When Lisa Newman decided to open her own shop after creating jewelry for the last 10 or so years, she originally thought that it would be an appointment-only showroom. But as she created what’s known as Sea Shore Couture at 505 Front Street in Lahaina, it quickly morphed into an emporium for jewelry and handmade Maui goods as she realized she wanted to include the creativity of her fellow artists.
“The original idea for this space has evolved already,” says Newman. “We looked at this space and I never thought it would look like this. It’s amazing what some paint and wood can do. It’s so pretty–the original idea was a place for people to come in to see my jewelry, oils and crystals. In my garage that was already happening. I didn’t think it would be a retail store like this.”
But when she mentioned to other artists and friends that she was opening a shop, the outpouring of support and assistance–as well as requests from other artists who wanted a place to also sell their hand-crafted goods–came out of the woodwork. So she decided to expand her idea.
“I did always love making jewelry, as a kid,” says Newman. “We were always very crafty. I have been seriously making jewelry and making a business out of it for the last five years in my garage.”
The immaculate shop is on the second floor of the 505 Front Street complex right behind the Whaler’s General Store. The tiny space is chock full of different ornaments, gifts, crystals and many different kinds of jewelry. You will also find essential oils, diffusers and lamps. She has a little workshop in the back where she can make some of her designs as well.
“My style of jewelry incorporates sterling silver and gold fill, and [I do] custom orders for solid gold,” says Newman. “I’m very drawn to fancy beautiful looks with an edge. I like pave thrown onto something raw. A chunky organic looking chain with a Tahitian pearl; earthy hippy and fancy elements. I love incorporating crystals, pearls and ancient geometry.”
As she began to visualize and put together her shop, she found that many of her friends and fellow artists had items she could include. Newman said that she was happy to add it all to her inventory, and has found a unique balance of all Maui creations in all different kinds of styles and price points that you won’t find anywhere else on the island.
“I’m the only one who makes my jewelry,” she says. “I do not have anyone that assists me. I find a lot of bling to combine with the earthy elements. I’m going to be apprenticing with Bruce Tapley. He has been a jeweler in Maui for many years. He makes fine jewelry, wax casting. Sea Shore Couture has so much growing to do. I’m going to learn all those techniques. I know this is going to be an evolving project. But at the same time, I’m going to stay true to my style.”
Newman plans to host events for fashion, crystals, essential oils and healing. She also opened a Christmas pop-up shop last week that brought in several new designers. Follow her Sea Shore Couture Facebook page for her latest updates.
“We want to have a lot of events here,” says Newman. “We are going to do a fashion show. We also want to do crystal education and chakra balancing.”
Sea Shore Couture
505 Front St., Lahaina
Open 10:30am-6:30pm
Featured Designers:
Sea Glass Monkey by Shelly Kelnhofer
Sacred Adornments by Yasmine Anderson
Wanderlust Fashion Brittany Shae
Rama Love by Joy Rama
Young Living Essential Oils
Freckles and Seashells Allison Nealon
The Moa Agent by Annabehl Sinclair
Color Tribe by Jennifer Belmaceda
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