Janel Hawkins dedicates countless hours constructing elaborate structures, only to dismantle them shortly after completion. Such is the routine of a professional sandcastle builder.
As the proprietor of Sand Castle University, she devotes six to eight hours nearly every day along the sandy shores of Gulf Shores, Alabama, molding and sculpting wet sand into intricate designs.
On certain days, she meticulously crafts architectural marvels such as Victorian houses or replicas of renowned buildings. On others, she molds creatures ranging from alligators and octopi to enchanting mermaids.
Typically, with the arrival of the next tide, her creations vanish. However, for Hawkins, the transient nature of her sculptures adds to their allure.
"If my art endured indefinitely, it wouldn't retain the same charm. The fact that everyone gets to witness it, even if only for a fleeting moment, is what makes it so special," she remarks.
Although the sand castles may not endure beyond a few hours in reality, Hawkins ensures their preservation on her social media platforms. She meticulously documents the creation process on Instagram and TikTok, highlighting her creativity and adept engineering skills.
Hawkins didn't initially aspire to be a sandcastle builder. Rather, she stumbled upon the opportunity while pursuing dual majors in business and psychology at Waldorf University during her freshman year.
"I was a broke college kid, just scrolling through Craigslist one day," she recalls. "I stumbled upon an ad that read, 'Now hiring professionals and sculptors. No experience necessary.' It seemed so outlandish to me. I thought, 'I have to learn more about this.' And well, the rest is history," she reminisces.
Under the guidance of her mentor, Rick Mungeam, Janel Hawkins honed her craft, recognizing that each sand sculptor possesses a unique collection of tools.
"Some artists have a vast array of a thousand tools, while others make do with just three. It really varies depending on your background, who you've trained under, and your personal preferences," she explains.
Hawkins employs an assortment of tools borrowed from ceramics and pottery, such as knives and ribbon cutters, alongside masonry tools. She also incorporates specialized techniques like "dribbling," utilizing a watery sand mixture to create textured designs.
By the conclusion of her junior year, Hawkins felt sufficiently skilled to embark on a venture built upon sand.
"As I approached the end of my junior year, I evaluated what my future might look like with my degree and decided to take a leap and pursue my own business endeavors," she reflects.
Initially, when she disclosed her intentions to her parents, they harbored reservations about her chosen path working with sand. Understandingly, they struggled to grasp the concept of sand sculpting, a sentiment Hawkins acknowledges as common: "It's not something people typically understand."
Nonetheless, her parents eventually rallied behind her.
"I've always been a free spirit, often drawn to unconventional pursuits," she explains. "They provided invaluable support during those initial years when I needed assistance managing the business."
Today, Janel Hawkins oversees a team of five instructors and a full-time assistant, catering to a diverse clientele with custom sculptures for proposals, weddings, corporate logos, festivals, marketing events, and more.
"It's never monotonous, and I love the ever-changing nature of my work," she enthuses.
Hawkins' creations captivate and enchant both beachgoers and social media users alike. Rarely does a day pass without someone pausing to photograph her artistry. Occasionally, she receives inquiries on how to construct their own sand sculptures.
While Sand Castle University provides formal instruction, Hawkins readily shares insights with YEPPOST.com readers.
"No matter how much water you think you need, you'll likely need three times that amount. You can never have too much water," she advises. "Additionally, the location on the beach is crucial. Many people opt to build where the sand is already wet, but that's actually counterproductive. That sand tends to be gritty, filled with pebbles and shells that impede water absorption."
Hawkins explains that the finer, softer sand found farther from the water's edge absorbs and retains water more effectively, making it ideal for sculpting. She encourages individuals to transport water to this location rather than using the wet sand nearby.
Furthermore, Hawkins stresses the importance of environmental stewardship, ensuring that her team leaves no trace behind on the beach and insists on sunblock usage.
During turtle nesting season, from March to October, Hawkins deliberately dismantles her creations to minimize disturbance to the nesting sites.
"Our sculptures are often large and densely packed, posing a potential hazard to nesting mother turtles or hatching baby turtles," she elaborates. "We strive to set an example as the only professional company in the area. If we can dismantle sculptures that took us eight hours to build, then anyone can dismantle their sand castles to support the cause. We're deeply committed to environmental conservation and aim to promote awareness and action in our community."
AlabamaBeaches.com, in an email to YEPPOST.com, highlighted the profound impact that Janel Hawkins and her team have had on the local beaches in the state.
"Janel and her team at Sand Castle University offer a truly unique and unforgettable experience to visitors of Alabama's Beaches," their statement reads. "Through her remarkable creations, Janel has amassed a significant following on social media, not only showcasing her artistry to people across the country and around the globe but also introducing our charming beach towns to a wider audience."
For those inspired by her journey, Hawkins encourages them to consider what beautiful creations they can bring to life.
"Every passion has the potential to become a business. If you find it fascinating, chances are others will too," she advises. "If you're drawn to it, you're not alone."