Gulfshore Local: Recent Episodes
Marcela Romero
In our most recent podcast we talk to Dr. Giselle Prado-Wright about her aesthetics practice in Fort Myers. She tells us about her background, why SWFL, and gives us information on the different services she offers. If you want to get in contact with Dr. Giselle or schedule an appointment, you can find more information on her website and her Instagram account.
Learn more about Honeybook, the perfect tool for freelancers and entrepreneurs, and get 50% off your first year subscription.
A conversation with Vinny Sabatino, loan officer in SWFL. Vinny helps renters become home owners and homeowners refinance with excellent customer service, a vast amount of knowledge, and charisma. Vinny is the person that will guide you to obtain snowbird status and call Southwest Florida your winter home. Get to know his business and him as a person.
Vinny answers your most pressing questions about mortgage financing and then he gives us a little insight on his life and how he met Angie!
If you want to contact Vinny, you can do so through his Instagram, website, or 239-821-2951.
This post may contain affiliate links.
As a small business, I usually am doing most of the work. I make it easier on myself by using different programs to help me edit, create, and post content.
Why is content so important?Content helps your potential client create a connection with your brand. There are several types of content that you can use to grow your brand. You can read more about different types of content here.
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CANVA
I absolutely love CANVA! I do 90% of my content creation here. I use CANVA pro because it gives me access to stock images and other effects that I use often. I use the program to erase the background for my pictures, create infographics, and banners for all of my accounts. -
Lightroom Lightroom is perfect for editing pictures in the computer and on the run. You can create preset filters, which makes it so much faster to get your pictures post ready! I use Lightroom for editing all of my pictures.
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Splice App
I use this app to edit all of my videos for Instagram Reels and TikTok. It is very easy to use, and the free version has a lot of great features. -
PLANOLY
This app takes a lot of weight off my shoulders. They are an official Instagram and Pinterest partner, so you can rest assured that your account is safe with them. I use them to schedule my posts, but what I like the most is that I can preview my instagram grid before I publish it and keep my aesthetics within my branding guide.
What other programs do you love to create content?
Sometimes, figuring out what to post is hard, especially when you are the one managing more than one thing in your business. You are not sure what to focus your energy on and planning content becomes hard as you're trying to create it in batches.
Creating content for your business has to be thought out and strategic if you want to see results. Unlike personal social media accounts, your business pages should not only depend on the spur of the moment posts. Here, I am sharing with you the three main types of content that will help you grow your brand and sell your product or service.
- Educational content: This type of content is very important to grow your brand. People like learning new things and that type of content tends to get a lot of engagement across platforms. In this type of posts, use something you are an expert in or know enough about, and make it simple to understand and easy for people to share.
Example 1: If your business is an Italian restaurant, you can create a quick video on how to make the best meatballs for spaghetti.
Example 2: If you own an air conditioning business, you can share simple steps on changing the air conditioning filter.
These two examples are likely to be shared within accounts and go viral. 2. Content to sell: You know how important this type of content is to the sustainability of your business. So, how do you make sure to bring your point across, without getting eye rolls from your followers?
1. Address pain points that your ideal customer has.
Example: "Our Italian restaurant will satisfy your cravings for the best pesto in town."
2. Share testimonials that position you as the expert.
Example: As an AC company you can share a customer testimonial that shares the great experience with your company.
Make sure you follow this type of post with a call to action, remind your customers how to access your product or services.
3. **Content to connect with your customer:** This type of content helps you build your brand. Make sure you share content that makes you unique and humanizes your brand. Share content that your audience can relate to, personal is good here.
Example 1: Share a video behind the scenes in the kitchen.
Example 2: Share funny stories about weird things found while fixing AC units, make sure you do not share customer names or other personal information.
What is your favorite type of content to share?
The Florida Gulf Coast University Daveler & Kauanui School of Entrepreneurship is elevating our area’s visionaries, doers, and makers. One of these entrepreneurs that came out of the school is Connor Leonarczyk, owner of Midnight Delights Cookies. Connor poured his heart and passion into his business. He started making scrumptious cookies for students looking for a late night snack and is growing his business every day. He is now in a commercial kitchen, serving the general Southwest Florida community, and with plans of continued expansion.
10 Questions with Connor Leonarczyk, owner of Midnight Delights Cookies FGCU.
- Tell us a little bit about yourself.My name is Connor Leonarczyk. Born and raised in West Palm Beach, FL. I am 22 years old and recently graduated from FGCU with a degree in Entrepreneurship.
- Where does the idea for midnight delights come from?The idea formed when I was home for the holidays my freshman year of college. At the time I had zero clue on what to do for me degree. While talking with my family about life and what to pursue, it somehow came up that I should sell food to drunk college students. I loved that idea.
- Why cookies?Personally, I have a huge sweet tooth. I figured that most people love cookies. There are so many options and flavors to them!
- Is the cookie recipe your own?It sure is. It took me a while to figure out a recipe that worked. I did a lot of cookie testing to find the cookie that I felt was the best.
- Where you a baker before?I had little to no baking experience. Growing up I would cook or grill food, but never really baked. So going into this was definitely a bit challenging. I started to learn some of the food science behind making cookies. Like, how if your butter is cold, or melted, and how that affects your cookie dough.
