ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Welcome to 9 Questions with…, a new regular feature in which we’ll get to know some of the Bay area’s movers and shakers a little better. It could be a politician, an artist, a first responder, a bartender—just about anyone, really.
This week’s subject is small business advocate and community organizer Ester Venouziou, founder of grassroots business coalition LocalShops1. Is there someone you’d like to answer 9 Questions? Let us know!
What You Need To Know
- Spectrum Bay News 9’s new series spotlights notable members of the Tampa Bay community
- Ester Venouziou is passionate about connecting local businesses with consumers
- Check back every week for a new “9 Questions with…”
Are you a Tampa Bay native? If not, where are you from?
I was born in Greece, spent early childhood in Brazil and teen years in New Jersey. After graduating from Boston University, I moved to Florida and bounced around the state a bit—Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, back to Ft. Lauderdale, with a couple of years in between all that in the DC area. In 2003 I moved here, and I’ve been here ever since. It’s the longest I’ve lived anywhere, so I’d say I’m from here!
How would you describe your job or claim to fame?
I get to connect local makers and small businesses with other local makers and small businesses, and also with shoppers!
What’s your favorite Tampa Bay restaurant?
This is really a tough question, because we have so many amazing restaurants here. I love so many, and it’s tough to choose a “favorite.” But the one I gravitate to the most, and always take out-of-town guests, is Pia’s Trattoria in Gulfport. I love everything about it: the ambiance, the pastas, the service, the sour orange pie! And the owner is super community-minded. During the early days of the pandemic, she offered free meals to seniors, no questions asked.
Do you have a personal Tampa Bay “secret spot” and/or “hidden treasure”?
Not sure if these are still secrets, but I love the “secret garden” at Upham Beach on St. Pete Beach; the Historic Roser Park and Driftwood neighborhoods in St. Pete; and the gazebo overlooking Boca Ciega Bay in Clam Bayou Park, which straddles Gulfport and St. Pete.
What is your favorite Tampa Bay tradition?
Self-serving, perhaps, since this is a LocalShops1 event, but my favorite is kicking off the holidays at Shopapalooza Festival in downtown St. Pete.
What’s one thing many people don’t know about you that you’re willing to share with us?
I think most people who know me through LocalShops1 and/or social media assume I’m the “social butterfly” type (or that I was, pre-pandemic) because part of my job involves coordinating socials and festivals, and generally being out about promoting local businesses. But I much prefer having conversations one-on-one or in small groups.
If you could change one thing about the Tampa Bay area or your community specifically, what would it be?
I’d like to see more of a focus on preserving landmarks and maintaining the “charm” that made me fall in love with St. Pete. Along with that, I’d like to see more support for local makers and small businesses, including perhaps offering incentives to landlords/developers to offer affordable rent to locally-owned businesses as well as more grants for start-ups and growing local businesses.
Where did the idea for LocalShops1 come from?
This is literally a case where a passion turned into a business. I got into the “buy local” mentality when I lived in Ft. Lauderdale, and saw many of my favorite little shops and restaurants get replaced by national chains.
When I moved to St. Pete, it reminded me of how Ft. Lauderdale used to be. In 2008 I was still working at the Tampa Bay Times (then St. Pete Times), and one time my parents came to visit from New Jersey. I asked them how they spent their day when I was at work, and they mentioned going to the mall and some nondescript national chain for dinner. I asked them why they didn’t instead explore the local shops and restaurants, and they said they didn’t know where to go. The mall/chains were the easy, safe choices. So I decided to start a website listing my favorite local places. And then I started a group on Facebook, which was pretty new at the time, to get input for other places I should list. It all took off from there. I started meeting with businesses and organizing events to spotlight them, networking socials, and vendor events. I’m very thankful for so many business friends who helped me along the way, especially in the first few years, especially Robin King of Three Birds Tavern in St. Pete, and Joey Goodrich, who has since left the area, but at the time owned a clothing shop in Gulfport.
What would you say to someone who asks, “why should I spend money in a local business when big retail stores are cheaper and more convenient?”
First, I’d say that isn’t necessarily true. If you are comparing “apples to apples,” local businesses are often competitive on price. As for convenience, during the pandemic especially, local businesses stepped it up, making shopping local easier than ever. Many offer online shopping, as well as curbside pickup, so you don’t even need to get out of your car. Also, LocalShops1 offers an online marketplace, buylocaltampabay.com, where shoppers can buy directly from local makers and small businesses. Sort of the “Amazon of local,” but on a much smaller scale, of course. And all the money goes directly to the business you’re buying from. LocalShops1 doesn’t take any cuts.
Most importantly, shoppers may want to consider other factors, such as personal service, and that items are curated for their neighborhood rather than selected by a faceless corporate office. And the big one: When you spend your money locally, more of your money stays in your local community. It’s all about neighbors supporting each other, and working toward a better Tampa Bay.
