The Urbander communications agency states its mission as "transforming businesses to advance humanity." Pretty heady stuff, except with Samí Haiman-Marrero at the helm, it's no idle boast. Urbander's Puerto Rican-born president and CEO is wielding her past experience in corporate America to offer comprehensive business insights that bridge the divide between entities Latin-based and non. A textbook happy warrior with a strong sense of justice and potential, she's perfectly positioned to lead the private sector to maximum inclusivity and profit, in areas that range from content development to marketing to human resources. And with Orlando on track to become the most diverse city on Earth within about 10 years (a factoid that's staggering but true), she'll have plenty of chances to share her 20/20 vision.
One of our staffers' dads makes it a point to take her car to Wash City every time he visits — and we can confidently say we agree with his admiration. Look, we're simple people to please, and if your car wash has fun rainbow soap and party lighting, we're already hooked. Wash City makes going to the car wash less of an annoying chore to balance between ever-oncoming love bug seasons and torrential downpours, and more of an enjoyable break from running the rest of the day's errands. Our cars have never been shinier!
Who knew a Karen-dependent operation like Starbucks could be a reliable source of goth vibes? On afternoons when impeccably tasteful barista Tommy is on duty at the Colonial Plaza location, you get the best playlist of the dark stuff since Barbarella moved out of downtown. We're talking the greatest hits of bands like New Order and Sisters of Mercy, plus some newer acts that may or may not strike you as sounding very much like ... the Sisters of Mercy. Either way, this sommelier of the somber will helpfully fill you in while pouring out your frap. You just have to catch him when he isn't taking vacation days so he can fly to Berlin to see The Cure. Which he totally did, and which is totally the most goth thing ever. Give him a research budget, Starbie's! (13627 E. Colonial Drive)
Have you ever wanted to feel like a bachelorette celebrating her impending nuptials by cruising through Nashville on a moving pub? If so, you need to go for a spin with Limo Cycle Tours. You and 14 of your closest friends will pedal your way to some of Sanford's coolest bars — all while drinking and singing your hearts out to the playlist of your choice. If you love a good theme, you can all dress up like superheroes or Barbies, or even have a Texas tuxedo party (OK, maybe not the denim, it's HOT out here). However you choose to cruise, Limo Cycle will help you do it in style.
303 W. Third St., Sanford, limocycle.com
Lauren Garvin, founder of Doe Creative, seems to have found a way to excel at every endeavor she's put her talents to, and the list is long: brand designer, photographer, clothing designer, podcaster, calendar maker. Garvin even produces her own independent newspaper, the Daily Doe. But these projects aren't simply an opportunity to showcase her talents. Garvin always seeks to lift up her fellow creatives, operating a "Support Living Artists" Patreon and providing momentum to local artists through the Daily Doe, podcast "Say What You Mean" and video series "Oyster & Pearl."
