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Business Women on Martha’s Vineyard

10/31/2019

 
Business women on Martha’s Vineyard come from all different industries and today, we’re showcasing just a few of the women that make this Island the inclusive, creative, and successful place it is.

​Knowing that 33 percent of businesses in Massachusetts are owned by women, it’s safe to say that overall, women-owned businesses everywhere are developing more and more daily. Whether it’s a full-time job or a “side hustle,” we’re seeing more of it and we’re here to support it. 

“Part-time entrepreneurship is often called “sidepreneurship.” The rate of growth in the number of sidepreneurs is far greater than for all ventures. This reflects the proliferation of ways in which adults can earn money on the side and increasing ease in finding these opportunities.”  - A Changing World: The Shifting Gig Economy In 2019,” Ben Walker, Forbes, May 10, 2019
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Realizing the economic potential of women-owned businesses (because it is an industry that nationwide generates a revenue of $1.9 trillion), policies, practices, and attitudes need to shift for us to succeed. The women we’re recognizing below are all movers and shakers on Island, working on their goals and dreams, individually but at the same time collectively, collaborating for a better Martha’s Vineyard. 
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Photo: Guinevere Cramer
 Guinevere Cramer, social media manager for Point B Realty
“This Island is incredible but it's the people that truly make it special. Through thick and thin, so many of us work together and support each other - whether it's to help a non-profit, a fellow business or even one of our schools’ PTOs, our sense of community seems limitless. I am so lucky to be a part of the magic.”
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Photo: Althea Freeman
Althea Freeman, local artist who creates designs on hand carved linoleum blocks and owner of Althea Designs
“I love that the community and the natural beauty of the Island nurtures and inspires creative minds.”
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Photo: Annabelle Hunton by Jeanna Shepard
Annabelle Hunton, owner of the Nobnocket Boutique Inn
“I love that Martha’s Vineyard has this rich heritage of embracing creativity, diversity and local ownership, all of which makes it incredibly rewarding to develop an Island business. Connections and personal relationships are so key to succeeding here, and that in turn opens up so many opportunities to make an impact by getting directly involved in the community."
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Photo: Susie Nedley
Susie Nedley, founder Bee Well MV and clinical herbalist 
“Bee Well’s relationship with the Island is so beautiful in the way that I get to connect people back to nature as their healer. A lot of wild medicinal herbs grow in sidewalks here, never mind the fields and forests that are lush with native traditionally used herbs. The plants are our allies and are very much part of our thriving Island community and I am grateful to be a connector.”
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Photo: Teri Pirozzi
Teri Pirozzi, co-founder of Experience MV and Resortman
“What makes doing business on the Island so unique is that the business community is so supportive – everyone looks to network and help each other grow their businesses – everyone seems to champion everyone else’s success – truly a “rising tide lifts all boats” business community!”
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Photo: Nevette Previd by Elizabeth Cecil
Nevette Previd, founder of Farm Field Sea and the Martha’s Vineyard Oyster Festival 
“Martha’s Vineyard is a magical campus for out-of-the-box experiences. At each turn there is a new story to tell -  sea+soil farmers excited to share generations of hands-on knowledge, and chefs seeking new ways to prepare local ingredients, and hungry guests craving to expand their food adventures beyond their local farmers market. We are living the dream here on the Vineyard, I really love sharing it with others.”
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Photo: Erin Ready
Erin Ready, executive director of the Edgartown Board of Trade; and co-owner of Edgartown Meat and Fish Market 
“I really enjoy working in a small community, where 'Island life' is something you immediately have in common with others. That being said, I'm often surprised and intrigued to learn of individual serendipitous journeys to the Island and Interesting experiences from past lives. It is always incredible to me what Islanders and Wash-A-Shores alike bring to the table when you sit down in a group. While this is not unique to our Island, it is amplified because we are in a smaller community that happens to be an off-the-beaten-path destination.”
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Photo: CJ Rivard
CJ Rivard, MV Camp Meeting Association and WILD – Women in Learning & Leadership Development
“One thing I enjoy about working on Martha’s Vineyard, all times of the year, is that people are genuinely happy and excited to be here. It makes it easy to love what I do!”  
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Photo: India Rose
India Rose, owner of We Hustle & Thrive Consulting, specializes in creating 12 month revenue streams in seasonal economies, strategic event activations, individual goal setting and time management workshops and diversity and inclusion business planning and human resource efforts.
“What I love most about working with the small business community on the Island, is finding creative ways to create 12-month revenue streams. As a seasonal economy, we can all relate to the seasonal struggles; but those struggles also bring us together in a lot of productive ways and I absolutely love it.”
 
