When the Storms Hit, Breezy Pivoted

In May 2019, Breezy’s Beach Shop opened as a small storefront in the heart of St. Pete Beach, Florida, where she started out selling souvenirs and her own handmade products to locals and travelers who appreciated thoughtful, one-of-a-kind items. For several years, business thrived. Then 2024 brought Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Although Breezy’s Beach Shop was fortunate to escape any physical damage, the surrounding area wasn’t so lucky. Many of the nearby hotels and resorts — the very places that brought steady foot traffic and loyal customers — were hit hard and forced to close down for months. With no tourists and fewer locals shopping, the business was left facing a financial crisis it simply couldn’t recover from.

Instead of giving up, Breezy decided to adapt. She shifted her focus to content creation and started sharing her love of beach life and nostalgic Gen-X style on YouTube and TikTok. The goal? To continue connecting with the same people she once welcomed into her shop — but now through videos, stories, and curated products online.

Today, although the physical shop has closed, Breezy has transformed her brand into an online space where Gen-X can discover nostalgic, feel-good pieces — and shop them from anywhere.