Today we’d like to introduce you to Liudmyla Pacelli.
Hi Liudmyla, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Mila, and originally, I am from Ukraine. The first time I arrived in the USA was in 2007. I spent the summer in the states and went back to Ukraine for the winter. But in 2008, I returned and stayed.
In 2009 I moved to Key West and LOVED it here!
First, I worked as a salesperson in a t-shirt store, but with time, I learned the business and opened up my own boutique in 2014. At the same time, I studied at FIU and now hold BBA in Finance.
In 2014 I opened up a women’s boutique, and in 2019, I and my partner started Florida Keys Ventures company which is a walking tour provider in Key West.
In 2020, I tried to open up a small health food cafe in my boutique but quickly ran into the problems with plumbing. So, I had to put it on hold. However, in the cafe, I was serving fresh squeezed mimosas, and my customers loved it.
During Fantasy Fest 2021, I decided to put my juicer in the store’s window and squeeze fruit for mimosa right in front of the people. And it worked very well! That is how. the Flamingo Boutique & Mimosa Bar was born!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. It took a lot of time, dedication, sleepless nights, and brain power to get to where I am now.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Flamingo Boutique & Mimosa Bar provides a unique experience to visitors in Key West. Guests can sip on their freshly squeezed mimosas while shopping for high-end women’s clothing. We offer a few different flavors for mimosas. Depending on the season, it could be pomegranate, pineapple, blood orange, grapefruit, watermelon, and, of course, classic orange – all FRESH SQUEEZED in front of you.
In the boutique, we feature made-in-Italy silk and linen clothing, as well as sequin party dresses, gowns, sandals, handbags, jewelry, and accessories. All items are chosen by me, and my main criteria is to be unique. So, when you buy something in my store, you won’t see ten other people wearing the same thing.
Florida Keys Ventures is a walking tour company and Instagram blog. We got over 30,000 followers on Instagram.
We offer public history and culture walking tours twice a day and also do private tours. One of the most unique private tours is the Conch Republic Tiki Bike Experience. The local guide takes you on an adventure all over the island on Tiki Bike, and you sit and relax while learning the history and secret non-touristy locations of Key West.
If you are planning to come to Key West, please stop by Flamingo Boutique & Mimosa Bar to say hi and grab fresh squeezed mimosa, or book a tour with Florida keys Ventures to see our island through the eyes of locals!
Also, let’s keep in touch, follow us on Instagram @lets_flamingle_keywest & @florida_keys_ventures
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in a small town in Ukraine – Energodar, which has the largest nuclear plant in Eastern Europe.
Summers I spent in the village, so there was time and environment for creativity.
While growing up, I loved to do art and read books. Basically, Ukrainian childhood was a lot of fun. My parents were too busy working, and I and my sister were left alone for most of the time. Sometimes, I wonder, how did we survive our childhood years lol
Some of the games included exploring construction sites and jumping from building to building.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.flamingokw.com and www.floridakeysventures.com
- Instagram: @lets_flamingle_keywest & @florida_keys_ventures
