There’s no one quite like your mother, the person who guides you through this life and celebrates each and every one of your milestones. 

Here at Dune we celebrate all mothers, on Mother’s Day and every day. This time of year is truly special to us as many of the team members at Dune are mothers who give their all for the wellbeing of their family. 

In addition to this, many of our retail partners are a mother-daughter or mother-son team! We’ve interviewed four fabulous retail mothers to share their business and the success of working with their child! Stay tuned…

We’ve also asked each mom to share her favorite Dune design, so keep your eyes peeled to see which pieces and elements the experts favor and perhaps add an item or two to your Mother’s Day shopping cart. 

Gumbo Limbo Coastal Chic in Stuart, Florida, USA

Owned by Patty O’Connell 

Gumbo Limbo Coastal Chic is entering its 16th year in historic downtown Stuart Florida! Our children’s store, Gumbo Limbo Coastal Kidz is now in its 9th year. As the owner, I do the buying, merchandising and all aspects of the business on a day-to-day basis along with my daughter Kaitlin and my husband John.

What is the most inspiring thing (or skill) that your daughter brings to the workplace?

The best part about working with Kaitlin and watching her grow in the business is her ability to manage the back-end efficiently…I could NOT do it without her! She has become a valued opinion and partner in buying over the years. We have fun making decisions together!

Which Dune Jewelry design and elements would be your top recommendation for a Mother’s Day Gift? 

We have always loved the Wave Necklace! It seems so perfect for us and our store because we are so close to the ocean. It’s just a timeless design! For elements, we of course have to add sand from our beloved Bathtub Beach as well as Blue Sea Glass or Turquoise. Mom’s custom piece should include whatever beach is closest to her heart, of course!

Check Gumbo Limbo Coastal out at 37 SW Osceola Street, Stuart, FL 34994.

Majesty Jewelers in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

Co-Owned by Jharna Aswani

Majesty Jewelers is a cherished family-owned jewelry establishment that has been a part of St. Maarten’s beauty for 28 years, boasting two locations—one on Front Street, nestled in the heart of downtown, and the other at the bustling Harbor, frequented by cruise ships. In addition to engaging directly with customers on the sales floor, where I take pleasure in showcasing and selling the exquisite Dune Jewelry collection among others, I also play a role in selecting products for our stores through procurement efforts.

Which family members do you work with and what is the most rewarding part about collaborating with them?

I feel incredibly blessed to be a mother to two beautiful twins—a boy and a girl. Alongside my wonderful husband Ash, I play an active role in our family business. Aarti, my daughter, is truly a breath of fresh air. Her perpetual happiness and contagious smile makes working alongside her an absolute delight.

What aspect or skill does your daughter bring to the workplace that you find most inspiring?

She graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, MA, with a degree in Business Administration. Aarti brings her business expertise in Marketing and Communications into our stores.  In addition to learning the ropes of this business, she is a part of the sales force.

What Dune Jewelry design would you suggest as a Mother’s Day gift, and what specific elements would you recommend incorporating into that design?

My top recommendation for a heartfelt Mother’s Day gift would undoubtedly be the Mediterranean Necklace. This exquisite piece combines elements that resonate deeply with the essence of motherhood. The inclusion of Turquoise, renowned for its healing properties, adds a touch of serenity and wellness to the piece. Mother of Pearl, symbolizing purity, evokes the timeless bond between a mother and her child. Moreover, the incorporation of Sand elements signifies the strength and resilience inherent in motherhood and the unwavering determination and endurance a mother possesses through the passage of time. This necklace beautifully encapsulates the essence of motherhood, making it a meaningful and cherished gift for any mother.

Check Majesty Jewelers out at A.C. Wathey Harbor Cruise Terminal, Point Blanche, Sint Maarten and 46 Front St, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.

Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts in Petoskey, MI, USA

Co-Owned by Jennifer Shorter

I am the CEO or “Chief Juggler” at Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts and have worked in the family business since fourth grade, helping my parents and Grandmother with the business after my Grandfather’s passing. Eventually my parents bought the business from my grandmother and I worked at the store through my grade school days. I left and went to college for marketing and product development in the office furniture industry, but eventually decided I missed the retail business, so I came back to help run it with my parents.

Which family members are involved in your work? What is the best part about working with them?

Over the years, all of my family members have worked at the stores in some capacity. I currently work with my husband, the CAO (Chief Anything Officer), as he does what he is told to do! My daughter worked with me at the store through High School and into college but has now left to pursue a career in law enforcement.

My favorite part about working with family is that at any moment I can have a conversation about retail and the business, and I get a variety of perspectives from different family members. My mom is really good at building displays. I learned techniques just from watching her. My mother says she’s not a good teacher, but I observed her for many years and took note of what she was doing, while adding a twist to make it my own. Building displays has really challenged me creatively in the best way.

Given the demanding nature of retail work, where do you prefer to go to unwind and recharge when you have a day off?

I love to read and paint. I frequently escape to my “paint studio” (AKA dining room) to make acrylic impressionist art. When I have the time to get out of town, my favorite place to visit is Sault Sainte Marie – St. Marys River. Otherwise, I love a quick trip to the beach here in Petoskey to stroll around and look for Petoskey Stones!

What is your favorite Dune design for Mother’s Day?

I highly recommend the Boho Cuff Bracelet with Petoskey stones because the stone is unique and one-of-a-kind, just like a Mother’s love. This design will be available at Grandpa Shorter’s just in time for Mother’s Day Shopping!

Check Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts out at 301 E Lake St, Petoskey, MI 49770.

Michael Gallagher Jewelers in Bear, DE, USA

Owned by Kathleen and Teresa Gallagher

Our family-owned store has been in business for 80 years. I started working part-time 35 years ago and 10 years ago I took on a full-time position. The best part of working with my mom is being able to see her and my dad on a daily basis. We are very close and maintain a family atmosphere that extends to our sales associates and our customers. We have built our reputation on trust, integrity and family tradition. When someone steps in our store, they are treated as family!

What does your work entail?

I am the Marketing Manager. I manage our advertising, website, and social media accounts and act as the primary buyer. I really try to find new and unusual lines to bring into our store. I was combing the internet late one Friday afternoon many many years ago and found Dune Jewelry….. and Holly! At that time, Dune’s line consisted primarily of Sandbeads. We placed our first order that same Friday night personally on the phone with Holly and have been off and running ever since!

What do you find particularly inspiring about your mom’s contribution to the workplace?

My Mom has the strongest work ethic that I have ever seen. She is truly the hardest working person that I know. She works hard both at home and in our store. Our store windows are showpieces thanks to her. Every upcoming Holiday and season is portrayed in our front windows! At home she can be found gardening, planting, and cooking gourmet meals at home, to name a few. She can also be found handling all of the accounting and managerial responsibilities at the store. She is ALWAYS ON THE GO!

How does your mom impact those around her?

Our family is very active in animal rescue. A percentage of all of our sales go to local animal shelters and rescues. They humanely trap, spay/neuter, feed, and provide shelter to feral cats nearly everyday! They also sit on several animal rescue Boards. It is a great feeling to help those who cannot speak up for themselves.

Which Dune Jewelry design do you consider the perfect choice for a Mother’s Day gift? Which specific elements would you suggest adding to that design?

The Full Heart Stationary Necklace with Turquoise Gradient would be my top pick for a Mother’s Day gift! Nothing symbolizes a Mother’s love more than a heart! Of course, I would use our “Delaware Beaches” sand which is a mix of Lewes, Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany and Fenwick Island sand.

Check Michael Gallagher Jewelers out at 102 Fox Hunt Drive, Bear,  DE 19701.

Whether you’re a retailer, team member, or customer of Dune, we’d love to know which design moms love most!

Tag us @DuneJewelry or send in a photo!