PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
THE POWER OF PASSION: AYMAN SHAMAA HELPS ENTREPRENEURS FIND SUCCESS IN BUSINESS
STYLE + BEAUTY OFF THE AVENUE: AUTHENTIC VINTAGE
ARTS + CULTURE
THE ART OF STYLE: ARTIST J. VLADIMIR SOLIDIFIES HIS SPACE AS A TRANSFORMATIVE FORCE IN THE ART WORLD
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Dear Reader,
Today, I want to take a moment to celebrate and explore the fascinating world of style. Style is not limited to the clothes we wear or the way we adorn ourselves; it encompasses every aspect of our lives. From the way we decorate our homes to the music we listen to, from the books we read to the way we carry ourselves in conversations, style permeates every facet of our existence. Style can cre ate bonds with others, initiate an unexpected compliment to a stranger, or create motivation in someone to promote positive change.
Style is deeply personal. And it evolves as we celebrate our quirks, our passions, and our desires. Style is a form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world and what we value. In this way, style becomes a powerful tool for connection, as it enables us to find common ground with others who share our aesthetic sensibilities.
As individuals, we have the freedom to embrace established styles, blend styles together, or forge entirely new paths, becoming trendsetters ourselves. We hope this issue inspires you to forge new paths or perhaps explore familiar ones, but also appreciate your unique self and the current style you’re in. There is so much here in Winter Park to uplift your spirits, boost your productivity and ignite your creativity.
What I’ve found is that style is an authentic expression of who we are. We are not defined by our style, but our individuality can be seen, and that’s something no one on earth can duplicate.
I am so thrilled to be the new Publication Director for Winter Park City Lifestyle and look forward to sharing all of the inspiring and wonderful things in our community.
Here's to being uniquely you, and I truly hope you enjoy The September Style Issue.
JESSICA KRAMMER, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR @WINTERPARKCITYMAGAZINE
September 2024
PUBLISHER
Brande Dils | brande.dils@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Jessica Krammer | jessica.krammer@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Angela Robbins
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
J. Vladimir for Shot of Moxie
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
WHERE
A $1 million state appropriation in Florida's 2024-25 budget will establish a groundbreaking workforce development program that will change the lives of autistic adults and their families. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Orlando, FL is building a residential community for adults with autism across the spectrum of needs. The organization focuses on an ambitious live and work commitment—to build housing for 500 adults with autism and create 5,000 jobs and meaningful work opportunities.
Discover an authentic Italian bakery, market, and deli—a one-stop destination for all things Italian! Every bite is a symphony of flavors! Indulge in exquisite pastries such as Ferrero Rocher maritozzi, Nutella maritozzi, cannolis, and bombolones. Savor savory delights like pizza mortadella topped with ricotta, pistachio pesto, chopped Sicilian pistachios, and fresh basil. The highly anticipated authentic Italian bakery is located in the New England Wharf Shopping Village.
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Don't miss Winter Park Wine & Jazz on September 27!
Experience Winter Park's best nightout of food, drink, rated wines & live jazz! Sponsored by: Winter Park Wine | Taste Events by David Merritt. Wine & Jazz has two ticket options for this 21 & over event. Both GA & VIP tickets get all-inclusive unlimited food, drinks & live music. VIP includes 1-hour early entry, two open bars and exclusive access to the rooftop terrace. You can find tickets on EventBrite.
Congratulations to one of our partners Build Ventures for representing 2 of 6 seats on the 2025 Executive Board of Women's Council of Realtors. Kait Doulou will serve as Local First Vice President and Kim Gilbert has been elected to serve as Women's Council of Realtors Event Director. The Women's Council of Realtors exists to help individuals grow their business by providing education, networking, leadership and referral opportunities.