- Why do you like serving the Southwest Florida community?I started this business because I noticed there was nothing like this in the community. It would be awesome if a specialty cookie shop was available for those students who needed to satisfy their munchies. Now, I really enjoy the feeling of bringing happiness to others through cookies.
- What are the next steps for Midnight delights?Currently, I’m working on expanding into a commercial kitchen here in the Bonita/ Naples area. With that I’ll be able to make more product for the Farmer’s Markets I’ve been going to and still be able to do late night deliveries. My biggest goal is to open a brick-and-mortar shop in the next couple years.
*Update: Connor now has a commercial kitchen space! - How are you creating a sense of community with Midnight delights?I feel that I’m creating a product that is meant to bring smiles to faces. People of all ages can enjoy our cookies and share them. Cookies are timeless.
- What do you love about SWFL?It would have to be the beach for sure! It’s so relaxing for me and I love the water.
- What inspires you daily?I’d say having to be my own boss and bring that sense of community to the area. It brings me joy that people are very satisfied with my product and choose Midnight Delights cookies; to either eat for themselves or give to friends and family. Being my own boss is amazing. I never thought that I would’ve been able to create something like this. It’s more my style to be able to work a little more freely as compared to other jobs that I could have been working at.
You can listen to the full interview below. Follow us on our Support SWFL Local The Podcast on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.
Chef Ozzy is the mastermind behind the Mambo Sandwich Co. Food Truck. With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in big flavors; he brings his Cuban seasoning to every plate he makes!
10 Questions with Chef Ozzy, owner of MAMBO! Sandwich Co. Food Truck.
1. Tell us about your background.
Ozzy: I’m Cuban American, went to Johnson and Wales university for culinary arts. Have worked for Marriott, Seminole casinos and currently owned and operate my own catering company as well as MAMBO! Sandwich Co. food trailer.
2. What led you to the food industry?
O: I originally wanted to be a commercial pilot, but my eye sight was not good enough to peruse that dream. Food has always interested me. How it grows, how it’s prepared, how it makes people feel. So I knew it was for me.
3. What made you want to go independent?
O: The work life balance was extremely challenging and unfair to my family while working in the corporate world. The food trailer allows me to do what I love while being fair and making time for those I love, my family.
4. Why a food truck over a restaurant?
O: Unfortunately at this point in the history of our country and the world. Restaurants are struggling. With the food trailer we are able to bring service right to you. Safely and with quality in product and service.
5. What is the thing you like to cook the most?
O: I’ve always loved Cuban sandwiches. They have to be authentic and done absolutely perfectly. I’ve yet to find that. So the trailer started as just a Cuban sandwich trailer and has grown from there!
6. What is you favorite thing to eat?
O: I love flavor. That’s why our slogan is tiny trailer big flavor. As along as it is fresh and full of great flavor and made with passion. It’s my favorite
7. What do you love about SWFL?
O: I love the people of SWFL. Always friendly and looking for a great time
8. How are you creating a sense of community in SWFL?
O: I always give my all and offer my best to everyone. This includes those that visit MAMBO!, my fellow food truckers and anyone else I interact with. Networking is the best tool to great business and life long friendships
9. Which is your favorite venue to work?
O: The ones where people are excited for great food and good fun! I’ve yet to setup anywhere that I haven’t been greeting with great hungry smiles.
10. Any advise for young entrepreneurs wanting to open a food truck?
O: No short cuts! Be kind and respectful and do your homework. Always have a support system. If you take care of your guests and those that work with or around you, blessing and prosperity will always come.
You can listen to the full interview below. Follow us on our Gulfshore Local The Podcast on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.
Video taken by the very talented Jesi Cason.
All images courtesy of Katie Cabak
Katie Cabak is a local photographer that specializes in wedding and family photography with 10 years of experience. Katie is really caring for her family and customers. She wants to accompany you through the whole process and make sure that you are comfortable with the whole photography experience, wether it is for your big special day, or for just capturing memories of your family.
10 Questions with Katie Cabak, owner of ADOR Photography.
- Katie tell us a little bit about yourself.Katie: I’m a boy mom through and through. My photography career actually started when I got him.
- Why did you choose photography?K: I dabbled in photography before I had my son. When I had my son I loved taking his picture all the time, that’s when it kind of blossomed to a career for me. I was in college at the time, so I have my business degree, which really helps me back my own business.
- Why weddings and families?K: I started in family photography. When my son was smaller, it was a bit easier because I was in that role of a new mom with a small child, so I had all these friends with small children, so it really started with families because of that. But later I really found my passion, which is weddings. After doing my first wedding it was like: Yep, that’s it, I love it!
- What do you enjoy the most: Weddings or family sessions?K: I just love weddings all around, and I love capturing the story.
- What is exactly included in your packages?K: I have an elopement package that is strictly just photography, is the only one that doesn’t include an engagement session. For all the other packages, what is included is the engagement session, it is very important that we meet before the wedding day, so you don’t have a complete stranger the day of your wedding. I help with outfit selection. You get an online gallery with all of your photos, you can download your pictures and print them wherever you want. For the actual wedding day, it is the amount of hours you choose. I have a five, seven, or ten hour package, depending on your needs.
- How has COVID affected your business?K: Everything is just smaller, a lot more elopements. Everything seems to be more intimate, in a smaller scale. But I love it, because there are more of those -intimate- moments for me to capture.
