We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Carter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

I started Retro Mermaid Shop which is my clothing handmade shop in June 2022. It was inspired by my three daughters I call my mermaids. I have always loved sewing clothes for them. Starting a clothing line for others was a big goal but something I was excited to try. My inspiration to use vintage materials was my great grandma who made quilts. I always loved the funky 70s florals in them. I now use vintage towels to make fun beach clothes. I’m always trying to make fun clothes that brighten any day. Sewing and creating a small shop has become a family affair. My girls help me so much. I size my kids clothes and do try ons with them. My daughters help me at local markets. Especially my oldest Ellie who also makes kids mermaid jewelry like hair clips and rings!

I think repurposing vintage towels into clothing is great to keep towels out of the landfill and turning them into something wearable and fun. Seeing the items I make on after I make them is so exciting always. They make great coverups for Florida beach days or can be worn anywhere! I love the endless character in all the different vintage towels I sew with. Making them into tops and dresses for kids and adults.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I am a native to Florida and so are my parents. I love vintage and the beach so pulling them together to make clothes has made me happy! I love making unique clothes that can be worn to the beach or anywhere. I make beach dresses and tops for kids to adult. I feel they are great to have adventures in! I work hard to do markets locally to show people what we make. I also sell online. The best part is that I’m still growing and when someone just appreciates what we make and smiles it just makes my day. And seeing my handmade items on others will always bring me joy! I’m always told how unique our items are when someone meets us. We love sharing our handmade items and meeting new people. A great part of being a handmade shop owner is meeting and being friends with other small business owners! We have loved making lots of friends from being a market vendor.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Florida is amazing because there is so much to see! We love traveling and have a vintage camper we take on trips. I love that we can go 2 hours south and be in the Florida keys- visit the southern most point, the Lorelei restaurant, go snorkel! Or go shelling on the west coast of Florida! We also love Weeki Wachee springs! For more local we love kayaking at Riverbend park in Jupiter. We spend a lot of time at the beach by Hillsboro inlet. On Sundays the market we vend at El Prado is amazing. A great farmers market and handmade market of local vendors.

For local coffee check out Gathering Coffee which is attached to the best local surf shop Island Water Sports! And Island Water sports does free surf lessons every Saturday morning!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

My sister is Rachel also called SurfyBirdy. She helped me get started with my Retro Mermaid Shop by designing my logo! She does surf art and graphic design. I’m inspired by her artistic talent and free spirit! She spends a lot of time traveling and getting inspiration for her art!

Website: https://retromermaidshop.square.site/

Instagram: Instagram.com/retromermaidshop

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