contrast some of the positive aspects of Lakeland to other places you have lived or visited? HC: Lakeland embodies much of what we loved about

HC: More and better. There were two big surprises: 1) The train noise is virtually nonexistent. We soundproofed and it worked (YAY!). 2) There are so many more parking places than we ever knew existed. Kentucky Avenue parking is difficult; downtown parking is not difficult at all. Business-wise, it has worked out very well. I love the new location and the ease of living here. I do miss seeing many of my South Lakeland customers who, on a weekly basis, stopped

“[Mike] loves the fact that he lives in a building that was built 100 years ago and that he is personally responsible for its current state of ‘coolness.’ I am a workaholic and loved the idea of a 47-step commute to work.”

TL: Has your new location worked out as well as you had hoped and planned?

in on their way to Publix. I do love having met so many new and wonderful customers that frequent all that’s happening downtown. I especially love walking to work Personally, living downtown is so much more fun than we ever expected or previously experienced. There is never a lack of things to do. What is most surprising is how quiet downtown is at night. We finish most nights relaxing on our rooftop patio with our poodle, Charlie, looking out over this wonderful city, watching the stars, and just being grateful.

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Coral Gables and has a small enough population to keep it real and easy to live in. It lacks congestion and traffic. By contrast, it also lacks some of the diversity that we loved about South Florida, especially in restaurants, but that is continually improving. We tell the kids frequently: “We painstakingly chose this place as home. We challenge you to find a place that’s better.”

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To Walk Among Though the number of homeless appears to be rising in our city and in our nation, there are several individuals and organizations who are making a lasting change. It’s not a change that comes overnight but by tending to needs day by day, meal by meal. It comes from not simply seeing a need and fixing it, but walking with and among those in need.

A crisis the U.S. has certainly yet to overcome, according to recent reports over 560,000 Americans are currently homeless. While we no doubt see the reality of these statistics in our very streets, Gospel Inc. is an organization working to meet the needs of the homeless of Lakeland. And, at the very least, meet them where they are at. Written by Adam Spafford / Photography by John Kazaklis 88

The Lakelander: Tell us about yourself and how you came to found Gospel Inc. Brian Seeley: I grew up in a Christian home on Long Island. But I was a rebellious kid. I rebelled against my parents, against God, and even got kicked out of school a couple times. I returned home in my late teens to work in my dad’s business. I was doing a lot of soul-searching when a friend invited me to go with him to a Youth With A Mission (YWAM) discipleship training school in New Zealand. It appealed to me because I felt like I was seeking God. So at 19, I went to New Zealand, and that’s really where I encountered Christ. My life was turned upside down, and I started down a different path, whereas until that time I was just living for myself. Jesus really changed my heart and revealed my sin to me and how needful of a savior I was. The way Jesus embraced the poor and marginalized really struck a chord in my heart. He really made it a point to walk among them. So I started spending time with homeless folks. I lived on the streets of New Zealand with the homeless, hitchhiking around with them. I just felt compelled to be among them. I didn’t tell them I wasn’t homeless — I just did what they were doing. From the very beginning of my faith, that’s how I approached homeless people — personally, one-on-one, showing solidarity, and trying to really enter their world. Of course, I could never experience true homelessness because I don’t have to be homeless. So, even though I can’t know what it’s really like, I can still be part of their world, to care for them. And that journey led me to Southeastern University here in Lakeland where I decided to pursue ministry. I

had an option to go back home and work in my dad’s business. It would have been a great life — a profitable one — but I felt compelled to do ministry and pursue this dream of working with the homeless. I started spending time with the homeless people in Lakeland on a daily basis, just walking the streets and getting to know them. It’s cool to see people finally enter recovery or transition programs today that I first met when they were homeless back in 2008. The heartbeat of Gospel Inc. is to walk among the homeless. That’s why we live in the Parker Street neighborhood — so we can be available to the homeless community. It means people can walk up to our door and we can be there for them. For instance, there’s a young guy who I’ve known for five or six years. We’ve helped him into a dozen programs, but he’s relapsed each time. About a month ago, he knocked on my door again, and he was just really worn out. I was able to help him. He’s finishing up treatment now and will be entering into a sober home. This was possible because we live in the community, and he knows that I’m there for him. He would probably say I’m his best friend, maybe just his only friend, because he’s burned so many bridges over the years that he doesn’t have anyone else. He doesn’t have anything, really, no phone, no home. But he knows he can come to my house, and all I can really offer is another chance. Many of the homeless have tried many times not to be homeless, but for whatever reason, they get tired of trying. Just like this man I mentioned, they exhaust themselves trying until it’s clear to them they will either die on the streets or try one more time. Gospel Inc. is really there for

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Kari Seeley [Brian’s wife]: I am from Tanzania; my parents are missionaries there. My older brother attended Southeastern University and was Brian’s roommate. My brother would always come back and tell me these crazy stories of hanging out with the homeless people of Lakeland. So when I came to Lakeland to attend Southeastern, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the ministry to the homeless. Even though I was leaving the mission field in Tanzania, I didn’t want to stay in a bubble. I wanted to be a greater part of the community. I didn’t want to be stagnant water. I didn’t want to simply attend Southeastern and have all this good stuff flowing in and make no

Through our outreach efforts, we saw a need for a home that could help men in recovery take the next step toward stability. We established a Men’s Home for that purpose, and the men that live there have a place to stay and offer each other accountability. Repurpose Art Studio has evolved into a place where women can learn new skills, build relationships, and create. The Men’s Home is a place where we can offer discipleship and support to men as they are walking in recovery. Most are recovering alcoholics or addicts whose substance abuse really prevented them from living a functional life. They need to be in a community where they’re held accountable. So we hold them accountable, and we have Bible studies. Nearby churches — like Grace City and Access — help by leading Bible studies, too. The goal is for

in the general population of our nation.

17.7 people per 10,000 are homeless

Chronic homeless are those struggling with disabling conditions, such as mental illness, substance use disorder, or physical disability.

25% of Polk’s homeless are chronically homeless

report decreases in the number of unsheltered homeless, driven in large part by the states of Florida, Texas, and Georgia.

18 states

throughout Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Polk County.

635 people are homeless

WHILE LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE CONDITION FOR THE HOMELESS, ACCORDING TO END HOMLESSNESS NATIONAL 2016 REPORT, HOMELESS IS STILL ON THE RISE.

NATIONAL & LOCAL FACTS ON HOMELESSNESS

those folks, to encourage them, and to say, “Hey let’s try again.”

need a transitional home to reenter the workforce and real world. TL: How are the homeless just like the readers of this article who are likely in society’s mainstream? Brian: At first, you’ll find the socioeconomic gap between you and a homeless person to be huge, but you’re much more similar than you might realize. Over time, as you walk with people and build relationships with them, those differences become less and less important. But, ironically, we can often relate as much to a homeless person who is suffering profound dysfunction as one who has just had a string of unfavorable circumstances. Their extreme dysfunctions are in me, too, although maybe not so fully developed or severe. Being able to

“Relating to the homeless becomes more about identity — who I am, what kind of friend am I, rather than what I do. [It] can remind you of what’s beautiful and really important.” - Kari Seeley contribution of my own to the community or to God’s mission. Since my brother was part of this ministry, I thought it was a perfect opportunity, so I started coming to the Friday night Outreach, and I haven’t stopped! [laughs] TL: What does the ministry offer the homeless and marginalized members of our community? Brian: The outreach that we began in 2008 continues every Friday night. We walk the streets of our neighborhood to minister to the homeless community and build friendships that we hope will continue.

church members to network and provide resources and relationships to the men. Of course, the men are required to go to other meetings like AA and NA throughout the week and encouraged to attend any other church or support groups to help them in their recovery. They all have jobs, leaving for work during the day and returning to the Men’s Home at night. So it’s not a program per se; we’re just there to support them, and it’s a place to support their transition. Lighthouse Ministries will refer men to us who are well on their way to recovery. Ideally, we want to work with men who’ve been through a program and

relate on that level is part of the reason I’m comfortable engaging them through that process. I realize I’m not really any different from them. When I, or we, recognize that I’m human and have my own problems and my own sin, I don’t get to feel superior to them. When we build real, genuine relationships with the homeless, I feel that our outreach has been successful. TL: Tell us about some of Gospel Inc.’s success stories. And given that Jesus said that the poor would always be among us, how do you deal with discouragement?

