There are few things Michelle Brooks [known as 'Brooksie' to her close friends and family] has to leave Seminole Heights for and she is happy to bring those things to the neighborhood she has called home since 2007.

Michelle, a former district manager of Starbucks, is happy for the opportunity to serve the community she so loves with her hand selected assortment of items at Brooksie’s Market.

It’s a combination of things that she really likes in her life, like fresh herbs and spices, locally made pastas, wine, cheese and fresh cut flowers.

The location at 5805 North Florida Avenue is a bungalow style home and the former home of Dreams Music Showcase. It may not seem like the ideal spot for a market, but to Brooks, her new storefront is exactly what she wanted.

“I like the old house and the fact that I will be able to grow herbs and flowers for the next season right out in the yard,” Brooks said. “It was really important to me to stay in the neighborhood and this location also allowed me to do that. I didn’t want to be in a strip mall or a newly built place.”

The chance at entrepreneurship and becoming a part of the ongoing growth around Seminole Heights is something the 50-year old Brooks is also proud to be a part of.

“I love this neighborhood because of how supportive they are of the businesses around their community,” Brooks said. “My current vendors aren’t local providers but I’m hoping once I’m open that more local people will want to get their products into the market. I  had great help from people around here with moving furniture and getting the place together.”