Talking with David Norton – Founder of Newport, Rhode Island-based, nautically-inspired bracelet company, Lemon & Line!

      

Can you briefly describe your business, Lemon and Line?

In the smallest of nutshells we craft nautical bracelets in Newport, RI. We launched the business in 2010 in an effort to streamline/update the old school sailors bracelets we all wore growing up. We use only marine grade materials and build everything to last. We’ve since developed quite a following on social media, opened our flagship store and have around 150 wholesale accounts around the country.

What do you like most about owning your own company? 

Flexibility. I love being able to close the doors whenever I want to go sailing.

      

What has been the most exciting part of Lemon & Line’s existence since you started in 2010? 

The most exciting part is genuine market response. We’ve created an authentic brand that people want to be part of. We’re more than just bracelets – we’re a sailing company with roots in the sport and people recognize and respect that.

      

What do you love most about Newport and Rhode Island? 

The ocean. This is where we started our business, but it is also where we started sailing. Newport is, arguably, the sailing capital of the world – its a great place to call home, keep our boat and run a business.

What do you like to do in your free time? 

When you own your own business there is an infinite list of things to do. Free time feels strange and non-productive. If I am not physically at the office – my mind is always there – brainstorming new products, thinking about sales development etc. There is always something that can be done. If I do sneak away though I’m sailing.

It seems like you sail a lot. What do you love about it? Do you have a favorite place to sail? 

Sailing is the root of our business. It is our passion, our inspiration and the reason we’re such an authentic brand. I’ve been on the water my whole life – I love being salty. I also race competitively – that is a stress reliever for me. It is a chance for me to be so in the moment I forget about everything else. If I am not racing I’m cruising the islands – Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket and Cuttyhunk.

      

*All photos c/o Lemon & Line.