Next time you visit the Island, make sure to scout out some of these and other women- owned businesses and support them!

Small Business Saturday on Martha’s Vineyard

10/21/2019

 
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Small Business Saturday is an American shopping holiday held on the Saturday following US Thanksgiving and Black Friday - one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. This Saturday is always the last one in November, falling between November 24 and November 30. This year (2019), it happens on Saturday, November 30th and shoppers on Martha’s Vineyard couldn’t be more excited!
As an Island community, we depend on both local and visitor spending to help sustain our economy and the best way to accomplish this is by shopping at locally owned, Island businesses. Owned and run by people that live on the Island, these Martha’s Vineyard business owners earn their livings on the Island and live with their families on the Island. They comprise the fabric of the Island’s community. What makes Martha’s Vineyard such a special place aren’t just the beaches and lobster rolls, but the kind people you meet in stores and on the sidewalks. It’s the people that take a moment out of their day to point visitors in the right direction, the ones that recommend their favorite restaurants and shops. 
Shopping locally something everyone can do to keep a community thriving. The list below is divided up into main towns and areas on Martha’s Vineyard. We’ve not just listed retail shops, but coffee shops, bed & breakfasts, and more! Check out this sampling of local small businesses, and please pay a visit to our online directory for a list of all Island businesses who will be on hand to welcome you on the upcoming Small Business Saturday!
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            EDGARTOWN
  • Edgartown Meat & Fish Market - a great local market that carries everything from chocolate chip cookies to in-house sushi, plus freshly baked bagels every morning. Owned by Sean and Erin Ready, part of the Edgartown community, who you can see at the market making sausages or chatting it up with locals. 
  • Summer Shades - locally owned, we love that Summer Shades is owed and operated by Andrew and Sarah Aliberti. Sarah, who loves helping people, is often in the store in Edgartown. “This is an intimate product,” she explains, “that helps people look their best.” She also enjoys being a full-service concierge for the area as well and never ignores a customer.
  • Shirt Tales - owned by the Courtney Family, who own a few other properties on Main Street Edgartown, is unlike any other t-shirt shop. The quality of their items is extremely high and they’ll last you for years to come, reminding you of your Vineyard memories.
  • Winnetu Resort – owned by Snider family who regard the resort and its guests like family. Not only is the property very family friendly spot to stay with the kids, its overall feel is like arriving home as you approach its door. 
  • The Wharf Pub - owned and operated by the Coogan family since 2004, the Wharf Restaurant and Pub is located at the bottom of Main Street in downtown Edgartown. A great spot for casual family dining and a neighborhood place to hang out and socialize.
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OAK BLUFFS
  • Oak Bluffs Inn - feel like a movie star when you stay at this inn. In 1998 The Oak Bluffs Inn was purchased by its third and current proprietors, Rhonda and Erik Albert. The fabulous and famous film director Spike Lee has stayed in The Inn’s Penthouse Suite, jazz musician Wynton Marsalis gave an impromptu concert in the living room, and personalities the likes of Woody Harrelson, Johnny Knoxville, Citizen Cope, G.Love, Gregory Porter and Bell Hooks have all been guests at the storied Circuit Avenue address. They choose this inn because it truly is a special place and the owners make everyone feel welcome and fabulous in their own way.
  • Ocean View Restaurant - a year-round Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard local tradition, this dining spot is owned and operated by the Santoro Hospitality Group, a family company that owns a few other eateries on the island, all known and loved by locals. Very family friendly dining! 
  • Slip 77 - a brand borne out of Island history; its name derives from the Vineyard’s attempted secession in '77.  This fabled bit of Island lore has inspired the line's aesthetic and the shop is perfect for supporting local. You’ll find tons of unique items here!
  • Basics - selling a variety of clothing for men women and kids along with shoes and accessories this Oak Bluffs shop has over the years become everyone’s go to spot for just that - the basics and more!
