Podcast Summary: The Interview with Leslie Heaney – A Summer Guide to Nantucket featuring Ashley McCormick

Release Date: July 15, 2025

Hosts and Guests

• Host: Leslie Heaney
• Guest: Ashley McCormick, founder of the lifestyle brand Asha

Introduction to Ashley McCormick and Asha

Leslie Heaney welcomes Ashley McCormick, a lifelong summer resident of Nantucket and the founder of Asha, a versatile lifestyle brand. Ashley recently expanded her business by opening a new Asha store in Nantucket, marking a significant milestone in her 20-year entrepreneurial journey.

The Origin Story of Asha

Ashley shares the inspiring beginnings of Asha, highlighting her entrepreneurial spirit that started in college. Studying art history at Georgetown, Ashley’s passion for jewelry-making blossomed during her junior year abroad in Florence and Paris. A serendipitous meeting with the head of fine jewelry at Chanel led her to connect with a Parisian goldsmith, laying the foundation for her first jewelry pieces.

“I was making jewelry for fun and I met the head of fine jewelry for Chanel at a dinner party in Paris, serendipitously. And he connected me with a goldsmith in Paris.” – Ashley McCormick [04:00]

Despite starting small, Ashley’s dedication and willingness to seek help propelled Asha into being stocked by renowned stores like Henry Bendel and Saks shortly after her college graduation. Today, Asha has evolved into a comprehensive lifestyle brand encompassing jewelry, accessories, and apparel.

Opening Asha’s Nantucket Store

Ashley expresses her long-held dream of opening a store in Nantucket, a place dear to her heart since childhood. The new Asha store, located on Federal Street, embodies the brand’s ethos and aesthetic. Ashley describes the store as a “jewel box” and a “labor of love,” with the assistance of her mother in decorating the space.

“Opening Memorial Day weekend, and it's been incredible.” – Ashley McCormick [07:40]

This expansion signifies a full-circle moment for Ashley, blending her personal connection to the island with her professional aspirations.

Insider Tips: Getting to Nantucket

Ashley shares her preferred method of reaching Nantucket—driving to Hyannis Port and taking the ferry. Although flying is more convenient, especially for solo or quick trips, the ferry experience holds sentimental value for Ashley.

“I am old school and a lot of people will disagree with me, but I love to drive to Hyannis and take the ferry.” – Ashley McCormick [08:55]

Reservations for ferry cars are highly competitive and often sell out quickly, so advanced planning is essential.

Accommodation Recommendations

For visitors without local residences, Ashley recommends several charming inns and hotels:

• Great House Inn: Ideal for short trips, located near the Asha store.
• White Elephant: Offers a pool and standalone residences, perfect for those seeking more amenities.
• Faraway Hotel and Wahwinit Hotel: Known for their timeless and classic appeal.
• Summer House in Sconset: Features tiny, adorable cottages for a quaint stay experience.

Dining Delights: Must-Visit Restaurants

Ashley highlights Nantucket’s diverse culinary scene, recommending a mix of local favorites:

• Ventuno: Praised for having the best kitchen on the island and a lively back bar at night.

  “Ventuno sort of gets lively later in the night. So that's a super fun spot.” – Ashley McCormick [12:46]

• The Hub: A top choice for coffee enthusiasts.

• Something Natural & Fresh Provisions: Perfect for crafting picnic sandwiches from local produce.

• Ladies’ Crew & Sandbar: Ideal for relaxed lunches and family-friendly dinners, respectively.

• Nantucket Meat and Fish: Highly recommended for grilling and fresh seafood.

Beach Recommendations

Ashley shares her favorite beaches in Nantucket, emphasizing their unique qualities:

• Ladies’ Beach: Her top pick for its serene dunes and limited crowds.

  “I love the Dunes. It doesn’t get too busy.” – Ashley McCormick [18:40]

• Children’s Beach: Equipped with a playground and shallow waters, perfect for families with young children.

• Great Point: Allows vehicle access with a special sticker.

• Surfing at Cisco Beach: Features a surf school for enthusiasts.

Activities: Biking, Boating, and More

Nantucket is renowned for its bike-friendly environment, with numerous bike paths like Milestone Road and the Pulpis Bike Path offering scenic routes. Boat rentals and fishing charters, especially with reputable captains like Captain Corey, provide ample opportunities for water adventures. Additionally, Ashley mentions the availability of hiking trails for those interested in exploring the island’s natural beauty on foot.

Local Events and Festivals

Nantucket hosts a variety of engaging events throughout the summer:

• Nantucket by Design: Featuring panels with decorators like Caroline Gadir and keynote speaker Martha Stewart.
• Boston Pops Concerts: A staple annual event attracting music lovers.
• Wine Festival in May and Daffodil Weekend in April: Celebrate the island’s vibrant culture and natural beauty.

Shopping and Art Galleries

Ashley recommends several local shops and galleries that capture Nantucket’s charm:

• Murray’s Togglery: Known for Nantucket Reds.
• Nantucket Looms: Offers exquisite mohair and cashmere blankets.
• Alice Walk: A beloved clothing store on Federal Street.
• Sylvia’s Antiques: Features vintage and new Lightship baskets.
• Whaling Museum and Life Saving Museum: Educational spots offering deep dives into Nantucket’s maritime history.

“The Whaling Museum is definitely at the top of the list for a rainy day.” – Ashley McCormick [24:21]

Future Plans for Asha

Looking ahead, Ashley discusses plans for further expanding Asha with potential new store locations beyond Greenwich, where Asha is currently based. She aims to balance her role as a mother with her entrepreneurial endeavors, continuing to enhance the brand’s lifestyle offerings and client experiences.

“I think just continuing to do what we’re doing and sort of expanding on that lifestyle brand.” – Ashley McCormick [32:14]

Closing Thoughts

Leslie expresses enthusiasm for Ashley’s insights and the newly opened Asha store, encouraging listeners to explore Nantucket with fresh recommendations. Ashley hopes her shared experiences resonate with listeners, inviting them to discover their own favorite spots on the island.

Notable Quotes:

• “Asha is a nickname that my Cuban grandparents gave me when I was little because Ashley does not roll off the tongue in Spanish.” – Ashley McCormick [04:00]
• “You gotta try, you gotta ask the question, ask for the order and you'll see what happens.” – Ashley McCormick [07:03]
• “The Whaling Museum is definitely at the top of the list for a rainy day.” – Ashley McCormick [24:21]

Upcoming Episode: Tune in next Friday for a summer series episode on Newport, Rhode Island, featuring photographer and author Nick Mealy.

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