Scenes of
South Lake
- Step by step, these female entrepreneurs are turning Montrose into their own Abbey Road— powerful path of leadership, legacy and ambition.
- Sean O’Neill, the man behind the area’s rowdiest Facebook groups, shares about South Lake.
- Britt cruises the Clermont Farmer’s Market and shares her fave finds.
- What's new in South Lake.
Mavericks of
Montrose
How a community-first mindset and relentless grit are reshaping Clermont—one woman-owned business at a time.
- Heather Anne Lee
- Fred Lopez
Walk down Montrose Street in downtown Clermont, and you’ll find more than boutiques and boba. You’ll find a movement—a growing network of women entrepreneurs rewriting the script on small-town success. With businesses rooted in faith, friendship, and community, these women are building more than storefronts. They’re building each other up.
From legacy spots like Cheeser’s Palace to newcomers like Everything Local Co, Clermont’s downtown is powered by women who hustle hard, dream big, and leave the door open for the next in line.
Here are the stories of four women-led businesses—and how they’re shaping a city where connection always comes before competition.
Kimberly
Community impact from
race day to retail
When Kimberly Grogan first launched Dash Sports in 2006, she wasn’t chasing big growth or downtown real estate. She was a new mom looking for balance—something that let her stay connected to her passion for running and her community, without missing out on time with her young son. For the first 13 years, she operated out of the National Training Center (NTC), a modest but meaningful space that allowed Kimberly to keep things intentionally small.
“I wanted to work, but not at the cost of raising my kids,” Kimberly says. “Being at NTC gave me the flexibility I needed. But as my kids grew and so did Clermont, I knew it was time for Dash to grow, too.”
By 2019, she was ready for the next chapter: a move to downtown Clermont and a true brick-and-mortar storefront. That leap not only gave the shop more visibility and space—it planted Kimberly right in the heart of downtown.
Walk into Dash Sports today and you’ll see much more than sneakers. You’ll see Kimberly’s heart reflected in every carefully chosen product, every running event organized, and every customer coached toward better health. More than just a specialty shop, Dash is a community hub for runners, cyclists, and walkers of all levels.
Kimberly didn’t set out to be a trailblazer—but in a male-dominated industry, she’s proudly become one. “There aren’t a lot of women owners in run specialty retail,” she says. “But in Clermont, I’ve always felt supported—especially by other women business owners. We lift each other up.”
That collaborative spirit has been key to Dash’s success, from organizing free clinics and group runs to partnering with other local businesses for events. “The women here? We cheer for each other. If someone walks into my store and they’re looking for something specific, I’ll make recommendations. Or I’ll text someone else who might know.”
That kind of cross-promotion isn’t strategic—it’s heartfelt. “We genuinely want each other to win,” Kimberly says. “And when one of us does, it makes the whole street stronger.”
From hosting training groups for first-time 5Ks to partnering with nonprofits on health initiatives, Kimberly’s mission runs deep. And she’s found unexpected allies in Clermont’s other women business owners.
“There’s no sense of rivalry—it’s all support,” Kimberly says. “We lift each other up. That’s what makes this town special.”
Amanda
20 years of showing up—
and giving back
If Dash represents the new wave of Main Street businesses, Amanda Walsh of Cheeser’s Palace is the OG. Her café and catering company has been a Montrose mainstay for nearly two decades. “I’m one of the last originals down here,” she says. “The only one older than me is Bacchus.”
Amanda’s story is one of grit, reinvention, and a fierce love for community. She launched Cheeser’s as a catering business in 2004, then grew it into a full-service restaurant in 2006. When the 2008 recession hit, she pivoted. When COVID shut down indoor dining, she hand-delivered meals to seniors and frontline workers. “We even wrote notes on the takeout bags,” she recalls. “It wasn’t just about feeding people—it was about caring for them.”
