Eight years ago, Tanya Rustigian moved to the Island and started working at Citrine in Vineyard Haven part time. She forged a friendship with owner Emma Kiley Bryant and soon sold her first piece of jewelry in the store. When the time came this year to say goodbye to running the shop, Mrs. Kiley Bryant said she only had one person in mind to take over ownership. In mid-September, Mrs. Kiley Bryant handed the reigns to Ms. Rustigian after owning the store since it opened on Main street in 2006.

“I’ve watched her progress over the years and it’s always made me really proud of her,” said Mrs. Kiley Bryant. “I’m so excited for her. She’s going to do such a great job.”

“It was all meant to be for timing,” said Ms. Rustigian. “I knew that I eventually wanted to open a shop and the only place I wanted to do it was here.”

Mrs. Kiley Bryant said that after growing and expanding the year-round women’s and children’s boutique over 12 years, she thought it was time to pass it along to someone who can bring a new energy to the store without overhauling her original vision.

Year-round women's and children's boutique was started by Emma Kiley Bryant. — Jeanna Shepard

“I’ve checked all the boxes and done all of the things in my head and heart I wanted to do with it,” she said. “My main goal now is to hang out with my kids. I kind of want to take the time to plug into them a little bit.”

Ms. Rustigian, 29, grew up in Plymouth but said she instantly fell in love with the Vineyard over summers spent on the Island. She developed her business acumen by starting her own jewelry line, Trust, in 2013 that is now available in stores nationwide, including Citrine. In her mid-20s she traveled the world and the country looking for artistic inspiration in antique shows and street-styles, eventually settling in California in 2015.

“I grew up with antiques so I’m huge on vintage things,” she said. “My favorite part of the job is finding unique things no one else has.”

After long drives through Sedona in Arizona and hanging out along Venice Beach in Los Angeles, Ms. Rustigian said she discovered a laid-back, bohemian aesthetic she wanted to transport to the East Coast.

“I always said to myself, eventually when I come home I’ll open up my own shop and bring everything I’ve learned home,” she said.

Located at 9 Main street, Vineyard Haven. — Jeanna Shepard

Over the winter, Ms. Rustigian got a call from Mrs. Kiley Bryant to meet in Las Vegas to buy items for the next Citrine season. Ms. Rustigian said she was convinced then to return to the Island for the summer and take over the operation, bringing her new West Coast vision with her.

On Tuesday morning, Ms. Rustigian walked around the shop adjusting dresses on hangers and pillows on a couch in the back room. Racks and shelves held an eclectic collection of goods that included purses, hats, boots, blankets and board games. On top of one of the shelves was a white cow skull, not for sale.

“That’s Bella,” she said, laughing. “I found her on the side of the road in Sedona. She’s part of my brand.”

It’s been a hectic first few weeks, but Ms. Rustigian said she’s found her groove with the help of three part-time employees. She even had a few tips for young people looking to start their own venture.

“It’s a mix between hustle and balance,” she said. “You have to work hard but also care for yourself. When you love your job all you do is hustle.”

Ms. Rustigian said she envisions turning the back room of the store into a lounge where Main street shoppers can rest their feet and start a conversation. She said it’s a way of welcoming the community that has welcomed her, and she is looking forward to showing off the off-season changes in a launch party next spring.

“I just want it to be a nice, calming place for people,” she said. “Everyone has been so welcoming and it’s felt really good to be here.”