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Founded by Nayrouz Olarte, Florida Fashion Shows is a consultancy and event production company dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences that celebrate the beauty and creativity of high fashion. Providing designers with an opportunity to present their designs on exclusive runways throughout Florida, services will include live fashion shows with turnkey event production, photo shoots, lookbook production, pop up shops and new product line launches. Learn more at FloridaFashionShows.com
Zena Stevens, founder of Put Your Cape Away, empowers working moms to reclaim joy and balance by letting go of guilt. Through heartfelt storytelling, coaching, and mentorship, Zena helps mothers prioritize their self-care and well-being. Discover tools and resources to reclaim your time, peace, and happiness with Put Your Cape Away. Learn more at www.putyourcapeaway.com
WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS 365 DAYS A YEAR BECAUSE SOME KIDS JUST CAN’T WAIT FOR CHRISTMAS
ARTICLE BY JESSICA KRAMMER
“THEY DO AMAZING WORK, AND I’M THRILLED TO BRING AWARENESS TO THEIR CAUSE AND MISSION.” - TERE ALVAREZ, GPS REALTY & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC
Christmas Dreams is a heartfelt organization dedicated to spreading the magic and joy of Christmas throughout the year to children battling terminal illnesses. Not every child with these illnesses will make it to the next Christmas, which is a reality that is hard to accept. Understanding that time is precious for these young warriors, Christmas Dreams aims to create memorable experiences filled with love, laughter, and holiday cheer, regardless of the season to instill hope and happiness in the lives of the children and their families during these times.
“We help families create memories to last a lifetime, we bring cheer and instill hope to those who so desperately need it.”
Founded on the principles of compassion and generosity, Christmas Dreams collaborates with a network of volunteers, healthcare professionals, and donors to bring personalized Christmas celebrations to children who might not make it to December. These experiences can include a home visit by Santa, making a toy or Christmas cookies inside Santa’s mobile trailer, a decorated hospital room, or even a Christmas pillowcase handmade
by the Elf Brigade. The impact of these celebrations goes beyond mere joy; they offer an escape from the daily challenges of illness, providing families with precious memories to cherish forever. By creating a sense of normalcy and wonder, Christmas Dreams not only brightens the lives of children but also strengthens the bonds within their families during difficult times.
“Wish experiences are as much about the days that follow, as they are about the wish itself – because the impact of a wish can last forever. A wish experience can truly change a child’s life.” In addition to individual celebrations, Christmas Dreams also organizes community events, bringing together children and families for larger, shared experiences. These events foster a sense of belonging and support, reminding families that they are not alone in their journey.
This special spotlight is made possible by the generosity of our advertising partner, Tere Alvarez. Through her thoughtful gesture, Tere has gifted this feature to Christmas Dreams, ensuring their heartwarming mission reaches even more members of our community. Her support underscores the true meaning of giving, and we are grateful for her commitment to making a difference. Tere Alvarez is a Broker at GPS Realty & Property Management LLC
ONE
“If a company can tap into the passion behind the vision, the fear fades away and success follows. Chase money and you might fail, but if you chase passion you’ll never fail.”
We’ve all met people who are “born leaders” and you can pick them out on the playground in kindergarten, but it’s not every day you meet a multi-passionate entrepreneur who’s living life in a flow state. When someone is truly in their purpose and their source of passion is backed by gratitude, this next level quality of existence is a game-changer. When we hear reference to a flow state we likely think of an athlete. There’s an association with confidence and automaticity; a palpable energy with a delicate equilibrium of focus, peak performance and genuine enjoyment. For Ayman Shamaa, founder of Shamaa Consulting Group and co-founder of Z Co-Space and Clubhouse, his flow is his power, and that power stems from passion.
Juggling multiple ventures, his ownership interest makes him responsible for 6 businesses with a combined 47 employees. Conversing with Ayman about business and the science of people, something we’re both deeply interested in, reminds me that being an entrepreneur is a lot like being an artist. Both are in the business of creation; of bringing something unique and beautiful into the world. When an artist stands before a blank canvas they face the same self-doubt as an entrepreneur at the start of a new venture. More than 20% of new businesses end in failure in the first year with another 50% failing within 5 years. For the ones who “make it” it’s likely attributed to a fervent love and resilience not everyone in this world can possess.
A natural conversationalist, my interview with Ayman for this article spans more than an hour. Ayman uses the word sagacity to describe our similarities in how we navigate life and business. His superpower continues to be revealed as he’s turning the focus to me whilst I am meant to interview him. Deep in thought for a minute I consider the virtues of prudence and perfectionism, thought by some to be silent killers of entrepreneurism. I once read that sagacity is prudence practiced at a high speed and there’s a feeling in everything Ayman tells me about his approach to life and business that points to him being steered by intuition and faith.
His impeccable style is by design as it’s his belief that taking pride in yourself and your brand is one element that contributes to the right mindset to attack each day and win. He explains that part of his job is to champion passion and pride in others, and that starts at the top, with him.
