Coral Story Beauty

𝘙𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦 | 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 | 𝘔𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘉𝘰𝘥𝘺

8 years of growing in this community. 8 years of joy, beauty, care and compassion. Here’s to digging our roots deeper, watering our flowers, and growing taller every day. All of you make Coral Story the place it was meant to be.

8 YEARS!!!!! 🎉🍾🎊💚

Here’s a look back at our Anniversaries from the beginning! So proud of what we have done and created. I hope you have felt the love and warmth we’ve given out every day since that first day! Cheers to 8 more 💚

Memory Lane of the last 7 Years

I can't believe we are celebrating 8 Years on Friday, October 16th! It feels long and short. I know I don't send out many emails with more than just a few sentences, but on this anniversary I'd love to share bit & pieces with you all.

For those who don’t know, we started out as a pop-up within another shop. We were tiny and only had 5 brands. What started out as a, “Let's see if this catches on!” idea, only to quickly grow. Within that first year I knew we needed a bigger space all our own.

I looked for months for the perfect space centrally located in Portland within a bustling neighborhood. After searching with no luck, I happened upon a Facebook post that changed everything. I knew it was it! By that time, I believe we had grown to probably 10-12 brands. As scary as it was to sign a long-term lease, I sure hoped this new neighborhood would love me as much as I already loved it. We moved in and opened on February 15th, 2020....

Little did we know that the pandemic would be arriving in a month and it shut us down for 2 months. No questions asked, we were lumped into the salon and spa categories. Of course I was devastated and scared. So the only thing left to do was move all the product home to my house and ship from there. Thank goodness my husband insisted I have an online shop open and ready when we moved to our new location.

The next six months were interesting. I did lots of online videos, zooms with clients, and shipped all over. I don't think I sold more than a handful of lipsticks the first years of the pandemic, lol. When the world of Portland was finally opening up, we offered pick up days and small windows of indoor shopping. It was a wild time and our skincare category sky rocketed. You all had the time to care for yourselves in a meaningful way and your at home routines were the best they had been in quite some time.

The next 2 years were awkward, but also fun. Lots of new things started arriving in the shop based on you wanting more. Skincare was now a major portion of our stock and it was super exciting to learn about skin. Those couple of years were filled with new clients finally getting married after the pandemic and people needing new makeup after staying home for such a time. I helped so many brides and new makeup wearers - it was so full of love!

Year 4: We launched our in-house skincare line! Rodi, of Rose Alchemista (https://www.instagram.com/rodibragg/) , became a close sister to me and we formulated together as she brought the line to life. So many of you showed up in the pouring rain to help us celebrate. I couldn't believe we had come so far. Our line still remains a top seller and we expanded into our own body oil and fragrance roller as well. That was so special and tender!

Year 5: Lots of new brands emerging and lots more skincare, so much fun learning and exploring. This is the year I went to esthetician school! I had the amazing support of staff and family and went for my dreams. Being back in school while in your early 40s while most of the other students were barely 20 was pretty hilarious. Passed the exams and the state boards with flying colors! We also had a special visitor from Canada, Jenn from Cheekbone Beauty! And as a family we had lots of little vacays that were so fun. I also returned to run Hood to Coast with Native Women Run, which was super special.

Year 6: We started off with Native events with the Northwest Native Chamber and a special feature at the Rose Garden all month (literally 2 giant posters of me on the concourse, that was wild and exciting!). I also got to pose for a very special calendar about women in business with Alist (https://www.instagram.com/alist_wsw/) (the best networking group). This is also the year I cut all my hair off. The first couple years of my 40s were glorious but also brutal. Perimenopause on high! The highlight was finding a new home for Coral Story Beauty so we could expand!

Year 7: New store, new us, new services!!! It has definitely been a year of change and finding our groove. We doubled in space and added 2 treatment rooms. We also have an amazing entertaining space to host special events with our community called the Green Haus. For me, offering facials and being with you has been so fulfilling and wonderful. I love taking care of people - definitely my calling!

Year 8: I'm so excited for this new year for us! I want to thank my amazing staff from past and present, you've been a part of creating this safe container for everyone we see day after day. Ingrid, thank you for dealing with all my Aquarius-ness, we don't run without you. We have amazing things brewing and I can't wait to share what we are up to!

Join me on Friday, October 16th for memories and love. I'll also be in this Sunday & Monday too even if you just want to give me a little squeeze. :)

On Saturday, Oct 17th, I will be Celebrating Bare Beauty PDX (https://www.instagram.com/barebeauty.pdx/) turning 10!!!! A huge Congratulations! I'll be vending and celebrating Kara (https://www.instagram.com/barebeautybabe.kara/) and her team (FYI, my personal waxer and lash lift artists!). Tickets (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/10yr-anniversary-party-tickets-1999979066225?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0DMTAwAHBkb2YCc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnZPoqikaZ0PZ7Op0ZX7ENMoFIKr6fWTHyqyZRLzU6YsLexWp08nK7vF4zyUI_aem_XwFchbp9Hd4Yw4AZRrUDVg) still available if you'd like to join us.

