Hillsborough Small Businesses Build Back Better

Like many Hillsborough residents, small businesses across the county were affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Florida Commerce estimates that 309 Hillsborough businesses reported impacts from Helene and 532 reported Milton damage, with nearly $50 million in needed repairs.

At the most recent Local Stories Live event held at the County's Entrepreneur Collaborative Center (ECC), business owners shared what they learned during the recovery process and how they plan to build a business continuity plan moving forward.

Before the hurricanes, Gabi Rosello and Synthia Fairman, co-founders of Doublemint Sitting, were thriving. Their new babysitting center in the Wellswood neighborhood was just 90 days old, and with over 300 babysitters on the team, the young business owners were semi-retired.

Kim Blackmon, owner of Glowmour Beauty, had just opened a second location in Riverview, while operations were in full swing at her flagship salon in Seminole Heights.

When Hurricane Milton hit Hillsborough, both businesses suffered. Doublemint Sitting's new location in Wellswood was struck by a tornado in the area, which caused roof damage and flooding. In addition to the loss of drywall and carpet, Rosello and Fairman had to discard children's beloved toys and books on the curb.

Though Blackmon's salons did not experience physical damage, the economic impact was severe. Clients canceled appointments, and many are still rescheduling. Glowmour lost $5,000 in one week at the Seminole Heights location, and the new Riverview salon came to a standstill. Both salons were closed for 10 days.

Since October, Blackmon has taken on a second job to cover bills and ensure payroll is met. She credits her team for keeping the salons running. "Everyone had a little hurricane in their life," Blackmon said, and she is marketing to her clients differently now. The focus - self-care and relaxation while emphasizing the importance of supporting small businesses during this time.

Rosello and Fairman had a plan. They divided and conquered-handling renovation work and completing insurance paperwork. Just 24 hours after the storm, a community partner offered them space to use. Within five days, day care services resumed.

Advice for the future

• Savings: All three entrepreneurs agree the biggest takeaway is the importance of having a "nest egg" for unexpected events. They plan to save money each month to cover payroll and bills in case of future crises.
• Partnerships: Doublemint Sitting relied on community partnerships for help. Rosello and Fairman were transparent about the storm's impacts on social media, and businesses and clients answered their call for assistance. Clients brought food and coffee during repairs, and local businesses offered space and resources. Blackmon is collaborating with community partners for events in early 2025 and looks forward to those partnerships. They all agree, the key is to build partnerships now.
• Revenue Streams: Both businesses plan to diversify their revenue streams. Blackmon intends to mentor new business owners and release an e-book, while Rosello and Fairman will launch a book series.

All three entrepreneurs have explored business grants and assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA). They agree the ECC is a great place to start.

• Mental Health: Fairman stressed the importance of maintaining mental health during a disaster. "Take time for yourself to clear your mind," she said. "It will help you find fresh ideas and give you peace of mind."

Hillsborough's small businesses, led by entrepreneurs like Rosello, Fairman, and Blackmon, have shown remarkable resilience in recovering from the recent hurricanes. Through quick action, community support, and strategic planning, they've rebuilt and are now focused on long-term success. With renewed purpose and a commitment to collaboration, these businesses are not just recovering but building back stronger for the future.