Sand Castle University Reaches 1 Million TikTok Followers

If you’ve ever found yourself walking along the stunning beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama, you may have encountered the breathtaking creations of Sand Castle University. Whether it’s a towering sand sculpture of a majestic dolphin, a detailed pirate ship, or an intricate castle fit for royalty, the team at Sand Castle University has become synonymous with the artistry of sand sculpting. What started as a local business has now become a viral sensation on TikTok, and just recently, Sand Castle University reached an incredible milestone — 1 million followers.

For Janel Hawkins, the founder and lead sculptor of Sand Castle University, this achievement is a culmination of years of hard work, creative passion, and a strong connection to her audience. Reaching a million followers on a platform like TikTok isn’t something that happens overnight, especially when your medium is as unique as sand. It requires dedication, consistency, and an understanding of how to connect with a community of viewers who share your enthusiasm. Hawkins’ story is an inspiring reminder of what can happen when creativity and social media intersect in powerful ways.

A Passion for Sand Sculpting

Hawkins’ journey into sand sculpting didn’t begin with dreams of viral fame or a booming business. In fact, her path to becoming a renowned sand sculptor was much more humble and, in many ways, unexpected. Born and raised in Gulf Shores, Hawkins’ connection to the Alabama Gulf Coast runs deep. But, like many young people, she didn’t quite know what her future would look like — until a fateful moment led her to the world of sand sculpting.

At just 22 years old, Hawkins was a college student, unsure of where life would take her. Then, while studying in Florida, she stumbled upon an ad seeking a sand sculpting apprentice. The opportunity caught her attention immediately. “I was a broke college student, just trying to find something that felt right,” Hawkins recalls. “When I saw that ad, I knew I had to go for it.”

She applied for the apprenticeship and soon found herself learning from professionals in the sand sculpting industry. What began as a chance opportunity turned into a full-blown passion. Hawkins quickly fell in love with the process of creating art out of sand. The endless possibilities, the tactile nature of the medium, and the ability to create something so intricate yet so temporary spoke to her in a way few other artistic endeavors had.

After completing her apprenticeship, Hawkins decided to bring her newfound skills back home to Gulf Shores. It was there that she saw an opportunity to introduce sand sculpting to the local community. Inspired by the skills she’d developed and her desire to share this unique art form, Hawkins founded Sand Castle University in 2017.

Building Sand Castle University

When Hawkins started Sand Castle University, she had no idea that it would eventually reach such widespread recognition. At the time, her main goal was simple: to teach others how to create sand sculptures and to share her love for the craft with the world. The vision was to turn sand sculpting into more than just a beach activity — to transform it into a skill that anyone could learn and appreciate.

Starting a new business in Gulf Shores, a popular tourist destination, seemed like a natural fit. Visitors flock to the area each year to enjoy its pristine beaches, and Hawkins realized she could offer something that set her business apart from the typical souvenir shops or beachfront restaurants. So, she began offering group classes for families, couples, and even corporate groups looking for a fun, creative activity during their stay. The classes focused on the basics of sand sculpting: how to properly build a foundation, shape intricate details, and add the finishing touches that turn a simple mound of sand into a work of art.

In addition to the classes, Hawkins also began taking on commissioned sculptures for special events. From weddings to corporate gatherings, Sand Castle University became a go-to option for those looking to add a touch of creativity to their celebrations. Hawkins’ work quickly garnered attention, with large-scale sculptures and intricate designs gracing the beaches of Gulf Shores.

But, while her local business was growing steadily, Hawkins knew that the digital age offered a unique opportunity to take her craft beyond the confines of the Gulf Coast. As social media began to play a more significant role in marketing, Hawkins recognized the potential for TikTok to give her business global exposure.

The Power of Social Media

In today’s digital age, social media is more than just a platform for sharing photos or videos — it has become an essential tool for businesses looking to grow their brand and reach new audiences. For Sand Castle University, TikTok presented an exciting opportunity to showcase the artistry behind their sand sculptures in a way that hadn’t been done before.

Hawkins was quick to realize that TikTok, with its fast-paced, visual format, was the perfect platform to share her work with the world. While traditional advertising might not have been the best fit for her business, TikTok’s emphasis on creative content and viral videos made it an ideal platform for Sand Castle University to thrive.

