The following is an interview with Marybeth McBride, owner of Sweetwater & Co., conducted by Discover Marblehead. Stop by the shop at 33 Atlantic Ave. or visit sweetwaterandco.com.
Tell us about Sweetwater & Co. and why you started it. Sweetwater & Co. wasn’t part of my “plan.” But in 2001, after leaving a corporate district management job, I was driving through Rockport and saw the cutest little shop for rent. My plan had been to take the summer off, but by June 1, I had signed a lease and created Sweetwater’s brand — a mix of vintage and new goods, all celebrating our love of life by the sea. Our Beverly Farms shop opened in 2007. In 2014, we moved the Rockport shop to Marblehead, which means we’re celebrating our 10th anniversary in Marblehead this year. I’m so lucky and blessed to be part of these two great communities. We put our heart and soul into making Sweetwater & Co. a whimsical escape. We still believe in brick-and-mortar retail, creating an experience with wonderful help and a relaxing vibe, with fabulous unique goods. We love working with local artists and artisans, and the creative community in Marblehead is truly inspiring.
What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I ever got was from my dad, “Treat everyone you meet with the same respect, whether they are a trash collector or a CEO.”
What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? Driving across the Causeway and looking at how pretty it is on my way home is my special treat at the end of the day. However, sitting at Crocker Park listening to the sounds of the full harbor in the summertime is a close second. In my opinion, we absolutely have the most beautiful harbor.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I’ve worked in retail and restaurants my whole life. I was pushed to go to school for accounting but ended up running restaurants, bartending and managing retail stores until I opened my own. I worked at Flynnie’s for a bit and still miss that place.
The business spotlight is a weekly feature published in partnership with Discover Marblehead. To learn more, visit discovermhd.com.
Melissa Stacey
