The Essence of Nomad …. What started as a love of travel has led to a passion for discovering unique pieces, talented artists and beautiful textiles
Originally from New Zealand, I made Nantucket my home base 25 years ago but never stopped traveling during the off season working the seasonal calendar on the island. During my time on Nantucket, I’ve always been involved in the retail industry but was fortunate enough to have an introduction into the real estate market here ten years ago when we purchased our first property. After undertaking a major renovation, with a business in mind, we created a vacation rental property. Looking back, Nomad was probably always a creation in my head as I was constantly being inspired by travel and interiors but it was serendipitous how it came to fruition.
Having a vacation rental property on the island, guests were constantly wanting to re-create the look in their own homes and were always inquiring about the wares I had collected from travels and accumulated in the house. I started to think I should offer everything in the house with a price tag on it and as I had just become a dealer for the wonderful Italian furniture line that I feature in the house (and now carry in the store), I thought it made sense so was pondering the idea.
Shortly thereafter, an amazing retail location became available and ‘Nomad’ became a reality. Most of the inventory has been sourced from afar but I am proud to have some talented American artists amongst the far away treasures. Two exceptional ceramicists among them, ironically both from New England, each with very specific techniques that lend themselves to create the perfect Nomad table setting. Moving even closer to home, we feature a local Nantucket photographer who manages to capture the essence of this beautiful island of ours in an unexpected way.
Among the circled destinations on my nomadic map are France, Italy, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden and Australia. I’m proud to say I even have one New Zealand artist who features hand loomed placemats and open weave hand knitted table runners. One of the favorites for new shoppers to Nomad is our french candle line, Mad Et Len which is positively intoxicating. Like I say, once you experience this candle, there is no other. Each candle is nestled in a wonderful hand forged black iron vessel that the creators, a husband and wife duo have made by a blacksmith friend. Rustic cutting boards that inspire an epic cheese platter abound and have become a must have for gift giving. Pillows are in abundance at Nomad and you can’t go past the hand painted collection from Spain that bring the colors of the Mediterranean alive. When you feel like you want to look as fabulous as your new interior, take a diversion and cast your eyes upon our ever expanding clothing range that has a very European vibe. You could be here a while …
Image Wendy Mills Photo