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Alumni Business Owners: Thurston Pope '07, '18M & Brandon McKeown '09

"Since getting our degrees and growing the business here, it feels like home."
~ Brandon McKeown ’09 (left), pictured below with business partner Thurston Pope ’07, ’18M

Thurston Pope and Brandon McKeown, co-owners of Coastal Succulent

August 15, 2024 | SaJorden Miller

Thurston Pope '07, '18M and Brandon McKeown '09 are the creative forces behind Coastal Succulent, a curated design studio specializing in plant styling. With a focus on servicing interior designers for both commercial and residential spaces, their business has grown from its humble beginnings.

Co-owner of Coastal Succulent, Thurston Pope

Thurston Pope, Photo Credit: Coastal Succulent

Co-owner of Coastal Succulent, Brandon McKeown

Brandon McKeown

McKeown, a Communication Studies alum from UNCW, and Pope, a Psychology and Social Work alum, have used their backgrounds to shape their business. Pope feels his psychology and social work degrees have been instrumental in running Coastal Succulent. Pope has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and connecting with people through Coastal Succulent has meant the world to him.

"It started as a hobby," McKeown shares, reflecting on their journey. Initially focusing on small succulent plants and creative houseplant arrangements, their passion for design and innovation has evolved over the past 11 years. "We began working more with interior designers and took on design projects ourselves. It grew organically into what it is now."

In their business, Pope and McKeown have found their niches. "My role is on the business side, dealing with people," Pope explains. "Brandon's talent lies in design and his keen insight. He runs all our designs." The skills and knowledge they gained at UNCW have played a significant role in their success. "Everything I learned at UNCW helps me understand how people think and see the bigger picture," Pope adds.

For Pope and McKeown, Coastal Succulent is more than just a business; it's a labor of love. "You're doing it for yourself and something you love," McKeown says. "It's very rewarding." Their connection to UNCW remains strong. "Since getting our degrees and growing the business here, it feels like home. We're so close to the university and see its growth all the time. Being able to grow alongside the university is surreal."

Some arrangements made by Coastal Succulent

Photo Credit: Coastal Succulent

Coastal Succulent won the Services category in the 2023 Coastal Entrepreneur Award. Winning the award was a moment of pride for Pope and McKeown. "It was a huge surprise and honor," McKeown says. "Wilmington has so many incredible small businesses, and to be nominated and win was incredible. As a small business, recognitions like this mean a lot."

As they look back on their journey, Pope and McKeown's pride in their UNCW roots is evident. "Being part of this community and watching it flourish is something special," Pope shares. Their story is a testament to the lasting power of passion, connection, and the lifelong impact of a UNCW education.

Pope and McKeown standing at the front desk in their store

Learn more about Pope, McKeown and Coastal Succulent in this exclusive interview.

Alumni-owned businesses are a point of pride for the UNCW Alumni Association and connect the Seahawk family across the country and around the globe. Search the directory of alumni-owned businesses to see where you can #ShopSeahawk.