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Interview with Christy and Sarah of Coastal Surf Boutique

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Coastal is a Seattle Boardsports Boutique that carries lifestyle apparel, accessories, swimwear and sandals from brands like Roxy, Billabong, Hurley, Reef and more. What started in 2003 with 400 square feet of women’s clothing has grown to a larger store on Alki Beach that now offers the lifestyle to men and kids. Owners Christy Pudduck and Sarah Steere strive to make Coastal a fun and comfortable place to shop, where you can find new styles or just hang out!

How would you describe your business in three words or less?
Fun, Friendly, Fashion!

What are the most popular or best selling products or services?

Reef Sandals, Swimsuits and Casual Industrees tees.

People may be surprised to know that…

In addition to our women’s and men’s clothes, we now have an adorable kids section!

What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
We wanted to create a place where people could find the cute clothes and lifestyle of the boardsports industry (snowboarding, surfing, skateboarding) without an intimidating environment. We also knew we both wanted to have careers that supported a hands-on family balance, and we think we’ve found that with Coastal.

Who is your role model or mentor?

Any woman or mother who takes on raising a family and running a business at the same time!

What mistake have you made in your business that you will not repeat?

Overbuying! It’s hard with such cute clothes to choose from, but having too much inventory is a recipe for retail disaster! We learned that the hard way…once.

How do you spend your free time? What is your indulgence?
Sarah: Besides going to the Zoo with my daughter, I like to check out new boutiques around Seattle when I have time to browse.  There are so many great hidden spots out there!
Christy: Being outside! Seattle has great parks and green spaces we love to frequent, I love spending time working in my yard and garden, and of course hanging out with my family!

What is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
Sarah: The movies, or just out on the town to enjoy the good company.
Christy: Tapas bars with great drinks, or just on good long walks with a cup of coffee.

Favorites and Why?

Best place to get a pedicure?
Christy: Frenchy’s in Madison. Love the Parafin dip. And selling sandals all summer, our feet need to look good!
Sarah: Elegant Nails in West Seattle.  They are so friendly and can always get you in for a pedicure!

Best place to get a manicure?
Christy: Julep. Though with kids and work, manicures aren’t the most practical indulgence in our lives anymore!

Favorite Salon?
C & S: Elliot Salon on Alki.  It’s quaint, stylish and we always walk out happy.

Best place to buy shoes?
Christy: Edie’s on Capitol Hill
Sarah: Clementine in West Seattle.  I love the sale they have at the West Seattle Street Fair!

Best place to buy clothes?
Christy: It’s ridiculous and seems self-interested, but I love shopping at Coastal as a shopper. I think when I stop shopping there I’ll know we’re not doing it right anymore!
Sarah: I’m going to have to concur with Christy on that one

Best local designer?

Christy: Suzabelle – I discovered her at a CRAVE party and am such a fan of her coats!

Best gym or fitness club?

Christy: The Promenade on Alki…running or walking outside along the water is better than any gym, especially in the Summer!
Sarah: Alki is the best spot to work out.  Greenlake is my 2nd favorite running path.

Where to find:

West Seattle
2352 Alki Avenue SW
Seattle, WA
206.933.5605

coastalseattle.com
Coastal Seattle on Facebook
Coastal Seattle Blog

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Comments (1)   |   3:18 pm

One Response to “Interview with Christy and Sarah of Coastal Surf Boutique”

  • Crystalyn Kae Says:
    February 26th, 2010 at 3:35 pm

    thank you for featuring such enthusiastic and ambitious entrepreneurs. I have always loved how Christy and Sarah keep it real and it’s so nice to see them get the exposure that they deserve! Coastal rocks!

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