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Repurpose Art Studio

In 2013, Connie Lutter began Repurpose Art Studio, which, beyond giving the women who attend viable job opportunities, has helped them become part of a community. Following a 13-week sewing internship, four women were paid minimum wage to attend a 15-hour week of lessons. Now those women are being recruited for various jobs, from mending

cushions to making curtains. Today, the studio hosts guest teachers, instructs various skills, and has paved the way for many women in need to provide a service that enables them to earn a living. Says Connie, “For them, it’s nice to make money, but even more than that, they love being there. They see somebody different in themselves than they saw before.

They see that they can make something. From never threading a needle before to creating something and having a skill to earn a living is a wonderful thing. “We recently did a beautiful Market Day on Saturday. These are skills that can get them someplace. They know that they can do something, and that makes a woman strong.”

“The heartbeat of Gospel Inc. is to walk among the homeless.” - Brian Seeley Repurpose Art Studio has been a place where women, who may not be able to earn a decent wage otherwise, are able to gain basic skills such as sewing, that they can take with them through life.

Connie Lutter of Repurpose Art Studio: One of our women already has a full-time job at a daycare. If it wasn’t for her time at Repurpose, I don’t think she would have had the confidence to even go look for a job. It gave her the skills to achieve. Brian: Well, one particular man has been with us a little over a year. During that time, he earned his GED from West Area Adult School and a full scholarship from Travis Tech. Now he’s learning to be an electrician while working full-time. He’s even transitioned out of the Men’s Home into his own place which the ministry owns in the neighborhood. For him, there are no more rules like at the Men’s Home. He’s on his own, he pays his rent, but we are still in his life

and we’re still there for him. He’s successfully making the transition in a stable home and continuing his education. He’s an example of somebody who really did a good job. But that doesn’t always happen. Most people in recovery will have a relapse, so that’s part of the challenge of working with them. But we walk with them through that process, too. A man who relapses can’t continue in our Men’s Home since it can spiral out of control and adversely affect other people. But we don’t abandon someone who’s relapsing, either. People have asked me how we can continue to work with someone who just keeps going back to the streets. I do the same thing — maybe just not in the same way. I often disappoint myself or my wife. So to cut off the homeless person because

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they did it again would be to assume that I’m superior to him and would deceive myself. I always like to remember this quote from Fyodor Dostoyevski who wrote in the The Brothers Karamazov: “Every one is really responsible to all men, for all men, and for everything.” I think it’s important that when thinking about homelessness that we don’t ignore what might be our own contribution to it — or our own responsibility for ameliorating it. Kari: Our society is very much focused on our vocation as our identities. A beautiful thing about relating to the homeless is that it can’t be your profession that defines you. It’s, “What kind of friend are you to me?” or “Are you there to help when so-and-so beat somebody else up?” and “Are you there for me when I start crying?” Relating to the homeless becomes more about identity — who I am, what kind of friend am I, rather than what I do. Working with the homeless can remind you of what’s beautiful and really important. TL: Besides your tireless work in the ministry, you also run a business during the holiday season to support it. Tell us about it. Brian: I established Looks Great Enterprises, which originally provided lawn care and other labor. But a friend in New York had a holiday lighting business and convinced me to start the service here. So for the last few years, we’ve been decorating homes around Lakeland, which provides work for

the guys, as well as me, with an income, because I don’t draw a salary from Gospel Inc. In addition, I also support myself by doing property management for the CRA, which I’m open to do for others. I manage the Neighbors of Lakeland apartment complex, and I also work part time for Tri-County Human Services doing outreach to the homeless. Tri-County has been a big blessing. It has funding and resources that I can use to help people that I meet on Lakeland’s streets. So I earn an income from the businesses I’ve started, and that gives me the freedom to run Gospel Inc. TL: On a weekly basis, you perform outreach to the homeless that is at once simple yet bolder than most people imagine they could participate in. How would you encourage someone that’s apprehensive to join you in the outreach? Brian: Those of us at Gospel Inc. are constantly doing outreach, and Friday nights are great opportunities to invite other people to join us in doing that. A typical Friday looks like this: we walk around the neighborhood and simply stop to talk with homeless people. It usually leads to some discussion about what their needs are, how we can assist them, and praying for them. The goal is to connect two people together — a homeless person and someone who would typically never engage a homeless person — to develop a friendship beyond that Friday night. I’m really

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LOOKS GREAT ENTERPRISES Following the launch of the Men’s Home, Brian Seeley sought to establish a line of work for the men who lived there. Inspired by a friend in New York with a holiday lighting business, Looks Great Enterprises decorates homes in the city for the Christmas season. The company installs professional holiday lighting, including design, maintenance through the season, light removal, and storage. Customers rent lights for this seasonal service.

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“When we build real, genuine relationships with the homeless, I feel that our outreach has been successful.” - Brian Seeley

The Gospel Inc. team aren’t only investing during work hours, but are intentional to truly create community and fellowship, often spending Friday nights taking a few people out to dinner and investing in quality time with them.

Founder Brian Seeley and his wife, Kari, both graduates of Southeastern University, have built Gospel Inc. from the ground up, making it one of the most effective efforts in the city to increase the quality of life for the homeless in Lakeland.

To get involved

trying to draw people into being in a community that builds long-lasting relationships with the homeless. We try to move beyond to a place where we might hang out during the week with them. For instance, this past Friday we took a couple people out to Tapatio’s. We build normal relationships with them like you would with anyone else. They just happen to be homeless.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how much I appreciate the CRA’s support. It leased me the apartment complex with the goal of inviting people to live there who’d invest in the neighborhood. It’s been cool for someone like me who doesn’t have a lot in terms of capital to get the opportunity to run Neighbors of Lakeland.

gospelinc.org 863.808.9440 brianseeley@gospelinc.org info@gospelinc.org. Men’s Bible study is held at Catapult Lakeland, 351 S. Florida Avenue (basement) on Monday nights at 7:30 p.m. Repurpose Art Studio Connie Lutter, 863-513-5001

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PEOPLE

AMERICAN REALITY For most anyone, traveling to a new place to settle down and start a new life is never simple. However, for those who have ventured to immigrate to another country and embark on a new business or career, it is especially no small feat. Over the years, Lakeland has grown into a more diverse culture that has expanded our tastes, our knowledge, and our quality of life in more ways than we can possibly count.

Written by Kristin Crosby Photography by Daniel Barcelรณ

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DÁMARIS & DANIEL MEDINA • CUBA

In this special feature, we share with you three different immigrant success stories of individuals who have crossed the borders to develop their careers here in Lakeland, and who’ve added a great wealth to our businesses and communities through the process.

DÁMARIS AND DANIEL MEDINA PLACE OF BIRTH: CUBA TITLE: MEDINA LAW GROUP, P.A. Daniel and Dámaris Medina have known each other almost their whole lives. Though Daniel was raised in Union City, New Jersey, and Dámaris came to North Bergen, New Jersey, as a Cuban refugee, the two had paths that led them to each other and eventually to Lakeland. “I did say when I was seven I was going to marry him,” says Dámaris. She and her family arrived in the United States in 1966. “It took a while. They sent a boat.” Though, on its way over, that boat sank. “So it took about another year, and on January 27, 1966, we stepped foot in New York.” Only three years old at the time, Dámaris recalls the experience vividly. Through a tightly knit church, circle of friends, a sweet series of events, and then later into their college years, the two married and moved to Louisiana. In 1991, Daniel studied at University of Florida College of Law in Gainesville and, after graduating, the family moved to Lakeland.