“I love cracking people wide open.” Ayman shares. “Educating people on the inner workings of business literacy is a big part of what I do, but there’s more to it than that.”
Having started three businesses by the age of 21, Ayman knows the struggles of launching and building companies. He’s seen both success and failure, and those failures never slowed him down. Combining a finance background with business consulting and turnaround strategies, Shamaa Consulting Group (SCG) helps businesses grow their top line by anywhere from 20% - 200% with the help of the firm’s owner/operator approach. Another core principle is the reinforcement of building leadership strategies for companies. If a winning company is dependent on its people, identifying strengths of the people on the team, embracing diverse expertise, and fostering a shared vision will support the outcome of a growth plan.
“One of the first challenges we address in business is fear. Failing together builds trust. Winning together takes a commitment to fail. You can’t win unless you fail,” Ayman explains.
Certain leadership traits are innatethings like charisma, a sense of humor, adaptability and resilience, but as I listen to Ayman explain his journey as an entrepreneur over the last 12 years I understand that his experience working in the United States as well as in Spain, Germany, Austria, the UK, Egypt and the Philippines has given him a myriad of perspectives worth sharing with others. His first grip with achieving influence in business happened when he was just 7 years old. With a promise of unlimited snow cones for a volunteer gang of workers, other children showed up each day and worked hard selling $0.50 snow cones from a roadside snow cone machine. At the end of a shift, they would all come together and play. He reflects that even then, his goal for the venture was nothing more than a chance to bring everyone together, to make them feel happy, accomplished and part of a team.
I’m at Z Co-Space and Clubhouse spending the day working alongside J. Vladimir, a nationally recognized photographer shooting Ayman’s portraits for this article. Everyone here today is the kind of person you like to be around. In this room, success and passion can best be described as the opposite of fear. Surrounded by the art of his business partner, Anna Martel, Ayman talks about their latest endeavor as co-founders of Z Co-Space and Clubhouse.
Z Co. is Orlando’s newest social club, nestled just outside of Winter Park in the Mills 50 District. A co-working space and studio during the day and social venue at night, the beautifully designed lounge offers a transformative experience for its guests.
“This is a passion project for me. I didn’t open this business with a goal to make money, the goal was to have impact.”
“This is a passion project for me. I didn’t open this business with a goal to make money, the goal was to have impact. Z Co. is a great example of how The SCG team can partner with a company and apply a collective energy towards achieving the extraordinary. We serve coffee, botanical teas and mocktails. There’s something special about people coming together in a space the provides an incubator of entrepreneurial activity,” said Shamaa.
Through his work as a consultant, Ayman Shamaa has had various opportunities to get involved in his clients’ businesses as an investor owner while helping them scale. He’s interested in the idea of private equity but is turned off by the way it has historically destroyed small businesses. His approach is to empower his clients and to teach them how to build mission driven and passion driven companies with culture.
“I like to guide professionals towards finding their inner strength, but I also help show them how to do the same with the team they have around them. By using tools like The Gallup’s Strengthfinder Assessment we can enlighten ourselves as leaders as to what each person’s role should be on a team. Roles don’t define people, people define roles which help leaders decide how they contribute to an organization.”
I ask him what’s the number one thing he feels is making him a leader in his field. His flow state in action echoes back that word passion again.
“If a company can tap into the passion behind the vision, the fear fades away and success follows. Chase money and you might fail, but if you chase passion you’ll never fail.”
For more information about Ayman Shamaa, SCG and Z Co. visit: thescgteam. com and zcospaceclubhouse.com
ARTICLE BY JESSICA KRAMMER
In the heart of Central Florida, there’s a place where hope for animals in need glows warmly. Franklin’s Friends, a nonprofit organization, has dedicated itself to a noble mission: to support animal welfare. Franklin’s Friends does this by awarding grants to local nonprofit and government agencies focused on shelter and rescue, spay and neuter programs, and community education efforts. Their overarching goal is simple yet profound—ensuring that no organization asked to save a pet has to say no due to lack of funding.
