Here All Year: Sarah York of C.B. Stark

Sarah York is the store manager of . While she had been in the jewelry retail business since the age of nineteen, she eventually realized that while she loved the industry, she didn't want to work for a large corporation. Looking for a smaller, more intimate work environment, she became the service manager at Guertin Brothers Jewelers, a well-known independent jewelry retailer on the Cape.

In 2002, York moved her career here to Martha's Vineyard via C.B. Stark. York continues to further her education with the Gemological Institute of America, where she has earned many certifications, including her Graduate Diamonds Diploma. Her education and experience help her work with customers on the island to design truly unique pieces, or to upcycle new jewelry from old.

York happily took time out of her day to chat with us about what her experience on Martha's Vineyard has been like.

Martha's Vineyard Patch: How long have you lived on-island? 

York: I have worked on-island, commuting from Falmouth since 2002 and I have lived on island full-time for three years now.  I moved here when I was five months pregnant with my daughter in 2009, and I am now eight months pregnant with my second child.

I love the island. I love the craziness of the summer - long busy days, and then the break of the winter. Without the balance, it would be difficult. We seem to spend most of our winter planning for the summer, which keeps us busy.

Martha's Vineyard Patch: What are some of your favorite off-season pastimes?

York: Going to the , and not having to wait an hour or more.  Also parking and walking at the beach.

Martha's Vineyard Patch: How do you know when the off-season has officially begun?

York: Since I work mostly in Vineyard Haven, when I don't have to give directions to the anymore.

Martha's Vineyard Patch: What do you personally find to be the most difficult thing about living here year-round?

York: Having to go off to visit family, because most won't come here on a regular basis without begging. They all live on or near the Cape and don't want to deal with boat. Other than that, I don't find it difficult to be here at all.

Martha's Vineyard Patch: What's your favorite thing about staying here all year?

York: We have a great group of moms -  "The Yoga Momma's." We all met taking prenatal yoga, and have stayed very close over the years. I feel it's really important to have that type of support or you can lose your mind here.

But I think we have a great year round community that gets suffocated in the summer. It's great to get out and see everyone in the off season, and really enjoy this amazing place where we live.