Four Winds Craft Guild’s ‘No Influencers’ Sign Sparks Online Backlash

The historic Four Winds Craft Guild, an antiques shop in Nantucket that has operated since 1948, posted a handmade “No Influencers” sign in its storefront and shared a photo on Instagram. The image quickly went viral, prompting a wave of criticism from influencer Paige Lorenze, who called the sign misogynistic and accused the shop of delegitimising women in the industry. Owner John Sylvia said the sign was meant as a tongue‑in‑cheek comment on the growing number of content creators filming inside the shop and not a ban on influencers. Other public figures, including Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, weighed in, describing the dispute as overblown. Despite the controversy, the shop’s Instagram following rose by about 8,000 accounts, and the episode highlighted broader tensions between local businesses and the influencer community in popular tourist destinations.