In the beautiful landscape of the PNW, two best friends, Stephanie Torres & Stephanie Manning, found themselves united by their shared love for sustainable solutions and sustainable living. Their friendship blossomed after marrying their partners and returning to their husbands’ home state of Washington. Bonded by their shared name and love for recycling and creating, the two friends decided to focus on ideas for a business. Born out of those ideas, and the unfortunate Covid-19 pandemic, Coast to Coast Sustainables started as a mask-making company and evolved into a venture dedicated to providing alternatives for everyday living.
Sustainable Solutions
Stephanie M. and Stephanie T. envisioned a world where sustainable solutions, practicality, and style coexisted. With this vision, they curated a line of products designed to reduce waste, promote eco-conscious living, and ignite a passion for sustainable products. Focusing on the four “R” s, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Repurpose, they created an innovative line of kitchen, personal, and beauty products that set them apart from other small businesses in the industry.
Sustainability was not the only goal in this venture, as Stephanie and Stephanie were looking towards making long-term eco-solutions for the company’s footprint. These durable, compostable items can last for years with proper care. Coast to Coast uses EcoEnclose packaging for shipping. Additionally, they use Splash™ cotton laminate that is water-resistant and food-safe, as well as OEKO-TEX certified. This is locally sourced from another woman-owned business, Splash Fabrics. Some of the company’s best sellers include: reusable tissues, sandwich/snack bags, and reusable towels. These much-loved products come in multiple patterns, a style to match every personality.
“There’s so much the Business Impact NW has to offer.”
Navigating the Small Business World
As entrepreneurs, Stephanie and Stephanie” have encountered their fair share of obstacles. However, with resilience and determination, they have conquered and continue to overcome these challenges. Boosted by the unwavering support of Business Impact NW, through coaching, personalized support, and assistance, including an opportunity to take part in Impact Pitch, they’ve expanded their skills exponentially.
In 2023, Coast to Coast Sustainables, was invited to participate in our annual business pitch event. “We applied for the grant, and we started making it to the next rounds. We had a coach, and you know, there’s classes, and it just opened a whole world of ideas” Stephanie T. explains. Gaining additional access to invaluable and life-long resources, Stephanie and Stephanie were able to upskill their business plan efforts, expand their network, and propel their small business to even bigger heights. Demonstrating a positive impact in their community, Coast to Coast Sustainables made it through all 5 challenging rounds of the competition and were crowned 2023′ s Best Early-Stage Business. Along with the $6,000 award, they were given access to a multitude of resources, including access to Canva Pro. Stephanie M. states, “With Canva Pro, it really helped us to learn another system of putting information out”.
“They want you to realize and recognize what they’re doing has a huge impact and they will help you continue to grow and have an impact on your business. I think the one thing that sets Business Impact NW aside from the others, is the continued support and checking in to see how things are going.”
Connections and Customer Impact
At the heart of Coast to Coast Sustainables lies a deep commitment to fostering meaningful connections with their customers and community in order to market and develop personalized sustainable solutions. Stephanie T. and Stephanie M. take pride in hearing the stories and experiences of their customers, with each interaction serving as a reminder of the impact their products have on their clients. Whether assisting a customer in selecting the best product or helping to find that perfect design to match a customer’s unique style, their dedication to personalized service is fundamental to their success. “People’s reactions and love for the products, you know, and so many people will come back for more”, declared Stephanie M., when discussing daily inspiration.
Both Stephanie and Stephanie thoroughly enjoy and look forward to the personal interaction with their customers. At one market, a customer was so in awe of all the products that she eventually showed up to every market and bought products to ship to her family in France, marking their first international client base. Summer had passed before she was able to make it to another market, and right away, Stephanie M. remembered her, thrilling the excited customer, who couldn’t believe the level of personal connection. Another customer happily approached the team, surprised they remembered her as one of their customers from their very first market, and was so excited to let them know that her reusable tissues had lasted for years. The customers’ joy and appreciation for a product that both Stephanie’s find the same joy in creating, continues to motivate them daily.
Supporting Entrepreneurship
The co-founders of Coast to Coast Sustainbles are passionate advocates for empowerment in the business world. Through their own journey, they recognize the importance of seeking added support, mentorship, coaching, and funding assistance. By collaborating with organizations such as the SBA and Business Impact NW, they have cultivated a network of support that has been instrumental in navigating the twists and turns of entrepreneurship and fostering long-term success. In addition, programs like Impact Pitch, WWBC, and more are offered through Business Impact NW as an entry-level to established business support.
A Path for The Future
With Coast to Coast Sustainables, Stephanie T. and Stephanie M., are charting a path that champions both sustainability and inspires others to embrace their products for their lifestyle. Their merchandise, designed to stand the test of time and minimize environmental impact. As Coast to Coast Sustainables continues to grow, guided by the unwavering support of Business Impact NW, they remain steadfast in their commitment to creating lasting products and inspiring a world of sustainability.
Celebrating friendship, passion, and resilience, Stephanie T. and Stephanie M., are a testimony to the powerful bonds of friendship and creativity. Together, they have proved that with dedication and a vision, anything is attainable, including the way sustainability and creativity in finding long-term lifestyle solutions is approached. Through one reusable product at a time, their journey serves as inspiration for small businesses in the Green Industry, highlighting collaboration, commitment to a better future, and success as women entrepreneurs.
For more information on how to sign up for Impact Pitch 2024, please click here.
For more information on the Washington Women’s Business Center, please click here.
About the author
Emma Seymour is a Communications and Public Relations professional specializing in storytelling, relationship building, and content development. A military spouse and former small business owner, she advocates for veterans, transitioning service members, and their spouses, and has delivered keynote speeches on workforce development, military programs, and childhood trauma.