Introducing Canal Zone: A Brand Inspired by Zonian Culture and Lifestyle
As the founder and owner of Canal Zone®, a brand that celebrates the culture, history, and spirit of the Panama Canal Zone and its people, the Zonians, I am excited to share my thoughts, experiences, and insights with you through this platform.
But before we dive into the exciting world of Canal Zone®, let me introduce myself and give you a little background on the brand. My name is Thayne Wheeler and I am the sole employee of Canal Zone®, with the valuable assistance of my wife Lisa. I am a multi-talented creative professional with a background in graphic design, illustration, film directing, photography, and art teaching. I have a passion for storytelling and using my skills to bring people together and create meaningful experiences.
The Panama Canal Zone holds a special place in my heart as I moved to the territory with my family when I was 11 years old and spent my formative years there. The spirit of adventure, diversity, and community that I experienced as a Zonian has stayed with me throughout my life and inspired me to create the Canal Zone brand.
At Canal Zone®, we aim to capture the essence of Zonian culture and lifestyle and present it in a way that can be enjoyed by a wider audience. Our merchandise, featuring original designs inspired by the Panama Canal Zone, is produced through a print on demand entity called Prinftul, Inc. and is available on our Shopify store at www.canalzone.net.
In addition to our online presence, we have a strong social media presence on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and TikTok, where we share updates on new products, special offers, and Zonian culture. We also run and participate in various branded and non-branded groups on social media, such as Panama Canal Zonian (Facebook group and Instagram account) and Panama Canal Zonian - Atlantic, where we connect with other Zonians and fans of the brand.
As a small business owner, I wear many hats and handle all aspects of the business, from design and production to marketing and customer service. It is a challenging but rewarding journey, and I am grateful for the support of my wife and the encouragement of our customers.
I hope that through this blog, I can share with you my vision for Canal Zone, the stories behind our products and designs, and the lessons I have learned along the way. I also look forward to hearing from you and learning about your own experiences and connections to the Panama Canal Zone.
Thank you for joining me on this journey.
Sincerely,
Thayne Wheeler
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