From the Midwest to
the West Coast —
and Back Again
What began as an impulse cross-country move built the main sail for Coast
& Cottage today, and set the course for where we’ll journey next.
Coast & Cottage Creative was built on the belief that great brands tell
unforgettable stories. That both strategy and style are key to unlocking
your brand’s highest potential and biggest impact.
Coast & Cottage Creative was built on the belief that great brands tell unforgettable stories. That both strategy and style are key to unlocking your brand’s highest potential and biggest impact.
We partner with small businesses and lifestyle brands that elevate the way we live, from thoughtfully designed living spaces to health, wellness and healing. Through our signature co-creative approach, we collaborate closely to blend your voice with our strategy, ultimately helping you show up with confidence, clarity and consistency.
We combine big-picture thinking with SEO expertise to create beautiful content. These are the magnetic digital experiences that go viral and make your mark. We exist to connect with you—your story, your “why,” your reason for being—and bring your vision to life in a way that feels elevated, aligned and entirely yours.
Every great brand story has a kickass backstory. Here’s mine.
Hi, I'm
Alex
Welcome. I’m so glad you found your way to Coast & Cottage.
My path has taken me from the lakes of Minnesota to the beaches of Australia, to a few spontaneous, sun-soaked years on the California coast. Along the way, I discovered my passion at the crossroads of creativity, connection, and digital storytelling.
I’ve worn many hats—marketer, content creator, brand strategist. Through it all, what’s mattered most isn’t just the roles I’ve played—but who I’ve become in the process.
The truth? The hard moments taught me the most. Life has a way of pushing us to the edge (the “coast”) so we can return home to ourselves (the “cottage”)—stronger, clearer, and more grounded in our direction than ever before.
That’s why I built CoCo Creative: to help people like you tell their truest stories. The ones that connect, resonate, and invite others in. Because when your brand feels fully aligned, your audience doesn’t just take notice, they see themselves, and they buy in wholeheartedly.
Thank you for being here. Cheers to connecting, captivating, and co-creating your most powerful brand presence yet.
Alex
Our timeline moves from a stint studying abroad, to the coast of California, and back to the coziness of our home Minnesota.
2019
Studied in Australia. Fell in love with adventure, the ocean, and freedom beyond my comfort zone.
2020
Missed the ocean. Packed Jeep with
three besties and moved to San Diego
—no job, just a gut feeling and a dream.
New Beginnings
2021 — 2022
Heartbreak shook my world—and my
career. A transformative life chapter that both sucked and redefined.
2023
My 9-to-5 was rather uninspiring, so I started freelancing on the side. Loved it! Can I make it on my own?
2024
Felt freedom and the fun of doing my own thing. Bet on myself and created a work-life I’m excited to wake up to.
2025
Five years later, back to the sunset
spot where it all began. Same outfit.
Fresh vision. From the coast to the
cottage, back home to Minnesota I go!
MEET THE TEAM
Photographer & Videographer
Carlos is the trusted visual partner behind many of the brands we support—bringing stories to life through high-impact photography and videography. With over a decade of experience capturing content for businesses across the U.S. and Mexico, he has a talent for making moments feel both meaningful and magnetic.
As the founder of Hola Productions, Carlos blends strategy and creativity to craft visuals that don’t just look good—they instantly connect. Whether it’s a full-scale brand shoot or a scroll-stopping short-form social reel, his work helps businesses stand out and stay top of mind.
We’re proud to collaborate with Carlos through Coast & Cottage.
