One mother-daughter duo just made history as the new owners of the only Black-owned gas station in Hollywood, Florida, according to Black Business.
Lashawn Flowers, 51, and her daughter, Shanita Vickers, 35, are causing quite a stir on social media as Black women entrepreneurs and Shell franchisees.
The pair grew up in Deerfield Beach, Florida, and began their journey to entrepreneurship as owners of a local nail and hair salon called Girlz Collectionz. They are also the owners of a local bar and nightclub called Groove City Bar & Lounge, which due to COVID-19, is currently closed.
The closing of their lounge actually sparked the idea to pivot into purchasing a gas station.
“We actually purchased two Shell gas stations,” reveals Flowers, sharing that they “were able to negotiate a two-for-one deal.”
Although they have a success story to share now, Flowers shares the process of purchasing two franchises was not easy and fairly tedious. Although it took just three weeks, after completing a credit application, she still had to prove she had the capital to complete the purchase.
“I don’t believe in failing in anything I do,” Flowers said, according to Black Business. “If you don’t work your business, it won’t be a success. You absolutely must put in the hard work.”
While Black Business reports the duo has their sights set on West Palm Beach for the second gas station to open as early as 2021, the first location is now open at 2501 North University Drive, Hollywood, FL 33034.
