The Story Behind the Name

I've visited the East Coast a few times. I've spent some time in Boston where I got to experience its old city charm. New York City has everything in abundance, including its endless culture. Washington DC emits the feeling of great importance and historical value. North Carolina held me with its gorgeous coastline, and Georgia with its Southern hospitality. 

Now, I currently live on the West Coast in sunny California. It's a beautiful state; the sky is almost always blue, I adore the gorgeous Sierra Nevada Mountains, and I can't get enough of the stunning Pacific coastline. Even the agriculture is interesting, with fields of grape vines and rows of trees populating the roadside making up the fruit and nut orchards. The beauty is plentiful. 

But, the simple fact comes down to this -- I'm a midwestern girl. The landlocked part of the country where the rolling fields are the main attraction, that is where my heart lies. 

So while I was bouncing business name ideas off of my brother I started describing the feeling of Iowa always being my home, no matter where I live. 

He casually said, "Well... You have the east coast, you have the west coast... what about "No Coast."

As soon as he said it, it clicked. 

No Coast Paper Co. 

I appreciate all of the places I've lived and visited, but at the end of the day, Dorothy had it right - there's no place like home.  Every time I see this business name, I feel at home with it. It works. It fits the business I am trying to create and it fits the products I am trying to promote.  

It's a pretty huge adventure, going out on your own to start a business. I'm excited to see how far I can go, and it's nice to know along the way, I'll always have a piece of home with me.

Striking Out on My Own... or Not.

So, it's official. 

I am on my own as a business owner.

I was co-owners of Shiny Happy People Publishing, LLC, with a friend, my best friend, Kristin Bivens (who also is on her own now - check out her shop Hey Alice) but we both decided with living 2,000+ miles away from one another, it might be time to try and strike out on our own. Or, hopefully, not strike out. 

I have to say, I'm feeling a lot of "feels" ranging from SO VERY EXCITED!!! to "Shit, what am I doing." Simply put, it's kind of awesome. 

But, what goes into a business when you go off on your own? Before, Kristin and I sort of split up the duties. Now, I'm wading through it alone. It's kind of fun. Daunting... but fun. 

I have endless amounts of lists going on right now but here's a little taste:

Business Name

Business License

Permits?

Logo

Branding/Vibe

Tagline?

Social Media Marketing Ideas (What SM do I want to use?)

General Marketing Ideas

Website (Photos or graphics? What sections do I want? What domain? Is my domain available? Should I have my shop on my website? Colors? What hosting site am I going to use? Etc)

Blog (What type of blogs?)

Products

Manufacturers (Ratings? Samples? Do I like the customer service? What's their shipping?)

My Costs

My Prices

Etsy Shop?

Seriously people - this list never ends. I figure one thing out, but it sort of nudges another one into my mind. Then another one, and another one... 

But, whether I'm ready or not (though I most definitely will be ready) my new online store opens November 1st. 

Check it out at www.etsy.com/shop/nocoastpaperco.

I'm so excited for this adventure. Thanks for coming on it with me!