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

Hi Deanna, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Upon moving to San Diego in 2012, I had a service-based business idea, but when my east coast job offered me the opportunity to work remotely, I abandoned the entrepreneurial itch and continued to focus on my 9-5 work. I’ve also had a few product ideas over the years, but upon further research, I either felt I didn’t have the skills or know-how to make those ideas successful or the idea itself wasn’t strong enough to become a successful product.

I had a lot of doubts about my current product The GO Deck, too, but I’m getting older and have realized I may not always have the time, health/energy, or financial resources to give a product idea a try. I remind myself quite often that I would be more regretful for not trying, than to try and fail.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The GO Deck is 52 cards featuring outdoor locations within urban environments. My first deck showcases San Diego and the second one (in development) focuses on the Knoxville, Tennessee region–it’s where I grew up. I’m also researching locations for a North County San Diego deck. On each card, I provide details about the location, how to get active there, and nearby extra attractions also worthwhile. Every week of the year can be a new adventure! I focus on urban environments because getting to “The Great Outdoors” (i.e., national parks, wild and remote places) is not easily accessible, nor affordable, for all. Plus, there’s abundant nature within urban environments; we only need to adjust our focus to see it!
What makes The GO Deck different from your typical hiking book is that I don’t provide step-by-step instructions because outdoor activity is not one-size-fits-all (you’ll never see me use the word “easy” on a card because what one person considers easy, another may find quite hard). I try to provide as many details about the available trails (like distance, terrain, and inclines) or potential activities at a location, so the user can be the architect of their outing and design it suitable to their abilities and interests.

I’m also working on some additional products targeted to families. One is a portable collection of games that you can play anywhere, anytime–no materials needed. I was inspired to create this during a hike with my daughter. She was “done” (her words, not mine) with the hike only about mid-way, and I needed to distract her in order to complete the hike and return to our car. We played a simple word game while we hiked back, and she enjoyed it so much that we continued to play on the drive home. I started to consider what other games I could play with her when we’re on the go, and I’ve compiled those into this upcoming product.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d start by handing them The GO Deck and letting them decide!

When my boyfriend’s family visited last fall to bid him “Fair Winds and Following Seas” on his deployment with the USS Carl Vinson, they selected the Mission Bay, Sunset Cliffs, and Old Town cards from the San Diego deck.

Within the vast Mission Bay area, we opted for De Anza Cove. While there, we enjoyed In-N-Out picnic-style (per my boyfriend’s request as it would be his last meal on land for a while), followed by a leisurely stroll along the bay’s glistening waters.

On the morning of deployment, his family and I went to Cabrillo National Monument to watch the ship leave the bay. Though the ship didn’t depart that morning, the views were still incredible from the visitor center and well worth the excursion. We then visited Old Town for a short walking tour, some souvenir shopping, and a delicious meal before they returned to the airport.

In general, any time I spend outdoors with friends and family turns into amazing memories. Being outside makes me inherently more present (there’s just something about being outdoors that makes it harder for me to be totally engrossed in my phone). This ability to be present often leads to better connections, whether it’s with other people, nature, and/or the surroundings. How fortunate we are to live in a city where the climate allows us to enjoy the outdoors year-round!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The graphic designer, Laura Roden of Graphic Assist (Graphic-Assist.com), and editor, Beth Brust (BethBrust.com), who helped me transform my prototype into an actual product were so kind, patient, and helpful throughout the process.

Website: https://thegodeck.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegodeck.sd/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanna-ratnikova/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094255120208

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGODeck

Image Credits
Stephanie Blue

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.