When your spouse is a pilot, in the military or outside it, they’re often far away flying.
Judy Otero also has three sons and a granddaughter.
When most would sit back and enjoy porch life, or a fishing outing on their boat now and then, Judy created for her retirement in Perdido Key, Florida a joyous entrepreneurial endeavor — combining her locale, background, as well as love of family and art into a business adventure.
Japanese Art History Pops Up in Perdido
Judy started Saltwater Impressions and an “amazing small business journey,” she shares, that launched with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
“I had the vision, but I wasn’t sure how to proceed to make it happen,” she explains. “After some research, I came upon SBDC’s website and all I can say is, wow. I immediately began clicking on their menu choices, watching, reading — and quickly reached out via a phone call to schedule a seminar about opening a small business. Response was immediate from the friendly voice at the end of the phone to take my information.”
The budding entrepreneur began working with Christa Wilson, Assistant Director and Business Consultant with the Florida SBDC at UWF. Judy discussed her ideas and was soon on her way to officially setting up her LLC and selling a traditional Japanese artform perfect for the area.
Gyotaku (魚拓) means gyo (fish) and taku (stone impression). Gyotaku is the Japanese method of printing fish, a practice that dates to the mid-1800s. Those who fished used this form of nature printing to record their catches and keep the memory of that day. The impression is created by gently painting the fish with non-toxic sumi ink and laying rice paper over the fish to make the impression.
By using non-toxic ink, the fish can still be washed, eaten, and enjoyed, a wonderfully sustainable business effort.
Diving into the Business World
“What I love is I had no clue where to begin, and SBDC gave me the confidence to say, OK, let’s file for my LLC. This is what I need to do. Taking that first step let everything else fall into place. I think SBDC is such a fabulous resource, and even though I’m ‘small fish’ (no pun intended), I love that something or someone encourages and motivates you to do it, and do it right.”
The whole Otero family is involved with the business. They love the ocean; whether it’s fishing, diving, boating, or surfing, a day on the water is a day well spent, Judy notes.
“For 25 years, the Marine Corps led our family to the deep Southern Pacific Ocean, the serene Atlantic Outer Banks, the turquoise reefs in Japan’s East China Sea, the bright blue waters of Hawaii, and currently retiring in beautiful Pensacola, Florida.”
Judy describes how the SBDC helped her make that leap of turning her idea into a business model.
“The SBDC enabled me to make the best decision about filing with the state, updated me about documents that would be headed my way, and asked or answered questions. But most of all, the SBDC was like a person I had in my corner, a presence that was always there, patiently waiting when needed and when called upon, then poof, was there with an answer.
“I value the newsletters sent, and while some don’t specifically pertain to my business, they do to another business and that’s how a community thrives, by supporting each other.”
Sustainability, Comradery, and Fine Art
Last September, the family had a one-year anniversary celebration of Saltwater Impressions forming. Judy says it was a proud moment for them all, because they saw how many people they were sharing the art of Gyotaku with.
“Many ask, ‘How did you go about getting started?’ I always say, the first step, call the SBDC, followed by a thank you for letting our family share a part of our life with you.”
The new family business is also involved in local markets and with the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce, another great small business resource for the community. Additionally, the Oteros’ work is featured at the Pensacola Museum of Art this season.
Whether the delight of commemorating a fresh catch entices you, you want a matchless souvenir for yourself or visitors, or you’re looking for elegant, impactful home décor from Florida to Alaska to overseas, Saltwater Impressions customers are near and far.
“We believe in originality, so we do very little touch-ups after the first impression of a fish is made. We also honor and believe in caring for the ocean by harvesting and printing only what we or someone else will be able to eat and share. Therefore, our prints may not be picture-perfect but are true to the catch, memories, and meals made. We hope our impressions will fill your home with the adventure and salt life we love so much.”
Be sure to visit Saltwater Impressions to connect with them and go from ocean to print to table.