  • Sanctuary - take a step into this shop on Circuit Avenue and feel instantly relaxed. Frank and Rita Imbimbo own and run the shop, where they can be found most of the time. Their soft voices will calm you as you slowly explore their merchandise discovering inspiration in every corner and shelf. 
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VINEYARD HAVEN
  • Nobnocket Boutique Inn - owned and run by Annabelle and Simon Hunton. In the last few years these Innkeepers have become Islanders in their true selves, by participating in community events or offering a helping hand when needed. Their Vineyard Haven inn offers a gorgeous getaway and great way to go local. 
  • Rainy Day - founded in Vineyard Haven, MA, in 1973 by husband and wife team Ann Milstein and Frank Piccione. In 1999 Heather Kochin joined the Rainy Day team as store manager and just a few years later, in 2003, Heather took over ownership of Rainy Day from Ann and Frank.  Over the years Rainy Day has become an Island institution, offering a variety of unique products for the whole family. In April of 2014 Rainy Day entered the next phase of its life. Husband and wife duo, Bob and Melissa Scammell, joined the team as full partners to Heather. Clearly Rainy Day is part of the Island fabric as the go-to shop for home goods, gifts, clothing and so much more. 
  • Citrine - a curated boutique with a coastal vibe, Citrine & The Trust Shop combines elements of the sea x desert, cultivating a bohemian lifestyle. The perfect stop for the jewelry lover and ethical shopper on Martha's Vineyard.
  • CB Stark Jewelers - founded in 1966 CB Stark is an Island institution where both locals and visitors alike flock to secure a piece of the Vineyard to wear as jewelry. Now with two shops on Island (one in Vineyard Haven and another in Edgartown), the business has crafted over 500 designs over the years and its iconic charm bracelets are well known all over. 
  • Sweet Bites - Sonia and Valerio are a husband and wife chef duo bringing both Brazilian and American flavors to the Martha's Vineyard community through their two restaurants Sweet Bites and Bite On The Go, both located in Vineyard Haven. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, it’s a great place to celebrate Small Business Saturday with desserts!     
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UP ISLAND (AQUINNAH, CHILMARK & WEST TISBURY)
  • Orange Peel Bakery - Juli Vanderhoop’s Orange Peel Bakery is just the type of small business you want to support on Small Business Saturday. Juli bakes and bakes, day in and day out, using the oven she built with her own hands. The bread is fresh, the baked goods are sweet, and leaving your payment in the honor box honors not only Juli’s craft, but her heritage too. 
  • Martha’s Vineyard Glassworks - founded in 1992 by Andrew Magdanz, his wife Susan Shapiro, and Mark Weiner this craft studio remains to this day a renowned glass blowing enterprise that creates some of the most gorgeous, most intricate pieces of blown glass art you’ve ever seen.  
  • State Road Restaurant - Jackson and Mary Kenworth, owners of State Road Restaurant, have fed the Island from their two restaurants, State Road and Beach Road, for the past years. At State Road, the restaurant’s grounds are planted with herbs and vegetables that can be seen on the menu. Both restaurants’ kitchen teams are made up of culinary geniuses that strive to delight your senses. 
  • Lambert’s Cove Inn - this charming newly renovated Inn is a restored 1790 farmhouse transformed into a farm to table getaway destination and will undoubtedly remain so for years to come. Dine in their restaurant and enjoy its Island grown produce and offerings.
  • June - this lovely shop was founded in 2018 by local Gina Solon; it’s located in North Tisbury, on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard. The shop’s Greek revival building, built in 1850, is rich in history. Most notably, it was the North Tisbury branch of the US Post Office. It was also an ice cream shop (with a cow out back supplying the fresh milk!), a single pump gas station, a restaurant, and the original Red Cat bookstore. It is currently a shop that offers a selection of high-quality wearable pieces, apothecary items, and gifts with a focus on independent and ethically made brands.

Martha’s Vineyard for  Bookworms

10/17/2019

 
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Photo: Peter Simon
​Nothing says v-a-c-a-tion like a good book! Whether on the beach and in the sun, or beside a fireplace cuddled up, when we see visitors get off the boat with books in hand or see them browsing the shelves of bookstores looking for that one perfect vacation read, our book-loving hearts rejoice.  

