Beach-Inspired Sourcing: My Journey to Align Materials with Out Mission

When Materials Mean More Than Their Beauty

Growing up collecting shells along Florida's coastlines, I developed an intuitive understanding—each natural treasure washing ashore represented an intricate relationship between ocean, creatures, and shoreline. Now, as I select materials for Forever Beach Girl creations, that early reverence guides every choice.

My mission isn't just to create beautiful beach-inspired pieces; it's to "transform everyday accessories into symbols of carefree summer days and endless possibilities" while actively supporting "meaningful conservation efforts that protect the marine environments that inspire us." This means my material selection process must embody both my playful aesthetic and my profound respect for nature.

As a small startup, I face both challenges and opportunities in sourcing. While I don't have the buying power of larger brands, I do have the freedom to make intentional choices from day one, building a foundation of values-aligned materials that will grow with my brand.

Natural Elements: Honoring the Beach's Gifts

Shells & Sea Glass: Developing Ethical Collection Practices

The shells incorporated into my designs come primarily from three sources I'm cultivating:

Personal Responsible Collection
I personally gather many shells during beach walks, always following these self-imposed guidelines:

• Never taking live shells or disturbing active habitats

• Collecting only specimens that have been naturally separated from their living occupants

• Taking only what I need, leaving plenty for the natural ecosystem and other beachcombers

• Focusing on common species that aren't endangered or protected

Building Ethical Partnerships
I'm looking to connect with local beachcombers who share my conservation values. I'm looking for trusted partners who know:

• Which shells can be ethically collected in each region

• Seasonal considerations for collection

• Local regulations protecting certain species

As Forever Beach Girl grows, I hope to formalize these relationships into a network of ethical suppliers, but for now, these connections are developing organically through beach community events and conservation meetups.

Exploring Reclaimed Options
I'm increasingly drawn to upcycled and reclaimed materials like:

• Estate sale finds and vintage shell elements

• Damaged vintage jewelry ready for new life

• Previously collected specimens that would otherwise be discarded

• And beach trash. Yes, you read that correctly. I’ve created fun earrings from cleaned and sanitized plastics like cocktail straws and cup lids.

This area holds particular promise as I scale, potentially offering both sustainability benefits and unique character for my designs.

For sea glass, I'm working to build relationships with collectors who document their sourcing locations. This not only ensures authenticity but would allow me to share the unique story behind each piece—whether it began as a medicine bottle from the 1940s or glassware from a beachside restaurant.

Stones & Minerals: Learning to Trace the Source

For the stones in my collections—from smooth river rocks to semiprecious gems—I'm developing a more rigorous sourcing approach:

Starting with a Local First Philosophy
I'm prioritizing stones from Florida and southern U.S. locations where I can:

• One day, personally visit suppliers to see their practices

• Reduce carbon footprint through shorter supply chains

• Support regional artisans and small businesses

• Verify ethical collection methods firsthand

Researching Supply Chain Transparency
For imported stones I occasionally need, I'm learning to ask suppliers tough questions about:

• Mine-to-market tracking

• Labor practices

• Environmental reclamation efforts

• Ethical mining certifications

This is challenging as a small brand, but I'm finding that some suppliers are surprisingly receptive to these conversations, especially when I explain my brand values.

Celebrating Natural Variation
I specifically seek out stones with distinctive natural patterns and variations—those that tell a visual story of their formation. This approach is helping me:

• Reduce waste by embracing "imperfect" specimens others might reject

• Create truly one-of-a-kind pieces even as a small operation

• Educate customers about the natural beauty of geological diversity

The Bold & The Vibrant: Bringing the '80s Beachside Energy

My signature style pairs natural elements with vibrant components—an approach that demands particular attention to sustainability even in these early stages:

Evolving My Colorful Components

Researching Eco-Friendly Alternatives
I'm actively exploring alternatives to conventional materials:

• Sampling recycled acrylic beads reclaimed from pre-consumer waste

• Testing plant-based resin for custom-cast components

• Experimenting with water-based, non-toxic pigments for hand-painted elements

• Incorporating recycled glass beads for colorful accents

This research is time-intensive and sometimes costly, but finding the right balance of vibrant aesthetics and environmental responsibility is essential to my brand vision.

Embracing Small-Batch Production
As a startup, small-batch production comes naturally, allowing me to:

• Minimize material waste through precise ordering

• Ensure personal quality control

• Create special, collectible pieces

• Remain flexible with material choices as I learn and improve

Incorporating Vintage Elements
One of my favorite sourcing methods is hunting for genuine vintage components from the '80s and early '90s. This approach:

• Gives new life to existing materials

• Creates authentic retro appeal

• Reduces demand for new production

• Preserves pieces of beach culture history

As Forever Beach Girl grows, I hope to develop more systematic approaches to vintage sourcing, but for now, this remains a treasure-hunting labor of love.

