May 242016
 

We’re bringing the monthly Business Spotlight back!  Every month, Salem Main Streets will highlight a business in downtown Salem that might be relatively unknown, off-the-beaten path, misunderstood, or just plain cool. This month, we took a trip with our partner Creative Salem to answer a long-wondered question – what exactly IS a waterbar? Thank you to Creative Salem for the amazing photo-documentation – you can see their glossier version of this article here.

What: Ocean Chic Boutique & Waterbar
Where: 96 Wharf Street, Salem, MA
Owner: Erica Kirwan

When you step into Ocean Chic, it’s hard not feel like you’ve stepped into a mini-vacation. You stand a little looser, breathe a little deeper, and slow down a bit more.  And that’s no accident – owner Erica Kirwan has worked hard to make sure her own “little slice of heaven” on Pickering Wharf inspires a sense of positivity and relaxation. Celebrating its two year anniversary this week, many people are still discovering what makes Ocean Chic so special.

After a life in the corporate world helping other entrepreneurs make their dreams come true, Erica Kirwan was ready to slow down and make something that was distinctly her own.  From the beachy, bo-ho feel to the inspirational jewelry and art found around the store, the whole store reflects “all of my favorite things,” says Kirwan.  The city of Salem itself was also important in creating Ocean Chic, as a maritime community with a positive energy of its own that just felt right. Kirwan adds, “If I hadn’t found Salem, Ocean Chic wouldn’t exist.”

Kirwan defines her boutique as having “big brands you know, and local ones you’re going to love” – and it’s absolutely true.  Ocean Chic is the only boutique in town to carry some of the big-name brands common to high-end seaside communities, including Vineyard Vines and Lilly Pulitzer, but also carries smaller local brands as well as unique brands from the West Coast. The boutique is also one of the only places in town to buy bathing suits and other beach wear. Not sure what works for you, or planning a new vacation wardrobe? Ocean Chic also offers personal styling services, which also make for a great gift if you’re not sure what someone on your list might like.

But we all know that shopping can be a thirsty business! The waterbar at Ocean Chic is designed to refresh as well as being yet another way of encouraging shoppers to slow down and enjoy their time. After weaning herself away from the extreme amounts of coffee in her corporate life, Kirwan herself discovered how much there is to water.  From maple water to boxed water to coconut water lattes (for those who still need their caffeine!), there’s always something new to sit and sip at Ocean Chic.  Not sure if you’re going to like something? Consider asking for a flight!

Ocean Chic is open 7 days a week (sometimes less during the winter), online 24/7/365 at www.shopoceanchic.com, and on social media via Facebook and Instagram. You can also join Ocean Chic on celebrating its second birthday this Thursday evening, 5 pm to 8 pm!

 

 

 

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Mar 242016
 

We’re bringing the monthly Business Spotlight back!  Every month, Salem Main Streets will highlight a business in downtown Salem that might be relatively unknown, off-the-beaten path, misunderstood, or just plain cool. This month, we took a trip with our partner Creative Salem to get a sneak peek at an older business with a new vision. Thank you to Creative Salem for the amazing photo-documentation – you can see their glossier version of this article here.

RESIZED Melt Ice Cream collaboration with Salem Main Streets and Creative Salem_0468

What: Melt Ice Cream
Where: 60 Washington Street, Salem, MA
Owner: Christiana Kroondyk

Many locals got understandably anxious this winter when they saw brown paper on the windows of The Salem Screamery, a favorite ice cream parlor, but when we got the scoop (sorry, couldn’t help ourselves), the news ended up to be better than we could have anticipated.  After a year of operating the Salem Screamery, the current owner is finally transitioning the business over to reflect her own brand and vision. The results are simply delicious.

Salem resident Christiana Kroondyk isn’t afraid to do things a little unconventionally, with flavors or with business. Kroondyk first started dreaming about her own ice cream line during a 2009 vacation, when she visited an ice cream parlor with deliciously unconventional flavors and thought, “I want to do that!” She started playing with her own combinations at home a few years later, and came up with the concept of Melt as an artisanal ice cream line. The original plan was to start as a vendor at farmers’ markets and slowly develop the product over time – but when the chance came to buy the Salem Screamery last year, it was too good to pass up.

This definitely turned Kroondyk’s timetable around a bit – instead of establishing the product until she was ready for a storefront, she suddenly had a storefront before she had established her own product!  She made the decision to keep operating as the Salem Screamery for the first year, continuing to source from Bliss Bros. Dairy while learning the ropes of running a storefront business and slowly introducing her own, unique homemade flavors.  If you noticed new options popping up last year like pumpkin, sweet potato fluff, or anise with candied fennel seeds (!), you have an idea of where this is going.

RESIZED Melt Ice Cream collaboration with Salem Main Streets and Creative Salem_0501 RESIZED Melt Ice Cream collaboration with Salem Main Streets and Creative Salem_0539RESIZED Melt Ice Cream collaboration with Salem Main Streets and Creative Salem_0597

 

 

 

 

 

 

So what makes Melt different? Kroondyk’s vision for Melt has always included a strong focus on community and locally-sourced ingredients. Current flavors feature a number of ingredients from local, regional businesses, including coffee beans from Atomic Coffee Roasters (Salem), sea-salt brownie bits from Jodi Bee Bakes (Salem), chocolate from Taza Chocolate (Somerville), tea from MEM Tea (Watertown), nuts from That Nutty Redhead (Rockport), and candies from Sweet Lydia’s (Lowell).  The interior is open and inviting, including work by local artist Scott Froeschl (keep your eyes peeled for a mural coming soon). Last but not least, all ice cream is now made on-site in Melt’s beautiful, brand-new ice cream mixer! Kroondyk has also started making additional ingredients in-house, including homemade waffle cones.

Melt Ice Cream opens its doors on Thursday, March 24th, and will be open SEVEN DAYS A WEEK: for now, 1pm – 8pm on Sunday – Thursday, 1pm – 9pm, and Friday – Saturday.  Stop in to treat yourself and support a great new local business!

RESIZED Melt Ice Cream collaboration with Salem Main Streets and Creative Salem_0458

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