For Shawna Pancari, entrepreneurship has never been only about starting a business. It has been about creating places where people want to gather.

The 48-year-old entrepreneur and business owner has pursued opportunities throughout her career with that idea in mind, building businesses centered on relationships and community. Her latest venture, The Social Cellar, brings that philosophy into a new chapter.

“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for creating businesses that bring people together,” Shawna says. “Throughout my life, I’ve embraced new opportunities and built businesses with one goal in mind: to create meaningful connections.”

She opened The Social Cellar alongside her family, with hopes of creating a space where guests feel comfortable lingering, celebrating and connecting with one another.

“Our hope is to create a warm, welcoming space where people can connect, celebrate life’s moments and build lasting relationships,” she says.

That emphasis on connection extends beyond her own businesses.

Shawna believes small businesses play an important role in strengthening Lake and Sumter counties. Throughout her career, she has focused on supporting other local businesses when possible and encouraging people to shop, dine and connect within their own communities.

“My goal has always been to contribute to the sense of community that makes Lake and Sumter County such special places to live and work,” she says.

Still, when asked about her greatest accomplishment, Shawna doesn’t point to a business.

“Without question, my greatest accomplishment is being a mother and raising my children,” she says. “They have taught me more about patience, resilience, unconditional love, and leadership than any career ever could.”

She credits family, mentors, employees, customers and fellow business owners with shaping the way she leads. Each, she says, has reinforced lessons about integrity, hard work, kindness and authenticity.

Those experiences have also taught her not to fear starting over.

“Don’t let the fear of failure keep you from pursuing your dreams,” Shawna says. “Some of life’s greatest opportunities begin with taking a chance on yourself.”

At 48, she sees reinvention not as a setback but as an opportunity to do what has guided her career from the beginning: build something that brings people together.

“I’ve learned that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself,” she says. “Some of life’s greatest opportunities come after 40, when you have the confidence to trust your instincts and pursue the dreams you’ve put on hold.”