<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<post>
  <blocked type="boolean">false</blocked>
  <created-at type="datetime">2009-03-19T17:33:18-07:00</created-at>
  <detail>&lt;p&gt;I was determined to start my own business and find a way to bring unique, eco-friendly products to consumers.  Having moved to the beach in 2002 with just what fit in the car (not even the coffee pot!) I developed a passion for sea glass, shells and the beach lifestyle.  The idea for a beach shop was the original plan but it went on the back burner because of upfront and overhead costs.  Not to be dissuaded, &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.SeaGlassOrganic.com&quot;&gt;www.SeaGlassOrganic.com &lt;/a&gt;was launched in May 2007 with $600.00 and a credit card.  It is an on line shop featuring eco-friendly gifts and goods.  Green living, Beach style!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether you believe in global warming or not, I believe that we must treat the earth and it&amp;#39;s inhabitants with care and respect.  I am not &amp;ldquo;eco-perfect&amp;rdquo;.  I continue to educate myself about materials,  production, and the environmental impact of products I offer.  My first and still my favorite product is a locally produced handmade soap.  I enjoy being able to help support local causes like the Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project and Good Shepherd Ministries by donating products which are auctioned off to raise funds.  Contributions will grow as the business grows.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Having zero technical skills and limited retail experience I have learned how to build and maintain the site, source products, process and ship orders, advertise, network, and even manage to write and publish a blog, all while working a full time job.  Thanks to my husband&amp;#39;s insistence, I also purchased and use Quick Books Pro 2007 which helps me track sales, inventory and tax information. The business has been a wonderful, fun and creative experience that I enjoy immensely.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If I may quote a local Chef whom I greeted &amp;ldquo;How&amp;#39;s it going?&amp;rdquo; he replied with tongue in cheek, &amp;ldquo;Oh, you know, living the dream&amp;rdquo;.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;  Well, I&amp;#39;m working on it, it can happen!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;*If you would like to rate our story you&amp;#39;ll need to create an account and sign in, and then click on one of the blue buttons below - Inspiring, Useful or Funny.&amp;nbsp; The extra effort is very much appreciated!&amp;nbsp; Thank you!&amp;nbsp; Jackie&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;</detail>
  <id>dinqKezJuqllvkab8P4pmk</id>
  <is-added-to-sitemap type="boolean">false</is-added-to-sitemap>
  <is-deleted type="boolean">false</is-deleted>
  <is-sticky type="boolean">false</is-sticky>
  <is-story type="boolean">true</is-story>
  <is-story-finalist type="boolean">false</is-story-finalist>
  <latest-thread-activity type="datetime">2009-04-24T01:55:03-07:00</latest-thread-activity>
  <lock-version type="integer">0</lock-version>
  <new-reply>true</new-reply>
  <num-trusted-reads type="integer">0</num-trusted-reads>
  <private type="boolean">false</private>
  <product-id nil="true"></product-id>
  <reviewed-by-trusted type="boolean">false</reviewed-by-trusted>
  <scrubbed type="boolean">false</scrubbed>
  <status type="integer">1</status>
  <story-winner-rank type="integer" nil="true"></story-winner-rank>
  <subject>Shoestrings and Flip Flops</subject>
  <tags-bkp nil="true"></tags-bkp>
  <updated-at type="datetime">2010-02-09T10:42:30-08:00</updated-at>
  <url-slug>shoestrings-and-flip-flops</url-slug>
  <user-id>cZTmqfzJiqllvkab8P4pmk</user-id>
  <user-nick-name>seaglassorganic</user-nick-name>
  <version-id nil="true"></version-id>
  <views-count type="integer">578</views-count>
  <votes type="integer">0</votes>
  <widget-id>dY1Ghod6ZhRBWr3AL8abBw</widget-id>
</post>
