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Local entrepreneurs describe 'invisible labor' of starting businesses at mayor's forum
Summary
A panel moderated by Belinda Ortiz Kirkgaard at the Mayor Demings forum highlighted startup moments, operational challenges and resilience from three Central Florida entrepreneurs, including a community pharmacist, a nonprofit STEM founder and the founder of Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream.
Belinda Ortiz Kirkgaard, president of the National Entrepreneur Center, moderated a panel of local entrepreneurs who described the practical and emotional work behind starting and scaling businesses.
Dr. Laney Powell, founder and CEO of TechSassyGirls, said she bootstrapped the nonprofit and emphasized "invisible labor" — the unpaid administrative, grant-writing and program tasks that sustain a nonprofit. Powell described expanding from four students at inception to programs that have served more than 3,000 girls and noted the organization now runs paid summer accelerators that include stipends for students.
Kelly Seidel, founder of Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream, traced her company’s growth from farmers markets and a single truck to multiple scoop shops and counter locations. Seidel said the toughest operational challenges have included hurricanes, power outages and equipment failures, and recalled the practical work that keeps a food truck and production line running.
Dr. Amarjeet Kaur, who leads Harrison’s Pharmacy, discussed pressures facing independent pharmacies, including changing reimbursement rates and pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) dynamics. Kaur emphasized patient service as a motivator and said free deliveries and community focus help sustain the business model.
Panelists offered advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: expect hard work, build trust by showing up consistently, meet customer and community needs and be prepared to handle multiple roles. Moderator Kirkgaard closed the session by inviting audience questions and pointing attendees to resources at the National Entrepreneur Center.
All panelists said the community is an essential partner in growth: Powell cited formal partnerships that enabled TechSassyGirls to move into schools; Seidel credited market research and industry visits during a production-space expansion; Kaur emphasized community trust as critical to independent pharmacies.
The panel was followed by a brief Q&A and a photo opportunity with Mayor Demings and panelists.
