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Business profile

Jasmina Meyer, Highlands Today

LaWanda Hogan, owner, specializes in gift baskets, flower arrangements and diaper cakes for all occasions at lil-bit of Florida in Avon Park. Hours are Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 pm.

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By BILL ROGERS

Highlands Today

Published: November 15, 2009

Name of business: lil-bit of Florida

Location: 1023 W. Palmetto St., Avon Park

Telephone number: 863-452-5555

Office Hours: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday.

Who owns the business? LaWanda Hogan

Why did you start the business?

I retired from the Department of Corrections to spend more time with my family after the death of my son. I have been creating silk designs for home and family weddings for many years. I took a fun hobby and turned it into a business.

Is there anything unique about your business that makes it different from the competition?

The one thing that sets lil-bit of Florida from the rest I think are the prices and the fact if a customer comes in with a request for flowers or a gift basket, I try to find out what they are looking for and then create a design within their budget.

What challenges do you face in business?

The same ones everyone else does - economics and the large chain competition.

What do you like about your business?

Going to work and looking at pretty things all day and making people happy with an idea they have brought to life in a gift for someone else.

Bill Rogers can be reached at 863-386-5825 or wrogers@highlandstoday.com

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