Inspiration can strike anywhere. For St. Petersburg native Morgan Clay, it happened to be at the beach.
Clay and her husband spent an hour and a half preparing for their beach day. They stopped to buy a flimsy umbrella and finally found a parking spot, and finally, they hit the sand. Then, after only spending 10 minutes on the Passe-a-Grille beach, the couple discovered they forgot drinks, snacks and to charge their phones before leaving the house. It was the sight of their umbrella blowing off in the breeze that sparked the inspiring thought: There had to be a better way.
Thus was the genesis of Clay’s business, The Cabana Club, a concierge service for the beach. The Cabana Club supplies, sets up and breaks down beach equipment so beachgoers can sit back, relax and minimize stress and struggle.
“The picnic concept is so popular,” Clay said. “I thought, why isn’t there something like that already?”
The Cabana Club provides it all, from tents and towels to speakers and sunscreen.
If it is a must-have for a day at the beach, consider it included. A variety of package options bring all the necessities for everything from romantic picnics to kids’ birthday parties. Thinking back on that flimsy, fateful umbrella, Clay knows the importance of providing the best quality materials.
“I did a bunch of research and made it a point to invest in good quality equipment,” she said. “I asked myself, ‘What looks nice, looks good and is good for the environment?’”
Her preferred brand of sunblock, Sun Bum, is known for its cruelty-free and reef-safe products.
Despite growing up in Greater Tampa Bay, only recently has Clay’s appreciation for its beaches truly blossomed.
“Sometimes locals have a tendency to rarely make it out to the beach,” she said.
Her ill-fated beach day seemed an example of a reason why. At one point considering a move to California, Clay stayed local after her husband opened an insurance company in the area.
“I was resistant to [staying] at first. But then one day it shifted, and I finally began to accept that this was home,” she said.
Clay’s newfound love of the Gulf Coast energizes and empowers her business.
“I love Tampa Bay,” Clay said. “It’s one of the best places to be. There’s so much culture, and the community is supportive and collaborative. People are willing to take a chance on you.”
The Cabana Club serves St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille Beach, Upham Beach, Treasure Island and Madeira Beach. Clay hopes to expand further up the coast. Starting off humbly with one van, setting up each cabana site solo, Clay’s business has grown to multiple vehicles and a staff to assist her.
Clay’s original mission, however, remains at the forefront of the business.
“My No. 1 goal is, how can I get a family to go to the beach? How can I make it easier for moms, for kids? I love to see people enjoy the beach,” she said.
A little inspiration — and a bit of perspiration — certainly goes a long way.
By Ryan Walsh
Photography By Ally Rae, Rae On Film Photography
Check out our guide to Gulf Coast beaches 犀利士 ampabay.com/2022/03/11/gulf-coast-beaches/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>here.
