Apopka’s business growth reflects the power of entrepreneurship and doing what you love

 

 

 

Everyone who’s ever ventured into business has their own story about how they became an entrepreneur.

 

Related: UCF Global proposes a workforce English and digital literacy partnership in Apopka.

 

Many may have grown up in a community where “Mom and Pop" shops provided the goods needed in their neighborhoods. Our family used to say, 'I’m going down to the corner store.' Others perhaps come from a family where, as a child, you were taught how to work in the family business.  

 

Still, some pursued a college business degree or attended trade school, aiming to become business owners or entrepreneurs. Whatever path you choose in your business-making decision is always unique to your story and those experiences. A thought, idea, or vision can all lead to the very business you choose to pursue. Every endeavor starts with a dream.  Many times, we’ve had the opportunity to work in someone else's business or to be mentored by those in the fields we feel a connection with and envision ourselves in.

 

Even a hobby we love can manifest into our business.

Apopka is experiencing substantial commercial growth, fueled in part by developments such as Wyld Oaks and the Lake Carter Exchange, as well as significant additions, including restaurants, retail, and 13 new medical buildings.  Along with these developments, and others such as Bravo Supermarkets, Apopka also features Apopka Florist, BrickBat Alley (a new band and grill), Kizer Air Conditioning, and Fast Signs, with more to come.  

 

According to the 2025 development reports, major new commercial projects are slated to open just around the corner.  We’ve seen a new surge of small businesses opening in Apopka, offering multi-faceted menus so guests can experience an array of diverse, tasty options.  

 

Those businesses include Hall’s on 5th, Freshfields, and Raves Doughlicious Donuts.

I had the pleasure of enjoying a local play over the weekend, and the owner (whom I’m well acquainted with) asked me what I was up to these days.  As we were catching up on old times, I began sharing my story with her of how, after being in business for some forty-plus years in my life, my husband Ron and I invested in a Food Truck- designed with all the “bells and whistles” for attracting customers and providing great meals and customer service.  My friend, a successful entrepreneur herself, smiled at me and said, “There’s nothing like doing what you love to do.”  The ‘old adage ’ is “If you love what you do, you’ll never work another day in your life".  This is a quote dated back to the days of Mark Twain and became more popular again in the 1980’s.  The thought being, choose something you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.

 

Clear VisionTalk will be an ongoing column focusing on stories about small business ownership, especially right here in Apopka. I look forward to introducing you to local Florida business owners who’ll share what they’ve learned and experienced, providing the power of business mentorship to transform your business vision into a “multi-stream” business legacy.

 

 

• Entrepreneurship stories are rooted in family influence, mentorship, education, or personal passion.
• Apopka is experiencing significant commercial growth, including Wyld Oaks, Lake Carter Exchange, and new medical and retail developments.
• Small businesses such as Hall’s on 5th, Freshfields, and Raves Doughlicious Donuts highlight the city’s expanding culinary diversity.
• Doing what you love remains a guiding principle for many entrepreneurs.
• Clear Vision Talk aims to spotlight small business owners and promote mentorship-driven business literacy.