Entrepreneurs pop up in San Lorenzo Valley

Three San Lorenzo Valley entrepreneurs have started unconventional businesses and are confident they will weather the lingering economic storm.
Morgan Scarborough, president of the Boulder Creek Business Association and owner of Scarborough Lumber in Scotts Valley, Boulder Creek and Ben Lomond, said that opening a business during a recession is undoubtedly a challenge.
But Scarborough pointed out that there’s an upside to setting up shop now.
“It’s a great time to lock in really good lease rates,” he said. “Leases are at an all-time low right now. It’s a big plus, since rent is a big overhead.”
Scarborough said it’s also a great time to invest in employees, as so many people are looking for work.
“It’s a tough time to open a business,” he said. “It’s definitely a risk. But it’s doable, and a lot of small businesses can survive even during tough times.”
Radiant Heart Coaching
Jack Kellythorne of Felton started a business in July that specializes in dream coaching. But he’d be the first to tell you he doesn’t interpret dreams experienced during slumber.
Kellythorne’s forte is uncovering a person’s life desires and goals and finding a way to carry them to fruition.
“I coach people to become clear on what their life dreams are and to take action on them. So, essentially, the coaching I do walks people through discovering waking dreams and to figure out a process to achieve those dreams.”
Kellythorne, 52, is a mechanical engineer by day, said the recession doesn’t faze him.
“I feel a calling to do this,” he said. “Yes, the economy is down, but I’m in the business of believing that almost anything is possible. I would like to be an exception to the rule. I’m not afraid to start a business at this time.”
Kellythorne said he was trained in dream coaching by Marcia Wieder, who coaches Jack Canfield, the man who started the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books.
An engineer-turned-coach, Kellythorne works from his home and coaches clients over the phone. He is a firm believer in the good his work does for people.
“I’ve seen the changes it’s made in my own life,” he said. “I also believe there is a huge demand for this, especially with the economic depression going on right now.”
San Lorenzo Valley News Network
Jim Coffis of Ben Lomond started planting the seeds for the San Lorenzo Valley News Network last year. His network is an online forum at www.slvnews.net to share news and information that involve the valley.
Despite the recession and the decline of newspapers, Coffis said he is not worried about profit.
“I’m not looking at this business to be a profitable enterprise — it just needs to sustain itself, and I’m hopeful it will do that.”
Coffis, a business consultant who specializes in marketing, started blogging about a year ago. He said he built the website soon after that.
“I’ve lived in the valley for over 26 years and have been involved in different organizations and groups, so I know how difficult it is to keep track of what’s going on in the community,” Coffis said.
He said he wanted to create a place for all local groups to share information easily.
Not a complete stranger to the media biz, Coffis said he published a sports magazine in the 1980s.
“I’m trying to be more service-oriented,” he said.
The network will be free to community groups, schools, charities and churches, but businesses looking to promote their services will be charged a fee to use the site, Coffis said.
“Really, what I’m trying to do is provide a way for people to take advantage of the digital media space,” Coffis said. “I want to create a space for the community to share information and find out what’s going on in a consistent fashion.”
This, That and the Other
Rebecca Rickey of Felton started her shop — which sells collectibles, books, thrift clothing, records, CDs and antiques — not in spite of the recession, but because of it.
“People need somewhere to buy items that are affordable,” Rickey said. “It’s also good because people that live in the valley don’t have to drive all the way to Santa Cruz to shop.”
Rickey, 50, opened up shop with her daughter three months ago. She gets her merchandise from various outlets, including yard sales.
“I collect unusual items,” Rickey said. “It’s still really new. We’re still just getting started and are open afternoons.”
Rickey said the store is her way of making extra money during tough economic times while also providing a service for people during the recession.
“Thrift is really needed right now,” Rickey said. “It has a good chance of survival when people are saving.”
At a glance
• WHAT: Dream coach Jack Kellythorne will host an open house with wine and cheese
• WHEN: 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 10
• WHERE: The Satellite, 6265 Highway 9, in Felton
• INFO: RadiantHeartCoaching.net or 247-7433
• WHAT: San Lorenzo Valley News Network
• WHEN: www.slvnews.net
• WHAT: This, That and the Other
• WHEN: Afternoons Tuesday through Saturday
• WHERE: 6237-A Highway 9, in Felton
• INFO: 566-8564