- What makes a good picture stand out?K: Emotion, 100%.
- What photo-editing program do you love the most?K: I use photoshop, I learned in photoshop, so it makes it easier to stay there. Lightroom is a great option for other people too.
- What do you love about SWFL?K: The outdoors, exploring, kayaking, paddle boarding.
- What inspires you daily?K: My son is a huge part of my life. I enjoy the reactions I get from my clients. Lastly, finding the connection within the family, that they might not know they have, and being able to capture it.
You can listen to the full interview below. Follow us on our Gulfshore Local The Podcast on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.
All images courtesy of Brandi Perkins
Brandi Perkins has more than 20 years experience in the beauty industry, her career includes retail, independent makeup artist, esthetician, and even ordained minister. Brandi does it all, but she does it with incredible passion. She is very knowledgable in her trade and her sweet personality makes her the perfect makeup artist you would want to spend your special day with. Because of this, she also has an impressive portfolio of clients that include Maye Musk and Glennon Doyle. Hear her full story bellow!
10 Questions with Brandi Perkins, owner of Naples Makeup Artistry:
- What inspired you to start a career in the beauty business?
Brandi: Always my love and understanding of skin. I was always intrigued on how my mother and grandmother maintain their good skin. So, I ended up getting my estheticians license in 1999, and that’s pretty much how it all started. 2. When did you decide to go independent?
B: I paid my dues, I feel like, in the retail atmosphere, which is definitely a good backbone for anybody getting into the beauty industry. I started at Saks Fifth Avenue at Waterside Shops. I was getting a lot of inquiries for my services to go to my clients, but it interfered with my retail schedule. So, we ended up making some adjustments and that’s when I decided to go independent. 3. You’re not only a makeup artist, you also offer other services. What are those services?
B: I became an ordained minister, I offer officiant services. I am an exclusive distributor and retailer for Jane Iredale skincare and cosmetics. 4. Let’s talk a little bit about makeup. Expired makeup, how bad is it?
B: It can be very bad and harmful to your skin. Usually, anything that is unopened or sealed is good for about two to three years. As soon as you open it, put a sticker on it, to know when you bought it. 5. How often do we need to change/clean brushes and makeup sponges?
B: You should be washing them once a week. 6. What should we look for before we buy a product?
B: I always look at ingredients, I’m very focused on clean beauty. Always look at the label, because you’re putting these products on your skin, they are being absorbed by your body. 7. What are your favorite products?
B: I’m a huge fan of NARS, Jane Iredale, Two Faced, and Dior airflash.
Favorite antiaging product: Hylauronic serum.
8. What is the most memorable job you’ve done
It would have to be doing Maye Musk makeup. Another highlight of my career in Glennon Doyle. 9. What inspires you daily?
Of course my family, my kids, they challenge me to be a better mom. Getting up and doing better that I did before. My clients inspire me. Empowering women to look and feel their best is priceless. 10. What do you love about SWFL?
I love everything in Southwest Florida, the beaches, the weather!
You can listen to the full interview below. Follow us on our Gulfshore Local The Podcast on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.
*Note: Some links contain affiliate links. If you buy from those links, they won’t charge you more, but it will help us keep up the website.
All images courtesy of Jesi Cason
Jesi Cason is the photographer that will help you take your commercial and personal branding to the next level. She is an expert at helping you communicate your message with diverse audiences, and make your public presence less boring! Jesi has such an amazing personality and high energy, she is an artist of her trade.
10 Questions with Jesi Cason, owner of Jesi Cason Photography.
1. Jesi, tell us a bit about yourself and your background. What brought you to SWFL?
Jesi: I got my first camera in 2008 and started taking photos as a hobbyist. Mostly I just wanted photos for my MySpace page, and pictures of my cats. I moved to SWFL in 2011 from my home state of Texas and started working for Goodwill SWFL, training individuals with disabilities to do various jobs in the community. My first real career was in disability support services and I did that for 8 years, running different programs including the Trailways Camp which is a recreational camping program for adults with disabilities.
I loved my job but along the way I had been practicing photography and getting better each year. I took a small business class offered by Goodwill called MicroEnterprise which taught me how to write a business plan. I launched my photo business in 2015 thanks to a low interest loan guaranteed through that program!
A couple years later, I got the opportunity to become a full time real estate photographer! I took the leap and left my job at Goodwill to photograph and edit houses...and was fired 3 months later! It was scary, but honestly, I hated shooting houses. I immediately got hired by a local photo studio that specializes in weddings and family portraits. This was a better fit for my skills but still not ultimately what I wanted to be doing. I learned a lot while running that studio, and one year ago I left to run Jesi Cason Photography full time!
2. Why did you choose photography?
J: I feel like photography chose me. I always figured I’d be working in non-profits for the rest of my life, but things just kept falling into place and here I am. Now that I am my own boss, I can’t imagine ever going back to working for someone else. Photography affords me the lifestyle and workstyle that best fits my needs - I am doing something different every day, I get to exercise my creative muscles, and I get to help people!
3. Whose work has influenced you the most?
J: I truly don’t have many influences as far as my style is concerned, but I learned a lot from lighting masters such as Lindsay Adler, Joe Edleman, and the whole crew at the Adorama YouTube channel!
