Working on Martha's Vineyard

Q. How did you start your own business?

A. I lived in California 18 years. I got away from the island. I got educated. I started a home and garden business. Then I moved home because I wanted to be around my family and friends. The stuff I have in the store are from artist friends of mine and I wanted to bring them back and represent them on the island.

Q. What kind of artwork do you sell?

A. It's a little bit of everything. "Something for everyone" is my motto. I have ceramics, jewelry, photography, sculptures, consignment and new clothing, gifts, kitchen ware, movie rentals, plants, toys, an internet cafe, mocha motts coffee. Everything. 

Q. Do you have any other jobs?

A. Yes, I have a home and garden business. Sometimes I work about 70 hours a week. 

Q. What's your favorite part about working on Martha's Vineyard?

A. Well you have to work twice as hard as you did when you were a kid here. I'm glad that I had the "growing up" experiences here. You know you were raised so well with so much love around. And that kind of brought me into my adulthood where I have a lot of patience to get through stuff now. Just going with the flow. 

Q. What is your favorite part about living on Martha's Vineyard?

A. It's just really rewarding living on the island in general because I get to surround myself with my friends and family and all this beautiful nature. Go out and see the sunsets and have beach parties. I got to go swimming in between gardening and opening the store already. It's a beautiful place, I feel blessed to live here. 

Q. If you could pick anything, what is your dream job?

A. I think I'm doing it. I've always reinvented myself in life and I love working with my hands and being in the garden. Working for clients makes me really happy. I'll be a lot happier in the store when I get more business and I can talk about the art.