This post is for those not only looking for local bookshops to browse, we’ve also curated a list of Little Free Libraries on the Island, spots where you can read a book with not a soul to disturb you, and overall, just give a few tips and ideas on where to get books and read them. We’ve also reached out to local author, Crispin Haskin and asked him to share his favorite bookworm spots on the Island. 
 
Little Free Libraries on Island 
These little libraries can be found across the world and we are happy to have two of them on the Island. Pick up a book, trade in a book, leave a book after you’ve read it - all based on the honor system. Book lovers unite! 

-Vineyard Haven
This Little Free Library is located at a newly renovated public boat dock and boat launching ramp at the Lake Street Landing on Tashmoo, Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard. The addition of a bench alongside the Little Library gives kids and adults a place to rest or to select a book while waiting for their boat to come in. This Library is made of 95% recycled materials and decorated by some young friends.
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-Oak Bluffs
Located in the heart of Oak Bluffs on the Island of Martha's Vineyard, you are welcome to ‘take a book, leave a book’ at  this Little Free Library which is kept and curated by the Oak Bluffs Public Library, located about a 10-minute walk away, at 56R School Street.

All six towns on Martha’s Vineyard have their own libraries, and each is worth a visit from traveling bookworms!
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Photo: L.A. Brown
Beach Reading
Nothing says vacation like packing up your book and a snack and heading to the nearest or most favorite beach to read for a few hours under the sun. 
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“Books and beaches are a natural for me. I love to head up-island early in the morning and read on Moshup Beach. If I'm staying down-Island, I'll take the ’On Time’ ferry to Chappaquiddick and read on the beach across from the Edgartown Lighthouse. That's Vineyard paradise right there,” states Crispin Haskins, author of five books that are all about the VIneyard. His fifth book, Dead and Buried, just came out last week and it’s another stellar read - head to your favorite beach and read Crispin’s latest!
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Photo: The Newes from America Pub
Reading by the Fire
What is it about reading by the fireplace on a cool night that makes us feel so cozy? Grab a book and head to your choice of the following Island spots which host great roaring fires-season and weather permitting. In Edgartown you’ll find a welcoming blaze at the Newes Pub, Harbor View Hotel and Town Bar & Grill; in Oak Bluffs, the fireplace at Offshore Ale awaits.
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Support Our Local Bookstores 
Bunches of Grapes has been serving booklovers on the Island of Martha's Vineyard for over 40 years. This independent, locally-owned bookstore is located in the heart of Vineyard Haven on Martha's Vineyard. Catering to a community of writers and readers, it features a carefully curated selection of the finest books and sidelines, and hosts author events year-round. 

Edgartown Books is Martha's Vineyard's other independently owned bookstore.  Browse two floors of books, relax in the secluded courtyard garden, indulge in great "people watching" from its front porch and enjoy its renowned customer service. If you like to do your reading in a café setting, you’re in luck - one of the Island's best coffee shops and restaurants, Behind the Bookstore, is located in the book shop’s own backyard!

Frights and Delights: Where to Celebrate Halloween on Martha’s Vineyard

10/16/2019

 
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Photo: Max Bossman
Martha’s Vineyard is a happening place around the holidays and Halloween is no exception! From kids’ craft and costume workshops to spook-tacular late night parties for the big kids there are all sorts of fang-tastic events going on. Here’s a roundup of local happenings this Halloween on Martha’s Vineyard. Come one, come all and have a (bloody) ball!

Halloween Happenings
Friday, October 18
A Spook-tacular Event, 2:40-4pm, West Tisbury School. Join the West Tisbury School PTO, Felix Neck Sanctuary and the Trustees of Reservations in celebrating the spookiest time of the year. Learn about bats and play harvest games, pumpkin painting, bake sale, costume swap, face painting, live music by the Pinkletinks and free apple cider if you bring your own mug!

Saturday, October 19
Morning Glory Pumpkin Festival: The largest farm on Martha’s Vineyard hosts this lively free festival each year, complete with pumpkin games, hay rides, live music, and all things pumpkin. It’s not so much about Halloween but it will get you in the mood for all things Fall!
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Photo: Edgartown Board of Trade
Thursday, October 24
Halloween Craft: Spooky Ghosts: Join the Oak Bluffs Library in making Spooky Ghosts with cheesecloth, balloons and glue. Pre-registration required. 6-7:30pm.
Jazen Art Party: Paint a Halloween inspired picture of a “White Pumpkin Patch” alongside instructor Naomi. Bring friends, food and drink, listen to music and unwind while celebrating the season. 6pm.
 
