The community of Winthrop in Riverview is always abuzz with activity. If you have been there recently, you will have seen several refurbished Airstreams situated along Winthrop Main Street near the Winthrop Arts Art Factory.
The Airstreams house several businesses. The most recent addition is Adelante which literally translates into go ahead, move forward and welcome. Adelante is a beautifully hand-curated shop which features fashion, inspirational home décor and revitalized furniture pieces.
Adelante, which opened in April, is owned and operated by Judy Bonce and Mary Torres, the featured artist. Bonce and Torres want Adelante to be a place where other women, who have the entrepreneurial spirit and are artisans, can showcase their creations. “You can be a part of making your dreams come true,” said Torres. Bonce added, “Women can come and enjoy being here and leave with inspiration and a dose of happiness and hope.”
The name for the shiny silver little shop comes from Bonce’s mother whose name is Adelaida. When Bonce was young, she would sit on the family’s front porch surrounded by talented and caring women. They would make dresses uniquely created for her. According to Torres, “This is the feeling Judy would like to capture for everyone who displays and shares their talents at Adelante.”
Bonce and Torres have big plans for Adelante. They want to begin hosting Front Porch Fridays in June. They will offer a light snack created by local women. They will be constantly moving and restaging the space so that it is never the same when customers come back.
Both Bonce and Torres work at Reddick Elementary in Wimauma. Bonce is the Migrant Advocate and Torres runs an afterschool program. “The people we work with are our inspiration.” This includes not only the migrant families but fellow teachers and staff at the school.
The concept for the Airstream Market as it is called at Winthrop comes from Winthrop Founder, John Sullivan. “The purpose of the Airstreams is to encourage entrepreneur enterprises that are small and upcoming. This gives them a chance to try a product or service at an affordable lease price.” Sullivan added, “Ultimately, we want the Airstream Market to generate revenue that will support the arts at Winthrop.”
Please follow them on Facebook@adelanteforwardWinthrop. For more information on Winthrop, please visit www.winthropusa.com.