Originated by Monisha Seth and Anthony Douglas in 2003, Franklin’s
Friends, a volunteer-based organization, has transformed the landscape of animal shelter and rescue in Central Florida. They understand the critical role that financial support plays in the ability of shelters and rescue organizations to operate effectively. By providing application awarded grants, Franklin’s Friends enables these organizations to focus on their vital work without the worry of financial constraints. Important work that includes education and training to the community, spay and neuter to avoid overpopulation, and adequate resources in the foster based rescues and shelters, freeing them to have a better chance of saying “yes” to every animal in need.
Their methods address the immediate need, but also provide long-term promise. Through their unwavering commitment, Franklin’s Friends works to ensure that shelter and rescue animals in Central Florida have a chance at a better life. These grants are greatly reliant upon two annual events, one being the HOWL-O-WEEN Dog WalkA-Thon and Canine Costume Contest held on October 26, 2024 from 9 am to noon at Cranes Roost Park. Since 2003, Franklin’s Friends has raised over $3 million dollars towards saving the lives of animals in our community. Make sure you help continue the lifesaving work by getting involved in their efforts by joining them next month, or by attending next year’s gala in May.
ARTICLE BY JESSICA KRAMMER
Since 2006, Etoile Boutique has been Orlando’s source for style and local culture in the fashion and art community. Owner Falon Quillen has created a unique hub for vintage lovers, local makers, designers and creators to share and shop the best of Central Florida.
Features one-of-a-kind pieces that “share a warm feeling, creativity, and community”. With curated vintage, shopping and gifts, Honey House Vintage is a stop off the avenue that you won’t want to miss.
Carrying pieces primarily from the 50’s-90’s, their hand-picked thoughtfully curated collection showcases the ways of the past.
Step inside the Audobon Park Garden District into an eclectic collaboration of over 30 collectors. Featuring clothing, and more from the 60’s - 2000’s.
Located in the Milk District, this vintage shop is known for their “Fill-ABag” days featuring affordable vintage styles that are hard to pass up.
Carrying over 100 years of fashion for men and women, these pieces are like no other. All one-of-a-kind, this shop is more than just clothes. They have provided pieces to more than 50 big movie productions, and even offer costumes for rent.
Showcasing vintage style in a different way, this shop focuses on the history of the home, providing unique pieces to share history in the form of art and decor.
Created in 2002 with a focus on sustainability and community, Dechoes features vintage pieces in addition to their consignment and thrift items. Shop both locations in the Orlando area.
We all need a collection of vintage tees. With tees featuring themes like Universal, soccer, Olympics, NBA JAM, music and movies, you’re sure to find a classic you can wear in comfort and style.
Located on Michigan Ave in Winter Park, your vintage accessory journey won’t be complete until you stop here. Featuring hats, jewelry, bags and more.
For two decades, he’s channeled his passion for art and photography into a remarkable career, a journey that began with dreams of becoming a model in the competitive metropolis of New York City. After failing to find his breakout moment as an actor or model he picked up a camera and let the city’s rhythm push him towards fashion photography.
Known today for his ability to capture models in their raw authenticity, J. Vladimir rose to fame as a high fashion commercial photographer shooting national campaigns for brands like Nike, Calvin Klein, and Mercedes while working with global agencies and leading actors and models.
Now located in Orlando, FL, the artist recently entered a new chapter of unrestrained artistic style and expression and it’s igniting a deconstructive conversation about boundaries between artist and subject.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA ROBBINS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY J. VLADIMIR
“My journey has been a testament to the power of following one’s true calling, taking risks, and constantly evolving as an artist.”
Each stroke, a pulse. A splatter of color, a heartbeat. By infusing photographs with painting in a drip style pop art fashion, J. Vladimir captures the eye and stirs the soul in his newest dimension of artistic expression. His unique one-ofa-kind fashion inspired portraits combine a photograph, captured by the artist and printed on a canvas, before added layers of life are applied using paint and movement. The lens captures the soul in black and white while the artist breathes life back into these silent muses. Each mixed-media work is a reflection of the subject’s journey and the stories they wish to tell. The result is an alchemy of spirit and material as the work comes to life in wild freedom.
“Images I capture with my camera speak to me and so I let my brush be not merely an instrument but rather it becomes a conduit. This unique process has allowed for my photography to evolve to a level where I’m transcending mere photographic imagery and using the layers of medium to convey emotions, stories and experiences.”
