Being an entrepreneur comes with its own hurdles. The difference between successful ones and the others is that the former is always thinking outside the box when faced with problems and comes out with a laudable possible solution. That is what a mother-daughter duo did and now they own the only Black-owned shell gas station franchise in Hollywood and possibly in all of South Florida.
51-year old Lashawn Flowers and her 35-year old daughter, Shanita Vickers, are seasoned entrepreneurs who already own a hair and nail salon, Girlz Connection and a nightclub and bar, Groove City Bar & Lounge.
They were however forced to close shop due to the COVID-19 pandemic and out of their frustrations, the duo decided to try another venture and charter into new territories of being franchise gas station owners.
“I don’t believe in failing in anything I do,” Flowers said. “If you don’t work your business, it won’t be a success. You absolutely must put in the hard work.”
The Deerfield Beach residents were able to wiggle their way into getting not one but two shell filling stations in a two-for-one deal, Black Enterprise reports.
“We actually purchased two Shell gas stations,” said Flowers. “We were able to negotiate a two-for-one deal.”
According to Flowers, the whole process of acquiring both gas stations took about three weeks. Though it was not difficult getting the deal, it was however slightly cumbersome completing a credit application and proving that she was financially sound and had the capital to actually go through with the purchase.
The first station is already open to the public in Hollywood, Florida and the second will open in 2021 just about 50 miles south in West Palm Beach, Florida. Their new venture is receiving all the rave on social media.
Flowers prefers working with the family in business ventures, especially her daughter Vickers, who in her words is the best business partner because of her work ethics, loyalty and how clear their communication lines are.
“I really value having a family-owned business because family is who you can trust,” Flowers said. “My daughter, Shanita, is a wonderful mom of two beautiful children and also a phenomenal entrepreneur who is awesome to work with. We work well together because we understand each other.”
The pair are equal partners in all their business ventures.
