Sometimes the best stories combine both worlds – and that’s exactly what we have with our latest feature.
- Meet Marlayna Goosby, Founder & Director of Grow Your Gift Conservatory of Music, who’s mastered both beach days and boat days as her secret to balancing a demanding career with intentional self-care.
Her crew of fellow local businesswomen has evolved from business networking to life-minded friendship, proving that sometimes the best medicine is an afternoon on the water with your people.
Who’s in your beach/boat crew?
As women who own our own businesses in the local area, we have become intentional about taking time for ourselves to unwind, relax, and reflect on the impact we each have on our community. We are in professions that serve others so naturally our cups are emptied on a daily basis. As wives, moms, and professionals, it’s important that we get time to laugh, dance, swim, and soak (up the sun). What started off as a large group of business minded women has turned into holistic life minded women.
- Marlayna Goosby (Grow Your Gift Conservatory of Music)
- Dr. Kameko McGuire (New Hope Mental Health and Wellness)
- Leah Owens (Haddassah Home Care & Essence and Influence, LLC)
- Marie McClure (Realtor)
- Dr. Christine Jean (Mental Health Professional)
- NaToya Pitts ( and F2K, LLC)
- Felicia Scaife (Talk Is Chic, LLC)
How long have you lived here, and what do you love most about beach life on the Emerald Coast?
Many of us have lived here a majority of our lives. After moving away for several years, coming back was a reminder of how blessed we are to live in such a beautiful area of the world. Renting a boat is like renting a car for most and certainly a way of life for us living on the Emerald Coast. While tourists plan and sometimes spend their life savings on a trip to the beach, we can (and do!) wake up on a random Tuesday and plan a boat day!
How often do you hit the beach?
You can catch us at the beach 2-3 days per month. Our beach days ALWAYS involve food, and either we are celebrating something we’ve accomplished or relaxing from a long couple of weeks.
Where’s your go-to boat/beach spot — or do you like to explore new places?
We’ve claimed “our spot” which is at one of the Spoil Islands in the sound. We like to leave out early and pick our spot for the day before it gets too crowded.
Do you prefer sunrise, midday, or sunset beach hangs?
Midday has worked best for us. Late enough to get kids off to school, yet early enough to enjoy a meal together afterward before going home to be mom and wife again.
What’s always in your beach bag or cooler?
We always bring a bigger speaker because let’s face it, what’s beach day without some jams? Extra ice, cups, and way too many snacks.
What’s your go-to beach snack or drink?
One lady has become the designated “punch girl” and her breakfast burritos are amazing too. Spritzers and wine cooler drinks for after we’ve set up are a favorite too.
Do you have a favorite beach read, game, or playlist?
Our favorite playlist is 90s hip hop and R&B. We don’t want to hear all that “racket” and want to be able to sing at the top of our lungs and dance our hearts out.
Do you bring a big setup (umbrella, chairs, games) or keep it low-key?
On boat days, a paddle board is a must. On beach day, we are bringing chairs and blankets to lay on. We’ve tried a tent a couple of times and have determined since men are not allowed (and aren’t there to set it up) that we will just leave the tent at home.
What’s the most underrated item to pack for the beach?
The big speaker. MUST have the speaker, especially on the boat. The boat speakers are cute, but don’t pack enough punch when the beat drops.
Who usually gets everything packed and ready?
We all roll up with a trunkful of snacks, drinks, chairs, etc. We roll to the beach the best way we can!
Do you swim, wade, shell hunt, read, nap… or all of the above?
Some of us swim (like a mermaid!) some wade in thigh high water or take a cruise on the paddle board. Some just stay on the boat. Anyway we do it is always a good time!
Do you still get excited when you see dolphins?
OMG yes!!
What’s the wildest or funniest thing you’ve seen on the beach?
Hmmmm …… probably us trying to set up the tent, lol.
Any beach traditions your crew always sticks to?
We always always grab a meal together before or after going to the water
How long do you usually stay — just a few hours or until sunset?
Typically it’s just a few hours. Enough time to clear our minds after quite a few laughs
Is sand really the worst part of beach day… or is it secretly part of the fun?
It’s definitely part of the fun. We just shower off and hop in our vehicles to head home.
Any tips for tourists or new locals trying to plan the perfect beach day?
Bring plenty of snacks, water/gatorade, and sunscreen. Watch the weather but know it rarely storms on the beach – and if it does, it’s quick!