4. What is personal brand photography? And who is it for?
J: Personal brand photography is a style of professional imagery that helps entrepreneurs, creative leaders, community influencers, and small business owners connect visually with their audience. Most people are familiar with the concept of a headshot, but personal brand photography is all about showing your clients who you really are and how you can solve their problems, relate to them, and inspire them. I specifically attract personal brand clients who are a bit...outside of the mainstream. A lot of artists and musicians come to me to create wild, epic photos that help them market themselves.
5. What can someone expect when they book a session with you?
J: Booking a session with me isn’t like booking with most photographers. I consider my clients collaborators. We work together to create photos that are on-brand, eye-popping, and totally unique to YOU. I have a whole toolkit of tricks to bring the creativity out of my clients so they will look and feel their most badass.
6. Of the services you offer, which one do you enjoy the most?
J: One thing I hear over and over again from my clients once they receive their photos is some variation of “Wow, you made me look cooler than I really am!” I love doing that for my clients - bringing out their inner cool person. No one feels cool in front of a camera, we all feel awkward and self-conscious. But with the right person behind the camera (me) you’ll look WAY cooler than you feel.
7. So far, which is the session you’ve had most fun with?
J: Oh that’s easy. My best friend, Spencer, is a multi-talented artist and this time last year we created some photos to promote his first album release. He is an “aggressively gay” rapper, his personality is amazing, and we did some weird, gross stuff on camera. It’s glorious! We are planning our next session and it will be weirder and grosser.
8. If someone is interested in learning photography, is there any beginner camera you recommend?
J: Whatever is cheapest. A lot of folks make the mistake of investing in something expensive right off the bat and then get overwhelmed, and ultimately give up. Start with your phone on “pro” mode if your phone has that feature. When you’re ready, invest in an inexpensive DSLR and a 50mm lens (if you’re wanting to shoot portraits). You’ll learn more about your camera’s setting, photo composition, and lighting on that camera than you will on a $2,500 professional camera.
9. What is your favorite place in SWFL?
J: Hands down - Nice Guys in Cape Coral! Best food, best atmosphere, best place to hang out, best people in the area. I met my boyfriend there, I learned how to shoot concerts in the worst possible lighting there, and I eat the General Tso’s Chicken pizza there every chance I get.
10. What inspires you daily?
J: I’m inspired by my spirit of self-competition. I don’t see any other photographer or creative person as a competitor - I see the Jesi of yesterday as my competitor and I want to beat her every single day. I want to be better tomorrow than I am today. Better at my art, better at my business, and better at being a member of this community. Whooping my own ass is totally inspiring!
You can listen to the full interview below. Follow us on our Gulfshore Local The Podcast on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.
You can find Jesi Cason at the on her website: www.jesicason.com
Check out some of our photography essentials here.
All images courtesy of Naples Canning Co.
With the hopes of becoming closer to the agricultural system in Southwest Florida, David McCone started Naples Canning Co., a company that makes small batch jams, pickles, and mustards, with the highest quality ingredients. David is a big foodie with a mission to start a conversation on understanding where and how our food is grown, and how it is being treated.
10 Questions with David McCone, owner of Naples Canning Co.
- Tell us a little bit about your background and how you ended up in SWFL?David: Been in Naples now for almost nine years. Went to college for marketing and finance, decided I didn’t like it that much, and made the decision then that I needed to do something that I love. I went head first into the culinary world.
- What led you to start Naples Canning Co.?D: I started this business as supplemental income and everything was going towards my wedding. I was selling on farmers markets, and I transitioned to online, and that really took off. I’m from Michigan, but I’ve always been drawn to southern food, and preservation methods.
- When did your passion for making pickles and jams started?D: I’ve always had a passion for food, 10-15 years ago to follow my passion. At one of the restaurants that I was working at, we were working on a bar menu, a grouper sandwich. I had out about 15 different pickles, different flavor profiles, and different cucumbers. It was so fascinating to me that you could change something by a quarter of a teaspoon and it’s going to taste completely different. That is where it all started.
- Where are your ingredients coming from?D: All the vinegar I use is actually imported from France, aged in oak barrels. My organic produce is coming from Inyoni Organic Farm, just off Immokalee road. There’s another farm in North Fort Myers called 12 Seasons Farm, they grow amazing tomatoes and many different varieties of tomatoes.
- Why is it so important to know where our food comes from?D: Understanding, and working directly with your farmer, knowing what their practices are is important. It is important because I’ve seen it, a lot that produce is picked green, picked early. They are going to sit in a factory and speed up the process of ripening it with chemicals. But when you pick a product that is ripe, there is going to be so much more nutritional value and taste 1,000 times better.
- Of everything you make, which one is your favorite to eat?D: I like spicy food, I make this pickled jalapeño and Fresno pepper, put some shallots in there, and then I use apple cider vinegar and a little cane sugar in that one. You can put it on tacos, eggs, even hot dogs.
- Which one is your favorite to make?D: The jams, because it is such a slow process, it’s just patience. It is very methodical, so it is very pleasurable for me.
- What is your favorite restaurant in SWFL?D: Overall, Bar Tulia, it is the best combination of food, atmosphere, and service.
- What inspires you daily?D: I get inspiration in a lot of different ways. I’m always looking at what’s new, what’s different in the food scene. Food 24/7.