Friday, October 25
An Interactive Screening of “Hocus Pocus”: Head on over to the West Tisbury Library for an interactive screening of one of the most beloved Halloween movies “Hocus Pocus.” Costumes are welcome and treats will be provided! 3:30 – 5 pm.

Saturday, October 26
Kids’ Halloween Party: The annual Oak Bluffs Library Halloween party returns! Venture into the spooky tunnel through the stacks, enjoy eerie games, and a craft. Kids are welcome to show up in costume. 10-11:30am.
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Trick or Treat in the Stacks: Edgartown Library gets spooky and welcomes all to come the Library to give your Halloween costume a trial run. The Children's Room is decorated for the occasion and treats for all. There will be crafts, and prizes for everyone in a costume. 10:30am-12pm.

The Atlantic Fish and Chop House’s Annual Halloween Party: Join the Atlantic in celebrating Halloween during its last night of the season. Scary costumes encouraged. After all, as they say, it’s “where the pretty people go to get ugly.”

Annual Halloween Party at The LOFT: Come out for the Island’s largest Halloween costume party with prizes and all the hoopla at The LOFT in Oak Bluffs.
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Photo: L.A. Brown
Sunday, October 27 
Happy Haunting: This event encompasses Edgartown’s annual Halloween festivities, and things can get spooky. Visit downtown Edgartown for some Halloween fun, while little ghosts and goblins trick-or-treat from business to business. Sponsored by the Edgartown Board of Trade. 12–3pm. 

Wednesday, October 30
Halloween Movie Screening: What movie you ask? Don't say his name three times or he'll appear and cause mayhem. Free. Popcorn and candy provided. Costumes encouraged. 5pm.

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Photo: Edgartown Board of Trade
Thursday, October 31
Trick or treating on Martha’s Vineyard can be few and far between given the rural landscape of the Island and limited walkable neighborhoods. For those looking to go door to door Vineyard Ave. in Oak Bluffs is a popular destination as well as William Street and Franklin Street in Vineyard Haven, where streets are closed off to ensure safety. Downtown Vineyard Haven is also a popular trick or treat trail, as costumed kids are invited to visit local businesses in pursuit of something sweet.  

Trick or Treat at the Vineyard Haven Library: The Library will be open late for Halloween so families can take a break from trick-or-treating and enjoy cider and candy provided by the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library. 5–8pm.

Halloween Party with Dock Dance Band: Enjoy this annual costume party at the Port Hunter in Edgartown before they close for the season. Featuring the live music of the Dock Dance Band. 10pm.

DJ AP at The Ritz. Halloween is always a hoot at The Ritz. Dance to the tunes of DJ AP and get ghoulish! 10:30pm.

Annual Halloween Party at The LOFT: Come out (again!) for the Island’s largest Halloween costume party with prizes and all the hoopla at The LOFT in Oak Bluffs.

Friday, November 1
Dance Party for Habitat of Humanity, PA Club, Oak Bluffs. Prizes for best mask, makeup and costume. Costumes optional. Music by Gordon Healy. 7:30–10:30pm.

Dressing for Success
Need help getting your costume together? Want to go DIY instead of store bought? Local libraries are offering costume clinics to help you put finishing touches on your costume, and helping kids turn their imagination into handmade Halloween fun. 

The West Tisbury Library is offering you the opportunity to brainstorm and troubleshoot your Halloween costume Saturday, October 19 from 10:30-12:30pm. Make a costume for yourself or help a friend make a costume. Bring your ideas and any special materials or use what they have. All ages are welcome, even grownups.

The Aquinnah Library is also offering a Costume Clinic to help guide you through the costume planning and making process Saturday, October 19 from 12–3pm.

The Vineyard Haven Library hosts its Costume Clinic and Bag Decorating event on Wednesday, October 30 from 3:30–5pm. Get ready for Halloween by making some finishing touches to your costume and/or get help with last-minute costumes. You can also make some bags for trick-or-treating or for every day.  
Happy Haunting!
 

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