Local Business Unboxed

Laura Anastasi runs Children's Orchard in Amesbury, MA - a kids' resale store that proves brick-and-mortar isn't dead. After buying the business just 6 months before COVID hit, she was forced to pivot fast. What started as survival turned into a social media sales machine.In this episode, you'll learn:Connect with Children's Orchard Amesbury:📍 58 Macy Street, Amesbury, MA📱 Instagram: @childrenorchardamesbury

n this episode of Local Business Unboxed, we sit down with Kate and Theo, owners of the beloved Market Square Bakehouse in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Since taking ownership in 2023, they've thoughtfully balanced preserving the Bakehouse’s cherished local legacy with fresh ideas and sustainable growth.Kate, a longtime fan of the Bakehouse, shares her journey from corporate burnout and MBA studies to discovering her passion for small business ownership. Theo brings hospitality expertise from managing Manhattan bars, focusing on crafting spaces that foster genuine community connections. Together, their complementary skills create a perfect blend for Bakehouse’s continued success.Discover how they:Maintain Tradition & Foster Innovation: Learn how Kate and Theo slowly introduce meaningful changes without disrupting the cozy, community-centered experience their customers love.Prioritize Authentic Marketing: They reveal why genuine, unscripted social media content and local word-of-mouth have been more effective than chasing fleeting trends.Build & Empower Their Team: Kate and Theo emphasize the importance of creating an environment built on trust, open communication, and respect, allowing their team to deliver consistently excellent service year-round.From their careful consideration of operational improvements to managing growth challenges, this episode offers valuable lessons for any business owner aiming to build sustainable success while deeply engaging with their local community.

In this episode of Local Business Unboxed, Erica Puorro of Lamarckia Realty shares her inspiring journey from the hectic world of advertising and grueling commutes to a fulfilling career in real estate—right here in her hometown of Amesbury, MA. Erica leveraged her marketing expertise to build lasting relationships, navigate the challenges of transitioning careers, and support local families in buying and selling homes across Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

In this episode of Local Business Unboxed, host Jon Almas sits down with Jake Doucette, founder of Phitted Media, who shares his journey from working as a welder to building a successful video production company serving businesses across New England. Jake reveals how word-of-mouth became his most powerful marketing tool, why showing your face dramatically increases social media engagement, and his strategies for managing seasonal business fluctuations. Whether you're struggling with finding your business niche or looking to leverage authentic content marketing, Jake's candid insights about his challenges and successes offer practical takeaways for any local business owner. Plus, discover his surprising perspective on how AI is transforming creative businesses and why the human element remains irreplaceable in storytelling.

In this episode of Local Business Unboxed, we sit down with Kate Donovan—once a second-grade teacher, now a successful wedding and corporate photographer. