Connecticut

Matt Beaudoin learned the art of tying nautical knots from his grandfather, who popularized the rope sailor bracelet in New England’s beach towns in the 1960s and 70s.

Today, Beaudoin’s company, Mystic Knotwork and its 17 employees produce a variety of nautical-themed crafts—all made by hand right in historic downtown Mystic.

Many customers purchase products from one of the company’s ecommerce channels. “Then,” shared Beaudoin, “when they’re touring New England, they stop by. The internet actually generates demand that brings people into our brick-and-mortar store.”