May 20, 2026 | Arts, Marketing, Shopping
Patti, tell us about O’Hare Williams. For many years, I’ve enjoyed working with businesses and organizations. As a graphic designer, I work to create attention to the client’s messaging and their product with design, photography and illustration along with their social media posts and content. My focus is sharing my artwork with Discover Marblehead members, area residents and Marblehead visitors. I’m a fine artist who has spent most of my life in Marblehead. I find inspiration in the natural beauty and endless changes of the ocean that surrounds us here. I work to capture those nostalgic moments and places that hold a meaning for people. I paint landscapes, pet portraits and commission work in watercolors and acrylics. There is a selection of my work displayed at my studio here in Marblehead and at the North Shore Art Association in Gloucester. A commissioned mural is also at Caffe Italia on Bessom Street.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in running a business? The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to listen and focus on what a person is looking for. The artistic nature has a tendency to take things further than the intent and the client is then disappointed. I’ve learned to hone in to create art that fits the desire of the client and is satisfying to produce.
What do you love most about Marblehead? Marblehead has a way of being very charming. The working waterfront, the ever-changing tides, the quiet inlets along the water and the colonial homes all beckon to a story we can conjure to another time. This is what I love about living here in Marblehead.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? Most surprising to people is that I was a courtroom artist for a murder trial held in the Middlesex County Courthouse in Cambridge. Three convicted men from Keene, NH committed a brutal murder in Tewksbury. This assignment included the probable cause hearing to sentencing for the Keene Sentinel and transmitted thru UPI wire service. The three men each received life sentences.
More Information:
O’Hare Williams
Patti O’Hare Williams
47 Ocean Ave, Marblehead
781-631-5960
OHareWilliams.com
Apr 14, 2026 | Businesses, Jewelry, Shopping
Photo (left to right): Graham Henderson (Sales Lead & Certified Gemologist), Steven Tyler Manchini (Co-owner & Jeweler), Maria Demos (Co-owner & Admin), Ernie Thomas (Co-owner & Jeweler).
Tell us about your business and how you help/serve your clients. Marblehead Custom Jewelry is a small, independent studio specializing in custom-designed pieces, heirloom redesigns, expert repairs, and the informative buying and selling of gold and other precious metals. We work one-on-one with clients to transform their ideas, stories, and sentimental jewelry into pieces they can wear every day, guiding them through materials, design options, and budgets so the final piece feels both deeply personal and beautifully crafted.
What inspired you to start your business? This business grew from a love of both craftsmanship and connection. Over the years, we saw how meaningful jewelry can be when it truly reflects someone’s life, whether that is an engagement ring, a memorial piece, or a family heirloom needing a new chapter. Creating a dedicated space for that kind of thoughtful, collaborative work in Marblehead felt like a natural next step.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in running a business? One of the biggest lessons has been the importance of clear, caring communication. Being transparent about timelines, processes, and what is realistically possible helps build trust and long-term relationships. We have also learned that staying flexible and listening closely to client feedback is essential for sustainable growth while still honoring our values and standards.
What do you love most about Marblehead? Marblehead has a unique mix of history, coastal beauty, and a genuinely supportive small-business community. There is something special about working in a town where people value local, handcrafted work and where neighbors truly want to see each other succeed. While having friends and family support us is one thing, seeing the wider community so invested in our success has been especially meaningful and motivating.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? People are often surprised to learn that everyone at Marblehead Custom Jewelry is a first‑generation jeweler, not part of a long line of jewelers or a legacy family business. Unlike many jewelry shops that are passed down through generations, we each chose this field independently and built our skills, studio, and systems from the ground up. This gives us the freedom to question “the way it’s always been done” and to approach design, customer service, and problem‑solving with a fresh, open mindset.
For More Information:
Marblehead Custom Jewelry
Steven Manchini – Co-Owner & Jeweler
66 Washington Street, Marblehead
MarbleheadCustomJewelry.com
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 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
Sep 30, 2024 | Arts, Businesses, Shopping
Photo credit should go to Fil Nenna.
Tell us about The Abbey Studio and why you started the business. The Abbey Studio is a calligraphy studio that I started many years ago. I create hand-lettered corporate recognition awards and personal gifts. Originally it was just a studio, but since opening my storefront on Washington Street in Marblehead in 2016, I’ve expanded and now carry personal stationery items, greeting cards (my own designs and other local artists), and of course, calligraphy supplies. Recently I opened an Etsy shop that contains some fun items like hoodies and baby onesies with my hand-lettered artwork and quotations. During the past year, I’ve created a hand-lettered manuscript of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” and we’ve just launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund a limited edition of 20 facsimiles of “The Raven” along with greeting cards and broadsides with quotes from the poem.
What is the best business advice you’ve ever received? The business advice I like best (although it isn’t specific to business) is a quote I came upon a few years ago: “Growth and comfort do not co-exist” and I think that is SO true.
What is your favorite spot in Marblehead? Marblehead is such a beautiful place. We all know that. It’s hard to pick a favorite spot, but if I had to name one it would likely be Crocker Park.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? People might be surprised to learn that I am a kitchen and bath designer. I’m a graduate of the Boston Architectural College’s Kitchen and Bath Design program and worked in that field for many years. I’m a hand-drafter (although I also work with CAD programs) and was surprised to learn along the way how similar calligraphy and drafting are.
The Abbey Studio
Owner: Maryanne Grebenstein
84 Washington Street, Marblehead
TheAbbeyStudioBlog.com
Jun 25, 2024 | Arts, Businesses, Shopping
An interview with Tanis Yannetti.
Tell us about Dragonfly Unique Curations and why you started it. The store is an intentional eclectic assortment of beautiful, unique and interesting pieces. My mom, Marilyn Yannetti, and I are excited about featuring handcrafted items and giving artists a venue to show their work, while also stocking the store with an ever-changing array of other desirable items. We started this business to do something creative together as mother and daughter. We wanted to combine our love of art and searching for treasures to share this with our community.
What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? The best piece of business advice I ever received was observed rather than articulated. I worked with my father, Ronnie Yannetti, in a family business for many years, and even before I worked with him, I watched how he conducted himself in business. He always took the high road and was always a gentleman. My father was beloved by all because he treated everyone with empathy, kindness, and respect. When I am at odds with what to do, I try to always ask myself, what would Ronnie do? And then I do that.
What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? My favorite spot in Marblehead is our home, because it houses our amazing family and beloved dogs.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I don’t think people who know me are surprised by much at all. Take that as you may.
Dragonfly Unique Curations
Owners: Tanis and Marilyn Yannetti
133 Washington St, Marblehead
dragonflymhd.com or @dragonflyshopmhd
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