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🏡 Meet Your Neighbor: Stacy Self of Square One Garage Solutions

This week we’re kicking off a new segment called “Meet Your Neighbor”—a behind-the-scenes look at the people running the businesses that keep Southshore going.

First up is Stacy Self, a longtime Wimauma resident and the owner of Square One Garage Solutions. Stacy’s not only passionate about garage organization, she’s also a champion for local businesses and a firm believer in community. We sat down with her to hear her story, and let’s just say, you’re going to want to read this one.

How long have you lived in Southshore? Which town?

Stacy: I moved to Wimauma, specifically the equestrian community of Sundance, tucked between U.S. 301 and 41 on the border of Hillsborough and Manatee counties, when I was 8. My dad was a contractor, he built our home.

What’s your favorite thing about living out here?

Stacy: We had five horses and I was active in 4H. Every Saturday, I’d ride one of our horses five miles to the stables, spend the day there, then ride home. It was a different time. We played outside till dark, built forts, climbed trees, and knew everyone on our street.

What led you to Square One?

Stacy: We’ve been entrepreneurs for over 20 years. But how we ended up owning Square One is very personal.

In 2020, my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. A year later, she got COVID, and her health declined rapidly. Mike and I moved her in with us, and I became her full-time caregiver for three years until she passed in November 2023.

After she passed, her things were in totes in our garage. I wasn’t emotionally ready to go through them, so we called Square One, a company we’d used before to install another overhead rack to store everything.

A few days later, I told Mike I was ready to go back to work. I said I wanted to buy a business. We prayed about it, believing it would come to us.

Sure enough, when Frankie, the owner of Square One, came to do the install, she offered her condolences and shared that they were planning to sell the business due to her husband’s health. I knew right then we were meant to buy it. Within 60 days, we were the new owners of Square One Garage Solutions.

What did you do before this?

Stacy: I worked for my dad’s construction company in project management, sales, and business development for eight years. After that, I launched a marketing and business coaching firm. Over 12 years, my team and I helped build over 365 businesses. I know how to grow companies.

What’s your favorite part of the job?

Stacy: Two things. First, I love the transformation process. Walking into a messy garage, understanding the client’s pain points, and designing a system that creates intentional, organized space. I’m a problem solver at heart. I love structure and creativity.

Second, I love the business growth side. We’re expanding into commercial work, laundry rooms, and mudrooms. I’m also building strategic partnerships with other local businesses. When we help a client, we want to be able to recommend other trustworthy, locally owned companies too.

And your least favorite?

Stacy: Being an entrepreneur is hard. I have 10 people relying on me for their livelihood. That would be crushing if I didn’t have faith. I trust God to provide—and He has.

In our first year, we’ve dealt with three hurricanes in five weeks, a 100-year storm, political shifts, and tariffs affecting product pricing. And still, we’re thriving, growing, and abundantly blessed.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Stacy: I lead worship at our church, and I love opening our home to the people we love. We entertain a lot. I enjoy creating intentional moments and trying new experiences with the people who matter most to me.

Favorite place to eat in Southshore?

Stacy: That’s a hard one—we have some great spots! But I’d say Tiki Docks in Riverview. Great food, delicious drinks, and the sunset on the patio? Hard to beat.

💡 Stacy’s Garage Wisdom

Best budget-friendly tip for garage organization?

Stacy: Most homeowners tackle garage issues with a singular focus. Bike hooks from Amazon, shoe racks, yard tool hangers from Lowe’s. But these one-off solutions don’t solve the bigger problem.

When you work with us, we design a whole-space solution, and every dollar spent adds value to your home. When you go to sell, your investment with us can be reflected in your asking price. You can’t say the same for random Amazon or Home Depot purchases.

Most important hurricane-season prep tip?

Stacy: Think wind and water. Even if you’re not in a flood zone, roof damage or leaks can ruin belongings. Get everything off the floor using shelving, cabinets, and slatwall. Store valuables in totes. Designate a space for hurricane-season necessities.

Featured Story

🍎 Teacher Raises Are Coming (Sort Of)—But Will They Be Enough for Southshore?

If you’ve got kids in Southshore schools, you’ve probably noticed it: fewer teachers, stretched staff, and classrooms that feel more crowded than ever. Whether it’s a rotating line-up of substitute teachers or long waits for extra help, the staffing shortage isn’t just a headline it’s a daily reality for local families.

Now, the state says help is on the way.

Florida is touting $100 million in new funding to raise teacher salaries, with state officials urging school districts to deliver on promised pay increases. But here’s the catch: teacher unions say the funding falls short, so short, in fact, that it may only amount to around $20 extra per paycheck for many educators. It’s more like a Band-Aid than a cure, and it’s not nearly enough to fix the deep-rooted issues schools are facing.

Why this matters in Southshore

Our region is growing fast. That means more families moving in, more students enrolling, and more pressure on already-thin school staffing. When we can’t pay teachers a competitive wage, we risk losing them to other districts or other careers entirely.

And that affects more than just test scores. It shapes class sizes, limits program offerings, and impacts the consistency our kids need to thrive. Fewer teachers mean fewer electives, more burnout, and sometimes a scramble just to keep classrooms covered.

To help bridge the gap, Hillsborough County voters did approve a property tax increase last year to support teacher raises. But that funding won’t kick in until the next school year, and even then, it may take time to feel the effects at the local level.

So, what can you do?

• Stay involved. School board meetings, PTA gatherings, and district updates are all opportunities to ask how state and local funds are being used.

• Talk to your child’s teachers. They often have insight into what’s really needed and what’s missing.

• Support local education efforts. Whether it’s donating supplies, backing teacher-led initiatives, or just showing appreciation, it matters.

At the end of the day, a stronger school system means stronger communities. And while the funding news might sound good on paper, Southshore families know it’ll take more than press releases to fill classrooms with qualified teachers and keep them there.

Things to do

What’s Washing Up on The Shore This Week

AROUND TOWN

Featured Summer Camps & Training

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Until next time,

Keep It Local.