VIRGINIA BEACH — Cupcakes and Flip Flops: Sounds a bit like a song Jimmy Buffett would write – if he didn’t like cheeseburgers or margaritas.
But it’s actually a beach concierge service started by North End resident Lisa Gross in an effort to integrate her love of the beach, appreciation for southern hospitality, and knowledge of the Virginia Beach area into a business.
Whether it’s seasonal part-time residents or summer vacationers, Cupcakes and Flip Flops has them covered.
“People always wish there were more hours in the day. I provide those hours,” Gross said.
As a North End resident, she’s familiar with the needs of both vacationers – who have limited hours in which to enjoy their vacation – as well as those who own a home there, but choose to enjoy it for just a limited number of days each year.
“The clients I serve can come to their beach residences and relax. They can actually go to the beach or on a bike ride when they get here instead of waiting to meet the cable guy or the plumber,” she said.
Before a client arrives, Cupcakes and Flip Flops can do things like grocery shopping (so that the fridge and cupboards are full when clients arrive), and turn the air conditioning on (so that the house is already cool). Gross can even arrange to take care of the cleaning and landscaping.
“I also provide home check services throughout the year to ensure that homes don’t have any storm damage or security issues, or to just check and make sure everything is in working order – especially the pool and HVAC.”
Visitors who may not be familiar with the area can also get help planning their vacation activities.
“I help both vacationers and seasonal residents with recommendations for activities in the area or new restaurants that might have just opened,” Gross said. “I love living at the beach and being able to help others enjoy the lifestyle of beach living when they get here. No hassles, only fun.”
