Shari Souza

My name is Shari and I grew up in the heartland of Iowa. You may be wondering why someone from Iowa is so interested in all things coastal. That’s understandable. I would wonder the same thing too! So, I thought the best place to share this answer would be right here...

My great aunt and great uncle owned a farm in Iowa. While growing up, I would go to their farm with my family and admire all the peacocks being raised there. These birds were absolutely gorgeous! Their feather colors were so fascinating. There were even albino peacocks (all white) and these rare, exotic birds were just as captivating. My great aunt would collect their shed feathers and give them to me during visits. I still have them in vases today. They intrigue me as much now as they did back then!

My parents took my brothers and I to various parts of Florida each year for vacation. We also grew up on the only man-made harbor in Iowa so boating adventures were a big part of summer memories. In addition, attending college at CSULB in Southern California allowed me the opportunity to spend some time on the ocean and the beach by taking oceanography elective courses.

Fast forward to today. My husband and I now live full-time in Florida, along the Gulf Coast, after being Iowa snowbirds. Living the coastal lifestyle provided me with the inspiration to create each Peacock Coastal book and share my knowledge and tips.

Coastal colors are very much like the colors of a peacock. Incorporating these gorgeous colors to decorate sparked my passion and made me want to inspire others. Also, listening to coastal music, watching coastal movies, and savoring coastal cuisine along with tropical drinks is what really made me want to share the secrets to a fabulous coastal living adventure!