Forty Fathoms was born out of a love for the place I call home and the belief that New Brunswick deserves to shine in its own right. Too often our province is called the “drive-through province” of the Maritimes, a place people pass through on their way to somewhere else. But I’ve always known the truth: we have everything we need right here. Rugged coastlines, tight-knit communities and a way of life you simply can’t find anywhere else.
That perspective sharpened when I bought the property that became Salty Maiden, my oceanfront rental in Chamcook, NB. I had no background in property development, construction or hospitality, but I knew what I wanted to create and figured the rest out along the way. What I discovered was more than a business venture. It became a front-row seat to the awe of visitors experiencing our coast for the first time. Watching tourists stand in amazement at the Fundy tides or breathe in the salt air made me see my home with fresh eyes. It reminded me of the extraordinary beauty that surrounds us every day, beauty we sometimes take for granted.
That spark of inspiration grew into something bigger. I wanted to design pieces that captured both sides of New Brunswick: the hardworking character of this region and the raw coastal beauty of the place itself. In small communities it’s easy to be our own worst enemies, focusing on what we think we’re missing instead of the opportunities right in front of us. Starting a business takes a leap of faith, and New Brunswickers are no strangers to hard work. For women especially, stepping into entrepreneurship can be an uphill climb. Forty Fathoms is proof that with grit, persistence and a willingness to take risks, you can chart your own course and create something meaningful no matter where you start.
At the end of the day, this brand is my love letter to New Brunswick: to its working wharves, its quiet strength and the raw beauty that defines life by the sea. Whether you were born here, moved here or just passed through and felt the pull of the tides, Forty Fathoms is a reminder that home is worth celebrating.
