The achievement of Lashawn Flowers and her daughter, Shanita Vickers, in becoming the only Black-owned gas station franchisees in Hollywood, Florida is not just a win for them, but also for the Black community. This milestone signifies the progress they have been making in the entrepreneurship space, breaking boundaries and carving a niche.
For Lashawn and Shanita, this achievement is a culmination of their hard work and determination in starting and running successful businesses. They have weathered the storms of entrepreneurship and proved that with resilience and a strong work ethic, you can achieve anything.
As Black women entrepreneurs, Lashawn and Shanita are role models to both Black people, especially women who are still struggling to make a name for themselves in the business world. They have shown that regardless of the challenges, with courage, dedication, and a willingness to learn, success is attainable.
Their partnership as a mother-daughter team demonstrates that family-owned businesses can thrive, as long as they have trust and respect for each other, and a shared vision for success. They have built businesses before, as owners of Girlz Collectionz, a local hair and nail salon and Groove City Bar & Lounge, a local bar and nightclub called and this has given them the invaluable experience needed to negotiate and work with franchise owners successfully.
This milestone also represents another victory for diversity and inclusivity in the franchise industry. Lashawn and Shanita have shattered stereotypes and demonstrated that owning a gas station franchise, a sector that has been dominated by non-Black owners, is achievable. They prove that with the right mindset and attitude, opportunities in the franchise industry are available to everyone.
It is inspiring to see how their story has gone viral and is attracting many new customers, cementing their position as successful entrepreneurs in their community. Their accomplishment sends a powerful message to the Black community.
