Modern Vintage started 10 years ago in Sandwich. Both of us, (Kristen Jenkins and Cara Crupi-Dulmaine) were raised in Sandwich and found our way back to our hometown after college and some traveling. What first started off as a few creative projects and a blog, sparked a lot of local interest and led to the opening of our first retail shop in Merchant’s Square. It mainly consisted of our own handmade goods like hand-painted signs, refinished furniture, one-of-a-kind fabric designs and fabric goods. We did a lot of custom work as well.
We didn’t really know what we were doing when we started- neither of us had any business experience (or money lol), but both of us have always had the drive and determination to make our visions happen. Neither of us have been ones to follow rules and we have really carved our own path. We tend to figure things out as we go and it has worked. Becoming moms while building a business is not an easy job. If we couldn’t roll with the punches, then I’m not sure we would have made it this far. Our brand has evolved over the years and continues to as we grow and as our customers’ needs change. We have expanded to include other items than just our own such as works from local artists, table-top goods, clothing, gift items as well as offering sewing and upholstery services.
People always ask, what is Modern Vintage? To understand our brand you need to know the two of us and how opposite we are. It’s an antithesis of looks that when combined, works. We think our brand really speaks for itself… it’s a little bit of old, a little bit of new, some tradition, some edge, some freshness, some earthiness, but really…. it’s Modern Vintage.
Kristen is the chippy paint and rustic side to Modern Vintage. She graduated from Simmons College with an Art & Communications degree she didn't know what to do with. A few stints at local galleries proved far too boring and clean for Kristen, and she was soon found waiting tables at the local diner. There, she befriended everyone in town, including a fellow antique and paint lover, Teresa Morris, who may be as crazy and impulsive as she. Soon Kristen could be found rescuing roadside dressers and painting them morning, noon and night in her kitchen. Today, Kristen considers Teresa family and Teresa also has her furniture pieces and vintage at both of shops. Although Kristen changes her mind with the wind, when it comes to design, she tends to lean towards simple and fresh design elements, and loves to incorporate architectural salvage into any project. She loves to get her hands dirty and almost every article of clothing she owns has paint on it. Kristen and her husband, Matt, have four children, Cora, Matty, Luke, and Ruby.
Cara is the more feminine and modern with a twist of boho side of Modern Vintage. After graduating from Simmons College with a degree in Computer Science and Art, traveling the world, and six years as a graphic designer and production manager in the corporate events world, she yearned for a more independent role. An entrepreneur at heart, she always knew she wanted to own her own business. After falling in love with textile design, she knew it was the perfect fit for her. A designer of many mediums, Cara loves the mix of modern and vintage, florals, rich fabrics, muted colors and metallics. Although she loses her keys and wallet almost daily, she manages to get out the door every morning accessorized to the max. Cara and her husband, Jay, have four daughters, Soleil, Ivy, Téa, and Isla.
We are so excited to open our second location in Osterville on our 10 year anniversary. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the support of our amazing customers who have been by our side through it all, including two shop moves, 6 babies, and lots of school, sport, and family events. We are eager to get to know our fellow shop owners and start collaborating. Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. We already love it there and are very excited to meet new customers and see what this venture brings!