Many of us spend summers on the beach, creating sand castles with our families as children.

But did you know that it could also be a career?

And at the same time, she spends her days on the beach making custom sand art.

Intricate House Sand Sculpture

Whether creating pieces of architecture or animals, Hawkins loves getting lost in the small details.

As she painstakingly carves and presses the wet sand, she also needs to remain on her toes.

Anything can happen in her open-air art studio, whether it’s bad weather or creative difficulties.

Janel Hawkins and sea horse sand sculpture

There are practical life lessons to sand sculpting, she tells My Modern Met.

You have to learn the basics, then practice, practice, practice.

Don’t be afraid of failure.

Mushu sand sculpture by Janel Hawkins

If you make mistakes, it means you’re trying hard!

Hawkins began her journey as a sand sculptor while still in college after seeing a job listing on Craigslist.

After acquiring the necessary skills, she pursued her passion by opening Sand Castle University in 2017.

Intricate House Sand Sculpture

With a team of five instructors and an administrative assistant, her business is expanding.

At the same time, she’s also continuing to grow her own skills.

Janel Hawkins is a professional sand sculptor and the founder of Sand Castle University.

Octopus sand sculpture

Her intricate sand art takes dedication and patience.

Sand sculpting is a true art form and can be a viable full-time career.

Creative sand sculpture

Turtle sand sculpture

House sand sculpture

Griffin sand sculpture

Intricate House Sand Sculpture