One pandemic-inspired change stuck: serving breakfast all day. “It grew our business by at least 40%,” Amanda says. But her real legacy is her mentorship. “I’ve seen a lot of businesses come and go. I try to be the person I needed when I was starting out—someone to say, ‘You’re not alone.’”
Amanda is more than a business owner; she’s a connector. She’s hosted hundreds of events over the years, from wine tastings to business mixers. She helped launch the downtown farmers market, co-chaired Main Street programs, and has watched Clermont’s cultural heartbeat sync to the rhythm of women helping women.
“I see these younger entrepreneurs coming up, and it’s incredible,” Amanda says. “They’re not just opening shops—they’re building ecosystems.”
She’s a regular presence at South Lake Chamber of Commerce events and always quick to recommend another local shop. “If I’m closed on a Monday, I’ll send customers to Clermont Café. We’re all in this together.”
Shayna (Left) & Brandi (Right)
Turning Pride Into Product
Shayna Raymond and Brandi Torres, the creative duo behind Everything Local Co, never imagined that a few mugs at a farmers market would evolve into a full-blown retail destination. “We started with three mugs in 2020,” Shayna laughs. “Now we carry products for over 40 cities, all designed in-house.”
What began as The Water Lily Co. quickly outgrew its tent—and in 2023, the pair partnered with fellow female entrepreneur Juliana Green to open a brick-and-mortar on Montrose. “We had 30 days to get it ready,” Brandi says. “Family and friends helped rip out floors and paint walls. It was all hands on deck.”
The store reflects their mission: to celebrate hometown pride through locally made gifts and goods. But it’s also a hub of community connection. “If someone walks in and we don’t have what they need, we’ll send them down the street,” Shayna says. “No gatekeeping. Just love.”
That spirit has deep roots. “Clermont is different,” Brandi says. “People here want to shop local. They’ll pay a little more because they know it supports real families. And our business community—especially the women—is incredibly supportive. We pray together, collaborate, and uplift each other.”
Their advice to aspiring businesswomen? “You’ll never feel 100% ready,” Shayna says. “Just start. Ask for help. And celebrate every little win.”
Juliana
The Visionary
Juliana Green never set out to leave her lifelong nursing career—let alone build a multi-location business brand. But a heart for local teens sparked something bigger.
“I had this realization that our teenagers were driving to other cities just to hang out or find work,” Juliana recalls. “After visiting a boba shop out of town, I told my husband, ‘We need something like this here.’” So in 2020, she launched Teamont Boba with a $17,000 loan against her home—and sold more than 950 drinks on opening day.
“It was the confirmation I needed. I knew God was in it.” The line wrapped around the building, and the energy was electric—proof that her dream had tapped into something the whole community had been craving.
Since then, Juliana has launched Main Squeeze Lemonade, taken over the café at Lake-Sumter State College, partnered with Brandi and Shayna on Everything Local, and is now planning her seventh storefront. She’s a tireless advocate for downtown Clermont, and together with Shayna and Brandi, helped launch Biz Buzz, a meetup for local entrepreneurs seeking practical advice and community.
“There’s no ego between us,” Juliana says. “Just prayer, trust, and open hearts.”
With deep roots in Clermont, Juliana believes its small-town feel is exactly why women are thriving. “It’s like family here,” she says. “If one of us is in trouble, 10 others show up.”
Faith, Friendship, and the Future
Across all four stories, one theme rises above the rest: connection. These women don’t just share a ZIP code. They share childcare tips, renovation crews, legal advice, and late-night prayer texts. They refer business to one another. They show up at each other’s ribbon cuttings. They lead with faith and collaborate with grace.
“The South Lake Chamber and Downtown Main Street have played a huge role,” Shayna notes. “They don’t just plan events—they ask what we want, and they listen.”
It’s the kind of ecosystem that fosters not just entrepreneurship, but longevity.
“When you build something rooted in purpose,” Juliana says, “you’re not just chasing profit. You’re changing lives.”
The message is clear: Success is sweeter when it’s shared.
