“Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do.” I love pretty things and I love living on the coast. Everything about coastal living attracts me. I’ve lived many places around the country, but the beach has always felt like home to me. I’m in love with everything from the pastel colored houses, the soft feel of the sand, and light and airy feel of being on the beach. Linen + Waves is my way of bringing that coastal feel into a store. My boutique is a coastal-chic collection of clothing, swimsuits, UPF-50 sun-protective apparel and coastal gifts. My shop is a space that evokes the feeling of coastal living and the warmth of southern hospitality.
“Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” Coco Chanel
Growing up with 4 sisters, the biggest fights we ever had were over clothes. The maddest my sisters would make me is if they borrowed my clothes without asking or the ultimate, if someone wore something of mine before I had a chance to wear it. Everyone would tell my dad they felt sorry for him that he was surrounded by women, but I knew he loved it. He instilled in all of us girls that we could do anything and be anyone. I constantly heard him saying, “you go girl!”.
As much as my passion was clothing, my parents were hippies and we didn’t spend much time shopping or around glamour. I thought that my love for clothing and style wasn’t that important and frankly shallow. Even though I was always encouraged to be myself and pursue my passion, it never occurred to me this should be my job. My parents both had jobs that were meaningful and I felt I should also do something to change the world.
I went to Flagler College and majored in Elementary Education. I had always wanted to be a teacher and wanted to make a difference in the world. I spent 14 years being a third grade teacher. I then had my own children and stayed home. As much as I loved being a mom I felt like the creative side of myself was lost. I was no longer getting dressed up for work, I stopped creating art and never found time to get out my sewing machine. Obviously, I became miserable. All the things I loved felt shallow and extra and I didn’t make them a priority. I was a girl who had a passion for fabrics, people and beautiful things and it was time to make that my career. Owning a boutique is the culmination of years of discovering my truth and being honest about the things that make me happy. Linen + Waves is a showcase of who I am and what I love. My hope is you will feel my joy in the things you buy and see and that it will bring you happiness to your life as well.