By exploring this new layered artistic process, Vladimir has unlocked fresh opportunities with the ability to show his work in pop-up galleries as well as create exclusive celebrity commissioned art pieces. By combining photography and mixed media art with a vivid paint palette, Vladimir has unlocked a profound means of expression and the result is a transformative collection of pieces that are being sold to collectors as well as commissioned for homes, offices and venues.
“My journey has been a testament to the power of following one’s true calling, taking risks, and constantly evolving as an artist. With each click of the shutter and flick of a brush, I can articulate emotions, stories, and the essence of humanity itself. My art and photography have become the mirrors through which I reflect the world and the windows through which I invite others to see it with us.”
J. Vladimir is actively creating his art for clients in fashion, style and design and is working on translating some one-of-a-kind pieces into print products and apparel. For more information visit https://www.jvladimir.com/
SEPTEMBER 1ST
Harbor Park 4990 New Broad St, Orlando, FL 32814 | 8:00 AM
Starting and finishing at the lovely Harbor Park, this race is known to have one of the most beautiful courses with plenty of shade. Hosted by the Southern Timing Foundation, this race is RFID chip timed and participants will receive a race shirt, snacks, finisher medal and a swag bag.
SEPTEMBER 5TH
Winter Park Event Center, 1050 West Morse Boulevard, Winter Park, FL 11:00 AM
Cannonball Kids cancer hosts a luncheon to make a big impact. Navigating challenges, whether it's pediatric cancer or any other significant issue, isn't a task accomplished overnight. It's the collective effort of a community of compassionate individuals, much like yourself, that generates a ripple effect of change. Get tickets or donate at Cannonballkidscancer.org
SEPTEMBER 7TH
Winter Park Events Center 1050 W. Morse Blvd Winter Park, FL | 9:00 AM
Free community event! Bring your items in need of fixing: clocks, fishing poles, electronics, eyeglasses, watches, bikes, sewing machines, carpentry and more! This unique workshop is designed to support the city's Sustainability Action Plan by reducing the daily consumption in homes, encourage recycling, helping save money through trade, and learning valuable skills from volunteers in the community.
SEPTEMBER 12TH
Night at the Children's Museum
125 N Lakeshore Dr. Ocoee, FL 34761 6:00 PM
Don't miss an unforgettable night of fun for adults in support of enriching children's educational experiences. The Eight Waves Children's Museum will offer interactive, affordable experiences that inspire learning, skill development, and creativity for all children. This event is an adult reception and entertainment with dinner and a live auction. Tables for 8 are available, tickets are required.
SEPTEMBER 13TH
600 N. Lake Destiny Road, Maitland, FL 32751 | 8:30 AM
The “Raising Our Sights” event is an innovative fundraiser where attendees embark on an immersive journey to better understand what it’s like to live with varying degrees of vision loss. Guests must register to attend this free event. Sponsorship packages are also available starting at $1,500. Proceeds from the event will support Lighthouse Central Florida’s vision rehabilitation services.
SEPTEMBER 19TH
Access for All at Orlando Museum of Art
2416 N. Mills Avenue Orlando, FL 32803 | 10:00 AM
On the third Thursday of each month, provided by generous support from Art Bridges Foundation, visit OMA during "Access for All" and enjoy free admission for all visitors. Each event will feature live performances, educational experiences and a docent-led highlights tour at 7pm.
CONTINUED
SEPTEMBER 27TH
Sunset at the Zoo
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens | 5:00 PM
Join the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for their last Sunset event of 2024 - a ticketed event - as they proudly celebrate Hispanic culture and heritage! Gates reopen at 5:00 p.m. for guests to enjoy exploring the zoo, with music, food trucks & more until the sun goes down! A fun adventure for the whole family!
SEPTEMBER 27TH
Harry P Leu Gardens 1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando, 32803 6:00 PM
Visit Leu Gardens for a fun family night to launch the exciting season of Halloween! With two separate adventures to choose from, appropriate for different age ranges, you can enjoy this creative adventure while stopping at trick-or-treat stations along the path. Begins Friday September 27 and runs through October 31.
SEPTEMBER 28TH
Lake Nona Oktoberfest
6941 Lake Nona Blvd Orlando, FL 32827 | 5:00 PM
Get your steins ready for Oktoberfest at Lake Nona Town Center! Park Pizza & Brewing Co. takes center stage with specialty brews crafted just for this event. Enjoy a stein-hoisting competition, live polka music, an artisan market and German inspired entertainment.
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