About our Nominees

Carmelita and Larry are a product of pre-manifested destiny, as they put it. They are a couple, as well as business partners! They are both wonderful people, with a great love for the community and it’s people. Larry came from a police and political background. He was previously a police officer and trainer. Larry also ran for congress in the 28th district in Illinois.

Carmelita actually started cosmetology when she was only 10 years old in the Philippines! She actually still has a sister business there! She traveled the world, while working for the United States Air Force and decided to settle in our beautiful community 15 years ago and start her business.

Both of them share a deep love for our community. They have also created a few beauty products of their own! Carmelita and Larry made an exfoliating scrub(in pearl, tangerine, and lavender), a muscle tension gel(red oasis), and a collagen cream that doesn’t leave an oily residue on your hands. They had me try these products during the interview and they are fantastic! Be sure to head over and check them out!

 

Q & A

Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career/owning your business?

A: Pre-manifested destiny. We were meant to start this business and meet each other! Carmelita has always been well versed in the nail and salon care life.

 

Q: How long have you lived or worked in Gulf Breeze/Navarre?

A: I have lived in Gulf Breeze for 15 years and owned this business for 10 years.

 

Q: Who is the most interesting person/business owner you’ve met here in Gulf Breeze/Navarre?  Who would you like to see nominated as a Face of Gulf Breeze/Navarre?

A: I would have to say Ye Olde Brothers, who are part of the Navarre Chambers. They do great things for the community!

Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people? (Or someone starting their own business?)

A: Don’t give up! Business is like a roller-coaster! Make sure you can handle it, as it is not for everyone.

Q: What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about (or what is most iconic in) Gulf Breeze/Navarre?

A: Juana’s Pagodas! We go there for toddies!

 

Q: Where do you see yourself (and your career/business) in 5 or 10 years?

A: We see ourselves being a national brand for our skin products. We have already sent them out to 21 states as well as Montreal!

 

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Gulf Breeze/Navarre, and what do you love there? (What is your favorite dish, and where do you get it?)

A: We love going to Ruby Tuesday, as well as Ye Olde Brother’s. At Ye Olde Brother’s, we get the oven pizza!

 

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?  And why?

A: Hotel California on Coronado Island! We love it there and it’s actually where they train Navy Seals!

 

Q: What is your favorite movie OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?

A:  We both love Billy Jack, as well as Charlie Chaplin movies! He always gave great depth to whatever character he portrayed. 

 

Q: What is something on your bucket list?

A:  We would like to make our $60-$90 million! 

 

Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative: with whom would you love to have lunch?  Why?

A: We would love to meet President Trump for lunch and take him to Grand Marlin.

 

Q: What is your favorite music/ 3 bands you would like to see (dead or alive)?

A: Bach and Mozart, because they were absolute geniuses. Also, Led Zepplin would be amazing to see!

 

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?

A: Larry: I almost drowned when I was 5 years old, but was resuscitated by my brother.  

 

Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?

A: We think of a whippoorwill singing, food, and chickens! 

Q: If you were cast into a major motion picture and had your choice of anyone to be your co-star, who would you choose?

A: Harrison Ford! 

 

Q: If you had a full-time staff member that was fully paid for, who would you choose? Chef, Housekeeper, Driver, Coach, Physical Fitness Trainer, or Nanny?

A: A housekeeper would be ideal! 

 

If you’re looking for a nice, relaxing time, look no farther! Go see Larry and Carmelita!

Facebook: Carmelita and Larry’s Nail and Boutique Oasis

5443 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563

(850) 420-9864

 

Be sure to check out what our other nominees had to say!