City’s GEM Award goes to locally grown brand Lolablue

The City's Economic Development Division presented the award to Jamie Lovern, founder and CEO of Lolablue, a North Port-based bath, beauty and wellness company that formulates and manufactures its products locally.

The GEM Award celebrates local businesses that have become integral to the community, demonstrating stability, character and long-term contributions to North Port's economic and cultural life.

"North Port has given us the opportunity to grow alongside the community, build strong local relationships and stay connected to the place where our business started," Lovern said. "Having a city that recognizes and supports its local businesses makes that connection even more meaningful."

Founded by Lovern in 2003, Lolablue has grown from a small local business into a brand carried in more than 100 stores. Its products are currently available at 37 Whole Foods Market locations across Florida, where the company also serves as a local forager brand and bulk soap producer.

Lolablue continues to formulate and manufacture its products in North Port, with products sold throughout Florida carrying signage that reads "Handmade in North Port, Florida."

"We're not just a brand that happens to be located here," Lovern said. "We actually make our products here, and that has become a meaningful part of our story."

For more information about the City's Economic Development initiatives, visit DevelopNorthPortFL.com.