Nantucket Insider has discovered Salt, a new shop at Old South Wharf, and it is in full swing this summer. The shop is tucked away down the lovely white shell path at Old South Wharf, close to The Cottages & Lofts at The Boat Basin. Salt exudes such quintessential Nantucket style, it's no wonder the owner, Jennifer Devlin, is a Nantucket native. Nantucket Insider catches up with Jen on her inspiration and all that makes Salt special... N.I. You know Nantucket pretty well, what inspired you to create Salt here on the island? Jen: I grew up on Nantucket. I often tell people with a smile, that I'm a Nantucket Whaler (that's our High School Mascot)! I wouldn't say that I've always wanted to open a store, but every time I visit Nantucket, my heart breaks a little as the ferry pulls away from the wharf and I return to the mainland. I guess I have been looking for an excuse to return, to visit more, and to me the wharf feels like home. The familiar grey shingled cottages, roses climbing up the sides, the sounds of the boats signaling their arrival and departure, it brings me back and I feel happy and lucky to be here right now.
N.I. How did you choose Old South Wharf as your location? Jen: Old South Wharf is a great place to start out because it's small and seasonal. I'm taking a risk by bringing lines to Nantucket that no one else carries and I need to gauge the response to see if the concept can really work! Plus, the wharf is just a truly darling, dreamy place to open a store.
N.I. What are some of your best selling items? Jen: Anything with fringe! From beach cover-ups to pocketbooks, and our most favorite little romper by Tularosa. Also, the Onia swimwear. It's a new line for women and is made with the softest Italian fabric in the most gorgeous colorways and patterns. We can't keep them on the shelves.
N.I. The store has some really fun artwork displayed and for sale, where did you source that? Jen: The artwork came from an artist I fell in love with in Barnstable, Melissa Averinos. Her work is cheerful and whimsical and the colors are amazing. I bought a piece of hers a few years ago, a mermaids purse, that reminded me of my childhood on Nantucket and have kept in touch w her ever since. I'm delighted to have her work in the store.
N.I. Tell us about the philosophy behind Salt and what you hope to achieve with the store? Jen: I wanted a store that anyone could feel comfortable being in. Day trippers without a big budget can find a book on the whaling industry, tourists looking for that great Nantucket t-shirt can pick up something truly unique. Need a gift? We have candles and note cards and fun jewelry. But mostly, as a mother of two teenage girls, I wanted a store that both mother and daughter can find something fashionable that leaves them feeling pretty.
Salt is located at 19 Old South Wharf Nantucket MA 02554 (508) 228-1128