OUR STORY
OUR HISTORY
The Coastal Succulent was founded in 2013 with a focus on potted succulent designs and interiorscapes. Initially offering custom pieces, plant maintenance and guided workshops, we have since expanded our services to include full custom designs for both residential and commercial spaces as well as events.
Operating as a truly green company, we recycle many of our base materials such as soil, plants, and shipping materials.
Based out of Wrightsville Beach, NC, our original designs are available at our studio in Wilmington, NC and can also be purchased online through our website. Combining both modern designs and inspiration from the coast, our creations bring together elements from nature such as sand, river rock, and driftwood. Our design studio offers residential and commercial installations, including full “succulent walls” – customized to the client’s space.
Bring nature inside with one of our handcrafted designs. Let’s green up your space!
Brandon Mckeown
CREATIVE DIRECTOR & FOUNDER
Growing up on the outskirts of Washington DC, Brandon relocated to Wilmington, NC in 2006 to obtain a Bachelor of Arts from The University of North Carolina-Wilmington. As a child, his mother was an avid gardener passing along a love for growing, propagating, and caring for all different types of plants. He especially grew fond of her succulent rock gardens, thus blossoming his love for these distinctive plants.
After traveling abroad, Brandon rediscovered his love for succulents in a new setting after a trip to southern California. Inspired by modern, western landscapes, the idea to create an innovative business in an environment where succulents were little know was born. Creatively, Brandon is responsible for bringing a unique vision where Pacific Coast gardening meets the Atlantic shores.
Thurston Pope
BUSINESS AFFAIRS & FOUNDER
Born and raised in southeastern NC, Thurston graduated from University of North Carolina-Wilmington with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and a Masters of Social Work. He immediately found himself working locally in the world of TV and film where he connected with a myriad of industry professionals. Years later while visiting these friends in L.A., a business idea based on his discovery of the area’s prevalent succulent plant was born.
An entrepreneur since a young age, Thurston envisioned creating a company fusing nautical, coastal elements with these desert natives in hopes of captivating a new audience, many of who had never seen succulents. Attention to detail keeps Thurston’s focus on business and development within Coastal Succulent, as does his love of travel.
Thurston Pope
BUSINESS AFFAIRS & FOUNDER
Born and raised in southeastern NC, Thurston graduated from University of North Carolina-Wilmington with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and a Masters of Social Work. He immediately found himself working locally in the world of TV and film where he connected with a myriad of industry professionals. Years later while visiting these friends in L.A., a business idea based on his discovery of the area’s prevalent succulent plant was born.
An entrepreneur since a young age, Thurston envisioned creating a company fusing nautical, coastal elements with these desert natives in hopes of captivating a new audience, many of who had never seen succulents. Attention to detail keeps Thurston’s focus on business and development within Coastal Succulent, as does his love of travel.
Baylee Shane
Operations Manager & Assistant Designer
After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts from The University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Baylee relocated to Wilmington for its beaches and historic charm, finding inspiration to express her eye for design and detail within the little beach town that captured her heart.
At The Coastal Succulent, Baylee implements organization across day-to-day operations and oversees project management by building client relationships and executing the shared vision for a space. The opportunity to assist on design projects fulfills Baylee’s love for working creatively and artistically, adding value to the team dynamic.
MISSION
The Coastal Succulent’s mission is to provide one of kind, exceptionally handcrafted plant designs.
We commit to meeting even the highest of expectations, aiming for client delight at each encounter.
MISSION
The Coastal Succulent’s mission is to provide one of kind, exceptionally handcrafted plant designs.
We commit to meeting even the highest of expectations, aiming for client delight at each encounter.
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