“When we came to Lakeland, we didn’t really expect to be here permanently. But we began to build roots,” says Daniel. “So when I sunk myself in the business life in Lakeland in 1996, I never really looked back.” Currently, Daniel is the only Florida Bar board-certified wills, trust, and estates lawyer in Polk County. When the Medinas first arrived here, Daniel came to work for a local law firm and, after a few years there, in 2000 he launched his own firm, while Dámaris homeschooled their daughter and managed the books at the firm. In 2004, Daniel joined John Stargel and Glenn Shelby, who now both serve as judges. And, in 2012, they moved to their current location on South Kentucky Avenue as the Medina Law Group: Wills, Trust and Estates Attorney, with a total of eight employees and support staff, many of whom are bilingual. “When I was hiring a lawyer,” recalls Daniel of the firm’s lawyer Clara Delgado Rossell, “I wasn’t looking for someone Hispanic, but it turns out she was born in the Dominican Republic to Spanish parents and speaks five languages.

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connected to her lineage and even recently went with her father to Cuba. “It’s deeply emotional,” Daniel notes of the trips there. Building roots in Lakeland while conserving the culture of their heritage, the Medinas solidified deep connections to the community through Redeemer Presbyterian Church of Lakeland and involvement in public organizations, such as Kiwanis, Parker Street Ministries, and the Children’s Exploration V Museum, where Daniel served on the board before the museum settled in its current building. “Not being from Lakeland has always been a bit of a challenge,” says Daniel. “So, we’ve just become part of the community and let the community know we’re here to stay. When people realized we were here and committed to the community, then they just embraced us over time.”

So she’s kind of a natural complement. “For the most part, it’s been something that’s happened naturally,” says Daniel, regarding the multicultural facets of their office. “It’s great to have someone who answers the phone and can speak Spanish. Because people will look for a Hispanic attorney if they’re Hispanic,” says Dámaris. Since the Medinas first moved to Lakeland, in many ways they came at a recent cultural shift in the city, welcoming an all-over more diverse society. Says Daniel, “I remember [in 1996] going into Publix, and while going down an aisle, hearing someone in another aisle speak Spanish, and intentionally going over there just to say hi. Because it was not as common. Nothing like it is today in diversity. It was not as common to hear Spanish being spoken publicly.” The Medinas also marvel at the recent addition of restaurants and tastes now represented in the city. “I can only think of one Cuban restaurant — Cuban Country — open in 1996,” recalls Daniel. “And the only other place you could get a Cuban sandwich would’ve been at Publix or Silver Ring.” “And we see it when we walk Lake Hollingsworth,” says Dámaris. “We think, ‘Wow! Lakeland is changing.’” “In the Hispanic community,” she

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continues, “the church we grew up in in New Jersey you have Hispanics from all different Spanishspeaking nations. They might be AsianHispanic, BlackHispanic, blonde-blueeyed-Hispanic. So we grew up with that diversity. Even though we had one common language, we were from all different nations. So, it’s cool to see that happening here.” Though, of the two, Dámaris is the one who immigrated to the States, Daniel’s parents had made the move to America before Castro came into power. Although Daniel was born in the States, he’s made several trips back to Cuba. The family of three has held tightly to their traditions, even as they embrace new ones here. Their daughter, Karis, is now 31 and an artist and curator working at The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation in Connecticut. “We always made sure that Spanish was going to be her first language,” says Dámaris. Though, having been raised in Lakeland, growing up working at Mitchell’s Coffee House, and quick to call herself a “townie,” Karis has remained very

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“When people realized we were here and committed... they just embraced us.” - Daniel Medina FAEZA KAZMIER PLACE OF BIRTH: ENGLAND TITLE: PLASTIC SURGEON AT WATSON CLINIC WOMEN’S CENTER At a young age, Faeza Kazmier knew she wanted to enter the field of plastic surgery, where currently only 12 percent of professionals are women. “When I [was pregnant with] my oldest, I was in my last year at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and I was so nervous thinking how am I going to explain this to my boss?’” says Kazmier. “I had to make sure I was on top of everything every single day. I didn’t have time to think about morning sickness. I didn’t have time to think about aches and pains. I went into labor when I was performing a breast reduction surgery.”

FAEZA KAZMIER • ENGLAND

Kazmier’s parents raised her to know that if she wanted to achieve her dreams, it would take nothing less than hard work and pure dedication. Though, granted, her ravenous appetite for knowledge of science and reconstructive surgery no doubt propelled her efforts. Kazmier’s parents Drs. Muhammad and Fatema Rashid came to the U.S. from the small country of Bangladesh. Though it’s a very modern and proWestern country, Kazmier says her parents “were raised in the Third World country you’d imagine — a small hut with a tin roof. That was their home. But their families knew that education was the ticket to help them to be able to get out of that.” A top student in the country at the time, Kazmier’s father received an engineering scholarship. Shortly after her parents’ marriage, the couple moved to England, where Kazmier was born. As an academician, Muhammad furthered his education from an undergraduate degree to a master’s and a PhD in England.

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Later, the family made many moves: to Malta, several smaller countries in Africa, Connecticut (where Kazmier attended preschool), and then Canada, before the family immigrated to the United States. Also highly educated, coming through poverty, Fatema had been a practicing physician and chose to set aside her practice for the time being when the family arrived to Canada, to invest first in her children. “I didn’t realize the implications of that sacrifice my mom made for us, until I became a physician and surgeon,” Kazmier says. Kazmier was in the fifth grade when the family arrived to the town of Munster in northwest Indiana. But it was shortly thereafter, when her father accepted a position to teach at Purdue and the family moved to Fort Wayne, that Kazmier’s career was set in motion. As a freshman in high school, she was exposed to the possibilities of careers in the medical field. “I was very blessed to have a biology teacher at that time,”

Kazmier remembers, “who said, ‘Faeza, I really think you’re great at sciences. I think you should consider something in the science background.’” Volunteering at the local hospital shortly thereafter, by the ninth grade Kazmier had seen her first surgery, a cardiothoracic operation. “This was when they had glass windows that you could watch through,” she recalls. “So I watched, and thought, ‘Ah, that looks so neat!’ But I had no idea what it meant to become a doctor.” After volunteering in a hospital, Kazmier had seen enough surgeries to know the medical field was the one she was ready to embark upon. At the time, equipped with college credits having attended classes for free at Purdue, she applied to several medical programs receiving students straight from high school and ultimately landed at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and then Albany Medical College. “That’s when I became exposed to plastic surgery,” says Kazmier, “and it was a

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As a female plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Watson Clinic Women’s Center, Kazmier is a part of the 12% of females in her medical field.

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surprise because I thought I was going to be an internal medicine doctor. That’s who you get to interact with the first year. And I didn’t see my first plastic surgery until my third year.” It was, in fact, when Kazmier saw her first three plastic surgeries — a baby with a cleft lip, a woman’s breast augmentation, and a reconstruction — that she knew this was the field for her. “Same surgeon, same date,” notes Kazmier. “But, not only did I know they were going to feel better, but they were going to see that [change] as well. And that’s when I realized this is what I want to do.” Traditionally, general, orthopedic, or ENT surgery schools are precursors to enroll in a plastic surgery program. But a new model was in place to propel students from their four years at medical school and on their way to become plastic surgeons. With only 15 programs available at the time, Kazmier applied to all and ended up at her choice school, the University of Missouri in Columbia. One of the youngest in her class, Kazmier completed the six-year program and agreed to become the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Watson Clinic Women’s Center. She and her family moved to Lakeland just months before the Center’s grand opening in 2006. Her husband, Peter Kazmier, an orthopedic surgeon, works at Watson Clinic as well.

“We’re both able to do the kind of work we want to do,” she says, gratefully, “and I’m able to work with incredible staff members. And, I get to spend time with my family at the times I think I’m going to spend time with my family, which is not always the case, unfortunately, with a lot of places. We’re very fortunate that we found a place that works for both of us.” Peter is also an immigrant to the U.S. Originally from Poland, he arrived to the States at 10 years old. The two met on their first day in residency. “Watson Clinic has been such a great place for us to be able to have the independence to be a part of milestones in our kids’ lives,” says Kazmier. As for her home country, she says, “It is good to go [back to Bangladesh] because it reminds us of where we came from and how great our opportunities are here. For instance, grade school is mandatory up to fifth grade. After fifth grade, if your parents have the money or the ability to be able send you to school and they don’t need you to work at home, then you’re able to go to school. If you don’t have those, then you’re not able to go

beyond fifth grade. We want our children to learn that life doesn’t just happen; you work hard for it. So we want them to learn to work hard for their life and appreciate what they have.” The value of education Kazmier was raised with, that she continues to pour into her children, is also shared among her siblings: Kazmier’s brother is a patent attorney with an engineer’s degree, and her sister is a gastroenterologist at UPenn.