- Any advice for people wanting to start their own business?D: Two big ones, patience and following your passion.
You can listen to the full interview below or follow us on our Gulfshore Local The Podcast on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.
You can find Naples Canning Co. at the Third Street South Farmer’s Market every Saturday from 7:30-11:30 OR on their website: www.naplescanningco.com
In the heart of Cape Coral, a new type of brewery opened its doors, they are Botanical Brewing Co.. What makes them unique is that they specialize in drinks that they describe as better than booze. These drinks are plant-powered, infused sparkling teas on tap. They have different types of elixirs and kava -an extract made from a Pacific Ocean plant-, and each of these drinks bring a different benefit to you, the benefits are described anywhere from focus to euphoric.
The tap room and the Kava Culture bars they supply, spread across Southwest Florida, are a place where artists, families, and the community come together to share a bula. What is bula? It’s a word from Fiji and its literal meaning is “life,” but the word is used to greet others, wish good health, and -at Botanical Brewing- to welcome others into the Kava Culture family.
10 Questions With Jessica Sanford from Botanical Brewing Co.
1. What is your background and how did you end up at Botanical Brewing?
Jessica: I moved to Florida to work in my family's business. It was a 10 year paid apprenticeship in Sales, Advertising, and office management. I studied different forms of holistic medicine and worked for holistic practices, Events managenment in hospitality. I was furloughed due to Covid, and I decided that I wanted to pursue a career that is in line with both my passions, and that my skill sets are transferable so I applied to Botanical Brewing Co/Kava Culture.
2. What is Botanical Brewing?
J: Botanical Brewing Company is the first plant based non alcoholic Brewery in the United States that is currently supplying Kava Bars and Restaurants across Florida with plant based style taps and kegs. Also , has recently opened to the public as its own non alcoholic venue that specializes in alternative entertainment.
3. What are the different types of beverages offered here?
J: We offer plant based tea elixers, plant based tap, fresh brewed coffee. All drinks served are vegan friendly
4. What are the effects of Kava?
J: I can only speak from personal experience. Personally Kava makes me feel relaxed and mildly euphoric
5. Who can drink Kava?
J: Anyone can drink Kava. We serve adults 18+ and have a range of organic juices for the kids.
6. What is bula?
J: A Bula is an island tradition that is typically done in celebration of a milestone event such as a birth, union, or to honor your guest. We honor each new guest by raising a Bula to them wishing them prosperity, good health , and welcoming them to The Kava Culture/ Botanical Brewing Family.
7. How is Botanical Brewing creating a sense of community in SWFL?
J: We work hand in hand with our neighboring business owners and showcase independent business owners at our events. Our company is about seeing everyone thrive and succeed. We also have a Department headed by Stevie Stocker that specializes in working in the community along side many non-profit organizations.
8. What type of events are you offering?
J: We recently had our grand opening to the public, and since that time we have opened up mornings to independent business owners as a mobile office space. We created a Self Care event on Saturdays, which offers affordable facials, massages , and other Holistic modalities.
A weekly Spiritual showcase on Thursdays, of the best and brightest in the spiritual community that provide spiritual guidance and products.
Mondays and Tuesdays are geared towards parents and children. We welcome pets and children and encourage bringing back "family time" with a few fun added bonuses.
Parents join us Tuesdays Nights for Parent's night out. We typically have massages, yoga, and will be adding other services to help parents relax while the kids are taking part in after school activities.
Coming soon.. a Sundays Farmers market, Freestyle and Open Mic Poetry Nights that will be accompanied by interactive fun activities.
9. Which one is your favorite brew?
J: I love Bulas with flavored vegan creamers, they taste like Chai Tea. I also love our Tahitian Red vein Tap as well as our Sour Apple green vein Tap. Oh, and Fresh brewed espresso every morning!
10. Jessica, what inspires you daily?
J: I get to meet and work with truly amazing and talented people everyday. I'm inspired by their passion for better health, spiritual development, and creating a safe space where all are welcome.
You can listen to the full interview below or follow us on our Gulfshore Local The Podcast on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from.
This week, we are getting to know Sharon Iglehart, co-owner of Perfect-Date Arrangements. Sharon is a native Southwest Floridian with a mission to take the hassle out of creating a perfect date. They specialize on outdoor gatherings that are ideal for a romantic sunset, brunch with friends, and everything in between! The company serves Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, and Naples.
For the rest of December, they are offering our readers and listeners a 10% discount on their set-ups. Make sure you let them know we sent you to get your discount!
10 Questions with Sharon Iglehart from Perfect-Date Arrangements
1. Tell us a little bit about your background.
Sharon: Grew up in Southwest Florida, in the country, riding horses. Stayed here because I loved it so much.
2. What inspired you to bring Perfect-Date Arrangements to SWFL?
S: Honestly, my fiancé inspired me to start this company. It was last year, we were going to celebrate and I wanted to do something special and surprise him and thought why not a beautiful little set-up on the beach. I wanted to do it, but I couldn’t, because I didn’t want to set it up, leave for an hour and then come back. So, I thought to myself: I could do this for other people.
3. Is this only for couples? Or who else can enjoy this experience?
S: Anybody can enjoy this experience, it can be a friendly gathering. We’ve done friendsgivings, daddy-daughter dates, play date, self care, anybody can enjoy these packages.
