We've always considered Lakeland to be a city that stands out from a crowd, and its small biz scene is no different.

This Small Business Week powered by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, we're stepping outside of our regular routines and highlighting 12 Lakeland small bizzes whose distinct offerings are worth exploring or experiencing.

Did you know? This store in downtown Lakeland also supports staff in Kenya. | Photo courtesy of Take Heart Staff

Boutiques + retail stores

VF Furniture, 1020 W. Pipkin Rd.
Looking to spruce up your dining space? This family business specializes in handmade, farmhouse-style furniture, including custom tables.

Dixieland Relics, 949 S. Florida Ave.
This local hidden gem recently came under new ownership to a familiar Lakeland face: Austin Hayes of Austin's Backyard Garden. Since Hayes took over the shop, they've added a new section for vintage clothing, a back building featuring local vendors, and even a DIY terrarium bar.

Take Heart, 248 N. Kentucky Ave.
Nowhere else in Lakeland can you find a store comprised of entirely fair trade products made in more than 40 countries. Purchases here directly support orphans and widows in Africa through education and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Amelia Paige Boutique, 223 N. Kentucky Ave. + 1470 Town Center Dr.
Personalization is the name of the game at this Southern boutique, where you can put your creativity to work in the hands-on hat and charm bar. Custom friendship bracelets, anyone?

Follow Dainty Links on Instagram to stay updated on where the shop will be popping up each month. | Photo courtesy of Dainty Links

Dainty Links, locations vary
If you love jewelry but don't want to worry about losing it, the permanent jewelry selections offered by this mobile pop-up shop will be right up your alley. Sit back, relax, and let the pros do the work as they size you for your perfect piece.

Intergalactic Plastic, 4419 S. Florida Ave.
Those young and young at heart will embrace their inner child at this retro toy and comic shop. Plus, gamers can sign up for the free IGP Player Passport to earn special discounts every time they attend an in-store gaming or social event.

Arrow + Bow, 1037 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 105
This children's consignment boutique is the only one of its kind in Swan City. Head there for a variety of gently used clothing just for the kids, or book the shop's flex space for your next small-scale party or event.

La Tradicion Cubana, 812 E. Main St., Ste. A2
Visit this family-owned + operated retailer to find premium cigars, coffee, and an outdoor patio where "everyone is family."

You could learn to take photography like this on one of Wilderness at Heart Photography's all-inclusive workshop trips. | Photo courtesy of Karen R. Schuenemann

Services

Artistic Concrete Coatings, locations vary
Add some flair to your concrete flooring with a coating service packed with sealers and non-slip ingredients by this small business.

Wilderness at Heart Photography, 2435 D. R. Bryant Rd.
Lakeland-based, award-winning photographer Karen R. Schuenemann takes her work on the road with this business that offers all-inclusive, boutique photography workshops around the world from places like White Sands National Park to Botswana and Zambia.

Fitness spots

Strong Souls, 105 W. Badcock Blvd., Mulberry
This first-of-its-kind fitness studio in Polk County encourages visitors to step outside of their comfort zone in a supportive, empowering environment with pole dancing classes for all levels.

CYCLEdelic, 3505 Cleveland Heights Blvd.
This gym might be Lakeland's only indoor cycling studio, but the innovation doesn't stop there — owner Stephanie Kelley shared that classes, or "Fit Trips" change regularly, so "you never take the same Trip twice."