Many dream of opening their own business. Fewer actually do so. While passion for what one does is at the heart of any new business venture, it’s only half of the equation. New businesses take time, money and perhaps most of all, perseverance. Holly Skowronski knows this. In 2019 Skowronski, who had spent 15 years as a buyer in corporate retail, opened Modern Soul Boutique on St. Armands Circle. The clothing store quickly became a hit, revered for its trendy style and approachable prices.

“When I opened I knew I wanted to be a destination for women who want great everyday pieces that they'll wear all season long. Very casual pieces that they can mix and match that are not cheap, but are at a good price point,” says Skowronski. “We don’t get too fancy and we’re not super high-end and I saw a need for that, especially on St. Armands.”

Skowronski’s eye for style and passion for the business caused Modern Soul to thrive—that is until disaster, quite literally struck. Last September’s Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage to much of the area, especially businesses on St. Armand’s Key. “All the business owners got around three feet of water in their stores. At first, I wasn’t planning on reopening—it was a little traumatic,” says Skowronski.

However, Skowronski persevered. Working in tandem with her husband Jason, who works in real estate, Skowronski found a new location, this one in Burns Square, which opened this winter. The move meant changes for the boutique—a bigger space, an expanded customer base and slightly different offerings. Because of zip code protection, Skowronski had to deviate from some of the brands she previously sold. “Some of the brands that I carried out there, I couldn’t carry down here,” says Skowronski. “It’s kind of like reinventing ourselves, but staying true to what we do and who we are.”

The larger space brought in a new challenge for Skowronski: a kitchen area. “I’d always been a clothing buyer, so I had a bit of a hard time figuring out what to do with it. People kept coming back to buy the stuff that I had on the shelves though, which were just decorations, so I thought to make it a more shoppable area for customers,” says Skowronski. “I feel like it will evolve back here—we might start selling glassware, but right now we have fragrances and candles and things like that.”

Modern Soul Boutique, 1533 Dolphin St., Sarasota, 34236, Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 11am-5pm, 941-413-5306 

Owner Holly Skowronski in Modern Soul Boutique. Provided photo.

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Jump into July at Miromar Outlets! Celebrate the start of summer with unbeatable deals, outdoor entertainment, and fun for all ages. Discover the latest styles, dine al fresco, and enjoy memorable moments with family and friends under the sun. Whether you're hunting for gifts or treating yourself, Miromar Outlets is your go-to destination this July.

Miromar Outlets is located at exit 123 off I-75 in Estero between Naples and Fort Myers. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing early signs of dementia or cognitive impairment, specialized brain imaging used at Sarasota Memorial Hospital can help detect different types of dementia and lead to more targeted treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s dementia and other causes of cognitive decline. Sarasota Memorial’s radiology and neurology teams use nuclear imaging and advanced diagnostic tools, including the latest DaTscan and PET scans, to detect subtle changes in brain function that help doctors zero in on specific markers for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s dementia and other causes of cognitive impairment, which may not be visible on traditional MRI or CT scans. DaTscan, which has long been used to help diagnose Parkinson’s disease, can be used to diagnose Parkinson’s-related dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies, while PET scans can be used to detect the earliest markers for Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of cognitive decline. Determining the specific type of dementia early in the diagnostic process can lead to more targeted treatments and better outcomes. 

S-One Holdings Corporation, a global company headquartered in Sarasota with a focus on the digital imaging industry, is honored to share our recognition of being named to Inc.’s 2025 Best Workplaces list, consisting of companies that have built exceptional workplaces and vibrant cultures that support their teams and businesses. 2025 marks the third consecutive year that S-One has received this recognition. This year’s list, featured on Inc.com, is the result of comprehensive measurement and evaluation of American companies that have excelled in creating superior workplaces and company cultures–whether in-person or remote. Search for company on the search bar at Inc.com, to view our company profile. 

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Reserve your space in SRQ Magazines' September publication, featuring three opportunities to spotlight your business: Living Lakewood, connecting Lakewood Ranch businesses with the community; Elite Top Attorneys, spotlighting the region’s most trusted legal professionals; and In Conversation: Career-Based Education, a dialogue on workforce development and training. Secure your space and connect with our readers. Contact us! 

Join us for the inspiring 10th Annual SRQ Women Who Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon, celebrating local women leaders who significantly impact our community. Enjoy a dynamic program featuring the introduction of the esteemed 2025 Leadership Circle inductees, engaging PopUp Boutiques, and opportunities to network during our post-event reception. 

Get ready to be inspired at the Annual Giving Coast Luncheon: Philanthropic Agenda & Good Hero Awards, recognizing local changemakers. Join us in bringing the philanthropic community together on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Michael's On East and help celebrate the nonprofit spirit of our area. Featuring a panel of distinguished philanthropic leaders discussing giving trends, the honorable Good Hero Awards, and the interactive Giving Tree Program, this event will be nothing short of spectacular. Also highlighting the acclaimed SRQ Lifetime Good Hero Achievement Award, the program will uplift attendees and spark meaningful change.