Welcome to the world of Floral Coast, our newest scent at Old Whaling Co., inspired by our deep love for that magical time of year when the sun is shining and hydrangeas are in bloom by the seashore.
A Blossoming Love for Hydrangeas
My love for hydrangeas began in the summer of 2008. It all started in Cleveland around 2005, over coffee and lunch at a favorite local spot. A friend mentioned her new travel nursing assignment to Martha’s Vineyard. “Where?” I asked. “What’s that? It’s a real place?” She explained it was a picturesque island in Massachusetts, known for its exclusivity and celebrity residents, including Jackie Kennedy. I didn’t even realize Massachusetts had islands. Before social media, and really the internet - I’m not sure I even had a computer then - the rest of the world seemed so far away. There was so much I had yet to learn. I was intrigued and excited for her, but I didn’t think much more of it until later.
Fast forward a couple of years, and my friend never left the island. She met a local, fell in love, and stayed. In the summer of 2007 or 2008, I visited her. Martha’s Vineyard was unlike anywhere I’d ever been. It took my breath away, and overwhelmed my senses. How could a place so different from everything I’d ever known be so close?
And the hydrangeas—oh, the hydrangeas! They were in full bloom, more beautiful than any flower I’d ever seen. I was captivated and decided I must have hydrangeas in my life forever. Everything about the East Coast resonated with me, and I knew I wanted to be there forever one day.
Hydrangeas: A Constant Companion
After my trip to Martha’s Vineyard, I slowly started noticing hydrangeas everywhere. It seemed they had always been around me, but it took that journey to truly see them.
Since then, I’ve spent a lot of time up and down the East Coast, from Maine to Florida, and now call Charleston, SC, home. Even in the southern heat, hydrangeas thrive and remain my favorite flower.
When we moved into our new home on Johns Island in 2022, I planted over 30 hydrangea plants. It might have been a little hydrangea crazy, but it’s paying off now in May 2024.
Family Travels and Hydrangea Adventures
Today, our family loves traveling to Beach Haven, NJ, where my husband spent many summers as a child and young adult. We now love it as much as he does, and it’s somewhere our family looks forward to visiting as often as possible.
The hydrangeas there are always on full display in front of charming vintage beach cottages. Walking around and taking pictures of hydrangeas is one of my favorite activities when we visit. My children are less than impressed with this activity, and prefer spending their time swimming, or having fun at Fantasy Island.
A few summers ago, we were blessed to stop and take photos with Grandpa in front of the summer cottage where he spent many wonderful summers as a child before it became a major travel destination.
And just a few weeks back, right before the launch of Floral Coast, we received a box from Grandpa’s brother in the mail (who is a world renowned oil painter in Carmel, California - click here to see his work). It was a collection of diaries and paintings from Grandpa’s mother. It was incredible to pour over so much history and to hold a piece of art she created so long ago. The painting was a seascape - of the Barnegat Bay lighthouse - and I couldn’t help but feel it was a sign that said “you’re going the right way. This is what you’re supposed to be doing”.
Floral Coast: A Sea-Inspired Scent
Since the inception of Old Whaling Co., we’ve remained steadfast in our dedication to creating sea-inspired scents that transport people to special moments in time. Floral Coast embodies everything we love about summer along the coast: boardwalk strolls, ice cream dripping down your hand, savoring sunsets, fresh lobster rolls, fried fish, swimming in the sea, children laughing, and picnics at the beach.
Wherever you go, hydrangeas are there, cheering you on and enjoying every moment with you. Perfect for all the coastal grandmothers in your life, this scent captures the essence of seaside nostalgia and timeless elegance.
The Return of Floral Coast
Floral Coast is a scent we offered in the very beginning stages of our City Market days but stopped making to focus on other fragrances. We even made it in a perfume!
Embrace Summer Simplicity with Floral Coast
Floral Coast is an ode to summer simplicity, time gone by, and enjoying the little things. It’s perfect for the coastal grandmother and coastal granddaughter inside all of us, capturing the essence of timeless summers, simple joys, and vintage charm.
By sharing our story, we hope to connect with others who share a love for hydrangeas and the coastal lifestyle. Embrace the nostalgia and simplicity of summer with Floral Coast, perfect for all the coastal grandmothers in your life!
