The Chattanooga operator of a successful line of clothing gives back to his favorite cause - protecting the marine life that he enjoyed each summer while growing up.
Matt Schroeder, co-founder of Shelly Cove, said, "When I was growing up, my parents took me to Topsail Island, N.C., every summer. Each year, we would return to the same sea turtle sanctuary to visit all the marine life that had been saved. Seeing so many recovering sea turtles was educational, awe-inspiring, and unforgettable - and I wouldn’t trade those childhood memories for anything.
"My parents and I started Shelly Cove when I was in college. We managed to build a million-dollar business from our kitchen table - as a family. And even though I’m in Chattanooga, and we’ve picked up some part-time help along the way, our family business and its conservation efforts have continued strong.
"We wanted our stylish year-round clothing line to directly impact that sea turtle sanctuary we loved, so Shelly Cove sends 10 percent of our profits to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Sanctuary.
"People have enjoyed our vacation-inspired designs so much that we’ve been able to send six figures in profits to wildlife sanctuaries, homeless shelters, mental health initiatives, and more."