Meet Chelsea Santos — College Park Business Owner and Mom
I was born in Manhattan, raised in the Tampa Bay area, and moved to Orlando for College. I attended UCF and majored in Communications with a minor in Marketing. I have lived all over Orlando, including Waterford Lakes, Sodo, Downtown, Windermere, and now College Park. College Park stole my heart and will hold a piece forever #32804
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have 2 daughters, ages 7 and 4
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Current – Owner of Yaya + Lou Childrens Store here in College Park, Past – Government Contractor for 10 years + Gymnastics Coach for 6 years
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Rusteak, New Moon, Chicken Fire, Black Bean Deli, Domu, + The Strand
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
2 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
My store neighbor, Keegan. He is like no one else I have ever met!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Paris, because fashion!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Friends will forever be my favorite tv show. I have seen every episode numerous times and could watch them over and over again!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Do what makes YOU happy.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Hike in Montana
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
90’s r&b on Pandora
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Gratitude Coffee
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
My best friend Steve, I would never turn down a lunch with him! He is my gift that keeps giving. We would go to Rusteak and wine would be poured.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The small town feel.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Continuing to pursue whatever is making me happy at that point in my life. I have learned that it’s nearly impossible to plan that far ahead of time. You have no control over tomorrow.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That’s tough, I am an open book. Maybe that I have 7 tattoos.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
St Croix
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October, Thanksgiving, Christmas day
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Ice Cream from Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I am constantly inspired by all of our small business owners in Orlando
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Pumpkin Spice of course!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
With my daughters
