Storefront Stories: Carlisle House Inn - Celebrating Women's History Month Spotlights

Q: Tell us a bit about your business? 

A: In May of 2018, I purchased (along with a partner) the Carlisle House Inn which has been in operation since the early 1920s.  We are a year-round bed and breakfast inn located in the historic district.  We have 13 guests rooms offering 3 suites and 7 rooms with private baths, all of which feature king-size beds.  We also have 3 petite rooms that share a bath. I first came to Nantucket as a college student to work summers.  I cleaned rooms at the Century House, worked at the Nantucket Pharmacy, answered phones for J Pepper Frazier (the original), waited tables at the Westender, and served cocktails at the Summer House.  I fell in love with the island and innkeeping.  I also own inns in Indiana where I’m from. 

Q: How did last year challenge you as a businesswoman, if at all? 

A: 2021 presented us with the same challenges as our fellow island business owners – labor shortage paired with high demand kept us running.  Supply chains made goods slow to arrive but we didn’t have any major issues.  The season was the strongest we’ve had since opening.  The staff rallied and we all got through a successful summer.

Q. What tips or advice do you have for other women wanting to start their own business? 

A; Go for it!  I’m a risk-taker so it comes naturally to me to create and own businesses but I realize that the prospect may seem daunting to others.  My best advice is to do what you love and know.  If you love what you do, it won’t seem like work.  I know this seems cliché but it is so true.  Thoroughly plan – build your business plan and have the right support people/experts in place.  When you stumble (and you will), don’t give up.  Get creative and keep working towards your goals. 

Q. What mantra do you live by? 

A: There’s nothing you can’t do if you put your mind to it!

Q:  How do you balance owning a business and your personal life? 

A: Balance?  I do my best.  My older son runs the inn during the off season.  My younger son and I return to Indianapolis as he’s still in high school.  In the summer we all run the inn together.  Personal and business life have seemed to mesh well.

Q: Who is the most influential woman in your life and why? 

A: My Mom.  She gave me the gift of watching her career as an educator/administrator grow and prosper.  She did it all while balancing work and home life. She showed me that anything is possible.

Q. Why do you think it's important to support other women?

A: Women are geniuses!  We get each other.  The strength and energy that can be drawn from each other is amazing.  This island was built in partnership with strong women.  The possibilities are endless when we work together….and so much more fun! 

Q: To what do you attribute your success?

A: Knowledge passed down to me from those who were kind enough to teach/guide me, hard work, determination and perseverance.

Q: What can we expect next from you? 

A: Possibly another inn….maybe an expansion of the existing inn?