OK, OK finally, thank you for following along on my look back. I still can't believe the space we have created. It is definitely not defined by just me, but all of you. I am so lucky that so many of you trust us with your care. As an Aquarius I'm always looking for ways to support and uplift our community, sprinkled with some whimsy and spontaneity.

If you'd like to tell us your favorite memory, feeling, event, or product, we'd love to post them throughout the shop. Hit reply or respond on our Instagram Story.

Celebrating 8 YEARS!!!! Click here for an update from Coral Story Beauty!

Morning Dove is heading out the door on vacation the first couple weeks of November - be sure to get on her books for a facial before she goes! Limited appointment availability, but she will be back before you know it ✨

What’s New Wednesday ~ keeping you up-to-date with our latest additions and new loves in the shop

REIMI Botanicals is an artisanal, small-batch skincare brand made locally in Portland!

REIMI Botanicals’ Sea Forest skincare collection is ultimate green beauty luxury with intentional compositions, soothing marine botanicals, and rich in hydrating and brightening ingredients. Your skin will fall in love this simplified 3 step routine.

We also have REIMI’s hand care line. Including hand soap and lotion in three delectable scents: cardamom rose 🥀 citrus ginger 🍊 and lavender clary sage 🌱
Come test them out and let us know your fav!

BIPOC owned, woman-owned, and locally made. We are excited to welcome REIMI Botanicals to Coral Story Beauty!

A reminder to take extra good care of yourself and your community this weekend as we head into World Mental Health Day.

At Coral Story, we know how important small rituals can be to keep your headspace calm and clear. If you find yourself needing help with how to add peaceful moments to your days, here are a few ideas for inspiration:
» Refresh your morning routine with a herbal mist to hydrate your skin and soak up aromatherapy benefits.
» Try out simple face massage techniques like Gua Sha to unwind tension at the end of your day. Tapping techniques are free to do and have proven to regulate the nervous system.
» Read a good book and cozy up with a steaming cup of herbal tea to calm from the inside out.
» After the shower, move stagnant lymph with body massage and moisturize the skin with soothing botanical oils.
» Experience a facial with Mourning Dove. She knows how to care for you holistically, mind, body and spirit.
» Most importantly, check in on your loved ones, tell them you care! Reach out to a friend, or come say hi to us at the shop. Remember you are never on this journey alone, and we want to teach you all we know about self care. Self care isn’t about spending money, it is about finding ways to come back to yourself.

Sometimes the simple things really are the best things in life. Activist Manuka honey is what magic is made of. 100% edible, this supercharged honey will help heal from the inside out. Eating Manuka honey can support your immune system, soothe sore throats and reduce coughs. It is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants. When applied to the skin, it soothes and calms irritation, gently hydrates and exfoliates the skin, speeds skin repair and fights blemishes.

This is a must-have for Morning Dove in her treatment room and at home. Versatile, easy to use, and only one ingredient makes it a Coral Story staple.

Honey is one of the most magical ingredients Mother Earth has given us, and the power of Manuka honey is even greater. We love Activist for so many reasons! Buy a single serving honey-bump to give it a try. 🍯

Craving a reset moment? A facial is more than skincare, it's self care. Anointing oil is used to ground your session with intention, gua sha massage moves stagnant energy, botanical masks hydrate and exfoliate the skin, and personalized care guides every step of the way.

First Friday at Coral Story Beauty

Our First Friday celebration this month will have you immersing yourself in a world of magic and wellness! Join us for enchanting tarot readings, rejuvenating reiki sessions, and don’t forget to get your sip on with a delicious matcha. It’s the perfect opportunity to embrace the October woo vibes and connect with your community while having some fun. We can't wait to see you tonight in the Green Haus from 5-8pm and share the beauty of this season with you!

Stroll in for a delicious Matcha (https://www.instagram.com/fuelpdx/)
DM (https://www.instagram.com/greenwitchbyselena/) for Tarot Reading
DM (https://www.instagram.com/desiree_batiste/) for Reiki Session
(Secure your spot with a DM, but walk ins also welcome)

Events in the Neighborhood

Imperial Taproom (https://www.instagram.com/imperialbottleshop/) will be hosting their First Friday street closure with food, tattoos, music, and of course b**r! Raylee Consignment (https://www.instagram.com/rayleeconsignment/) is having a sip & shop and Tarot! Sevigny Studios (https://www.instagram.com/sevignystudiopdx/) is hosting an artist-led demo of Hand Tool Leathering! Lucky Horseshoe (https://www.instagram.com/luckyhorseshoeportland/) has amazing spooky cocktails starting tonight and Potted in Portland (https://www.instagram.com/pottedinportland/) is hosting their W**e about your Plants!

Come over to our little slice of Portland, there are so many other amazing places to shop and eat along Division and Clinton Streets!

Upcoming Events at CSB
- Our 8th Anniversary October 16th
- Color Season & Makeup Event on October 24th
More details to come!

Today is First Friday at Coral Story Beauty! Click here for an update from Coral Story Beauty!