Pugliese brought with him a culinary background and classic tastes grounded in his Naples heritage.

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Pulgiese went to culinary school near Rome, Italy, and worked in Switzerland and London, bringing a wealth of Italian tastes.

Kazmier adds, “Lakeland doesn’t look like it’s diverse from the outside, but it actually is. Here we have so many opportunities, I never feel like there’s a glass ceiling. I do think that is the case in other places, but I think, in our country here, I’ve never felt limited. If I’m willing to work hard and aim high, I’ve been able to achieve goals that I’ve been aiming for. Nobody else has kept me from it. And that is a blessing, to be here.”

MICK PUGLIESE PLACE OF BIRTH: NAPLES, ITALY TITLE: OWNER OF IL FORNO ITALIAN RESTAURANT With Italian blood running through his veins, Mick Pugliese always knew he would one day open an Italian restaurant of his own. While most American culinary schools have programs that turn around chefs in as short as 12 months, Pugliese spent five years in culinary school near Rome, Italy, his hometown. Upon graduating the course, Pugliese

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lived in Switzerland, then in England before arriving to the States. “I was a supervisor for the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Heathrow, United Kingdom,” he says. “I was mainly at the front of the house. But I always knew I wanted to open up a restaurant one day.” When Pugliese decided to move to Lakeland in 2001, he knew this was where his restaurant would soon open. He spent a few years working in other restaurants and businesses to familiarize himself with the city. In the beginning, Lakeland was a chain restaurant-oriented, or very mom and pop,” recalls Pugliese. But, upon opening his restaurant, Il Forno, in 2004 and bringing the authentic Italian cuisine from his background and culinary training, he quickly realized what many in the city expected when seeking out a so-called “classic” Italian dinner. At the time, the only other Italian restaurants in Lakeland (outside of the commercial Olive Garden) were Scarpa’s and Palace Pizza — one known for its fine dining cuisine and the other a dependable, fast-paced pizza joint. “The difficulty was to cook with an Italian-American flair,” says Pugliese, “because there are a lot of dishes that don’t exist in Europe. “Alfredo

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sauce,” he notes, for instance, “is not Italian. But, you’ve got different dishes that aren’t really Italian, so you’ve got to make it. “Small example,” explains Pugliese, “on the menu we have pasta pomodoro, and then you can add the meatballs or the sausage. But people are like, ‘What kind of Italian restaurant are you? You don’t even have spaghetti and meatballs.’ But often people come and say, “Yes, I want spaghetti and meatballs. But I want angel hair.’” The American palate can be quite picky. But Pugliese learned his customer base quickly. So, yes, at Il Forno you will be sure to find linguine alfredo, spaghetti and meatballs, and other varieties of pastas. Pugliese knew he wanted to bring the people of Lakeland classic Italian family-style meals, but he also became educated with Americans’ expectations and anticipations of a certain kind of Italian meal. Along with traditional recipes, Pugliese brought with him a culinary background and classic taste grounded in his Naples heritage, to create a menu that keeps customers coming back for more. Even if more spaghetti and meatballs.

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Polk Museum Of Art

In our mission to attract job producing businesses to Lakeland for the past 57 years, we love pointing out amenities that make Lakeland a great place to live and do business. We are thrilled to be actively involved in the creation of the 180 acre Bonnet Springs Park in Central Lakeland. We look forward to adding it to our list of reasons to live in Lakeland.

You are going to love this park! David F. Bunch, SIOR

hauger bunch REALTOR ®

Lisa Parks Abberger, SIOR, AICP

HAUGER BUNCH, INC. COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE 415 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland, FL • www.hauger-bunch.com

863-682-6147

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All Creatures Animal Clinic NOW ACCEPTING PATIENTS!

Welcome to your “other” family doctor! All Creatures Animal Clinic has worked hard to not only gain the reputation of being an exceptional medical facility, but also to become an integral part of the families we serve. We are committed to always making time for our clients and providing compassionate care in a cutting-edge medical environment. In addition, we also offer alternative medicine options which include chiropractic care, laser, and a hydrotherapy pool. Our clinic recently earned AAHA accreditation, a distinction awarded to the top 12-15% of animal hospitals in the United States and Canada. We are also a certified Cat Friendly Practice. Pets are our passion, and keeping them healthy is our #1 priority.

RE/MAX Paramount Properties www.PolkCountyHomes.com 863-680-3322 Each office independently owned and operated.

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“TRUST” IS A PRIVILEGE As a long-time Lakeland resident and member at Grasslands, Huck cares about the families and businesses in his community. “I’m a member of The Tampa Bay Trust Company team, because the firm’s values and perspective in client care align with my own. ” We’re not in money management – we’re in wealth management. Experience the difference. Huck Harris, CPA, Family Office Services The Tampa Bay Trust Company Investment Management | Trust & Estate Services Tampa Bay | Winter Haven 141 5th Street NW, Suite 300 | Winter Haven, FL

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Moment s to inspire you. People to

shape you.

Opportunities to

empower you.

SEU.edu | Lakeland, Florida | 800.500.8760 | Follow us @seuniversity

In recent years, Lakeland has welcomed some incredible homegrown businesses that chose this city as their base and inspiration. These businesses enlarge our identity as a community, add to our flavor, and change the way we eat, shop, work, and live as a city. To celebrate the crafted goods these entrepreneurs create, The Lakelander proudly presents its third year of Lakelander Made.

Meet our makers.

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HOME MADE TO DWELL

Underneath Antiquity & Possibility SCOUT & TAG

Since its opening, Scout & Tag has been furnishing local homes with their chic, refurbished pieces. Read Nikki Hunt’s story of building Scout & Tag to be the consistent, creative, local business it is today.

WRITTEN BY EMILY JOHNSON • PHOTOS BY DAN AUSTIN

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ikki Hunt, owner of Scout & Tag, shares the valuable history of a local home and gift shop in downtown Lakeland. It is a shop she has developed and built where consumers stop by on a weekly basis (mostly buzzing in on Saturday mornings during the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market), because they can rest assured they will discover rare, timeless finds that are quick to become a piece they will treasure. The shop is full of Lakelandspecific, and usually Lakelander-made, gifts that celebrate the community’s heritage — whether that looks like a wooden carving of swans, pumpkins made from welded horseshoes, Lakeland’s coordinates stitched on a pillow, or a metal-script of local neighborhood names. Hunt started off her artistic career by selling her refurbished furniture pieces at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market. She did this consistently for over a year, lugging her found and redesigned pieces to Kentucky Avenue every Saturday morning at six o’clock. Her reliable, consistent presence at the market allowed shoppers to anticipate finding new and fresh designed pieces they were unlikely to find elsewhere ... not only in Lakeland but nationwide

CREATIVE CAPABILITY

Hunt then began to sell her pieces in a vintage warehouse, renting her own space and unveiling her curated crafts there. Through this, she and a friend decided that they needed to develop their own space where they would house and sell their unique pieces. Thus, Scout & Tag opened downtown in December of 2014. The shop is named after her kids, Scout and Tag, and has been the name of Hunt’s company since she began selling at the outdoor market years ago. Starting the shop involved taking small risks, such as selling in the market and any other local space available. “Proving your concept,” Hunt explains how important the beginning process is for a small business of your own. Similar to how she proved her concept at the market each week, Hunt believes this is the success of many business owners, including herself. She says, for creatives, this is especially fun, because people are anticipating you to create something new each time they return — promoting a

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Nikki Hunt, who began Scout & Tag by selling refurbished pieces at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market, made a seemingly smooth transition into a popular downtown business.

bit of pressure, of course, yet also stretching your creative capability. Although opening her shop was a bit unnerving, Hunt was able to depend on her husband and the support he brought to their family to grow the business. The shopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opening day was also on the day of the Holiday Walkabout in Lakeland, which was beneficial since people were already downtown. After advertising, seeking press in newspapers, and launching their social media excitement about the anticipated unveiling, Scout & Tag quickly felt embraced by the community, especially since the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market

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and First Friday events were only a couple of steps outside the door.

