Bringing the Beach to Dallas: My 30-Year Journey of Coastal Living in a Landlocked City
As I build Forever Beach Girl from the ground up, those 30 years in Dallas have become an unexpected source of wisdom and inspiration for my growing brand. What initially felt like a detour from my coastal roots has actually provided invaluable perspective that shapes every aspect of my business approach.
Understanding the Landlocked Beach Lover
My Dallas experience gave me profound insight into a crucial part of my potential customer base—those who love the beach but don't live near it. This firsthand understanding influences:
Product development: I'm creating pieces that truly transport people to coastal settings, not just remind them of past trips
Brand messaging: I know what resonates with inland customers because I lived it myself
Purchase motivation: I understand that for many customers, my pieces aren't just accessories—they're tangible connections to distant shorelines
As I write product descriptions and design marketing materials, I find myself speaking directly to that version of me who yearned for coastal connection while surrounded by urban landscapes.
The Value of Contrast and Juxtaposition
Living beach life away from the beach taught me to appreciate contrasts—a lesson that's now central to Forever Beach Girl's developing aesthetic:
Design approach: I'm drawn to unexpected combinations—natural shells with bold neon, organic textures with geometric patterns
Brand identity: I'm building a brand that balances laid-back beach spirit with purposeful business practices
Consumer experience: I'm creating pieces that stand out precisely because they bring something unexpected to everyday environments
This appreciation for contrast gives Forever Beach Girl a distinctive edge even as I'm just starting out—we're not simply "beachy" or "coastal" in the expected sense, but something more interesting and dynamic.
Resourcefulness Born of Necessity
During those years of maintaining beach connection without actual beaches, I developed creative resourcefulness that now serves me well as a startup founder:
Material sourcing: I think beyond obvious suppliers, seeking unexpected sources for unique components
Marketing approach: I find ways to communicate beach spirit authentically without relying on typical beach brand tropes
Business problem-solving: When obstacles arise, I draw on the same creative adaptability that helped me bring beach vibes to landlocked spaces
This resourcefulness is particularly valuable as I bootstrap my business, finding creative solutions that larger companies might overlook.
The Power of Intention and Authenticity
Perhaps most importantly, those years taught me that authentic beach spirit is an intentional practice rather than just a location-based experience—a philosophy that now infuses my entire business approach:
Brand development: I'm building Forever Beach Girl with deliberate authenticity rather than simply following coastal brand formulas
Customer relationships: I connect with my community through shared values and experiences, not just aesthetic preferences
Product creation: Each piece I design carries intentional energy—not mass-produced "beach-themed" items, but thoughtfully crafted connections to coastal spirit
As I grow this business from handcrafted beginnings, this commitment to intentionality helps me stay focused on what truly matters rather than getting distracted by rapid expansion opportunities that might compromise my vision.
Bringing It All Home
Now that I've returned to Florida's shores, I bring with me not just memories of my landlocked years, but the business wisdom they provided. Forever Beach Girl is richer and more distinctive because of that journey—capable of reaching beach lovers everywhere precisely because I understand what it means to love the beach from afar.
As I build this brand piece by piece, I'm grateful for both the sandy shores beneath my feet now and the concrete sidewalks that once reminded me of what I missed. Together, they've shaped a vision that's uniquely positioned to connect with beach lovers everywhere—whether they wake up to crashing waves or city skylines.
If you're reading this from a place where oceans are distant dreams, know that Forever Beach Girl is being built with you specifically in mind. Your beach spirit is just as authentic and valuable as anyone's—perhaps even more so because you've had to nurture it with intention rather than proximity.
Catch the wave. Keep the vibe. No matter where you are.Catch the wave. Keep the vibe. No matter where you are.
From my beach-loving heart to yours,
Forever Beach Girl
What ways have you found to bring beach vibes into your everyday life? Share your ideas and photos with us on Instagram @ForeverBeachGirl with the hashtag #BeachVibesAnywhere—we'd love to feature your creative coastal spirit!
