Salt & Seaweed at 155 Ma
rket St. is a boutique that celebrates this unique combination and can dress a girl for a day at the beach, a night on the town or a day at work in Charleston. I was drawn into the store by the stylish but comfy looking dress on the mannequin outside the door. I held my breath as I looked at the price tag BUT to my delight, it's affordable! As I looked around the store, I began to chat with the owner, Jesse. This is a shopping experience that makes you feel like you are in a generous friend's fabulous closet. I wanted to know more about her experience so we met up to talk about how things are going. Here is what I learned about Jesse and her adventures in opening a local, independent business in Charleston.
rket St. is a boutique that celebrates this unique combination and can dress a girl for a day at the beach, a night on the town or a day at work in Charleston. I was drawn into the store by the stylish but comfy looking dress on the mannequin outside the door. I held my breath as I looked at the price tag BUT to my delight, it's affordable! As I looked around the store, I began to chat with the owner, Jesse. This is a shopping experience that makes you feel like you are in a generous friend's fabulous closet. I wanted to know more about her experience so we met up to talk about how things are going. Here is what I learned about Jesse and her adventures in opening a local, independent business in Charleston.
Raised on the shores of Long Island, after some time in sales in D.C., Jesse Nersesian recently planted her roots in Charleston and opened Salt & Seaweed on a mission to realize her dream of becoming a business owner. I think its fair to say that in the changing landscape of retail, entrepreneurs like Jesse have to be a bit braver and a bit more determined. More than that, this local store owner is a self described: lover of all things related to the water and the beach, a Pisces, a blood donor, a dog lover and an overall happy chick. And about the store: I wanted to, so I did."Nothing short of a dream. My worst day so far has been 8,000 times better than my best day at any other job. I love having control of everything and the freedom to be creative. I feel like I've been welcomed with open arms. It has been humbling, enlightening and empowering."
What is the hardest thing about owning a business?
"Everything is on your shoulders, some days there will be 4 hours worth of financial stuff, an ad needing to be submitted, boxes of inventory that need to be unpacked, people coming into the store..it's just a matter of prioritizing" laughter, "Sometimes I think, Who hired me?!"
Who are your mentors?
"My Dad had a small business, I've had great experience with other local business owners in my area, Sugar Snap Pea, Caviar & Bananas. Before I left D.C. I met with a boutique owner there and she was willing to give me advice and tell me about her experience. I've been putting myself out there and asking for help or advice and so far, nobody has turned me down."
Mayor Riley congratulates Jesse at the Grand OpeningWhat is your vision for Salt & Seaweed?
"I want people to leave the store happy. All products I sell are unique to Salt & Seaweed so if I see girls around town wearing items from my store, I burst with joy. I wanted to create a space that is super laid back and fun, a happy place." The bottom line is "I want to be here"
*The store specializes in American Made, Women Owned Clothing.
To learn more about the store, stop in or visit the website.
