Nancy Snell, Anew #WeAreSeaside

Seaside is a cooperative effort, held firmly together by a talented and hard working group of 17 small businesses, artists and designers. With our doors closed for the moment, we thought no better time than now to seize this opportunity and better connect you to our shopkeepers - to share their stories and show you how your support for our little shop by the sea is ultimately supporting the individual work and dreams of each and every member within our collective.
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These are their stories.
#WeAreSeaside
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NANCY SNELL
Painter & Owner of ANEW for Home

Currently, I am focusing on painting a fresh batch of beach scenes. I think it is just what we all will need to replenish our hearts and homes as well trudge through these challenging days of seclusion. Also, I am constantly adding to my home decor products to help you fill in your home with unique items that will make you smile and bring joy to your life! Candles, hurricane lanterns, fresh dish towels, hand soap and even the cutest felt mice are perfect to add sparkle and charm your home now. When we are able to go back to our normal life of social interaction with family and friends, you may want to check out my beautiful tableware of white dishes, sparkling glassware and so much more!

Where does your creativity come from?

I have always loved to paint and be creative with any medium that I had while growing up; it's 
no wonder I went for a degree in Art Education and taught art classes for many years! My husband and I were always so involved raising our three children; which of course, are now grown and blessed with families of their own. I also have worked for the past 20 years selling educational products, which is so diverse from my creative nature, but compliments my love for people!

What inspired you to start “Anew”?

Losing my loving husband of 41 years was shocking and devastating. I knew I needed to move forward and in some way find joy in my life. So I turned inward, relying on my internal resources and artist‘s talent, which I have been blessed with. Gravitating toward creating art and carefully curating products for home that would compliment my artwork, with an easy coastal style honestly just seemed like a natural thing to do!

Last year, I moved forward and founded "Anew" (my home decor business) out of a sense of appreciation for every day and for the wonderful people in my life. Prior to raising our family, my husband and I had relocated to California from upstate New York because of our love for the ocean and were fortunate enough to make Newport Beach our forever home. I treasure every day here and I’m grateful for a life of beautiful memories, the riches of my family, friends and my gift to paint and hopefully bring joy to others.

What is your creative process? 

My creative process often begins with a walk on the beach. There are just infinite possibilities when it comes to capturing the beauty in the water, waves, sand, rocks, sky and total essence that happens each moment there! No two days are the same and it always fills my soul and replenishes my creative spirit.

In addition to the inspiration I get from our glorious local beaches I have to admit my grandchildren are a constant source or inspiration for me as well! Seeing the world from their eyes just is truly enlightening! Any day with Natalie, Hayden and Teddy is a great day for me!

Seaside has given me a dream come true opportunity to focus on all the things I love to do with the most gifted, talented and authentically beautiful spirited women that support one another! It never ceases to amaze me how 17 women can come together and work so cohesively to make such a wonderful shopping environment that people gravitate to. I always feel uplifted leaving this place and think our customers do too!