Interviewee: Tori Henry (she/her/hers) In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative. Lightmark Creative is a video and marketing production company. We specialize in helping organizations tell their stories and connect with their audiences through high-quality, creative content. Our team provides a full range of services, from concept development to production and post-production, ensuring that each

Interviewee: Anita Shriver (she/her) In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative. I’m Anita, a floral designer with a deep passion for crafting visually captivating spaces and experiences. My approach merges dramatic design sensibilities with a love of storytelling to create unforgettable and one-of-a-kind events. Tell us a bit about you and why you do what

Interviewee: Dawn Livigne (she/her/hers) In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative. My shop is a unique blend of curated treasures, creativity, and craftsmanship. I travel frequently abroad and to vintage markets to hunt for one-of-a-kind beads, pendants, charms and other supplies to create compelling collections that inspire jewelry makers. In addition to the curated bead

Interviewee: Lilly Tapper In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative. Three Hundred Fifty is a bakery business focused on creative desserts with a high-quality taste delivered in upscale packaging. By using exciting and unexpected flavors, the products offer a unique take on bakery items. Cakes, cookies, micro cakes, sugar cookies, and dessert bars are several

Interviewee: Bridie O’Connell (she/her/hers) In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative. The Salem Film Festival is Massachusetts’ largest documentary film festival, bringing a diverse array of voices, stories, and perspectives to the Salem community. We’re proud to create a welcoming environment where filmmakers, audiences, and local residents come together to celebrate the power of documentary

Interviewee: Nicole Heena (she/her/hers) In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative. The Salem YMCA is a cornerstone of our community, dedicated to strengthening individuals and families through programs that promote health, wellness, education, and connection. We offer a wide range of services, including fitness classes, youth programs, childcare, creative arts, and social programs, all designed

Interviewee: Justin Valliere (he/him/his) In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative. I’m Justin Valliere, operating under the name Black Coffiend. With approximately six years of experience as an illustrator and designer, my primary focus lies in the realms of punk, goth, and horror aesthetics. Throughout my career, I have collaborated with numerous esteemed clients, including

Interviewee: Liz Frazier In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative. Witch City Wicks creates high-end soy wax candles that enhance decor and quality of life influenced by a darker aesthetic and eccentric style. All of our products are petroleum-free, cruelty-free, phthalate-free, and 100% vegan. Each of our products are hand-poured and labeled by our team

Interviewee: Sara Jane Kurpeski (she/her) In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative. Moon Baby Hair Salon is located in the heart of Downtown Salem, Ma. We offer creative, custom & craft hair services, ranging from classic to current in nature, as well as cruelty-free & vegan-friendly products. We take pride in offering our clients &

Interviewee: Miriam Shechet (she/her/hers) In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative. My name is Miriam Shechet and I am the cofounder and a perfumer for LabHouse. After working in the larger industry for a few years, my business partner Macaul Neenan and I started our perfumery as a way to have creative freedom in our