4. What can people expect when they book a date with you? What is included?
S: People can expect a very intimate setting in a location that highlights the beauty of Southwest Florida. We include refreshments, non alcoholic wine or sparkling cider, along with bottles of water. We include a ton of games to play, like card games, and Jenga.
5. What other local businesses do you currently collaborate with in SWFL?
S: We collaborate with Blue Sushi, Grazing Boards, and Small Cakes of Fort Myers.
6. How do you create a sense of community through Perfect Date Arrangements?
They help people finding secluded areas in Southwest Florida, they help people explore the area.
7. What is your favorite place for a perfect date? Which is your favorite setting?
S: My favorite spot is by the Caloosahatchee in Horton Park & Boat Ramp. The romance package, because who doesn’t love romance?
8. What is one thing you love about SWFL?
S: Definitely the beaches and the preserves. The Caloosa Nature Center is one.
9. What inspires you daily?
S: My kids and my family, they keep me going and inspire me to create new set-ups.
10. Any advice for people wanting to start their own business?
S: If you have an idea, just put in some hard work and go for it.
You can listen to the full interview below or follow us on our Gulfshore Local The Podcast on Spotify
Get to know Venture X, a luxury co-working space in the heart of Naples, Florida. Venture X began in 2012, with the idea to open a co-working and networking space to professionals in all industries. They are currently working on their second location in Naples, a new building designed with the future in mind. They are focusing on three key aspects to create the perfect office environment: Wellness, the building offers clean spaces that embrace fresh indoor air quality and natural light. Technology, that incorporates a touch-less experience with digital tools to support a remote work environment. Work from anywhere, better than working from home, Venture X provides community engagement and collaboration.
10 questions with Brett and Kiana from Venture X
1. Tell us about your background
Brett: A Naples native that graduated FGCU and has two companies in town. Venture X, which was also his senior project when going to school, and a construction company.
Kiana: Born on the East Coast of Florida and raised in Gainesville, Kiana moved to Southwest Florida to go to school at FGCU for Hospitality.
2. What is venture x?
“Is a membership based, office space solution. Designed to create an environment that people just love to come to work every day. It is an office space for companies of every size, from one person to big companies.”
3. What type of professionals is Venture X targeting?
It really is a broad range, they have marketing, tech companies, and attorneys. This is what makes Venture X attractive, they can collaborate within each other. the space promotes networking, collaboration, and diversity in the workplace.
4. What inspired you to bring the shared office space to SWFL?
Research started to build a co-working space in the area because Brett and his father saw the concept as they were investing in other companies across the country. They loved the idea of a shared space. Back then, the shared spaced concept was mostly for tech start-ups, so they came up with the idea to bring the concept to Southwest Florida, but open it to incorporate more industries.
5. How is venture X making it easy to go back to work after COVID?
The space offers private offices. They changed the AC system so that every 10 minutes new air flow is circulated through. They also offer a touch-less environment to make sure that people are not having to touch door handles constantly.
6. How are you creating a sense of community through venture X
By letting things organically happen, even thought there are private offices in this co-working space, there is also the coffee and lounge space for people to network with each other. Venture X gets to know their members on a personal level, which means that they know what they need and what other members have to offer. They are happy to connect people when they need a service and they know that another member offer the service. They will also be hosting events, once it is safe to do so, in order for members to meet each other and start collaborating.
7. What makes venture X stand out?
In terms of co-working space in Southwest Florida, it is the sense of community and professionalism. They are fun and trendy, but the most important thing for them is to keep it a professional environment.
8. What inspires you daily?
Brett: See other businesses being successful and his wife and two daughters.
Kiana: See people connecting and building businesses together, being able to see people successful and happy.
9. What’s your favorite spot in SWFL?
Brett: HobNob Kitchen and bar in Naples
Kiana: Sanibel
10. Any advice for young entrepreneurs?
“Never let someone tell you you can’t do something”
You can listen to the full interview below or follow us on our Gulfshore Local Podcast on Spotify
Rachel Stokes is a Sanibel Island native with an extensive career as a teacher. She’s worked in Lee and Collier county, here in Southwest Florida, and now is venturing out with her private tutoring service.
10 questions with Rachel Stokes, founder of Stoked4Learning
- Rachel what is your background ?
RS: Graduated UCF in '05, I hold a Masters in Reading Education Curriculum and Instruction. Taught in Lee & Collier counties school systems + in NYC for a year. Been a teacher for the last 14 years here in SWFL, took 1 year off a few years back to try out Real Estate. The year I taught in NYC I worked at the Quad Prep School.
- What type of tutoring services do you offer?
RS: I'm tutoring and accepting students K-12. I specialize in Reading but I'm comfortable with most all subjects.
- Homework help
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Assisting with virtual learning and homeschooling
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Are your services online or in person?
RS: Sessions are held on both platforms, depending on what families are comfortable with.
- What led you to venture into tutoring?
RS: I dabbled into some tutoring while I was in NYC to supplement my teaching position, and absolutely loved it. I traveled to all 5 boroughs. Then, I moved back to FL and threw myself right back into Lee County Schools. The idea of my own tutoring business stayed in the back of my mind over the last few years. It's hard to take a risk when there's a steady paycheck and benefits, albeit not as much as teachers deserve!!
