08/10/2025
When influencer Kylie Swanson moved to Nantucket this year and launched a $3,800, four-day camp for her followers, she promptly became the subject of gossip and scorn.
While Swanson sees herself as a democratizer of luxury travel, some locals view her as an interloping influencer who has disrespected Nantucket’s economy. “It feels like we’re being infiltrated by someone who doesn’t understand the culture,” said Jen Reddy, a marketing executive and Nantucket resident.
Several business owners, who make the bulk of their income during the summer season, say Swanson and her former manager solicited free products, comped hotel rooms and discounted experiences for her camp, in exchange for social media exposure.
Swanson said many people on Nantucket are perfectly happy to work with her. She believes she has a right to her own little slice of the island.
“The American dream that we all try to chase goes across the U.S., including Nantucket,” said Swanson. “I don’t think there needs to be a price of admission."
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