EXPANDED SPACE AND WORKSHOPS

Scout & Tag started with only about 1,100 square feet in that December of 2014. Later, they expanded into a restaurant next door that had gone out of business. Today, the old kitchen of the restaurant is used as studio space to host workshops, including paint workshops specializing in chalk-painting furniture; calligraphy classes; Girls Night Out workshops, teaching how to create a personalized and

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elegantly crafted project while sipping wine and nibbling on cheese and chocolate; Mommy and Me workshops; and more to come.

DAILY PIECES

Curated pieces arrive to the store not just weekly or biweekly, but daily. While the shop has buyers that search for pieces to sell at the store, Lakeland natives also add to the storeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offerings. Many items sold at Scout & Tag are made by local artists, and a portion of its inventory is even consigned there, allowing artisans to feature pieces in the shop. Hunt strives for Scout & Tag to procure

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MEET OU R CO MME R CIA L B A N K IN G T E A M Left to right: Randy Hollen; Nancy LaFountain, Treasury Management; David Houston; David Brown; Marilyn Watson; Joe Furnari; Linda Harkins, Treasury Management; Scott Gardner

DOWNTOWN LAKELAND 101 S. Florida Ave. | 863-904-4109

SOUTH LAKELAND 5015 S. Florida Ave. | 863-701-2685

It’s the Holiday Season and a time of indulgence! With the famous Thanksgiving feast, leftover Christmas cookies, and the endless New Year’s parties, it’s no surprise that we typically pack on 5-10 pounds during the holiday season. Replace a meal a day with a juice from Elixir to fight off the holiday pounds!

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artisan curations that are well-done and creative items, and maintaining consistency in product artistic quality Constantly working with other creators, the store’s most recent collaboration is with iNK Screen Printing for the new Lakeland T-shirt Club, selling a variety of tees that celebrate different aspects of Lakeland. Hunt is also joining with a new artist who recently completely a landscape series of Lakeland soon to be sold as prints in the store. She says it has been the most fun collaborating with newly discovered local artists. It’s just one of the reasons why she loves her job.

A ONE-OF-A-KIND

One of Hunt’s goals is to offer that one-of-a-kind piece that you just have to Scout & Tag’s collaborations are constantly discovering new local artists.

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have, because these rare finds are something you just won’t come across elsewhere, and certainly not in a newly refurbished form. With many people these days moving, either downsizing or upgrading, Hunt hopes Scout & Tag is the location locals can come to, to adorn their spaces with modern or refurbished vintage pieces. After asking Hunt if this profession is still something she is fond of, now that she is overwhelmingly invested in her store, she confidently responds, “Yes! Of course, there is and will be pressure with all the work to do and finding the right team to work with. Yet, it is still doubtlessly worth it.” She is eager for the many new things in store at Scout & Tag, and excited for what future refurbishments behold, underneath all the antiquity and possibility. SCOUT & TAG 244 N. Kentucky Avenue Lakeland, FL 33801 863.225.2426 scoutingvintage.com

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HOME M A K E R S

O F

N O T E

GIVING TREE HANDMADE

CRAFTS MADE FROM RECLAIMED WOOD

Wooden crafts suitable for your home or as gifts can be found at Giving Tree Handmade. As a passionate woodworker, Ashley the curator, designs serving trays, address planters, terrariums, and much more. In addition to donating a portion of all proceeds to a local charity each month, she also teaches quarterly workshops where you can build your own project. givingtreehandmade.com givingtreehandmade@gmail.com

JUNE TAYLOR

HANDMADE BLANKETS

June Taylor is a local boutique selling vintage finds and handmade apparel in The Shop Across the Street. Beginning in 2014, the designer Kelly Riley decided to hand-sew her own throw when she was searching for a specific one and couldn’t find any she liked. From then on, she has been hand-sewing blankets and ponchos for many other Lakelanders to wear or give as gifts. You can find June Taylor at Riley’s shop in front of Dixieland, at Dixieland’s Last Friday events, or at Scout & Tag. facebook.com/junetaylorshop/ @junetaylorshop

PURE & SIMPLE TREATS

HANDMADE LUXURY CANDLES

Fill your home with the luxurious smell of this pure and simple handmade candle. These earthfriendly soy and coconut wax candles provide serene aromatics, handmade in small batches in a workshop here in Lakeland - no factory or mass production. Creating scents to capture the essence of nature and raw elegance, this team of passionate makers is bringing the smell of the holidays to your home. pureandsimpletreats.com @pureandsimpletreats

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STYLE MADE TO ADORN THE EVERYDAY

Wolves Hunt in Packs WOLVES NEVER ASK PERMISSION

Clothing brands can sometimes be the thing we look for to set our styles apart from each other. But, for some, a brand and the clothes we wear can be what brings us together. Particularly wolves.

WRITTEN BY ALLIE BERNATEK • PHOTOS BY JORDAN RANDALL

rew Willz lives by this motto: “Community involvement can catapult you.” Born and raised in New York, Willz came to Florida at a young age. Growing to love his community, he attended college and started a clothing line here in Lakeland. What was once a groupchat idea quickly became an up-and-coming brand widely known to the community. With a degree in graphic design from Keiser University, Willz had a passion for fashion design. “It’s another form of art and expression,” he says. With this dream in mind, he reached out to three friends to join in on this goal to create a new brand and fresh style. Husband and wife

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duo, Nicoli and Mela Luther, along with his friend CJ all quickly jumped on the brand idea for a future company. The team was eager to combine their creative strengths to create a forward-thinking streetwear brand that felt rooted in local culture. With such a small team, there were many roles to share. As the process began, each member developed the part of the business that best suited them. With Nicoli and Mela moving to Miami, it expanded the brand’s market. Nicoli became the project manager, dealing with day-to-day operations and each new design that they produce. Mela brought a fresh female perspective to the brand, as well as well as innovative marketing ideas. CJ takes care of

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all the finances, and works with Drew as they launch new projects and designs.

LAUNCHING THE BRAND

After six months of planning and brainstorming, the brand made its debut in May of 2017. Wolves Never Ask Permission (WNAP) aspires to represent family and unity, at the same time inspiring people to take what they want — don’t ask, but take your dream into your hands. “[Wolves] live and hunt in packs. That’s what we do. We are a pack, and we wanted to spread that message with a brand people could relate to,” says Willz. Starting with a hoodie, WNAP began selling at a rapid rate on their website. With the first

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product gaining traction and popularity with their community, the team thought why not create more? They started branching into different types of clothing including hats, T-shirts, and denim jackets. “We may not get what we want until 10 years from now, but we have to be willing to stick it out,” says Willz.

A COMMON MESSAGE

Because the team originated in Lakeland, Willz wanted to make sure that the local community had the opportunity to experience the brand and its message before they attempted to expand its customer base. This strategy, in addition to his New York sensibility, gives the clothing line a young, fresh, but functional personality

while remaining accessible to his Lakeland audience. When talking about the brand’s influence, Willz shared that high school students often respond to the brand. As they frequently get emails asking about modeling opportunities, one student said, “What you guys are representing is something that I stand for. I have people who pick on me at school, and this [company] is empowering.” For the team, it’s all about sharing a common message: “Wolves hunt and live in packs. That is the point; we stick together.” WNAP is taking big leaps. As of October, 5th and Hall, a local boutique that caters to young, fashionable Lakelanders, welcomed the brand to showcase some of their products. But it doesn’t stop there. Being a part of the

WNAP creates pieces that are all things young, fresh, and functional.

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Saturday morning Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market and going to different showcases around the state, WNAP’s goal is to build a following and highlight Lakeland in the process. They built a shirt campaign around this idea. The shirt states, “Thou Shalt Not Buy Fake Followers,” and it started as WNAP was doing research on other brands. Many of the large following companies had “fake followers,” per se. These followers were empty accounts, or barely active accounts, but WNAP wanted to step out with a bit more depth as a brand. “We want every follower to be a real person that we can connect with. We want a pack of wolves.” Thus, they launched their now ever-growing fan base, where they

CLASSICS NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE. THEY ENDURE THE TESTS OF TIME.

