If you’ve driven around Nocatee during the holiday season, there’s a good chance you have seen some of Susan Nevins’ creations. This is a busy time of year for Nevins, who crafts wreaths and more for her customers.
Tell us about Coastal Deco Wreaths. What inspired you to start your business?
A friend hosted a crafting party a few years ago, and we each made a wreath to take home. I was hooked. I started watching tutorials and practicing, and within a couple of months, I had enough wreaths to start selling them. I’ve made hundreds since then, and they’ve come a long way since that first one!
Most people around Nocatee know me for my wreaths and bows. Today, most of my business comes from selling supplies to wreath makers and seasonal decorators through Etsy and my website. I’ve shipped to all 50 states, and I still love sitting down to make a wreath.
Tell us about your background, especially as it applies to your career.
I’ve spent my career leading sales teams in print and digital media, most recently at Yelp and Zillow. That experience has helped me understand what customers are looking for and how to reach them as I grow my own business.
What do you like best about what you do?
I love getting to be creative, whether I’m making a wreath or decorating a Christmas tree. I truly enjoy the creative process and watching it come together. I still get tickled when I’m driving through Nocatee and spot one of my wreaths on a front door. I also enjoy finding beautiful ribbon, greenery and ornaments that people can use to bring their own ideas to life.
What does a typical day look like for you?
It's the holiday rush right now so I start around 7 a.m. by checking orders and emails and posting on social media. I make wreaths for upcoming markets in the morning, add new products to my website and Etsy shop and pack and ship orders in the afternoon. I’m usually back to making wreaths and holiday décor in the evening and wrap up between 10 and 11 p.m.
Are you from this area originally, or did you settle here from somewhere else? What brought you to this community?
I’m originally from Iowa. After moving to several states for my career I moved to Jacksonville in 2013, and I spent my first few years on the Southside. An appointment brought me to Nocatee one day, and I fell in love with the community. I started looking at houses and moved here in 2017.
What do you like best about living here?
I love how people here show up for each other, there is such a strong sense of community here. When a family needs help, neighbors quickly rally around them. I have the best neighbors where I live, too. On one side of my house my next-door neighbor, Mike, is the first one to help any neighbor. On the other side, my next-door neighbor, Lisa, has become a dear friend and helps me at farmers markets. She’s also the one who makes the beautiful bows we sell. I couldn’t have grown my business so quickly without her help.
Of course, I love amenities and activities here. There’s so much to do here and the holidays are so much fun. Nocatee has become part of my family’s traditions, too. Every Fourth of July, family members come from several states to celebrate here with me.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Outside the busy season, I like spending time at the pools, walking on the beach, traveling and trying local restaurants with friends. I also love spending time with my two Westies, Louie and Rosie.
What would you like readers to know about Coastal Deco Wreaths?
Along with handmade wreaths and bows, we carry the same brands of ribbon, ornaments, florals and greenery that professional decorators use. You can shop at wreathstoresupply.com, and we offer free local delivery.
This year, we’re also offering Christmas tree design and installation, as well as hourly decorating help if you already have your décor and could use an extra pair of hands.
