Welcome to ASILO•MAR! I'm so excited that you're here and can't wait to share a bit of the heart behind this shop.
From being a 12 year old sewing beach towels into tote bags and selling them door to door, to being a busybody college student, selling crafty accessories out of my dorm room, I've always harbored a passion for creating things that would make others happy. I put this on the back burner when I entered the corporate world out of college, but was quickly thrown back into entrepreneurship when I lost my job during the pandemic.
I started 'Happy Place Boutique' a handmade jewelry business which quickly rebranded into Asilomar in spring 2024 and have been working day and night to grow the business since. From that little girl who loved creating to a now 30 something entrepreneur, not much has changed. I love making things as well as curating things, to create a happy and memorable experience for all who choose to shop with me.
What does Asilomar mean?
The literal meaning of Asilomar can be broken into two parts. ASILO: meaning asylum, haven or refuge and MAR: meaning sea.
When deciding what I wanted this shop to be about, I thought of my favorite place in the world - Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove California and knew that was the feeling I wanted to capture in the clothes I curate and the pieces I make.
I spent a lot of my youth on this beach, combing for shells, playing in the seaweed and watching the beautiful and unique sea life in the tide pools.
What is Third Space?
Great question! Third Space is a women's craft club, local to the 757 area of Virginia. I knew I wanted Asilomar to be more than a shop. I wanted it to be a creative space and lifestyle brand. So, I created Third Space as a leg of my business, meant to serve as a space for women ages 18+ to come together, work on an activity and make new friends. Our events range from book clubs, to junk journal nights to partnerships with other local artists, makers and small businesses. If you're local to the 757, we'd absolutely love to have you join us at a Third Space event! There's a seat waiting for you!! Our events are designed to be low-pressure, welcoming, and full of kind people—come solo (a lot of women do) or bring a friend!
To the lovers of coastal living and the sea, anywhere you are, this shop is for you! Thank you for choosing to spend your hard earned money here, shopping small and supporting one woman's dream.
-Han
