May 26, 2021

Meet The Member: The Merchant

by joeyphoenix

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Interviewee: Christina Brandano (She/her)

In your words… Tell us about your organization, business, initiative.

The Merchant’s design and ambience pays homage to the rich history of Salem, while offering guests modern updates and amenities. We hope to connect guests with local businesses and artisans to offer a true Salem experience.

Tell us a bit about you and why you do what you do? Share your passions for your business, initiative, organization.

Lark Hotels (The Merchant’s management company) is full of staff who have a passion for hospitality and travel. We love being able to help guests create memories and step away from their everyday lives to explore other parts of our world.

We try to design properties with respect to the local ambience and industry and look to connect guests to local culture during their stay.

What role do you think your business plays in supporting a more creative community? OR your community in general. (Bonus! Why do you think a more creative community is important?)

We have the opportunity at The Merchant to partner with local businesses and creative folks in order to offer fun and/ or educational experiences to guests. We want to support local artisans because we believe creativity should be encouraged and cultivated.

What was the last book you read or film you watched that made an impact on you?

What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, by Marshall Goldsmith, about overcoming unconscious habits and that are prohibiting success.

What’s the one thing people would be surprised to learn about you our your business?

While The Merchant does have somewhat of a spooky history, George Corwin was NOT buried under our property and did NOT torture people in our basement. Corwin’s property was actually located further away from where our property stands.

Our house was built in 1784 and the basement was built at that time (100 years after Corwin lived in the area). Additionally the house was moved approximately 35 feet back (to make way for a wider Washington Street) in the1940’s and another new basement was constructed at the time.

WANT TO LEARN MORE? GO TO THEIR WEBSITE:

THE MERCHANT

INTERESTED IN HAVING YOUR BUSINESS FEATURED AND PARTNERING WITH THE COLLECTIVE TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? #JOINCREATIVECOLLECTIVE TODAY!


May is all about May-kers! Follow us on social @creativecollectivema and @creativenorthshore to see member features. If you’re interested in being featured yourself, send Joey Phoenix a note at @joeyphoenix@creativecollectivema.com