After forging a formidable career in women’s fashion — a pursuit that took her from Puerto Rico to New York City, Hong Kong, Bali, Australia, Miami and back to Puerto Rico again — Sylma Cabrera found her home and purpose in the last place she ever thought to look: tiny Shelter Island.
Cabrera’s story starts in her native Old San Juan where her original Pure Soul shop was destroyed in 2017’s brutal Hurricane Maria. She and her daughter came to the Island at the invitation of a friend in order to escape and recuperate. When she came across the store front for rent, it became the fresh start she didn’t know she needed.
Six years later, her irresistible women’s clothing and gift shop, Pure Soul at 183 North Ferry Road (or Bridge Street, as the locals call it), is full of flowing, colorful and summer-white linen dresses, tops, skirts and beach cover ups. Plus everything from delicate necklaces and earrings to bold statement jewelry, espadrilles, hats, home accents and even a thoughtfully selected book or two.
But it’s not just the allure of retail here; Cabrera is a special sort. Her kindness, her warm smile and ever-welcoming, gentle nature make Pure Soul feel… well, good for the soul. Even if you just stop in to say hi to Cabrera and her friendly staff, you’ll walk out feeling like a breezy million bucks.
Today, Cabrera has shops on her two island homes: Shelter Island and a second one that she re-built back in Old San Juan.
Here are a few of Sylma Cabrera’s favorite things:
Favorite place to hear music Oh, I love going to the Shipwreck and Salt. It’s open and it’s casual and it’s relaxed, and I run into a lot of people that I know, and it always feels like a family. The bartenders are consistent; they ‘re the same people you’ve seen year after year, so they know you. It’s got that kind of familiarity. I love that. I also like the fact that they have the food truck, and if you want a little snack or something light, you can pick up something to eat and enjoy the music.
Favorite summer social event I love the Pridwin barbecue on Wednesdays! It’s a great gathering for locals— it’s open and family style and everyone is mingling. It feels like a special occasion. The staff is incredibly happy and joyful. It just feels very welcoming. I love that—when you’re welcome in a place and they’re happy to see you, you know you’re going to have a good time.
Favorite place to clear your head Mashomack. I go there for my walks. There is a gazebo there—it’s magic. I just go there and I sit, no telephone, and I just either meditate or just stare at the water.
Favorite place to swim Wades Beach is my comfortable beach because it has the gazebo and I can go for a swim and read a bit. Crescent Beach is my second, it’s closer to me but I only go early in the morning. I’m gone by 8 a.m.!
Favorite restaurant to go for a casual meal with your daughter My go-to is Isola. Brad [Kitkowski] always welcomes me with a hug and a smile.
Favorite restaurant for entertaining guests Vine Street. If I’m going out with my girlfriends who are all business owners, or if I’m entertaining someone I don’t know well, I know Vine Street will deliver good service and consistent, good food.
Favorite flower purveyor Superflowers! My friend Marianne DiOrio—when I saw the magnificence of these flowers that she’s growing, that’s it. There’s no other place for me.
Favorite activity on the water The women’s Sip and Sail at the Shelter Island Yacht Club. I have friends and customers that sail and they often invite me, and I go as much as I can. The women get together and they sail, and then they have some little drinks after the sailing—but not before! I guess it’s actually Sail and Sip.
Favorite local winery One Woman. I got to meet [owner Claudia Purita] and she’s cool. I was taken by her story and by the fact that she’s in her overalls working her farm. And the wine is very good. If I have to take friends to do a tasting, I start with her.