“I realized that TikTok could be a huge tool for reaching people who might never have heard of Gulf Shores or sand sculpting before,” Hawkins says. “It was all about being consistent and creating content that not only showcased the process but also engaged people in a way that was fun and interactive.”

Hawkins’ strategy was simple yet effective. She began posting videos that showed the entire sand sculpting process, from start to finish. These time-lapse videos captured the magic of turning a pile of sand into a detailed work of art. With the help of the TikTok algorithm, these videos quickly gained traction, attracting viewers from all corners of the globe.

Soon, Sand Castle University’s TikTok account began to gain a dedicated following. What started as a few hundred views turned into thousands — and eventually, millions. As the videos gained more popularity, Sand Castle University’s account became a go-to spot for sand sculpting enthusiasts, art lovers, and curious beachgoers alike.

Reaching 1 Million Followers

Fast forward to today, and Sand Castle University has reached a major milestone: 1 million followers on TikTok. For Hawkins, this achievement is not just a number — it’s a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and creativity that has gone into building this online presence.

“Reaching 1 million followers on TikTok is a huge milestone,” Hawkins shares with a smile. “It’s exciting, satisfying, and humbling for me as a content creator. I never imagined this kind of growth when I started, but now that we’ve reached this point, I’m more motivated than ever to continue growing and creating.”

For Hawkins, the journey to 1 million followers has been filled with challenges, but also incredible rewards. “It has taken a lot of hard work to get to this point,” she says. “But it’s been worth every second. This achievement really celebrates our strong presence on the platform and our ability to connect with people from all over the world.”

Looking Toward the Future: The Road to 2 Million

While hitting 1 million followers is a major accomplishment, Hawkins and her team are already looking ahead to the next milestone: 2 million followers. The journey doesn’t stop here.

“The next goal is 2 million,” Hawkins says confidently. “We’re going to keep creating content that aligns with what our audience wants to see. It’s all about staying relevant and continuing to push the boundaries of what we can do with our content.”

Hawkins also acknowledges the importance of adapting to new trends and formats as they emerge on the platform. “TikTok is all about experimentation,” she says. “We plan to try out new ideas and trends that we think will resonate with our followers. We’ll keep mixing things up to make sure our content stays fresh, fun, and engaging.”

With a team that’s constantly thinking about new ways to connect with their audience, Sand Castle University is poised for even greater success in the coming months and years. The support from their followers plays a major role in their continued growth. Hawkins is deeply grateful for the active engagement from their TikTok community, and she credits this support for fueling their creativity.

“I want to thank everyone who’s been part of this journey,” Hawkins says. “Your support has meant the world to us. You help us stay motivated to keep creating entertaining and inspiring content, and we’re so grateful for the community we’ve built.”

Sand Castle University: More Than Just Sand Sculpting

What makes Sand Castle University stand out isn’t just their skill at creating amazing sand sculptures — it’s the community they’ve built through social media. The team has turned sand sculpting into a shared experience, where followers feel like they’re part of something bigger than just a business.

For those who are lucky enough to visit Gulf Shores, Sand Castle University offers much more than just beautiful sculptures. The classes, the workshops, and the personal interactions with Hawkins and her team offer visitors a chance to get hands-on with the art of sand sculpting. Whether you’re a family looking for a unique activity or a couple wanting to try something new, Sand Castle University welcomes everyone to join in the fun.

And now, thanks to TikTok, people all over the world can follow along and even learn how to create their own sand sculptures. Whether you’re near or far, Sand Castle University has bridged the gap between local and global, bringing people together through the shared love of art, creativity, and the beauty of the beach.

Fostering Connections

Reaching 1 million followers on TikTok is just the beginning for Sand Castle University. With plans to grow their audience even further, experiment with new content formats, and continue fostering connections with

followers around the world, the future is bright for this creative Gulf Shores business. For anyone visiting the area, a stop at Sand Castle University should be on your must-do list — whether it’s to take a class, marvel at their sculptures, or simply see the magic unfold on TikTok.

In the end, it’s clear that for Hawkins and her team, sand sculpting is more than just a business — it’s a way to inspire creativity, build a community, and leave a lasting impact on those who follow their journey. And who knows? The next viral sand sculpture might just be yours.