Fall festival season is officially in full swing. This past weekend, Asbury Park, New Jersey, welcomed over forty thousand beach lovers to the Sea.Hear.Now music and art festival.
For the first time since the festival’s creation in 2018, local businesses were invited to put up a booth. Six stores had the opportunity to showcase their goods on the sand underneath their own tent. It was a pleasure to connect with each of them and learn more about why they love what they do. Here is what they wanted to share:
Destination Asbury Boutique
This glittery and glamorous boutique is owned by mother-daughter duo, Tracey and Meg. They opened Destination Asbury in 2022. “It was me, my mom, and my grandma that always shopped together,” Meg explained. “Our goal [in creating this business] was a multigenerational funky store that supports all sizes and all ages.” She said that above all, the boutique values community. It’s Meg and Tracey’s hope that every customer feels like they’re “shopping with a friend.”
Chris Turk Swim
Chris knew he wanted to run a business since he was young. In 2018, he achieved that dream by opening a store offering inclusive swimwear for all ages, sizes, and gender identities. The company is built on values of pride and philanthropy. The Center, Asbury Park’s comprehensive support service for people living with HIV/AIDS, sees frequent donations from Chris Turk Swim. “Making everyone feel welcome, no matter who they are. Making them feel good, and giving back,” are at the core of this fashion-forward swimwear brand’s mission.
Interwoven
In 2014, Bianca opened this eclectic, trend-setting store with her team. Team member Sydney shared insight on how the company culture blends with that of Asbury. “My favorite thing about working at a local place, once you get to know certain people, you’re in. Everybody cares about you,” Sydney shared. She describes Asbury Park as a tight-knit community, and she’s grateful to be part of a female-founded business because of the communication. “We talk to each other like our family. It’s just a great environment to be in.”
Patraie
The name of this store is Latin for homelands, and that meaning shines through the care of the owner, Babs. While the shop has been open for 10 years, Babs has been working with textiles from her home continent of Eastern Europe for almost 30. She holds authenticity and craftsmanship close to her heart. “People that have spent years perfecting their craft, that’s what makes my heart skip a beat,” she said. It was most exciting for the business to meet a younger demographic at the festival, and they were happy to see success with a different audience!
Rebel Supply Co.
An eye-catching sticker supply was the main event for this tent. Founded in 2015 by Casey, this shop prides itself on combining the concept of a boutique with unique clothes, housewares, and accessories. One of the biggest selling points is their record collection, which is currently stocked accordingly for post-festival blues. Rebel Supply wants customers to know that all their consignment curiosities are supported at the store. There is the perfect souvenir for anyone in Asbury Park!
Vagabond Surf & Co.
Owning a surf shop was a goal for Victor for years. After moving to the United States from Poland, he opened his dream store just last year in 2024. Victor’s sister, Lydia, said that the company was built on gratitude. They feel incredibly grateful to meet kind people and run a successful store. Lydia also commented on how welcoming the Asbury Park community is. “People actually stop, and they talk to you,” she said. “They want to have a conversation!”
Taking a further look into Asbury Park’s rich community made Sea.Hear.Now all the more enjoyable. With luck, these businesses (and more!) will be able to return to the festival again next September.
Photo taken by Emily Rose | Interviewed on September 13, 2025
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