Steve Norton Principal

Personal Service is one of those Classics. You can’t text it, you can’t tweet it and you can’t Face Book it. It’s Classic and it’s results are proven. There is no substitute for it. It’s an attitude of Serving, in a personal way. Come experience the difference that “real” Personal Service can make for your Business, Home, Auto….for your family….for your life.

Steve Norton, Agent. Partnering with Businesses & Families in Lakeland and Polk County to provide all lines of Insurance and Risk Management, in a personal way, since 1981. Lakeland • Winter Haven • Haines City • Lake Wales

EWING BLACKWELDER & DUCE

INSURANCE

AUTO • HOME • LIFE • BUSINESS

4930 Southfork Drive • Lakeland

(863) 647-5187 • ebdins.com

let us help bring your vision to life

863.606.8689 WISHVINTAGE.COM

photo by Jordan Weiland Photography

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Focused on brand identity versus brand exposure, WNAP prepares to launch their Season 2 collection of their classic T’s in new colors, as well as three new washes of denim jackets, and a collaboration with a London artist.

use popular Instagram models to help promote the new clothes. Their main promotion outlet is word-of-mouth. They want genuine hype from the community in helping spread the word about the company. Using Instagram models and having ambassadors for the company are the main focus as far as media. When speaking on marketing, Willz states, “We are not going to put all of our money into one person, because what happens when that person fades out? The brand fades too. So, if it is just everyday people, it will last the test of time.” The focus is brand identity versus brand exposure. It all comes back to the community. Willz says, “I want to see us in a Vogue magazine, and in the corner it says, Made in Lakeland. It’s all about bringing it back home … our friends, family, and community.” GAINING THEIR WOLF PACK As the company continues to grow and the brand gains momentum, the team is planning on showcasing their products in a design show in Long Beach, California, at the beginning of 2018. “I want to show California what these Lakeland boys are made of,” says Willz.

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The key to this brand is the mash-up between being influential clothing and streetwear with high-end design. They focus on bringing a diverse culture to the clothing in a way everyone can relate to the brand. Looking to other companies for inspiration, WNAP is watching how other local businesses, such as Born and Bread, and 5th and Hall, market themselves and collect their audience, and then playing off what they learn. Building off the present momentum, WNAP is launching a Season 2 collection which will feature your already favorite T-shirts in new colors, three new washes of denim jackets, and a new collaboration with an artist in London. This collaboration involves an illustration of a wolf in a samurai pose as a graphic shirt, as well as a WNAP vertical graphic in Chinese writing. To keep some of the surprises intact for the Season 2 launch, you’ll have to check out their website. The overall heart behind the brand is to influence. Willz, who has a two-year-old son, wants this brand to be a way that his son can see that you can have a career in design. With Willz’s grandfather also being in the graphic design field, Willz wants his son to be inspired

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to be creative in whatever way possible. His goal is to have WNAP have an essential item in a GQ shoot, or be seen in New York on a celebrity. “I want the message of what we’re doing to get out,” he says. Any way to reach the community and tie Lakeland together is a win for WNAP. As of now, they are working on expanding, doing pop-up shops in the downtown area, and gaining their wolf pack. “[Being in Lakeland and seeing all the businesses] really makes it seem like it’s possible, if you just stay committed to your community and put out great product,” says Willz. “We at least have to accomplish this before we get there,” says Willz, with the mindset that they are tackling Lakeland and then branching out to other markets. What better way to represent the 863 than with a clothing brand that highlights the character of Lakeland, community, and unity.

WOLVES NEVER ASK PERMISSION facebook.com/wolvesneveraskpermission/

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COPPER TREE BEADS BEADS AND JEWELRY

At Copper Tree Beads jewelry design studio, seekers of unique accessories can design their own custom pieces using beads sourced from around the world. They also offer handmade jewelry by their staff, or if so desired, they can provide customers with the wire, leather, and beads needed to create a piece on the spot. Stop by their downtown location to see what they have this week. facebook.com/coppertreebeads/

HENNA LAKELAND

LOCAL HENNA ARTIST

Launched in 2012, Henna Lakeland has offered the beautiful Northern African art of traditional henna methods. A temporary body art painted on hands or feet, with varying colors of dye, Tejal Mehta makes this Egyptian custome, traditionally used for weddings and milestone events, accesible to for any occasion. hennalakeland.wordpress.com â&#x20AC;˘ @hennalakeland

MARY BASSHAM

HANDMADE SILVER JEWELRY

Beginning as a studio painter and graphic designer, Mary Bassham became crafting jewelry in 2002. Working with precious metals like silver and gold, and adding pearls and gemstones, she welds earrings, bracelets, and necklaces utilizing traditional metalsmithing techniques. Her specialty makes use of unique stones to create modern jewelry forms, while utilizing ancient processing methods that she respects and adores. View and purchase her work at her online Etsy store. basshamstudios.etsy.com

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(863) 647-1212 4231 S. Florida Ave, Lakeland FL 33813 Lunch Hours Tuesday - Friday: 11:30am - 2:00pm Dinner Hours Tuesday - Thursday, Sunday: 5:00pm - 9:30pm Friday & Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm

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TASTE MADE TO SATISFY THE PALATE AND THE SOUL

Third Wave Coffee CONCORD COFFEE ROASTERS

As coffee roasting has become a widely embraced craft, the potential of a simple cup of coffee has quickly evolved. When Concord Coffee opened, it awakened local taste buds to the rich flavors and aromas of craft coffees nationwide. Now, with an inhouse roaster, Concord presents this in its freshest, most accessible, and even integral form.

WRITTEN BY KRISTIN CROSBY / PHOTOS BY NAOMI VACARO

recent years, a conscious national effort has been raised to not only care about what’s on our plates, but how it got there. For humanitarian reasons and equally for a quality factor, we’re not only more concerned, but more fascinated and entertained, with how a meal gets to our table. For most of us, we don’t care how it gets there, but most days we like our cups filled with coffee. Truth be told, maybe we’re even a little entitled to think our cups should always be filled with the finest of coffees. (I should know.) Just as there is a farm-to-table process, there is a farm-to-cup process. A part of Lakeland these past two years,

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Concord Coffee has progressed from selling nationally renowned craft coffee to now producing its own. “Having a product that was our own was always very important,” says TJ Zimmerman, co-owner of Concord Coffee along with his wife, Lindsay; Andy and Ashley McEntire; and Bryan and Emily Ley. Since opening in 2015, the team has continued to build upon the dream, now roasting and selling their very own craft coffee here in Lakeland and online. “That was always a part of the plan,” says Zimmerman, “but we also are still a multiroaster, so we have other roasters we use currently in this shop. And our intention is to stay that way in this location.” When Concord

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Coffee opened in Lakeland, it introduced many to a world of tastes they had yet to encounter. Now it brings the full coffee bean evolution for locals to see and experience. GLASS-ENCASED ROASTER When you step out of the shop, just feet away to the right is a glass room, and encased in it sits the San Franciscan roaster — an American-made, handcrafted, shiny, golden, propane-fueled stately piece of machinery. When the company had to land on the right machine, it was pretty much a forgone conclusion. “It was kind of one of those ‘it-feltright’ moments,” says Zimmerman. The roaster’s location was not only chosen

