Dive shop community building is at the heart of this episode of Level Up: From Behind the Counter by Scuba Diving Industry Magazine. In this in-depth conversation, we sit down with Valerie Elliott, owner of Y-Kiki Divers in St. Louis, Missouri, to explore how intentional retail design, local engagement, and travel-driven experiences can transform a dive shop into a thriving community hub.

🕐 Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to Level Up: From Behind the Counter

00:30 – Introducing Valerie Elliott & Y-Kiki Divers

01:00 – Valerie’s Journey into Dive Retail

02:45 – Building the Ideal Dive Shop Space

04:10 – Creating a Welcoming Retail Environment

05:00 – Community Building Through Local Diving

06:30 – Travel Programs & Group Experiences

08:30 – Aloha Socials Explained

10:45 – Selli ...