Beach girl making a difference
I am beach girl that wants to make a difference. I have always been a believer in reduce, reuse, and recycle. My original business idea began with a desire to change up our dining table years ago. After that, I did several more pieces and with each one became more excited about what I could do with old pieces in order to make them loved once again. Upcycling furniture is my favorite thing, but my handmade charms that I attach to stainless steel straws, chopsticks, and magnets have become my main focus these days and are quickly taking over. I love it. They fit perfectly in with my desire to make a difference, and I love making unique gifts and favors that also help our environment.
The story of my straws truly began from necessity. When we lived in California and stopped using plastic straws, suddenly we had a new issue - which drink belongs to who. With plastic straws, everyone could have a different color, but with our first stainless steel straws, we did not have any way to distinguish drinks by their straws anymore. This is where the straw charm began. It took me a couple months (off and on) to figure out exactly how I could attach the charm to the straw and still be able to wash the straw and use as I normally would. Once I figured that part out, I was excited to make cute, durable charms to attach.
The first ones, reflected my love of all things coastal. Those original ones still exist, but the straws have grown and evolved into sooooo many fun, new collections. The coastal inspired items were soon joined by cacti (the move to Arizona). Next, a good friend wanted cupcakes and cakes - super FUN. Then the suggestions poured in from close friends and family. My creative side flared up, and now I am obsessed with finding new and different molds to create new collections that will make everyone want to use reusable metal straws and stop single use plastic straws.
Each charm is completely handmade by me. Once I find an amazing mold, I use clay to start the process. Every one is perfected with painting, some sanding, and once it looks exactly as I want it, it is sealed. Finally, the charm is attached to the straw with clay and a heat activated adhesive.
This business plan began as a product of my love for decorating then redecorating that same space sooner rather than later and of course, crafts. Add that to my over whelming drive to make a lasting change in the world and we have BeachEclectic. Every item I make has the ability to make a difference in some way and always has the coastal flare. I know that I can still transform furniture and decor in my spare time and hopefully, find great homes for those items as well.
Beach Eclectic believes in a green lifestyle where reduce, reuse, and recycle are part of a mission to make a global difference. With each item that you purchase, not only are you getting a unique, one of a kind item, but you are also making a difference in the future.
All upcycled items are on at least their second “life” and have been cleaned throughly before being transformed into the unique item that you see here.
Choose to BE part of the future and not add to the trash.
Up:cy:cle (v.)
reuse (discarded objects or material) in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original.
