Mother and daughter open first Black-owned Shell gas station in Florida, big achievement

The sole Black-owned gas station in Hollywood, Florida, and probably the only Black-owned gas station in all of South Florida, is now owned by 51-year-old Lashawn Flowers and her 35-year-old daughter, Shanita Vickers.

As Shell franchisees, they are making history as women entrepreneurs and causing quite a stir on social media.

Lashawn and her daughter, who both grew up in Deerfield Beach, Florida, began their roots in entrepreneurship as the owners of a local hair and nail salon

Called Girlz Collectionz and later a local bar and nightclub called Groove City Bar & Lounge, which is currently closed because of the pandemic.

Having to pivot sparked the idea of purchasing a gas station. “We actually purchased two Shell gas stations,” says Lashawn.

“We were able to negotiate a two-for-one deal.”She says the process of purchasing two franchises was not hard, but it was a fairly tedious process.

After completing a credit application, she had to prove that financially she really did have the capital to complete the purchase.

The whole process, however, took just three weeks. Lashawn says that she and her daughter are partners in this business, and are partners in their other businesses as well.

“I really value having a family-owned business because family is who you can trust,” she says.

“My daughter, Shanita, is a wonderful mom of two beautiful children and also a phenomenal entrepreneur who is awesome to work with.

We work well together because we understand each other.” But having her daughter at her side doesn’t mean that she underestimates the value of hard work.

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“I don’t believe in failing in anything I do,” Lashawn adds. “If you don’t work your business, it won’t be a success. You absolutely must put in the hard work.”

Their work ethic is already paying off because they are already receiving on-air shout outs from the likes of Rickey Smiley

Not to mention that their story has already gone viral on social media which has sparked a huge influx of new customers.

Their Shell gas station is located at 2501 North University Drive, Hollywood, FL 33034, and they are already planning to open their second gas station in early 2021 possibly in West Palm Beach.

Both ladies can be followed on social media. Lashawn’s Instagram account is @mz_lady50 and Shanita’s is @shay_dontplaywithme