Jessica Norton 
Among the Jersey Shore’s vibrant boutique scene, The Coast Atelier, located at 3214 Atlantic Brigantine Avenue, Brigantine, has quickly become a destination for thoughtfully curated, ethically sourced goods that merge coastal elegance with everyday luxury. The boutique, curated by Sekai Katedza, opened its doors in May 2025 and features a carefully selected collection that celebrates diversity, craftsmanship, and style. From finely tailored linen clothing and chic accessories to home decor and designer journals, each piece reflects Sekai’s commitment to beauty, function, and effortless coastal sophistication. Whether exploring in person or online, visitors are invited to discover a collection that inspires, delights, and embodies refined seaside living. Read on to learn more about Sekai-Emilia Hartz and The Coast Atelier.
Meet Sekai Katedza, Creator + Founder of The Coast Atelier
Sekai Katedza, founder and curator of The Coast Atelier, is a visionary entrepreneur whose journey spans continents and creative disciplines. With a background in journalism, media studies, and sociology, Sekai’s path to retail was shaped by motherhood and a desire to create spaces that connect people through thoughtfully curated goods.
Her first venture, The Red Shelf in Windhoek, Namibia, blended a consignment store with a creative hub, where she sourced and crafted vintage jewelry, capsule wardrobe pieces, artwork, and books. The challenges of sourcing during the pandemic inspired her to make unique products in-house – a hands-on approach she continues at The Coast Atelier.
After having grown up in Zimbabwe and Namibia, Sekai relocated to the United States in 2024 and, after a brief period of reflection, opened The Coast Atelier in Brigantine. At her boutique, Sekai isn’t just selecting products to sell – she’s curating joy, connection, and discovery, creating a space guided by the simple yet profound belief that beautiful things bring people together.
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About The Coast Atelier
The Coast Atelier is more than a boutique; it’s a small studio space and destination store where lifestyle fashion, home accents, books, and artisan products from over 20 countries converge. Ethically sourced and handmade goods are at the heart of the store’s philosophy. Sekai told JSG that she has always been drawn to natural materials like linen and cotton, as well as functional, artisanal pieces.
“Most of the products you’ll find in the store are items that genuinely spark joy for me. They’re well-made, durable, and safe. I feel confident sharing them with others.”
Among her personal favorites are small-batch items, especially those made locally in Brigantine, from candles to pouches. She is particularly proud of the BaTonga decorative baskets from Zimbabwe, appreciating the craftsmanship and cultural heritage they represent.
For Sekai, the boutique is as much about community as it is about commerce. “I want people to know that the store is a truly happy place. You can find a little bit of everything – clothing, shoes, jewelry, books, and more. We’re constantly hosting shop-and-sips or simple hangouts because community is at the heart of it all.”
Looking ahead, Sekai is preparing for the holiday shopping season and plans to spend her downtime creating jewelry from stones and metals. She’ll also be traveling back to Namibia to source fabrics, handmade bags, and other discoveries for the boutique’s next phase, focusing on intentional, meaningful curations.
The Perfect Jersey Shore Day, according to Sekai:
“I would take a boat ride from beach town to beach town, on a really nice boat. I’d visit all the cute stores and end with dinner at a friend’s or at my house. I say boat because I hate driving on the highway sometimes.”
Advice for Jersey Shore Girl Entrepreneurs + Business Owners:
To fellow female entrepreneurs, Sekai offers simple but powerful advice: “Don’t give up, don’t even think about giving up. There is always room for you, and there is always someone willing to help. Ask for help, admit when you’re wrong, learn, and start over. We’re here to complement one another, not compete.”
The Coast Atelier is located at 3214 Atlantic Brigantine Avenue in Brigantine and can be shopped online. Follow @thecoastatelier or visit the website for store information + style inspo.
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