October 24, 2025 By Carol Britton Meyer
Welcome to “Five Minutes With” — Anchor’s feature to help us get to know our neighbors. Everyone has a unique story to tell, so let’s get to know each other a bit more! Have someone you’d love to spend five minutes getting to know? Email us atinfo@hinghamanchor.com.
Carol Britton Meyer recently connected with local downtown shop owner Rachael Mott. You can learn more about Rachael below — what makes her business unique as well as her favorite local spot and Hingham restaurant!
Name of your business: The Hermit on Green Street
Location: 3 Green Street, Hingham (right across from the Fruit Center and Hingham Farmers Market)
Why did you choose downtown Hingham as your place of business: Downtown Hingham has such a wonderful sense of community and historic character. It felt like the perfect place to put down roots and create a cozy little retail space for people to enjoy. I moved to the South Shore from the city to be with my husband (then fiancé) and quickly fell in love with the slower pace and small-town charm. It honestly gives Gilmore Girls vibes in the best way.
What makes your business unique: The Hermit is an eclectic mix of books, art, local goods, and vintage finds. A little whimsical, a little New England, and full of cozy vibes. Everything in the shop is chosen to tell a story or bring a little warmth to someone’s home. I love that it’s also become a true community space where we host creative workshops, book clubs, and seasonal events that bring people together.
What does your shop offer to customers: We offer a curated selection of pre-loved books, local art, handmade goods, vintage décor, stationery, and wellness items. You’ll find everything from hand-poured candles and ceramics to rare books and original paintings, all chosen to add charm and comfort to your home.
Your favorite part of having your own business: Getting to create a space that feels like an extension of myself and seeing people connect with it. I love hearing why someone picked a certain book or piece of art and how it will fit into their life and home.
Do you have any pets and a little about them: Yes! We just adopted a dachshund named Mango. She’s pure joy and absolutely adorable. Once she’s a little older, she’ll be our shop pup and official greeter.
What makes downtown Hingham unique? I love the little cottages, the historic charm, and how close we are to the water. On crisp mornings, you can smell the salt in the air. It’s such a quintessential New England feeling.
What do you enjoy most doing in your spare time? Cozying up by the fire with a good book and gardening in the summer months.
Favorite Hingham restaurant and meal: Bartaco – I love their Baja Fish Tacos.
Favorite Hingham local spot: World’s End! It’s peaceful, beautiful in every season, and I love birding there.
Favorite vacation destination: Edinburgh is one of my favorite places because of its old-world charm. It’s definitely influenced the cozy, storybook feel of the shop.
Do you have a hidden talent? I’ve played soccer my whole life and am actually looking for a local league to join!
Interesting fact about yourself that others may not know about: Before opening The Hermit, I ran an eco-friendly paper company focused on wildlife conservation. I got my start as an illustrator and still have the company today. I even carry my own products at The Hermit.
Anything else you would like to share: The Hermit is all about connection — to creativity, to nature, and to community. Whether you come to shop, chat, or just take a breath, I hope you feel that sense of welcome when you walk in the door.
Do you have a website? Yes! And we just launched e-commerce in August! www.thehermitongreenstreet.com.