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due to its proximity to the coffee shop, but also for the roasting process to be observed from its very origin. “We want people to be able to see it and experience it,” says Zimmerman, “because it is different and unique. Most of the time, people don’t know the process.” FROM THE GREEN BEAN Batches are roasted five pounds at a time in the sixpound roaster (about 80 percent of its capacity) within approximately 15 minutes. And the coffee arrives green. Yes, green. Green coffee beans are poured up top, into the hopper. From there, they are released into a rotating drum, and as the drum rotates, the beans are heated underneath by a flame. Roasters have a charge temperature they’re gauging, so the coffee is dropped at a certain temperature depending on the profile of the coffee (how much density it has, how much water or moisture content). As it is in motion, the process is monitored both visually as well as from an app called Cropster. Watching the roasting process temperature graphs on Cropster, the process is monitored with two probes. One reading shows the temperature inside the machine, while another reads the temperature of the actual beans. As roasters are able to track the heat on the computer, they are making adjustments according to the beans’ temperature, the rate at which the temperature is increasing every 30 seconds, the Rate of Rise (RoR), which essentially monitors what is going on inside of the beans during the process to help control the roast, avoid defect, and craft the most flavorful beans possible. TRIAL AND ERROR Needless to say, this is no simple, mindless kind of process. Which may be why Concord limits the management of its roasting process to two people: TJ Zimmerman and Amelie Haakonsen. Originally from Detroit Michigan, Haakonsen came to Concord with nearly eight years of coffee experience under her belt. “I fell in love with the latte art side of things,” she says about first working with coffee, “which is weird for me because I’m not artistic at all. So this was kind of the first thing in my life that made me feel I’m good at something.” And, after two years at Concord, now House Manager Haakonsen brings her experience with craft roasters and baristas, having learned many skills of the trade, as well as possessing what some at Concord would say to be “a phenomenal palate.” “Most people learn the science side of coffee first,” admits Haakonsen, “but I learned this side of things first. And then I kind of had to dive in to extraction, science, and what that means as far as espresso goes.” “Our goal was definitely to wait until we were ready to serve it,” says Zimmerman. “I mean, we’re serving

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national award-winning coffees,” pointing to their current espresso, “so we didn’t want to just say, ‘Hey, here’s ours!’ and it be nothing near the quality.” The San Franciscan roaster was selected and bought in February of 2017. Concord’s first batch of roasted coffee was released in July as a drip. And by September the company released its new online store and roasted coffees for sale. PROFILING All of Concord’s coffee that’s both served and roasted in house is single-origin coffee. Meaning they are a pure extraction of one single kind of coffee, never blended with other flavors, to pull the most pure, clean, and clear tasting notes for each cup. Concord also focuses on serving light roasted coffee, which brings out the most aromatic flavors possible and allows one to pick up the natural notes that are in that bean. Sourced from importers such as Ally, Keffa (a specialty Ethiopian importer), and Onyx specializing in Guatemalan (which just won Roaster and Barista of the year), the types of coffees coming in are often changing. Yet the method of roasting remains meticulously closely monitored with each batch. “I wanted not just myself in there, but [Haakonsen] as well, because she’s so good and well versed in coffee,” says Zimmerman. “So whenever we get a new coffee in, both of us are in [the roasting room] — talking about what approach do we want to do, what temperature do we want to have it at, when do we want to change the gas and air. So we’re in there profiling it together, looking at it, smelling it, as it’s roasting. So it’s not just one of us in there, but both of us.” Currently, Concord has three different types of coffees on the market: one called Brazil Sitio Boa Esperanca, from the region of Matas De Mina, carrying chocolate, red apple, and caramel tasting notes. The Guatemala Los Dos Socios (a favorite of both Zimmerman and Haakonsen), a 100-percent bourbon coffee, comes from the regions of El Chalum, La Libertad, Huehuetenango, and holds tasting notes of blackberry, lime, and brown sugar. And their third offering, Ethiopian YirgZ, comes from Kochere, Yirgacheffe, and has notes of orange blossom, Meyer lemon, and plum. Each coffee carries a profile, an origin, and tasting notes that separate one from the next. To complete each new coffee profile, with each batch is a cupping, a practice of observing tastes and aromas of a brewed coffee. “And in sensory tastings,” says Zimmerman, “we’ll actually go purchase the fruit it tastes like and we’ll narrow down the main flavors. It’s not a random selection or picking out flavors, notes or names. It’s all in the natural tasting notes.”

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A CONSIDERATE CUP “In a third wave coffee, there is this connection from farm to cup, where people are really able to understand and experience other people’s way of life,” says Haakonsen. “For so many people, this is their blood, sweat, and tears put into that green coffee. And now, people are able to experience every single bit of that.” Following the process from point origin, selection, roasting, and profiling, the staff at Concord Coffee are able to understand the process first hand, and are able to truly taste and experience the results of this tediously crafted process. As conscious as Concord is of their roasting method, the company holds equally high standards for where this coffee is sourced and the work ethic of the farmers behind these green beans. One prime example of their importers is Ethiopia YirgZ, a trademarked coffee from Keffa. The importer Keffa, which is out of Baltimore, sources their coffee from Ethiopia, where all the farmers contribute to one large, separate mill. And the different mills working on the coffee are graded and separated differently. The YirgZ coffee is called the Zero Defect Coffee, since it is sorted through three times. But it is a female-specific mill, where all of the ladies are paid two-times the average wage of normal Ethiopian pay. “So it’s life changing for the women,” says Haakonsen. “Then, in turn, we’re getting a really high-quality product out of it. For us, it’s really a cool selling point, and for them it’s literally changing their lives.

We’re not just choosing coffee because it tastes good. We’re choosing coffee because it’s serving other people as well. “At the end of the day, as far as [being] the best roasters in the world, we have no idea what we’re doing,” laughs Haakonsen. “We know what good coffee tastes like, and we know what we want our coffee to taste like. So before having an understanding of the science side of things, we knew where we wanted our philosophies to stand. We were making sure that the coffee we were sourcing were sustainable farms, where people are being treated a specific way, that the importers we were sourcing through are paying a fair wage, and other philosophies we had set in stone in sourcing coffee.” For Concord, coffee is not only a way to awaken the senses, but to enlighten the efforts of farmers who make excellent coffee accessible to us on a daily basis. Now, following your coffee from farm to cup just may cause you to take each sip with a whole new appreciation. Particularly any cup from Concord.

“WE WANT PEOPLE TO BE ABLE TO SEE IT AND EXPERIENCE IT. BECAUSE IT IS DIFFERENT AND UNIQUE. MOST OF THE TIME, PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THE PROCESS.” — TJ Zimmerman

CONCORD COFFEE 1037 S. Florida Avenue, #135 Lakeland, FL 33803 concordcoffee.com

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LAW OFFICES OF

TED W. WEEKS IV, P.A. LAWSUITS & DISPUTES | CORPORATE & BUSINESS LAW

2 1 1 7 H A R DE N B O U L E VA R D • L A K E L A N D , F L OR I DA 3 3 8 0 3 • 8 6 3 . 8 0 2 . 5 0 0 0 A rural school house on the Lakeland-Auburndale line in Florida. It was a fairly large structure for such relatively small community. Photo Courtesy of Special Collections, Lakeland Public Library

@ExclusiveCrPl

ExclusiveCruisePlanners

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DINING M A K E R S

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CHEESES AND CRUST

GOURMET GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES

A local food stand, this company is about the business of elevating the “humbled grilled cheese.” Baking their bread from scratch, creates a undeniable fresh sandwich taste with each bite. Their loaves are paired with melting cheese, basil, tomato, and much more. Try their in-house tomato soup as well. With this stellar comfort combo, won’t be sorry you did. facebook.com/cheesesandcrust/ @cheesesandcrust

TEA LARGO

ACAI BOWLS

Beginning in the spring of 2007 as a little tea cafe, Tea Largo Beverage Company has expanded as the home of boba tea, acai, mate and matcha over the years. Snack on antioxidants in the most refreshing and filling way with the ever-tasty acai bowl, topped with fruits, cacao nibs, coconut or even a dollop of peanut butter. Just think of it as your healthy smoothie in indulgant ice cream form. tealargo.com • @tealargo

ELIXIR

COLD-PRESSED JUICES

Inspired to raise the health of the community by providing nutritious juice blends, Elixir uses the old method of juicing high-quality foods to fulfill your daily intake of fruits and vegetables. Think of their juices as therapy, juice therapy to get you on the path of healthy consumption. elixirliquidtherapy.com

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At Grace Manor, my dad is treated like family. The experienced caregivers and a community of friends have helped to make his transition to assisted living a graceful one. He stays active and lives independently, with help when he needs it. I have peace of mind knowing my dad is loved and cared for. It truly is like family taking care of family.

