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

Hi Lori, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was working on a screenplay in Saint Barth and stumbled into a little boutique! I started chatting with the clerk and told her what I was working on for a script but also explained that I recently became an artist. She asked to see some of my artwork and she instantly fell in love. She asked if I would consider putting it onto fabric. I never considered it but decided upon arriving home I would try. I hopped on a nifty website called Spoonflower and started playing around. i enjoyed the newness of creating something different and found myself sewing up some stretchy dresses. I was quickly falling in love the concept. My other passion of screenwriting took second shelf.

We were on a fast track to wrapping up things in North Carolina with our eyes on Los Angeles. The City of Angels and big dreams. Knowing that I was enjoying this new passion and the passion of screenwriting how could we go wrong. We packed up our bags and headed West. We ultimately decided on Laguna Beach for the great public schools and dog friendly atmosphere. March 2020.

Needless to say… The pandemic hit and all we had was each other, our dogs and cat and artwork.

Fast forward two months and we found ourselves on the beach everyday, looking at all the boring Tommy Bahama Beach Umbrellas. At that point, I started Pearl Edward Beach. I consider my daughter to be my precious Pearl and Edward after my late father.

I found myself quickly learning the Import/ Export business and connecting with amazing people! Now you can find our umbrellas in Australia, St. Barth, Nantucket and beyond,..

Wink Wink and you know who wanted my brand first… My sweet friend in St. Barth who planted the seed!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My artwork came from losing my father. In 2018, I lost him to rare form of Cancer. My world went grey. By the time my next birthday came around, I found myself abstract painting. It felt really good. Really Really Good, The color was returning to my life. In August of 2019 I had created over 400 paintings in that month. My best friend thought I was crazy. My response was if crazy feels really really good… you can call me whatever you want but I’m still going to do it.!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well my best friend has a 7 yo son, Henry and I have a 9 yo daughter, Genevieve. Our agenda typically looks like Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm and the beaches of Laguna. Grabbing snacks in town at the Banzai Bowl, Harley’s and for a fancy bite Selanne’s.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My daughter, Genevieve, my shining light! We managed Covid together and grew deeper with the most amazing bond a mother and daughter could share.

Website: www.pearledwardbeach.com

Instagram: pearledwardbeach

Linkedin: lorinayehalski

Twitter: lorinayehalski

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