Lady Boss, A.B Newton House, Vocal Locals & more!
Lady Boss
Laura Lynn trades corporate advancement for personal joy.
In the 2023 Blockbuster Movie, Barbie, the message is clear: women are incredible because they can do anything and be anyone. Laura Lynn is no different. From Mom Barbie, Wife Barbie, Sales Barbie, Technology Barbie, and now Business Owner Barbie, Laura is a walking example of determination, zest, and grace. Sometimes, all a woman needs is the opportunity and ability to bloom without constraints. For Laura, being removed from the corporate world after 25 years was not a setback but a chance to blossom.
Having mastered technology sales with giants like Oracle, CareerBuilder, and Salesforce, Laura faced a layoff in early 2023 due to industry challenges. While most people would feel dread, she embraced the opportunity, viewing it as a liberating moment. “‘Oh, no!’ turned into ‘Oh, thank goodness,’” she laughs. “It was freeing. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, but I knew that whatever was next would be amazing.”
Even so, the transition was daunting. “My identity was completely tied to my job. It was really hard to detach from the structure I was so engrained in; that cycle of behavior,” she explains. “I felt that the only people that would hire me were technology companies needing salespeople, and I didn’t want to be in that box. I had to reaffirm to myself that that’s not all I can do,” she says proudly.
Immediately, Laura pursued a long-time dream of becoming a Realtor. In the midst of so much change, she did what a lot of women would do to relax and clear their minds: she got a massage. While Laura was there, the idea struck—she could own a wellness spa. “I was laying there, and I was visualizing my ribbon cutting. I was like, this is something I could do. So I left there and I called the corporate office. And that was it; the rest is history.”
Excitement resonates in Laura’s voice as she shares her enthusiasm for serving the community through a space where people can find relaxation and joy. Expressing gratitude for her future employees, she emphasizes the impact of providing financial security and jobs. “I feel a great sense of pride in ownership, being able to call this my place,” she beams. With unwavering certainty, Laura says, “I want to be known as a great employer first.”
Dancing into this new opportunity to the beats of Lizzo’s “Pink,” Laura embraces her experience, grateful for the journey that paved her latest path.
A.B. Newton House
A cherished cornerstone in Winter Garden’s narrative.
Nestled on 125 West Smith Street, the A.B. Newton house, built in 1905, holds a unique narrative of fortitude. Built by Arthur Bullard Newton, the house’s origin is intertwined with Newton’s influential role in Winter Garden. Plagued by respiratory problems, he sought refuge in Winter Garden in 1892 upon his doctor’s advice. This move marked the beginning of Newton’s significant contributions to the town. Affectionately known as Winter Garden’s “Mr. First,” Newton established the post office, published the first newspaper (The Ricochet), and served as the inaugural mayor, leaving an indelible mark on the community.
The house’s original placement, intended to face north, encountered a challenge when the landowner refused to agree to the road’s construction. In response, Newton and other landowners donated land to create Smith Street, forcing him to rearrange the rooms so the front door faced south. The residence became a centerpiece of the community, inhabited by Newton’s daughter, Pauline Dees, until 1996.
Pauline’s memories unveil the enchanting Southern cracker architecture, a meticulous replica of Mrs. Newton’s girlhood home in Mississippi. Resting upon visible remnants of tree trunks, the house’s foundation pays homage to its roots, quite literally.
Despite the inevitable alterations over the years, the A.B. Newton House remains a cherished cornerstone in Winter Garden’s narrative—a home that resonates with the enduring spirit of a community shaped by its storied past.
Market Watch
Market Must Haves
We’re taking a fresh approach to our Saturday Market, and this month, we asked local vendors to share their favorite products with us. Get ready to discover a curated selection of the very best from our market.
Paris Bacchus
The Fairy’s Elderberry
“We have a simple desire: to harness the natural goodness of elderberries and share it with the world. Ours is made from scratch, all-natural, and with no added sugars. Plus, unlike others, we use fresh fruit instead of dried.”
Ricky Lyle
Crush Soaps
“I love our charcoal exfoliating face mask. It’s all organic—made from lava rock, essential oils, rosemary, and African shea butter. And the best part? You only need to apply it once a month for brighter, vibrant skin.”
Dive into the heartbeat of our community with Vocal Locals, where we turn the spotlight on our neighbors, bringing out the laughter, stories, and unique charm that make our town truly special!
Kent Horsley
Ace Hardware
Home must-haves: Fertilizer and weed killer are essential.
Best part of my house: It’s a great challenge.
My one home wish: No weeds!
One thing I’d plant: Sunflowers.
Evangeline Merritt
Ruby & Rust
Home must-haves: Lots of plants, books, and candles.
Best part of my house: My plant corner.
My one home wish: A zen garden water feature would be immaculate.
One thing I’d plant: The biggest garden ever.
Amy Guffey
Adjectives
Home must-haves: Decorative pillows and floral arrangements.
Best part of my house: My white duvet; it’s so cozy!
My one home wish: A maid and a butler.
One thing I’d plant: A ranunculus flower (aka buttercup).
Grrroup Chatter
Sean O’Neill, dishes on the area’s rowdiest FB group.
7 Things We Hear All The Time
1. Why was I blocked?
A. Because I don’t usually ban people, my answer is I don’t know. I haven’t been on the page all day, check with Kathy my other admin.
2. I can’t seem to bring up the page or find it at all.
A.That’s because you violated the rules and have been banned and blocked from the page!
3. You’re a dictator, you have a god complex, you are showing favoritism.
A.Well… I did start the page, so technically, I can do what I want. But the truth is the rules are posted very clearly.
4. Delete if not allowed
A. Duh.
5. Can I post my GoFundMe for my dog who is dying of cancer?
A. Rule #7: No Go Fund Me accounts or posts asking for charity donations.
6. Did you talk to a manager?
A. Before you rant, we kindly ask that you speak with the manager of the offending business first. Give that business a chance to make it right.
7. Why was my post deleted?
A. Because you violated the rules, or the question has been asked too many times already and can be found with a simple little search.
Residents are revved up about the new Horizon West 7/11 gas station along Seidel Road.
Now you can Slurpee up before hitting the new Ace Hardware at 5175 Hamlin Groves Trail.
Or you can hit up the new Sephora at 16027 New Independence Pkwy.
Poki Burri is delighting customers at 12615 W. Colonial Drive.
X marks the spot for amazing nigiri at X Sushi at 1201 Winter Garden Vineland Rd.
Anthony Santora is breathing new life into the space formerly known as Franco’s. Santora’s Pizzeria is slinging pies at 5 W Silver Star Rd. in Ocoee.
The space also plays host to two ghost kitchens, DeLucca’s Italian Sandwiches and Burgers ‘N Fries. And in what may just be the most anticipated opening in queso history, Torchy’s Tacos will open its doors at 3310 Daniels Rd this Spring.
From Winter Park to Winter Garden, Black Bean Deli is making its debut on Plant Street, taking over the space formerly occupied by NY Bagel & Deli.
Our friends at ShooShoo Baby Boutique are moving into half of the former space of Winter Garden Pizza Company.
A new pizza concept by the owners of The Whole Enchilada will open in the other half.
Your favorite German bread shop Beneficial Breads has a new address: 119 S Boyd St. And last, but not least, rumor has it downtown Winter Garden maybe getting a new boutique hotel. We haven’t confirmed it just yet, but an RFP for the Winter Garden Hotel at 8 N Highland Ave. was posted to a local Facebook page. Wouldn’t that be amazing?!
