Olivia Velardo

From home bakeries to hat-making to third spaces, Gainesville’s small business scene thrives on passion and perseverance. Owners were motivated by their visions and dreams. And what they found was a supportive local community.

In Gainesville, sustainable fashion is gaining momentum as second hand stores lead the charge in offering eco-conscious shoppers a chance to reduce waste, embrace unique styles and save money– all while supporting a greener future.