Meet Shelley Arends | Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelley Arends and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shelley, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in Southern California. I was brought up by a very strong father figure. My father believed that anyone could achieve anything with a lot of perseverance, dedication and hard work. He taught me at a young age to race motorcycles, which I was one of the first female endurance racers. I went on to become a pilot at 17 and then a collegiate champion bowler at 21. I was taught if I worked hard I could achieve anything I wanted to.

I was also a very ill child at 10 years old and was in Children’s Hospital in LA for 4 months to cure my illness. This definitely had an impact on my mindset into my teens and adulthood. The was no time to waste! I really did understand the reality of death and I knew I had escaped it. So it also made me a very appreciative and driven person. Today I am a very health conscience person and am very caring and giving to others. I still live with the reality that I am lucky to be here and dedicate myself to kindness to others. Also I don’t sweat the small stuff and let Karma take care of everything.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started at 25 with a sandwich shop in San Clemente, Ca. Neve have done it before the challenges were great. I just pursued my dream and asked the right people for help. After I sold my shop I then had phone calls from other cafe’s in the area that wanted me to make the soups that I had at my shop. So with a new born at home I started making soup. Well one thing led to another and Laguna Soup Company was born. I ended up with a large kitchen and cooking 100’s of gallons of soup that I sold wholesale to restaurants. With the birth of my 2nd child and a great offer I sold this company. We then purchased two cottages in Laguna Beach and I started Laguna Magical Cottages which was one of the first VRBO customers. This is when the industry started. I had to learn the marketing strategies for the concept of home vacation rentals. Over 17 years I ended up with a wonderful occupancy rate. I also was one of the first in the spin industry. Starting my own studio Rhythm Ride. Rhythm Ride certified many instructors across the nation. We specialized in spinning to the “beat”.

All this was great but my biggest dream was to develop a product/brand and bring it to market place. Hence beachBRELLA® was born.

Each one of my businesses created a fun/exciting adventure. I loved seeing people eat my soup! I loved making people happy in a spin class. I loved visitors coming to Laguna Beach and staying in a cute 1920’s cottage. The excitement and fun in pursuing your dreams makes the hard work not hard work at all. Making people smile because they love your product or service is a very satisfying and self fulfilling feeling.

They say it’s the journey and I 100% believe that!!!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start with a great little breakfast spot.. Penguins cafe then would head down to San Onofre for maybe some surf. The evening would have to be the best happy hour in lb at the Cliff’s with an amazing view. They also have great music each evening. Hopefully they would be here also on a Sunday where we could get a Sando from a local owned shop called Wigz then head over to Bluebird Park for music in the park. But I wouldn’t forget to stop at Spigot Liquor for some beverages, another locally owed spot. Gotta get some new swim attire from Laguna Surf n Sport or The Shop. Two of my favorite go to shops.

Or maybe just a lazy day at Wood Cove beach. 🙂

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My biggest mentor is my father. He was 100% behind me in everything I did. He never doubted me or told me anything negative about my endeavors even if they were sometimes wild and crazy ideas. My other biggest supporter is my husband. I met my husband at 15 and he has supported everyone of my businesses and has also been right there by my side. Without these two strong men in my life I wouldn’t be the success that I am today.

Website: www.beachbrella.com

Instagram: @beachbrella