- Do you miss public schools?
RS: I miss my students, many of my colleagues and especially my last administration at Lexington Middle School, who made the decision a difficult one for me to make. I do not miss the bureaucracy.
- How do you help create community through your tutoring service?
RS: I am going to be working with several of the local businesses to initiate an incentive program to encourage the students in their learning. Joey from Joey's Custard, for instance. and I have talked about a custard treat reward and we're currently working out those details. It's all about having fun & learning at the same time. Joey's rocks!
Plus, having grown up on Sanibel, I am able to offer any of my knowledge and recommendations to families who may be new to the area.
- Any advise for teachers right now starting school?
RS: Breath DEEP. Take it one day at a time. You're there for the kids. An excellent administrator I worked for years ago, Mike Carson, who just retired from being the Principal at Three Oaks Middle, taught me, it's always about the kids. AND--- please, BE SAFE.
- Any advise for parents right now starting school?
RS: Please trust your teachers, they know what they are doing regarding the environment they're faced with. They are going through transitions as much as the students right now and for some these are very difficult times. Please let them do their job. They truly LOVE your kids and want what's BEST!
- What inspires you daily?
RS: My frequent swims, bike rides, beach walks, catching a pretty sunset in our SWFL landscape. Starting this business in my community where I live and where I grew up is currently inspiring me daily. To try to make a little difference! Knowing during these times, many families don't have the brick and mortar option and have moved into the virtual learning/ homeschool platform, it moves me knowing I can be of help to them, being right down the street or nor far, on the other end of the island, just a 10 minute drive away.
- What is your favorite spot in Sanibel/Captiva?
RS: There's a connecting point between Sanibel and Captiva Islands called Blind Pass. This space has brought me much peacefulness and tranquility, I have very sweet fond memories of my Dad teaching my brother to fish there. And what a great place to stop on a bike ride between islands and catch a sunset!
You can listen to the full interview below or follow us on our Gulfshore Local Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
I am so happy to share with you that Southwest Florida is getting its share of co-working spaces, we will get to explore some of these places and meet the people behind them in the next couple of weeks. I am very excited about this, because when I started looking for an office a couple years ago, there weren’t many options.
The Industry is a co-working space in Bonita Springs, Florida. The office has a different concept, they offer an open working space, but they also offer a very different type of private offices. These private offices are housed in empty -and repurposed- shipping containers.
10 Questions With Ken Delaney, Founder of The Industry
- Ken’s background
Ken is a user Interface designer by trade. He went to art school, taught himself how to code, and became a software engineer overtime. He has always been around software, but has always had a deep passion for starting his own ventures as well. Ken considers himself a serial entrepreneur.
- Where did you come from and how did you end up in SWFL?
Ken grew up if Florida, and spent most of his adult career in Atlanta. But his love for boats and scuba diving brought him closer to the beach.
- What is The Industry?
The Industry is a co-working space that creatives and entrepreneurs can call their work home. The concept came from Ken’s need for an office for his real estate technology business, and then transformed to a place where like minded individuals can come together to work and share ideas.
- Is the space only for tech entrepreneurs?
No, in fact The Industry is for people who are creative minded in all fields.
- How are you creating a sense of community through The Industry?
The goal is to do it organically and have different type of networking events.
- How does sustainability play a role in the building?
The building is refurbished and they repurposed shipping containers to use them as offices. They keep lots of plants in the building and LED lights.
- What makes the industry stand out from other co-working spaces?
Ken hopes that the sense of community is what will make The Industry stand out. The theme of containers, and the industrial theme of bringing your industry to The Industry to build something.
- What inspires you daily?
Ken has a passion for software. Making sure that user experience is top of the line inspires him daily.
- What is your favorite spot in SWFL?
Anywhere in the ocean, on a boat.
- Any advice for young entrepreneurs?
Follow the dream! If you shoot for the stars, it’s not so bad if you hit the moon.
You can listen to the full interview below or follow us on our Gulfshore Local Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Chef Andy Hyde will take you through a culinary trip around the world with each and every single one of his dishes. As we sat at his restaurants, talking to the very charismatic chef and trying some of his culinary creations, I was transported with each bite to a happy travel place in my memory. From Peru to Morocco, this is actually the first time a chef is able to take me to specific places through his flavors. Chef Hyde describes his cuisine as eclectic American, he borrows flavors from different cultures and mixes them together in perfect unison.
Chef Hyde has an extensive career in top restaurants around the country, he learned as much as he could from each restaurant he ever worked at and now applies that knowledge in his own restaurant, Hyde N Chic. His place offers a real dining experience, one that makes sure to keep the client entertained, and connected to the food and the other guests in their table. It is an experience similar to the Italian experience, where you sit at a table for hours, enjoying great food and company.
Chef Hyde is a Culinary Accelerator member, a great resource for those thinking about starting their own culinary endeavor. If you would like to support Chef Hyde, join him for dinner or try his famous chicken-nizzle burger.
Bess Charles and her husband founded Lady Cakes in 2006. They started out of their house and soon enough they had to move to a bigger space. Lady Cakes has become a staple in the Southwest Florida wedding community. Jeff bakes the cakes, and Bess and the team decorate them. Their flavors are truly fantastic. During this time of need, Bess is bringing the extra sweetness to first responders, as she always makes sure to take a couple of extra boxes of cookies or cupcakes to drop off at the hospital.
