For as long as I can remember, a small shop on the Main Street of my hometown of Essex, CT, has been the dream. My grandmother worked in a shop there and I loved helping her in store. When life marooned this East Coast girl in the Midwest for 15 years, it was hard to imagine the dream ever coming true. But after a long career in consulting, my husband encouraged me to chase the dream and when a space opened up, I couldn't turn it down! I am so excited to be back in Essex and building this community alongside my family and all of you!
Dreams do come true.
With love,
Amy Ihrke
Founder, Grace & Haven
Our Mission is Simple
We curate products and experiences that make life better.
Carried with Intention
Carried with Intention
We choose fewer things, on purpose — quality pieces made to be worn, loved, and kept. Timeless favorites you’ll come back to again and again.
Built to Last
Built to Last
We carry timeless pieces made to be worn, loved, and kept — quality over quantity, always. No fast fashion, no filler. Just things worth coming back to.
Community First
Community First
Community guides everything we do — from the brands we support to the connections we create. Grace & Haven is rooted in people, place, and care.
Featured Brands We Love
Testimonials
"I am so happy with my purchase. The tank is so cute, and I've already worn the jeans twice! I also can't wait to give Emmy the kindness doll for her birthday - what a great idea!"
"There is one brand in particular I have been loving this year – Grace & Haven. It all started with the Farren Dress and after that purchase I haven’t looked back."
“Grace & Haven's Gift Concierge service has taken the stress out of finding the perfect gift. Curated selections & personalized service ensure every gift is thoughtful, unique, & bound to delight.”
I'm often asked about the name. Truth is, when I grow up, I want to be a pirate. Or at least have as much grit and determination as Grace O'Malley, a 16th Century Irish pirate. Grace is my daughter's middle name (a big thank you to my husband for letting me name her after a pirate). And while Haven originated from a side business in real estate some years ago, I now say "Give yourself grace and find your haven." And I hope you will find that with us. A community of authenticity where you can always be yourself and find the grace you need, even in the throws of motherhood or life; and a true haven from the everyday. We could all use a lot of grace and a little haven!
We choose fewer things, on purpose. Every piece is selected for its quality, story, and ability to stand the test of time. We work with real people and thoughtful brands who care about how things are made and who they’re made for — so what you bring home feels meaningful, not disposable.
Grace & Haven isn’t about trends or endless options. It’s about creating an experience that feels calm, personal, and intentional. From the way our collections come together to how every order is wrapped, our goal is for shopping to feel like a breath of fresh air — and for you to leave with something that truly makes you (or someone you love) smile.
Yes — and we love to. Our Gift Concierge is here to make gifting easy and thoughtful. Share a few details about who you’re shopping for, the occasion, and your budget, and we’ll recommend a few meaningful options, beautifully wrapped and ready for pickup or delivery.
You can reach out anytime — online or in-store.