Julie Larsen moved to Whidbey Island in 2002 to be near her family and to “Live the peaceful island lifestyle.” At the time, Julie worked in a hospital in Seattle, but she says: “For the next 20 years, every time I drove by the GHL shipping store in Langley, I wished it was my business.”
She continued to commute to the Seattle area from Whidbey, but it became too much for her and she sold her house in Langley and moved off the island.
Thirteen years later, she moved back to Whidbey because “It’s where I belong.” She didn’t enjoy the commute into Seattle, and her workload at the hospital had become overwhelming. She made the decision to resign from her position, simplify her life, and find work on the island. She says “I believe there is no experience in life that doesn’t serve your growth.”
Early this year, she stopped in at the GHL store to return an Amazon package. She chatted with the owner and told him, “I’ve always wanted this place. When are you going to retire?” He joked with her and said “Never.” Shortly after this meeting, the owner decided to retire, and invited Julie to purchase the store. Julie, of course, immediately responded, “I’ll buy it!”
As she was trying to figure out what to call her new business, she realized she was having a full-circle moment, so she decided the appropriate name for her business would be “Full Circle Business Center.”
She now lives in Freeland and appreciates having a 12-minute commute to her business. She notes how much she enjoys her work: “I love helping people; I often can help people find simple solutions to their mailing and shipping problems.” She adds, “I like to see people smile when they walk out of my shop. Customer service and customer loyalty are my major goals.”
Full Circle Business Center offers UPS and FedEx shipping and prepaid drop-offs. This includes Amazon returns with a prepaid return label. She also provides notary service six days a week, including an after-hours mobile notary service. She takes high quality passport photos and can verify the photo to the specifications required by the U.S. Department of State. She has private mailboxes for rent, including receiving UPS and FedEx deliveries. In addition, she offers document shredding, package delivery/holding service, copying, scanning, faxing, and laminating. She also has a variety of office supplies, greeting cards, and snacks.
The store is a dog-friendly business; all visiting dogs receive a healthy dog cookie (if their owner approves).
Current hours are: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Closed Sundays. Hours and services will be expanded during the holidays to help with holiday shipping. For more information visit the website: www.fullcirclewhidbey.com
