For Rachel Pierce and partner Lauren Speas, hurricanes have been both impetus and challenge for their new business, Home by Rachel Pierce at 1626 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel Island. Although the new shop opened in July, this fall’s hurricanes delayed the SanCap Chamber ribbon-cutting until Dec. 10.
“The storms are what had us coming up with the model of cash and carry,” said Pierce, who also reopened her eponymous art gallery across the street after Hurricane Ian in 2022. “We know folks fly in for a few days only, sometimes, and need items now, not waiting for 12 weeks-plus for a couch or chair to come in. We want to be a convenient on-island shopping option.”
The owners maintain an optimistic spirit about the delayed reopening due to flooding from hurricanes Helene and Milton.
“Lauren and I say we have a great origin story. Sort of the comeback kids!” Pierce said. “We lost more than half our inventory in Helene. A big thank you to the support of the islanders who shopped our sale and helped us clear the store after the hurricane.”
She also expresses appreciation for the SanCap Chamber and its support. “We know the chamber has our backs and is there to support us and all the businesses. It’s so wonderful to be part of this community and the support we all give each other. A big thank you for the chamber’s incredible outreach to potential visitors.”
“Rachel has been a pillar in the island’s retail rebuilding,” said John Lai, chamber president and chief executive officer. “In a little over a year, she brought back her bright and lively art to the heart of Sanibel. Since then, she and her family have been involved with opening a coffee shop and Pierce’s Paws Paradise for pet supplies and gifts. She has been instrumental in bringing Sanibel retail back to life with her energy and art throughout the community.”
In addition to furniture and home accents “to-go,” Pierce employs the services of three designers with the ability to create homes from the ground up. All three live or own a business on the island. They specialize in the unique at all price points.
“We can customize anything and offer unique items only found in our store,” Pierce said. “We want your home or vacation home to be an oasis you are proud of and enjoy.”
ABOUT SANCAP CHAMBER
The SanCap Chamber is dedicated to promoting the prosperity of its members and preserving the quality of life of our community. The Chamber plays a key role in facilitating communication and cooperation between business, residents, and government to enhance the economic health of the islands. Its website, sanibel-captiva.org, receives over 1.3 million visits per year. For more information about the chamber, visit sanibel-captiva.org or contact John Lai, president and CEO, at 239-472-2348 or [email protected].