Metals & Findings: Building a Foundation of Quality

The metal components that hold my pieces together represent another opportunity to align with my values from the start:

Investing in Quality Over Quantity
Even with startup budget constraints, I choose higher-grade metals that:

• Last longer, reducing replacement waste

• Resist tarnishing, eliminating need for chemical cleaners

• Are safe for sensitive skin

This sometimes means creating fewer pieces at a higher quality level—a tradeoff I'm willing to make.

Exploring Recycled Metals Options
I'm beginning to connect with specialized suppliers of:

• Sterling silver with certified recycled content

• Brass components from reclaimed sources

• Gold-fill options containing recycled gold

• Custom clasps from upcycled jewelry

The minimum orders can be challenging for a small brand, but I'm starting with select pieces using these materials and plan to expand as Forever Beach Girl grows.

Packaging with Purpose: Starting Simple but Sustainable

My material consideration extends beyond the pieces themselves to how they reach you:

Developing Ocean-Friendly Packaging
I started Forever Beach Girl with basic packaging and am gradually upgrading to more sustainable options:

• Transitioning to recycled paper sourced from post-consumer waste

• Researching biodegradable elements that break down safely in marine environments

• Testing water-based inks and adhesives

• Exploring packaging embedded with wildflower seeds that can be planted after opening

Planning Gift Wrap That Gives Back
I'm developing concepts for gift packaging that aligns with our values:

• Fabric wrapping inspired by Japanese Furoshiki techniques

• Collecting vintage scarves and upcycled textiles for special orders

• Designing reusable beach-themed bags that become part of the gift

My Ongoing Material Journey: Transparency in Progress

True transparency means acknowledging where I'm still growing. Some challenges I'm actively working on:

The Elastic Question
Finding truly eco-friendly elastic for certain designs remains difficult. My current approach:

• Using the highest-quality elastic to maximize lifespan

• Researching emerging sustainable alternatives

• Planning repair services to extend product life

• Connecting with manufacturers on developing better options

Implementing Material Audits
As a developing brand, I'm establishing systems to:

• Regularly review my entire supply chain

• Identify new opportunities for sustainable sourcing

• Phase out materials that no longer meet my evolving standards

• Document progress transparently

• Set new goals for improvement

Material Choices as a Reflection of Values-in-Progress

My core values of Beach Spirit, Handcrafted Quality, Vibrant Self-Expression, Natural Connection, and Ocean Preservation guide my material choices, even as I navigate the realities of a startup:

Beach Spirit: Seeking Materials That Transport
I select elements that instantly evoke beach memories—the smooth tumble of sea glass, the iridescent inner curve of a shell—creating pieces that carry beach energy wherever they go.

Handcrafted Quality: Finding Materials That Transform
Each component must work well with hand techniques, allowing the personal touch that distinguishes my creations from mass-produced alternatives.

Vibrant Self-Expression: Choosing Materials That Speak
Bold colors and distinctive textures create conversation-starting pieces that help our community express their unique beach-loving identity.

Natural Connection: Prioritizing Materials That Ground
Elements sourced directly from nature maintain that essential connection to the coastal environments that inspire us.

Ocean Preservation: Learning About Materials That Protect
Every sourcing decision considers impact—not just on aesthetics, but on the marine ecosystems I'm committed to preserving.

An Invitation to Join My Conscious Consumption Journey

When you purchase one of my Forever Beach Girl pieces, you're not just buying jewelry or accessories—you're participating in a developing approach to consumer goods that asks:

• What story does this material tell?

• How does its journey from source to finished piece impact our oceans?

• Does it truly capture the beach spirit we cherish?

• Will it last, becoming a treasured part of your personal style?

As Forever Beach Girl grows, I hope to expand how we think about the entire lifecycle of our pieces—from careful sourcing to thoughtful creation to eventual passing along through generations, or perhaps even returning to the brand through a future heirloom program where beloved pieces might find new life.

Learning Material Wisdom from the Beach Itself

Perhaps the most profound material lesson comes from the beach itself. There, we witness how the ocean transforms, polishes, and repurposes everything it touches. Rough edges become smooth, broken pieces become treasures, nothing is wasted.

In this way, my material selection philosophy for Forever Beach Girl isn't just about making beautiful things—it's about honoring the profound wisdom of ocean ecosystems that inspire us to find value, beauty, and purpose in every element.

As a brand in its early stages, I face both constraints and opportunities in material sourcing. I may not yet have access to every sustainable option I dream of, but I can build a foundation of mindful choices that will grow and improve with the brand itself—just as the ocean constantly refines and transforms everything in its embrace.

Catch the wave. Keep the vibe. Join me in choosing materials that matter.

From my beach-loving heart to yours,
Beth, Forever Beach Girl