It Just Keeps Getting Better

“When I started I a kid learning to shave.  I’m still a kid, and I hope I can stay a kid.”

It is this youthful exuberance, positive attitude, and energy that keep Don Freedman loving life and working every day in his shop on Centre Street.  Now celebrating his 30th season on Nantucket Island and with his 74th birthday approaching, Freedman took a few moments this week to reflect. 
“The island has changed, but mostly for the better.  There’s a more diverse group of visitors coming, from different countries and from different walks of life, and their taste levels are more sophisticated ... people now are more aware of design.  They appreciate what is unique, creative, and interesting.”

After five decades in business and 76 trips around the world, you’d think Freedman would have seen it all, but every year he brings new designs into his shop that delight his many regular clients and inspire new ones.

“Some people, by their 30th year [in business] get tired...esthetically and creatively, I have more energy than I ever had.  My creative drive makes my life more rewarding every day.”  Four years ago, Freedman began to sculpt in alabaster, soapstone, and marble. “I’d been designing for years, but I was thirsting to make something myself from start to finish,” he explained.  “Sculpting has made me more confident in my creative ability...If I’m tense from a day of work, I sit down with a sculpture, it’s very therapeutic.” He can often be seen in his shop working on his newest piece.

When asked what he has planned for his 31st season, Don thought for a moment then replied: “My goal is to continue to be unique and to design products that are not commonplace.  I’m waiting for God to show me what to do... Nantucket is a wonderful place to be at this stage of my life.  I’m thankful that I’m in a community with such quality of life...it just keeps getting better.”

Freedman’s of Nantucket is located at 14 Centre Street. 

September 2-5 is Don’s 30th Annual Labor Day Sale — don’t miss it!