Sherry Wyatt and Karen Smythe are co-owners of Saltwater Roots Boutique, tucked inside the Surfside Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach. The shop showcases only local talent, offering custom gifts from independent vendors alongside unique wholesale clothing. Step inside and you’ll find exclusive handmade items: crafts, tiles, trivets, jewelry, home décor, holiday accents, candles, and even pantry goods from more than 36 local vendors. “We only sell from local artisans. There are a ton of amazing crafters in this area, but we focus on vendors who have really honed their craft,” Sherry said.
Karen once sold candles as a vendor in the shop, and after forming a close friendship with Sherry, the two joined forces as partners. Four years later, Saltwater Roots Boutique has a waitlist of more than 30 local vendors eager to be featured. The idea grew from Sherry’s own roots. More than 25 years ago, she began attending craft fairs with her father, selling handmade wood products. Those connections inspired her to create Saltwater Roots Events, which she now runs with her daughter, Emmy, organizing more than a dozen vendor markets each year, including the upcoming Sandy Boots Hoedown on Saturday, Oct. 11, at Hudson Fields in Milton. Learn more at saltwaterrootsevents.com.
The boutique itself is also on the move, just down a few doors within the Surfside Outlets. “We’ll have a new space for vendors and clothing,” Sherry said. The grand opening is set for Nov. 8 with a Sip and Shop event, followed by Ladies Nights and themed gatherings. “We follow Tanger Outlet hours, and one of us is always here,” Sherry added. Karen laughed, “We’re very hands-on. We just wish we had more hands.” Visit them at saltwaterrootsboutique.co.
CRUSH QUESTIONS
Q: What’s your favorite part about living in coastal Delaware?
Sherry: “I’m born and raised here, so for me it’s the community. The strong small-town vibe — when my husband was hurt years ago, I came home to 15 dinners on my front porch.”
Karen: “I agree this area is amazing. You know how they say it ‘takes a village?’ Well, our village is incredible here.”
Q: Tell us something about yourself we wouldn’t otherwise know.
Sherry: “I don’t know, I’m an open book … maybe people don’t know I’m a Giants fan.”
Karen: “I’m a grandmother of seven! It’s wonderful.”
Q: By definition, a crush is a brief infatuation with something. What are you currently crushing on?
Sherry: “I’m in my Gilmore Girls re-run era. At night, it’s how I relax.”
Karen: “My Eagles! I’m a football girl; I bleed green through and through.”
