Interviewee: Brita Potenza (she/her) In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative. Born in the belief that the good things in life ought to be shared and that great food and what happens around a dinner table are the key to human connection. With Flour in Her Hair is a catering company and event space that

Bakers Island Light’s Historic Fresnel Lens Returns Home After 50 Years Essex Heritage launches $20,000 campaign to conserve and display original lighthouse lens Historic Lighthouse Lens Comes Home to Salem The 4th Order Fresnel lens that once guided ships safely into the Port of Salem for decades has come home. On May 9, 2026, Essex National Heritage Commission, Inc. (Essex

Interviewee: Michele Cobban Barden (She/Her) In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative. Odd Cod Studio is a small coastal craft studio on the North Shore of Massachusetts. We make things by hand; wooden signs, nautical ropework, custom-engraved boards, and seasonal ornaments, all of it rooted in the landscapes and maritime history of New England. The

Interviewee: Andrea Kennedy (She/Her) In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative. I own a small boutique branding and web design studio for service-based businesses. A lot of the people I work with feel like their value isn’t coming across as clearly as it should, even though they’re doing great work. I help translate what they

Salem Pantry Takes Fight Against Hunger to Washington Executive Director and communications leader advocate on Capitol Hill for SNAP preservation amid rising food insecurity Salem Pantry Joins National Anti-Hunger Advocacy Effort The Salem Pantry joined over 900 advocates from across the country last week at the National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference, hosted by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). Executive

Interviewee: Ash Reed (She/her) In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative. dead puppy society is an immersive horror brand creating custom monsters, masks, costumes, and effects-driven storytelling for haunted houses, theatrical productions, and horror events. We help horror creators build characters and experiences that linger long after the lights come up. Tell us a bit

Interviewee: Linda Sessa (she/her) In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative. We’re on the move, bringing fun, interactive, and totally unforgettable events, classes, and programs right to you! Specializing in Messy Science, we’ve got everything from artsy adventures to nature explorations, sewing and crochet lessons, STEAM experiments, and even cooking classes. Whatever sparks your curiosity,

Interviewee: Rachel TonThat (she/they) In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative. Airtight Garage is a brand new contemporary art space and incubator in Salem out of my new studio in a converted garage. The space is opening for its first exhibition in May, and free workshops began in March. There are so many platforms for

New Contemporary Art Space Airtight Garage Opens in Salem with Assemblage Exhibition Artist-run gallery brings paid opportunities and free workshops to North Shore artists starting May 2026 Salem Welcomes New Contemporary Art Space Airtight Garage, a contemporary art space and incubator, opens its doors in Salem this May with its inaugural exhibition “Assemblage.” Organized by artist and art writer Rachel

Interviewee: Jennica McCleary (she/her/they) In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative. Winnie’s Rock Cauldron Cabaret was created by Bette Midler Tribute Artist, Jennica McCleary. A professional actress, singer, and choreographer, McCleary has been tributing the work of The Divine Miss M for over a decade. In 2015 she was the first woman hired by the