Flagler Beach, FL (May 21, 2021) Opening a single brick and mortar location for a small business can be daunting. The commitment required for an aspiring entrepreneur is more than a leap of faith. It’s a plan that requires dedication, discipline and maybe even a little luck.
Proving she has what it takes to be successful, Francesca Cangemi opened her first store – STA Nutrition North, at 525 State Road 16 in St. Augustine’s Westgate Plaza, less than a year ago.
Serving up energizing teas, protein coffees and delicately crafted Instagram-worthy nutrition shakes, the 23-year old entrepreneur decided it was time to open up something a little closer to home, and on Friday, with the help of HT Production Company, officially cut the ribbon on Flagler Beach Nutrition.
The location couldn’t be more perfect.
Across from Veteran’s Park, Flagler Beach Nutrition is nestled in a plaza that offers up sunny skies and happy feet at the Flip Flop Shop, and wellness experiences at the Essential Elements Salt Cave & Spa.
Cangemi is just a stone’s throw from sun and surf in pedestrian-friendly Flagler Beach.
“It’s a good place to hang out and have community,” said Cangemi, who fell in love with the Herbalife branded products during her senior year in high school, and began frequenting a shop just like her own five years ago.
“It’s cool to be close to home and since my parents are business owners here too, it’s cool to be part of the community too,” she said. “I have a great support system.”
Inspired by her own mother, who bought her first hair salon at the age of nineteen, Cangemi comes from a family of go getters said mom Sheryl Knopf, on hand to celebrate her daughter’s success.
“There are no words to describe how proud I am,” said Knopf. “I bought my first hair salon when I was 19 years old. It was super scary but I knew in my heart it was the right decision to make. I now own a company and we operate and manage hair salons in senior living communities all over Florida, and now in Georgia and Texas, as well. Upwards of 40 plus salons and still growing.”
“On top of that my husband Kevin and I bought The Anchor Restaurant on A1A in September and now my daughter just being an entrepreneur, and she’s fearless. Most people would hesitate, especially at her age to open a second location and she just jumped in with both feet. We’re super proud of her,” she said.
Providing remarks to the friends and family out to wish Cangemi well, Flagler Beach City Commissioner Jane Mealy said it’s the small town vibe Flagler Beach offers that is attractive to the mom and pop businesses that are finding their niche in the community.
She’s encouraged when the area’s youth take the initiative to invest in their future and community by becoming business owners.
“It’s always exciting when a new business comes,” said Mealy. “It’s nice to know that young people want to go out there and do something for the community.”
Flagler Beach Nutrition
Owner: Francesca Cangemi
210 Moody Blvd, Flagler Beach, FL
Hours: Mon-Sat: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.