Thanks for visiting Top of the Coast- a lifestyle blog based in Northeast Florida. We are devoted to bringing you the latest trends in our neighborhoods, DIY, interior design, home and garden and travel. We are committed to connecting with people who are making their homes on the First Coast.
Ashton Elder
Ashton was born and raised in the South but has lived and traveled all over the US and has called Florida home for six years. She loves finding unique travel destination in the Southern US to feature on TOTC. Ashton is also a holiday nut-so she tries to get in as many festive holiday pieces on the blog as possible. Ashton also has a passion for art, music and interior design. This passion drives her to find new and exciting places to discover those things on the First Coast because she is a huge fan of the shop local movement.
Ashton holds a degree from the University of North Florida where she studied political science, journalism and mass communications. In addition to working in marketing and real estate, Ashton has worked as a reporter for several news outlets and publications.
Jan Collins
Jan was born in Nashville, TN and then moved to Mobile, AL. By the time she was entering the 4th grade, she had made it to Jacksonville and has been here ever since – that is, aside from leaving for a short time to attend college and work her first job. Jan calls Jacksonville her hometown and her heart-town. Her roots run deep in Jacksonville: her grandparents were residents, business owners, and founding members of Deermeadows Baptist Church on the First Coast beginning in 1965, and then her parents followed suit in 1980.
Jan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science from the University of North Florida and a Masters degree in Public Administration from the University of South Alabama. She worked in the healthcare industry for HealthSouth Corporation before moving to her all-time greatest calling, that of Domestic Engineer, otherwise known as: Stay at Home Mom.
While raising 2 kids, she worked as a preschool teacher for 5 years, volunteered at Providence School of Jacksonville as Home Room Mom, and Parent Council Board member. She also served as the Women’s Ministry Co-Director at her church.
In 2016, Jan joined Plexus Worldwide as an independent ambassador to promote health and wellness through supplementation and a balanced lifestyle. She has grown a team of over 100 people in her multi-level marketing business and loves to see people get healthy and discover their passions in life and pursue them!
Most recently, Jan has joined her husband, Walter Collins, OWNER/REALTOR, and Valerie Womble, OWNER/BROKER as an owner of EXIT 1 Stop Realty. She is looking forward to loving on and lifting up the Jacksonville community through this new endeavor!
She is passionate about small business ownership and all things local. Jan loves shopping local, supporting local charities, and promoting Jacksonville’s unique art, culture, entertainment and beauty. Neighbors helping neighbors has become her mantra as well as EXIT 1 Stop’s.
Jade White
Born and raised in South Florida, Jade has spent many years traveling the country and Europe before finally setting down her roots in Jacksonville. She fell in love with the great blend of diversity and culture, parks and recreation, and Southern hospitality that Jacksonville has to offer.
She and her family love taking advantage of every opportunity to explore new places! They are always going on adventures to find the unknown. With a background in real estate, Jade also doubles as a photographer and enjoys capturing those unforgettable moments so they last a lifetime! Stay tuned for the family-friendly fun posts by Jade!
Adriana Cheraso
Adriana is a native Floridian. Originally from South Florida, she has lived all over the state, mostly moving around for education. Her most recent city of residence includes Jacksonville where she lived for 4.5 years working and obtaining her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of North Florida. She is currently living in Gainesville where she is studying for her master’s degree in health sciences – environmental and global health, at the University of Florida. Adriana has a passion for traveling and loves to explore whichever city she’s living in. Keep an eye out for pieces relating to Gainesville and the surrounding central areas!