Jul 28, 2025 | Arts, Gardening, Health & Wellness, Shopping
Tell us about your business and why you started it. Marblehead Sculptures & Gift Shop is a space where artistry and intention come together. Founded from a deep passion for stained glass, the transformative power of color, and the healing arts, the outdoor garden and gallery is designed to be a place of beauty, healing, and inspiration. Each meditation pyramid, sculpture, and stained glass piece is thoughtfully handcrafted to channel light and energy – carrying with it a purpose of positivity and upliftment.
What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? “Honor the energy of your creations, and the right people will find you.” That advice reminded me that success isn’t just about numbers – it’s about resonance. Staying authentic to my artistic vision, rather than diluting it to please everyone, has attracted the clientele that truly connects with what I offer.
What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? My favorite spot is the garden at Marblehead Sculptures. Whether I’m sitting inside a meditation pyramid, listening to the soft trickle of the water garden, or watching sunlight dance through stained glass, there’s a deep sense of peace that settles within. It’s grounding and uplifting all at once – a space where art, nature, and spirit meet.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? Most people are surprised to learn that I competed in – and finished – the Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon World Championships. It taught me the power of endurance, commitment, and devotion to a bigger purpose, which now flows into everything I create. What many don’t realize is how much time goes into the framework, and creating each sculpture. These pieces aren’t just beautiful – they’re built to withstand wind, weather, and time. Both the Ironman and the sculptures require quiet focus, commitment, and devotion beyond the visible surface.
For More Information:
Marblehead Sculptures & Gift Ship
Ellen Epstein
[email protected]
MarbleheadSculptures.com
Jul 21, 2025 | Businesses, Gardening
Tell us about Whipple Bee Flower Farm and why you started it. I believe flowers are more than petals, they’re a way to bloom joy, kindness, and connection. At Whipple Bee Flower Farm, we grow seasonal flowers right here in Marblehead that are rooted in organic, sustainable practices. Most recently we started offering winter tulips made possible through indoor growing techniques. You may have come across our sunflowers at Mookie’s, Crosby’s, Maria’s Gourmet, or Philbrook Fish and Meat Market. You can also purchase our locally grown blooms through our seasonal flower subscriptions (winter, spring, summer), local delivery, and pickup at partnering business locations. Becoming a Female Flower Farmer in my forties (now fifties!) has been a journey but the connection to the community that comes from growing flowers is truly one of a kind. Sharing a smile, a conversation, or a laugh with neighbors, friends, and fellow business owners brings me deep joy. A special thank you to Five Foot Flower Farm — the generous land hosts who lend me the space to grow Whipple Bee field tulips.
What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? I’m grateful to have received support and encouragement from family, friends, fellow small business owners, and the broader flower farming community. The best business advice I continue to reflect on is, “Recognize your strengths, and also recognize where support is needed and welcome it. Trust the path and yourself”.
What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? Crocker Park in the Summer with ice cream in hand from Scoop.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? My career profession has been in fundraising/development for various non-profit organizations. I also climbed Mt. Washington in the winter (had to mention something unique).
For More Information:
Whipple Bee Flower Farm
Carolyn Whipple Fraser, Owner
[email protected]
WhippleBeeFlowerFarm.com
Jul 14, 2025 | Businesses, Events, Photography
Tell us about Rule of Thirds Photo Booth and why you started it. After years of planning events, I’ve seen first-hand how quickly the day flies by and how meaningful it is to have something tangible to remember it. Rule of Thirds Photo Booth was born from that idea: a fun, interactive way for guests to make memories and take home a keepsake. While your photographer captures the big moments, the photo booth catches the candid ones, the laughter, the silly poses, and the unexpected joy. It’s more than a photo, it’s an experience your guests get to be part of. Rule of Thirds Photo Booth is perfect for weddings, birthdays, showers, bar and bat mitzvahs, graduation parties, prom and everything in between!
What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? It’s hard to pick a favorite spot in Marblehead, but I’d have to say The Landing. I started working there five years ago, and in that time I’ve met the most amazing people, both coworkers and guests. And really, how can you not be excited to go to work every day with such a beautiful view?
What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned while working at The Landing is just how important community is. That’s a big part of what inspired me to offer my Photo Booth for the recent Pride events at both Shubie’s and The Landing. I can’t wait to be part of more local events like these, and I truly hope Rule of Thirds can become just as involved in community fundraisers and celebrations as The Landing has been. It’s no surprise to anyone who knows me, but I’ve had a passion for photography since elementary school. It all started back in the ’90s when I’d save up my allowance to buy disposable cameras and then eagerly wait for the film to be developed so I could relive those little moments.
What is something people may be surprised to learn about you? My family owned restaurants up and down the East Coast, so working in hospitality came naturally. I started in restaurants as a teenager, and that eventually led to managing at The Landing, where I discovered my love for coordinating private events. Rule of Thirds is really the perfect blend of my two biggest passions: photography and events. It brings people together, captures real moments, and adds a personal touch.
Rule of Thirds Photo Booth
Shauna Martin, Owner
[email protected]
RuleofthirdsphotoboothLLC.com
Jul 8, 2025 | Community, Non-Profit, Shopping
Tell us about Magic Hat Thrift Shop. Our founder and current Board Member Frances Tully, who was also a Marblehead Public School (“MPS”) teacher, came across a thrift store in North Carolina that raised funds for public school student enrichment. When Frances returned, she brought the Magic Hat to life with the help of several women who incorporated the Magic Hat as a 501(c)(3) non-profit and then ran the shop as an all volunteer working board. The Magic Hat funds MPS student educational enrichment programming by selling donated items. We partner with the five MPS PTO/PCOs and allocate funding to each biannually. Allocations are based on the number of volunteer hours each school provides. The Magic Hat prides itself on being a community store. We also work with school counselors and nurses to provide items to students in need, and provide a 50% discount to MPS teachers for classroom materials.
How is Magic Hat celebrating their 20th anniversary year? We commenced our 20th year by celebrating the allocation of over $2 million since our inception. We also had a 20% off sale in January and hosted a small gathering for all current and former Board members, PTO/PCO Magic Hat representatives and staff.
How can the community of Marblehead become more involved and support Magic Hat? Come visit the Magic Hat to shop, donate and volunteer! You never know what you’ll find thanks to the generosity of our community. All are welcome to volunteer and volunteers receive a 25% discount. You can learn more about our hours and what donations we accept by visiting our website.
What is something people may be surprised to learn about Magic Hat? All of the amazing educational enrichment programs our PTO/PCOs provide is funded by the Magic Hat Thrift Shop – over $2.2 million allocated to date.
Magic Hat Thrift Shop
Stephanie Sullivan, Board President
[email protected]
MagicHatThriftShop.com
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