And while the town is growing fast, these women are focused on preserving its soul. “Clermont has changed,” Amanda says. “But if we keep supporting each other—and remember why we started—we’ll keep that magic alive.”
Because here, business isn’t just about transactions. It’s about relationships.
“Clermont is full of women with big ideas and bigger hearts” says Kimberly. “What makes it work is the willingness to collaborate instead of compete. We’re not trying to one-up each other—we’re trying to build something that lasts, together. And that makes all the difference.”
Ravings
Sean O’Neill, the man behind the area’s rowdiest Facebook groups, shares about South Lake.
RAVE: It’s a Sally Thing
The event she created to help our inner self heal and become stronger is beyond words I can describe. I left full of myself and loved every minute.
Can’t wait for the next one.
—Rave posted by Omairis Santiago
RAVE: Beef Heads
Had a great experience and a really awesome smash burger at the new EME’s Food Hall off 50 in Clermont. If you haven’t been to Beef Heads yet, go try them out. Not only was the burger fresh, hot, and dill-icious, but the fries were hot and crispy too!
—Rave posted by Tamaleah Oviatt
RAVE: Ax-Caliber
Clermont
If you haven’t been, you need to!
It’s kid friendly and fun for everyone. My husband and I threw axes and did the virtual gun range, all while the kids played on the inflatable axe pit, played giant Jenga, and even took score for us! What an amazing day!
—Rave posted by Tori Woodrow
RAVE: Christina and Jess of MLynn Creative!
The attention to detail is unreal — you’ve helped create the perfect vibe for our modern dive, Mullets Sports Bar, and everyone is loving it! Thank you, ladies, for your incredible talent and energy.
—Rave posted by Frankie Liz
Market Watch
With Britt Robles
Rolling into flavor at Food Truck Friday—where
fresh finds meet local flavor on four wheels.
Grilled Flank Steak Sandwich – Casa De Campo.
Locals pointed me here—and they were right. Tender grilled flank steak, crisp veg, and mayo on handmade bread.
Dinah’s Order – The Bubbly Rabbit.
Root beer, chocolate, and French vanilla cream. Retro, ridiculous, and deliciously bubbly.
Pad Thai + Green Papaya Salad – Asian Street Eats.
A perfect combo: chewy noodles, crisp veg, and just enough heat to make you crave another bite.
If your summer plans include staying local, you’re in luck—Clermont just leveled up. Grateful Bowl has landed with the soft power of a quinoa whisperer. This isn’t your average salad spot. It’s a locally sourced, flavor-forward, every-bowl-has-a-story kind of vibe.
But if your definition of self-care leans less “kale” and more “glow-up,” you’re in luck: X Beauty, the Canadian beauty brand, has made its way to Clermont, setting up shop at 13809 CR 455. From facials to hair rehab, they’re offering the full glam experience—minus the passport.
Now, about that empty space you’ve been side-eyeing since Los Reyes closed? It’s getting an upgrade. Enter Huarike Peruvian Restaurant, bringing bold, authentic dishes like lomo saltado and ceviche, plus house-made pasta kissed with Peruvian flair.
Craving wine with a side of ambiance? Back 40 Wine Bar is finally open, serving sips and serenity for those who prefer their beverages with a touch of sophistication.
Not to be outdone, The Club at Crafted is now open, bringing good food and good company to the heart of the city. It’s giving members-only vibes without the velvet rope.
And just when you thought things couldn’t get more rock-and-roll, School of Rock Clermont is officially open. Offering music instruction for kids, teens, and grownups who still think they could’ve been in a band if it weren’t for their accounting job, this new community hub is here to crank it up.
If all this energy has you feeling the entrepreneurial spirit, 1 Million Cups Clermont is brewing community and caffeine in equal measure.
This new local chapter of the national entrepreneur program is hosted in partnership with the South Lake Chamber and UCF’s Business Incubation program. It’s your Wednesday morning permission slip to drink coffee, listen to great ideas, and call it networking.