GRACE MANOR SUITES 4620 N Socrum Loop Rd 863.577.0977 | GraceManorSuites.com Assisted Living Facility License #11995

GRACE MANOR LAKE MORTON 610 E Lime St 863.937.9114 | GraceManorLakeMorton.com Assisted Living Facility License #AL5217

Don’t tackle tax season by yourself. Jim D. Lee, CPA

full-service, locally based accounting firm Over 30 years experience with businesses, individuals, churches, and nonprofit organizations, Jim D. Lee, CPA offers a variety of high-quality services to fit your needs: • Federal & State Personal Tax Returns • Federal & State Business Tax Returns • IRS Representation • Estate & Tax Planning • Financial Planning

Call today for an appointment 863.686.7330 Or visit our office in the Lake Aston Sales Center Tuesdays & Thursdays beginning February 3 I SS U E 37

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“It’s

interesting to look back at our lives and see how we arrived at an opportunity, isn’t it?” shares Laura Ashton Helm in telling the story of how she began a locally based, wedding-planning business. Her love of celebration inspired her to create Ashton Events, Haus 820, and The Collective (the latter two which opened this year at Mass Market) which has blossomed into the business it is today. Entrepreneurship was never something Helm had planned, though. While attending college, she recognized her attraction towards problem solving, especially for other people, but she wasn’t sure how to utilize that. Her father had requested her assistance on an event he was orchestrating for his real-estate business. It was the grand opening of a new development, and he wanted his daughter’s help. She was excited planning the affair, and she naturally gravitated towards the creative side of it. The ladies she was working with kept telling her she could actually do this for a living. After that, she was inspired to instantly switch her college studies to business and public relations.

ART MADE SOLELY TO DELIGHT

Blossomed FLORALS BY LAURA HELM

From launching Ashton Events to Haus 820, Laura Helm certainly keeps a tight and productive schedule helping to mark special days for her clients all across Central Florida. And, in the midst of it all, Ashton Events floral design has evolved (especially for Aston Events Planning & Design clients) with its stunning, fresh flower arrangements.

WRITTEN BY EMILY JOHNSON / PHOTOS BY TINA SARGEANT

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STORYTELLING After receiving her education, Laura moved to Lakeland in the summer of 2008, following her brother here. She got a job working with event planning at Cypress Gardens. Through this experience she learned propitious information necessary for becoming involved in the world of wedding planning. However, she still did not assume that wedding planning was where she wanted to be. After leaving that job, she worked in an office for half a year doing an array of things, but she began craving the element of creativity again. At the request of a lady in her local church, Helm ended up doing a wedding for a couple in Lakeland. She says that, in being there for this wedding, and for this bride, she discovered her true affection towards storytelling. Creating an experience and celebration for them that was exclusively about the couple and their story was the most rewarding part. It was something the family and their guests still discuss and adore today. There was an intentionality behind the

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From a wedding planning business to the opening of Mass Market, Laura Helm has tapped into a fruitful market, with the expansion of Helm Florals and her stately arrangements.

ceremony that had been missing from the other things Helm was doing. Through this, she found she did enjoy wedding planning, just with fewer clients, and in return, the ability to be more relational with them. Soon following, Ashton Events began in August of 2010. A NEW VISION When Ashton Events started, Helm and her team did not do florals. In fact, she never thought of applying that design aspect to her brand. She had played with art during school, even took some art and design courses, but she never quite expected this. She and her team were structuring and orchestrating every detail of a wedding … except they were still hiring the florists. But Helm found that when the flowers and bouquets would arrive for the ceremony, they were beautiful yet didn’t quite match the

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couple’s vision or hers. Her team also writes an 11-page design narrative for the newlyweds, documenting the story of their sentimental day. Usually, when the florist was hired, the blooms would not match the narrative as eloquently as Helm had hoped. And that was the beginning of Ashton Events florals. Helm laughs, saying she always had a “black thumb” growing up. She knew she always loved and appreciated flowers with their authenticity and vulnerability. However, she used to kill even the most durable cacti, thereby making her first steps in the floral business rather unnerving yet exciting. Helm shares that she was finding a different voice … one she would have never expected to come from herself. Her first bouquet took around six hours to complete. She was such a perfectionist, critiquing every minor detail while she continued to arrange and rearrange. Yet, after completing that first bouquet, she officially decided to try incorporating this skill into her business. REFLECTIONS OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM The first wedding that Ashton Events designed florals for was for 300 guests. Helm says that she had an amazing bride who was very trusting of her and her creative capability. The whole wedding ended up coming together

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marvelously, and the florals wonderfully matched the rest of the details Helm had employed. Helm realized that doing florals was so rewarding. The bouquet was always made to specifically reflect the bride and groom and what she knew they would fancy. She tells of getting to walk into the finished venue and see every thought and detail come into play with how well she got to know the couple. This is what she believes makes her business different … she will walk through every step and decision alongside you. The floral side of her business has allowed her to branch out in the dynamic of her team because it requires more hands. She talks of how she could have never imagined the amount of fun they share in the lively conversations happening and fostering in the floral studio. The execution of Ashton Events florals allows the entire team to slow down the week of the wedding and be very thoughtful of the bride and groom. She is able to better serve her clients now that flowers are offered. It also enables her to focus on only 10 clients a year, specializing and truly detailing each and every ceremony All of the flowers from Ashton Events florals are purchased from their wholesale partners. Most times, the bride might not know the names of the flowers that are in her bouquet, but they are so beautiful and so extraordinary — a bloom that was only in season during that week of the ceremony, from somewhere around the world — and Aston Event’s florals gets the opportunity to incorporate them. The wholesalers know how much Helm adores the out-of-the-ordinary, unconventional blooms, so they make sure to pick those for her alongside the classic and traditional, allowing Helm’s team to utilize the most marvelous and unique finds.

They try and incorporate a natural aesthetic to each bouquet, achieving a garden-style with an unusual and unique flair pertaining to the couple’s personality. AN AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE Helm says it’s the focus on timeless tradition, relationships, and heritage, with unusual and quirky details thrown in to express the personality of the bride and groom that attracts clients to choose Ashton Events. The authentic experience of life alongside one another makes for the most beautiful story. And she feels honored to have helped tell so many. New and exciting opportunities for Ashton Events and Haus 820 (located at Mass Market, but not in any official capacity associated with the CRA - Community Redevelopment Agency) are currently in the works. In August they moved into their new office space in The Collective at Mass Market (developed and opened by the CRA) located on North Massachusetts Avenue.

ASHTON EVENTS 863.940.9639 ashtonevents.com Floral services are available only to Ashton Events Planning & Design clients

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ART M A K E R S

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WIMBI

SURF & SKATE BOARDS

Wimbi Surf and Skate is a local company designing handcrafted surfboards and skateboards. Invoking passion and precision into each of their creations, they are in constant pursuit of quality. With each handmade product, their desire is to tell a story that unmistakably seeps through the design of each board. These curators are “stoked” to be following their dream of skate and surf, alongside an artistic revolution. wimbisurfandskate@gmail.com - @wimbiofficial

MARY MAY WITTE OIL PAINTINGS

Lakeland artist Mary May Witte paints in the 19thcentury art style of effortless Impressionism. She has been inspired to create numerous lavish pieces that can be found hanging in local businesses, private homes, and galleries. Working primarily with acrylics, Witte paint impressions of boats and canoes, various animals, and landscape scenes from familiar places in town. Visit her website to view her online gallery or to purchase pieces of original art. marymaywitte.com.

PENNY MADE

MACRAME WALL HANGINGS

These tapestries, macramé hangings, and other fiber goods for the home are all hand-woven by Lakeland native Sarah Kent. Since last July, Sarah has become mad with covering her walls with these individual hangings. Threads of many colors are braided together and hung for an artistic spin on classic decor. Her love of fiber (yarn, rope, and thread) never cease, she says. Find Kent’s creations on Instagram or in person at local markets, and keep your ear out for local macramé and weaving workshops coming in Spring 2018. @pennymade

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Jenny Williams PROFESSIONAL STYLIST

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SS U E 37 PETERSONMYERS.COM • 863.683.6511 • ILAKELAND | WINTER HAVEN | LAKE WALES

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