Resilience and Determination: A Story of Rebuilding and Community Support for an Independent Retailer
While many people dream of starting their own business, the reality is that being an independent retailer can be challenging. From finding the right products to sell to marketing and promoting your business to managing day-to-day operations, countless factors can impact your success.
Anita Cereceda is an independent retailer that has faced and overcome these challenges. Anita opened Local Color in 2003 and The Islander in 2017.
The Islander recently fell victim to the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian in 2022. The hurricane caused significant damage to the Fort Myers Beach area, and the Islander gift shop was one of the businesses that suffered the most. The gift shop was left in shambles, with merchandise destroyed and the building badly damaged. It was heartbreaking for the Islander community, as the gift shop had been a beloved part of the resort for many years.
Despite the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian, the Islander gift shop is determined to rebuild and come back stronger than ever. With the community's help, the Islander gift shop is looking to reopen in 2023 after extensive renovations and repairs. The resilience and determination shown by the Islander gift shop in the face of adversity is a testament to the strong spirit of the Fort Myers Beach community.
Recently, the Heart on Main Street team visited the Fort Myers area and met with Anita at the sight of her shattered storefront. In partnership with Indie & Main, we presented Anita with a check for $10,000 to help facilitate the rebuilding process, along with a gift from Dallas Market Center, who will host Anita later in the year during one of their shows.
"Why me?" She asked. "I am overwhelmed by the kindness and the generosity! I always tell my folks that whatever you put out in the world, you get back tenfold; this is living proof of it! I am so incredibly grateful!"
Anita already has big plans for how she will use the donation. "I've been trying to think about something specific that this donation could do so that every time I see it, I'll be reminded of this extraordinary kindness! So, I've decided to use this money to create our "cash wrap" area. Computers, phones, furnishing, everything we will need to take care of customers daily. I talked it over with my store manager and told her that I wanted to be reminded every day about the generosity of others and pay it forward! The smallest acts of kindness help every day. The Heart of Main Street donation will be our starting point and something every employee knows about and is reminded of daily!"
Work on The Islander is steady, but not without its share of pitfalls as well. "As a leaseholder and not a property owner, things can get quite frustrating! So much is not in my control. The roof is being replaced on the shopping plaza where The Islander resides. Electric work has started, and all the glass work will be next."
However, Anita and her team are hopeful about the reopening date. "The owner says that he foresees us getting our keys back in the summer to begin interior rebuilds. I am optimistic but know very well how delays are right now. I would be thrilled if we could get open by the end of the year!"
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, Anita remains optimistic and committed to the success of her business and community. "The silver lining to this disaster has been the outreach from vendors and customers, all equally wanting to help in any way possible. Our community is very tight-knit. It's an island but a small town at its heart. This storm has galvanized that small-town "can-do" spirit!
Her story is a reminder that being an independent retailer requires a combination of passion, perseverance, and adaptability.
Being an independent retailer can be an incredibly challenging yet rewarding experience. It requires unique skills and qualities, including resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of community. The story of Anita Cereceda and the Islander gift shop is a powerful reminder of the spirit of determination and community at the heart of many independent retailers. Despite the setbacks caused by Hurricane Ian, Anita and her team have remained committed to rebuilding and supporting their community. Anita says when facing disasters, "Have patience, have faith, BREATHE. Look for the silver linings because they are surely there! Sometimes it takes some time to see them. The shock of the hurricane was so profound. I really couldn't think straight. It was so devastating. One day your life is great, and the next day it's all gone; you have to start over, but starting over brings lots of opportunities! Just hang on, and DO NOT GIVE UP!"
Her resilience and optimism are a beacon of hope for all aspiring independent retailers. Whether you're just starting or are a seasoned entrepreneur, the lessons learned from Anita's experience can help guide you on your journey to success in the competitive world of retail.
If you're an independent retailer or are interested in helping those affected by recent natural disasters, visit www.heartonmainstreet.org to learn more about our assistance programs.