Eve Epstein on Starting a Business in Downtown St. Pete

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This conversation with Eve Epstein was originally published in the 2021 Downtown Development Guide.

Eve Epstein

CEO/Co-Founder SoleVenture

How long have you lived in St. Petersburg and what brought you to St. Petersburg?

I was born and raised in St. Pete. My great-grandparents moved down here in the 1940s. We have three generations living in the Tampa Bay area now. I moved back to St. Pete from Washington, DC, for many reasons, including the culture, politics and business opportunities.

What are the key business factors you see as strengths for starting your company in St. Petersburg?

Florida is a business-friendly state, but St. Pete is unique because of the breadth of new talent. Younger, educated people are moving here for the quality of life and cost of living.

What are the key lifestyle factors you see as strengths for St. Petersburg?

I’m an avid runner. We have great trails and perfect weather. It’s a walkable city with a beautiful Pier, world class museums, and terrific restaurants.

Please describe a typical “day in the life” of a St. Petersburg CEO.

A typical day starts off with a run along the water. I primarily work remotely, so I often take my laptop to the Pier, a local coffee shop, or another outdoor location. St. Pete is a big small town. I’m always bound to run into fellow business owners, community leaders, and friends. It’s a collegial place—especially for new business owners. I can grab coffee and pick another person’s brain about new ideas.

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