So I’ve been sitting on this for a couple of months now. If I’m being honest with you, I’ve owned the website for close to half a year. I’ve been telling myself that it hasn’t been the right time.

That I didn’t have anything to say.

But I was just being scared. If you know me, I have a lot to say. All the time.

So I want to start off by saying thank you. If you’ve taken the time to click my link or to type in my website address and read my first post, thank you so much. It means a lot to me and I really hope you take as much away from reading it as I do writing it up for you. This idea for a website is one I am very passionate about. Small businesses and art are two aspects of my life that I have grown up with and hold close to my heart.

My parents instilled in me the understanding of how important art is in life. I grew up with my dad being an artist so our homes were always filled with art that him and his friends had created. My ma also grew up a dancer and in every house we lived in, her ballet shoes would be on display.

This love for art didn’t stop with them. They made sure to teach us how to love and be open to all forms of expression. We were enrolled in orchestra, the creative writing club, after school art classes, and the list goes on. I soon came to realize that finding a passion is easy.

The hard part is pursuing it.

Growing up, my dad owned many of his own tattoo shops with my ma by his side. I’ve seen first hand the hard work that goes into growing your own business. The love and passion that is created by not only the product that is made but the community that comes with it. Our family has grown with others who were a part of this journey. Who have been there during the ecstatic feelings of accomplishment as well as the moments that were not so high. And even in those low moments there is still so much strength that comes from picking up all the pieces that seem to have fallen apart and recreating your vision.

These hurtles create such character; and not only are you creating your own community, but you are adding so much into the lives and already existing community around you. You are creating connections that probably would never have happened and building out your dreams and that in itself is dazzling.

I want to open the window of this world to those who understand it and to those who have never seen the underbelly of business. I want to introduce you to the faces and hearts of some of your local businesses and artists that showcase the amazing community that is Tampa Bay. I’ll also sprinkle in some of my own experiences but I want to open the floor up to you as well. If you or someone you know has a business or passion that you want to showcase, please reach out to me through my email or social media.

I’m so excited to start this journey and am so glad I kicked my own butt into finally starting something that I am passionate about. Thank you so much for taking the time to start this journey with me.

***Akayla***