Nantucket has a proud tradition of women run businesses. When the whaling era was at its peak in the 1860’s, most of the male population was away on whaling ships, while the local business economy was kept running by the wives, sisters, daughters and mothers of the island. In this same tradition, Nantucket Looms is proud to be a female operated business for the past 26 years. It is no coincidence that much of the Looms staff, artisans and vendors who we collaborate with are also women. As a tribute to the talent that we surround ourselves with, we are highlighting a few of these collaborations.

Photo by Harry Platt, courtesy of the Nantucket Historical Association, P1662g.

Laura Cunningham joined the Nantucket Looms team five years, hired to help build and launch the ecommerce site. Since then, Laura has guided the online growth of Nantucket Looms into the digital era. In addition to her work with Nantucket Looms, Laura and her husband Chris, run Yellow Productions, a photography and video production company.

“I am always inspired by Laura’s commitment and her ability to juggle numerous projects. It is her creative talent that allows her to share the Looms story on various platforms while having the organizational skills to execute in a strategic fashion”. -Bess Clarke

Laura and Chris have produced numerous videos for Nantucket Looms, helping to showcase our range of products, the lifestyle our brand embodies and the process in which our handwovens are crafted.

Elisa H.Allen is a force of nature in her own right, as one of the few females specializing in all aspects of the design/build business- advising on the architecture, construction and design of projects. Our collaborations with Elisa are always exciting, allowing us to test the boundaries of colors and textures.

Elisa’s career has evolved, starting in real estate development and sales then moving into architecture and construction, giving her a unique perspective when designing and collaborating with contractors. Through her extensive experience she knows not only how to make a home unique and beautiful, she also has an understanding of the technical aspects of the construction industry.

“In the 90’s Elisa worked at the Looms as a 'shop girl', so she understands who we are as a business and as a sister-hood of women who work together. She feels very much a part of the Looms family, seamlessly providing her input on design jobs with humor and candor.”- Stephanie Hall

You recognize her from her renowned modern day Nantucket guide, the Nantucket blACKbook, but what you don't know is that when she is not trying the newest restaurant, promoting island charities and events or writing her memoir, Holly Finigan consults local businesses on how to curate their voice and hone their strengths to thoughtfully market themselves with value, truth, and intent. Every occasion we have had the opportunity to meet and strategize with Holly has left us inspired to look within the heart of our business and find ways to connect to our audience in this new digital era we live in.

Holly is committed to honoring the businesses of 'old Nantucket' and aiding them to maintain a strong position within the 'new'; allowing a balance to be found with every season’s wave of change.

“Holly is in a unique position in that she really understands the island and what makes it special, while still being in tune with what various generations are really looking for in their experience here. She has the skill set to communicate effectively and passionately on multiple levels.” - Bess Clarke