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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 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.  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.”  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.”  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."  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.”  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!”  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.”  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.”  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!”  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 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!  EDGARTOWN
 OAK BLUFFS
 VINEYARD HAVEN
 UP ISLAND (AQUINNAH, CHILMARK & WEST TISBURY)
 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. -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!  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. “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!  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. 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!  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!  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. 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.  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.  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! |
Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center
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