At the point where the Curry Ford West Main Street and the Hourglass District blend together with the residential areas west of Bumby Avenue lies The Commission Beer Chamber, a community center for residents, businesses and visitors in the growing area. Owner Benny “Mister Blanco” Colón makes everyone feel right at home at the self-described throwback craft beer joint that […]
Business Spotlight
Business Spotlight: The Lovely
The Lovely Boutique Market, located in the Audubon Park Garden District, is a local vintage shop that features unique clothing, furniture and home decor from the twentieth-century.
Royal Original
Enter curious; leave feeling like royaltyTall ceilings and sleek, curated clothes hanging from metal pipes — a room that oozes industrial minimalism. This is the interior of Royal Original, a store akin to many high-end shops in Los Angeles or Miami, but found here in the heart of Orlando. Beyond having its own brand of clothes in stock, what makes Royal Original stand out against […]
Business Spotlight: Simply Brave Therapy Center
After transitioning from a career in business and marketing and being inspired by the work of author Brené Brown, Mandy Persaud, founder of Simply Brave Therapy Center, dedicated her life to helping others through counseling by teaching them about shame, resilience and vulnerability, three factors that make us who we are. Persaud’s journey to become a therapist began before her certification […]
Business Spotlight: Sam Flax
Founded in 1990, the Sam Flax store in Orlando continued the brand and reputation of a company that was already more than seven decades old. Now, 34 years later, the art supply shop is the last one owned by the direct descendants of Flax, preserving a tradition of selling quality products to aspiring and established artists. Located at 1800 […]
Business Spotlight: Colonial Funeral Home
While this business isn’t one you might frequent regularly, everyone will need their services some day! Colonial Funeral Home (at 2811 Curry Ford Road), has been in business for over 100 years. Offering funerals and cremations, Colonial Funeral Home also has comfortable visitation suites, a large chapel, and a banquet room that provides a place for families to gather with […]
Business Spotlight: The Bandbox
A 1920s-style speakeasy with a 2020s twistNestled between a tattoo parlor and an upcoming bookstore is a charming, historic building housing one of Orlando’s hidden gems: The Bandbox, a 1920s-inspired speakeasy. What makes this place unique as compared to any other 21-and-older stylized bar in town, however, is owner Kevin Zepf’s choice to make its drinks completely alcohol-free. Born initially from Zepf’s desire during the pandemic […]
Business Spotlight: Twist Hair Studio
Along Edgewater Drive sits a strikingly bright pink building, nearly impossible to miss when driving by. It’s Twist Hair Studio, located at 3708 Edgewater Drive, consisting of the hairstylist duo Jill Hegarty, owner of the salon, and Ciara “CJ” Doran. The salon specializes in hair services such as extensions, color services and balayage. Hegarty said she wants her salon to […]
Business Spotlight: Florida Glass House
After going to culinary school and deciding the industry was “too hot,” Thomas Musolino said he took a lateral step and went into the 2,150-degree glass blowing business instead. “Once I tried it, I was like, ‘This is it,’ and I haven’t stopped for almost 20 years,” Musolino said. “Sometimes you choose something, and sometimes it chooses you.” Musolino is […]
Business Spotlight: The Aardvark
At 2610 S. Fern Creek Ave., just north of Michigan, lies a neighborhood community center of sorts — The Aardvark. Originally a convenience store, the Aardvark is still a bottle shop where you can get beer, wine and CO2. In 2017, the store transitioned into a coffee shop, and in 2020 it changed from quick service to a full-service restaurant under […]