Our Story
Jupiter & Main was born in 2020 in the middle of the COVID crisis, and from a desire to create more joy and fun in challenging times. It was a time when folks were reassessing priorities—away from mindless hustle and spending—and toward quality goods, authenticity and connection with loved ones.
We felt the same. Both Kevin and I were entrenched in the marketing world—Kevin on the web development side and I specialized in print design. At the time, we felt the need to scale back client work and focus on creating something great in our own home town—where Kevin’s family has lived for over 6 generations. What’s really meaningful? How can we use our resources to make a better life? Appreciate more? Slow down? Create calm?
Unconscious Origins
When I was little, one of my mother’s best friends owned a shop on Main Street in the small town where I grew up in Northern California. It was owned by an amazingly eccentric couple who had a passion for traveling—they ventured abroad every year searching for European treasures. The shop housed a 20-ft long counter from the 1800s with dozens of glass jars containing every amazing variety of candy you can imagine—from Swedish fish (my favorite) to non-pareils—with an old fashioned scale where Earl, in his vest and bow tie would meticulously weigh each little bag filled with treasures. There were soaps from France, dolls from Germany (I still have one!) antiques, apparel—it was a wonderland where I spent many hours while my mother visited her friends.
It wasn’t until just after opening Jupiter & Main that the memory of that shop came to mind—the many hours I spent there, and all the beautiful gifts in our Christmas stockings that came from that rustic little store—our shop was amazingly reminiscent of those times.
Today, we’ve enjoyed the evolution of Jupiter & Main. Some of our most prized fixtures were purchased from our family friends at the oldest General Store on the Coastside—the San Gregorio General Store (if you haven’t been, it’s a local treasure). Our men’s apothecary cabinet originated from a 19th century barber shop. Our latest acquisition—a large, 1500lb safe built in 1912—originally housed in the Joseph Debenedetti Building next door and gifted to us by the Half Moon Bay Historical Society, makes the perfect bar cabinet.
Jupiter
Many people ask us—why Jupiter? In astrology, the planet Jupiter influences philosophy, spirituality, higher learning, expansion and growth. It symbolizes a force of optimism, hope, wisdom, travel, good luck and prosperity. Jupiter also signifies generosity, benevolence and the sharing of one’s wealth and understanding—not to mention a masculine, down-to-earth sentimentality—all the values that resonated with us and felt the time commanded.
Jupiter & Main has developed its own persona, it’s own vibe, one that’s deeply grounding, comforting and inspirational for many, including for us—it’s been the most fun and fulfilling project I’ve ever embarked upon, and I hope it continues to support our community for many years to come.
—Colleen Henney
