A piece of paradise
As spring comes into full bloom, people’s thoughts start turning toward summer. For many that means the ocean, the beach and fun in the sun. For those who can’t wait for summer, The Blue Coast in Hamburg brings summer here all year round.
The Blue Coast, 322 State St. is a piece of paradise nestled into the Hamburg downtown area.
Owner Jennifer Kulikowsky has transformed the store into a coastal experience. As you walk through the door, you are immediately enveloped in the colors, scents and vibes of beach living. Tastefully decorated by Kulikowsky, the store evokes seashore memories and salty dreams. It all started with some pillows Growing up, Kulikowsky spent many summers vacationing in Ocean City, N.J., and has traveled to numerous islands, instilling in her a love of all things beachy.
A graduate from Blue Mountain High School, the Orwigsburg resident has a degree in English literature and has worked as a teacher and in the retail marketplace.
“I’ve always worked parttime so I could be at home with my children Mia and Tyler,” Kulikowski
said. “As they grew older, I started looking for something else to do.”
“I wanted to learn how to start a business from scratch,” Kulikowsky said.
Kulikowsky remembers being online two years ago and seeing some cute seahorse pillows. The idea for The Blue Coast was born.
“I thought, ‘Oh, my gosh.’ My love for the beach and my desire to start a business just meshed together.”
Kulikowsky’s flair for merchandising is evident in the coastal palette, the artful displays and the chic items she sells. Her offerings include home décor items, cover ups, candles, totes and tabletop art. Shoppers won’t find kitschy, souvenir-like items here.
Brands include Pura Vida jewelry, 4 Ocean bracelets, Surf’s Up candles, Sun Bum cosmetics and Sandstraws.
Bringing the beach to Hamburg
Choosing Hamburg as the location for a beach store was a bit risky, but Kulikowsky has been thrilled with the support and patronage from locals and those who travel to come to her store.
“I know there are other beach lovers out there and don’t have the opportunity to always be there, so I thought this was the right way to bring the beach to them.”
Kulikowsky says some come to the store looking to take a gift to a friend with a beach house. Others are buying gifts for beach lovers. Some just enjoy having a little piece of the beach in their home.
The Blue Coast is open Wednesdays through Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Blue Coast will be participating in the Downtown Hamburg Wine Walk on Friday, May 21, from 4-8 p.m.