Clocking On...Terrence Ruggiero - A day in the off-season
After years in Manhattan, Lunasalt Denim founder Terrence Ruggiero swapped one busy island for another – moving to Nantucket to build a life shaped by the sea, denim, sailing and oysters.
6.30am
I wake up to my cats, Tash and Luna, pawing at me for breakfast. When I have the time, I start the morning with meditation and movement, or I simply take a quiet moment to reflect on my dreams. Coffee is a non-negotiable. I start with a Nespresso shot, a glass of water and a carefully prepared French press [cafetière]. I take my time, checking the weather and wind conditions while looking out at our snow-covered Hinoki Pine tree.
8.00am
With coffee in hand, I review Lunasalt Denim pre-orders and customer updates. At this time of year, our retail shop is closed, making online activity the focus. I check in on the tides, assessing the sea conditions before deciding if it’s a good day to be on the water.
9.00am
Dressed in denim, waxed canvas, and rubber boots, I head to the town dock to check on my boats. If the water is calm, I might take one out for a quick spin – otherwise, I return to my studio workspace in the cellar. I get to work on denim repairs, stitching patches and hardware installations.
11.00am
Breakfast is simple: eggs, sausage, avocado and hot sauce on an English muffin, paired with another espresso. I check in on social media, responding to messages and engaging with the Lunasalt community.
12.00pm
By midday, my focus shifts to the business side of Lunasalt Denim and Grey Lady Raw Provisions Co. This is when I handle inventory, logistics and planning for the upcoming season. I prioritise tasks I enjoy the least first – typically spreadsheets, product listings and backend updates. Creativity comes naturally, but managing the details ensures everything runs smoothly.
2.00pm
Afternoons are often filled with calls to shop owners, partners and collaborators. Some discussions revolve around business, while others are simply about staying connected. I update any action items from these conversations, then shift to content creation: editing product photos, website updates and social media assets.
4.00pm
Lunch is typically leftovers from the night before or a NY deli-style sandwich. If the weather allows, I take a drive to the beach for a sunset walk or visit an old cemetery with Tashtego, my cat. If it’s too cold, I opt for tea and a game of backgammon by the fireplace with my love.
7.00pm
My partner and I try to cook homemade meals whenever possible. If it’s Sunday, I’m making slow-simmered seafood sauce with pasta. In season, our fridge is stocked with fresh oysters, always ready to be shucked. Music plays throughout the evening. I take this time to check in with family and friends, reconnecting before winding down for the night.
10.00pm
After dinner, my creativity kicks back in. I might play music, experiment with sound, or record a podcast as a form of journaling. This is also when I dive into editing reels, YouTube videos or refining content for Lunasalt. Embracing my creative instincts at night keeps me inspired and motivated for the days ahead. Eventually, I call it a night – knowing that winter will soon give way to the fast-paced rhythm of spring.
Lunasalt Denim, launched in 2009, selects premium selvedge and deadstock, including from Cone Mill's White Oak plant in Greensboro, and washes the jeans and jackets in oyster cages off the shore of Nantucket Island, eastern US, for between eight and 56 days, following lunar cycles. The saltwater softens the selvedge and sets the indigo into the cotton, the tides contributing to a distinctive fade. Patterns are also affected by water temperature and created by algae blooms, jingle shells and barnacles. Mr Ruggiero also runs Grey Lady Raw Provisions Co, an events company that blends oyster culture, hospitality and storytelling.
Photos: Lunasalt Denim
