You've Got Mail (& A Business Partner)

Diana Naramore • February 13, 2021

Share this article

Masked shop clerk holding a tablet behind a jewelry display in a boutique
Black-and-white view of stacked papers on a shelf in a library or archive aisle
Corner café storefront at dusk with warm lights, black siding, and a glowing red arrow sign reading “SIP & SIP.”

Two of the most frequently asked questions at Sip and Ship is, “what are those ladders for and why do people have a mailbox at your store? ​

GREAT questions. While Sip and Ship takes great pride in hosting a diverse range of business services, it’s our mailbox members who make this business so interesting. While the nature of our retail business can be described as cyclical, most of our mailbox members are entrepreneurs and small business owners. Allowing Sip and Ship to be more than a mailbox but an ally and trusted business partner.

Meet Carrie Culp, Owner of Urban Oasis Design and Construction , specializing in residential outdoor and living spaces

“Nearly 12 years ago, Urban Oasis Design and Construction was a new company in a pretty rough economy. My business partner and I were worked from home at that time. I remember feeling lonely and scared. Fortunately, we found some good partners that helped us to grow our business and one of those partners was Ballard Sip & Ship. Sip and Ship became our business hub. A place to meet, send and receive mail and faxes, get documents notarized - and even more importantly, experience a sense of community and regularly see friendly faces.

While many things have changed with our business - including now having a physical design office outside of my home, Sip and Ship has remained our business center. It is still a place where we still appreciate the friendly faces who greet us each morning. I can't believe it has already been 12 years! We look forward to continuing this relationship for years to come.”

Fun Facts:
Carrie’s passion outside of work is conservation. She runs the Endangered Canid Project , a small non-profit focusing on education and educational projects in support of conservation of endangered dog populations and their habitats which has taken her to Tanzania and Botswana, Africa. For fun, she enjoys playing ice hockey and is captain of the Highlanders Hockey Club in the Greater Seattle Hockey League.

Three people standing together under a large tree in a wooded area, smiling at the camera.
Three wild dogs huddled together on a dusty plain
Person standing on a grassy cliff overlooking a beach, holding a camera under a sunny sky

Recent Posts

Wrapped gift with a red and white peppermint-swirl ornament on the bow
By Diana Naramore • October 31, 2026
Spirit Week at Sip and Ship in Greenwood: holiday gifts, wrapping and shipping help. Ship by Dec 15 for Christmas; open Sundays 10–5 through Dec 20.
Embroidered bear ornament in a party hat on a folded grey throw
By Diana Naramore • October 31, 2026
Small Business Saturday is Nov 28. Find thoughtful gifts at Sip and Ship in Greenwood, and we'll gift wrap and ship them. Open Sundays 10–5 in December.
Embroidered felt heart ornament beside boxed taper candles at Sip and Ship
By Diana Naramore • October 31, 2026
Candy Cane Lane comes to Sip and Ship in Greenwood: holiday shipping, gift wrapping, seasonal gift sets and café treats. Open Sundays 10–5 through Dec 20.
Diana and Steve Naramore, co-founders of Sip and Ship, in their Greenwood shop
By Diana Naramore • October 10, 2026
Sip and Ship turns 24. Free lattes and fresh treats on Thursday, Oct 15, plus what 24 years have taught Diana and Steve about running a small business.
A navy
By Diana Naramore • August 23, 2026
Small rituals matter: a latte, a handwritten note, neighbors who help. Buy five cards, get $1 off a latte or pastry, and hear why we're all helpers.
PhinneyWood ArtWalk at Sip and Ship in Greenwood, Seattle
By Diana Naramore • August 9, 2026
A little wild. A little wonderful. A whole lot of treasure. Join us August 14-15 for the PhinneyWood ArtWalk, featuring Blossom Dearie Vintage at Sip and Ship.
Iced cold brew at Sip and Ship coffee shop in Greenwood, Seattle
By Diana Naramore • July 19, 2026
The little things that make a neighborhood feel like home — cold brew afternoons, the Greenwood Cap, handwritten notes, camp care packages, and college move-in.
What Began Across The Counter 2
By Diana Naramore • July 5, 2026
A longtime customer asked why I still show up after twenty-four years of running Sip and Ship. The answer led to a quiet ranch and a rescued Mustang named JuJu.
Best Cold Brew Coffee In Seattle Sip and Ship
By Diana Naramore • June 22, 2026
Your cold brew is poured, your packages are ready, and Seattle is calling. Sip and Ship is your summer HQ for Mariner Cold Brew and camp care packages.
Moments Worth Marking 17
By Diana Naramore • June 1, 2026
For the milestones, the movements, and the everyday in between. Seattle is stepping into its most vibrant season — and they're all worth marking.
Show More