Lady Cakes also has its own book: The Adventures of Lady Cakes. A book that will teach kids, in the sweetest of ways, how to overcome challenges. The story follows Rosie’s journey in finding a solution to helping her local bakery.
If you would like to order from them, check out their menu online, my personal favorite: Raspberry Dream.
The Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit arts center located in Fort Myers. They are a creative space that welcomes and promotes self expression and imagination. They do all of this through their encompassing programs and events. They carry their mission of transforming lives and improving the community through the arts within their hearts.
Lydia Black, the current executive director, came to the Alliance more than ten years ago. She is a firm believer of the third sector and a self proclaimed nonprofit junkie. Lydia and her team are doing a great job at keeping the organization going, and our Southwest Florida community served through these difficult times. They are helping families break the monotony of staying at home with fun and engaging events, such as virtual trivia game nights, art classes, creativity crate, and more.
Lydia’s favorite program right now is their drive-through green market. The organization was able to transform their Saturday market in order to keep serving the community during the pandemic. The market helps support local growers and vendors, you can participate by ordering online. They are also offering free yoga classes in partnership with Yoga Bird studio.
If you would like to become a member of the Alliance for the Arts or make a donation, you can do so here.
As soon as he graduated high school, Ahmed El joined the restaurant industry as a line cook and he never looked back. He fell in love with the organized chaos that the industry is, the challenge of keeping calm when everything else is going fast motivates him. Ahmed is the current manager of culinary programs for the Culinary Accelerator in Immokalee. The accelerator is the first of its kind here in Southwest Florida. They are a beautiful shared commercial kitchen that gives the community a way to bring their products to the market. The space is created for all type of entrepreneurs who want to grow their business, from caterers to personal small businesses. With everything changing so quick, their approach on how to help their members is constantly evolving. They are currently working with their members, local growers, and other community partners to save food from going to waste and to find ways to serve customers, while staying healthy.
Local growers are part of the forgotten victims of this situation, they’ve had to give away -or in some cases throw away- their product, and take a hit on their income. Ahmed reminds us that buying local is very important to help support the economy. A lot of local growers are offering produce pick-ups or deliveries for a very affordable price, and as he pointed out you’re supporting a local business and preventing food from going to waste. We want to remind you, local does not mean more expensive and you actually get fresher products.
Ahmed also reminds us that together is stronger. We should never take for granted the power of collaboration, especially during hard times. Many businesses are coming up with ways to stay afloat by finding ways to work with each other.
The stay at home order is giving some people time to do many things they didn’t have the time to do before, one of them is reading. If you’re interested sharpening your business skills, here are some of our top picks for business books:
Remember that if you currently do not have the funds to buy these books, you can rent their audio versions or their ebook versions for free from applications such as Libby.
*Note: Some links contain affiliate links. If you buy from those links, they won’t charge you more, but it will help us keep up the website.
- The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People
Definitely a classic! This is the infographics edition, which makes it an easier read. The book will take you from how to be proactive to sharpening the saw, and the other steps in between. A must read for being more effective in your current or next job.
- Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
Another book to form good habits and break bad ones. This book will transform the way you think about success and progress. It is a very practical book to help your motivation.
- Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers
This is a good read, but can be intense. It contains profiles, tips, and tools form different billionaires and icons.
- Unlimited Memory: How to Use Advanced Learning Strategies to Learn Faster, Remember More and be More Productive
This book works on boosting your memory, so you can be more productive, better your concentration and attention span.
- Master Your Emotions: A Practical Guide to Overcome Negativity and Better Manage Your Feelings
Easy to read and straight to the point. This book will help you understand how your emotions work, so you can deal with them. It’ll give you hacks and techniques to make it easier for you to control your emotions. These are great business skills to deal with uncertainty and challenges at work and in your personal life.
In 2015, New York brothers Chris and Doug Blauvelt came to Southwest Florida and founded The Standard restaurant in downtown Fort Myers. In 2017, after irma, they decided to reinvent themselves and they teamed up with Alyssa Lemay to host their first Drag Queen Karaoke Brunch. Not long after that, The Standard and Alyssa started hosting Drag Queen Bingo. They first started with just eight to nine people, now their crowds gather 200 people every Thursday night. All of this to benefit local causes and organizations, last year alone, they raised over $50,000 for local charities.
Alyssa keeps busy by doing different types of events, around seven to ten events a week, all over Southwest Florida. Many of them being charity events.
How is COVID-19 affecting The Standard and what services are they offering?
They are barely covering their expenses and they are staying open for their loyal customers. The Standard is offering deliveries and curbside pickup, you can call them or place an order online. Also, if you’re missing their Drag Queen Bingo, you can actually play it online on Thursdays. You can buy the bingo cards at the restaurant and stream the game from Alyssa’s Facebook page.
What is the latest fundraiser they are running?
This one is to help the service industry, it’s called the Lee County Restaurant Workers Relief Fund. At the end of the month, all the money collected will be used to help alleviate some of the burden caused by the closures on restaurant workers. They are raising money through their bingo games and you can also donate through their GoFundMe page.
You can listen to the complete interview below.