In this episode of The Social Sandbar, Megan talks with Janel from Sand Castle University about building a one-of-a-kind business on the Gulf Coast.

From teaching sand sculpting classes to growing a team and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, Janel shares the story behind her business and the lessons she's learned along the way.

They discuss customer service, social media, content creation, hiring, and what it takes to adapt when unexpected challenges force you to rethink your business.

Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the stories behind local businesses, you'll enjoy this conversation.

Connect with Sand Castle University here:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sandcastleuniversityInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sand_castle_universityTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@sand_castle_universityYoutube -  https://www.youtube.com/@sandcastleuniversityWebsite - https://sandcastleu.com

In this episode of The Social Sandbar, Megan talks with Staci from Pretty Work about buying a business, learning it from scratch, and growing it into a family-run operation.

From working nights and weekends to building a team and creating systems, this conversation covers the real experience of running and scaling a small business.

They also discuss marketing, community involvement, and what it takes to grow a business in a local market.

Special shoutout to Murder Creek for letting us film in your location!

Connect with Pretty Work here:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Pretty-Work-100057039627030/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pretty.work.llc/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@pretty.work.scree

Website - https://prettywork.espwebsites.com

In this episode of The Social Sandbar, Megan talks with Skylar from Nelson Electrical Services about building and growing a service-based business on the Gulf Coast.

From getting started to managing a team and finding clients, this conversation covers the day-to-day realities of running a small business.

They discuss networking, marketing through Facebook, the importance of reviews, and what it looks like to grow a business while balancing everything else.

Connect with Nelson Electrical Service here:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555597871708

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@nelson.electrical3

Website - https://www.nelsonelectricalservice.com

In this episode of The Social Sandbar, Megan talks with Emilie from The Coastal Edit about starting a business, learning as you go, and what it really looks like to build something from scratch.

From navigating her first year of business to helping clients create systems that actually work, Emilie shares practical insights on organization, productivity, and simplifying your space without overcomplicating it.

It’s an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, growth, and making everyday life feel a little more manageable.

Connect with The Coastal Edit here:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575498953561

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecoastaledit_/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thecoastaledit_

Website - https://thecoastaledit.online

In this episode of The Social Sandbar, Megan chats with Emily from Shore Fizz about how a simple side project turned into a growing coastal business.

They talk about getting started without a perfect plan, building a business in a tourism-driven market, and how social media has played a major role in their growth.

It’s an honest conversation about what it really looks like to build something from the ground up—and how it can grow into more than you expected.

onnect with ShoreFizz here:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574201311611Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shorefizzTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@shorefizzWebsite - https://shorefizz.com

In this episode of The Social Sandbar, Megan chats with Tammilee of Gulf Coast Journeys about building a business in a coastal town, adapting to a tourism-driven market, and what actually works in social media marketing.

From moving across the country to growing a content-driven business, Tammilee shares real insights on consistency, long-term growth, and why understanding your data matters more than chasing viral moments.

Connect with Gulf Coast Journeys here:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GulfCoastJourneys

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gulfcoastjourneys/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@gulfcoastjourneys

Website - https://gulfcoastjourneys.com

In the first episode of The Social Sandbar, Megan Curtis sits down with Geni of G+K Designs to talk about her 23-year journey as a creative business owner.

Geni shares how she got started, what brought her to the Gulf Coast, and what it’s really like trying to grow a business after moving to a new area. From murals, selfie walls, and custom signs to guided art classes and mobile paint parties, this conversation covers creativity, entrepreneurship, networking, and the ups and downs of building a small business.

If you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or creative trying to figure things out as you go, this episode will feel like a familiar conversation.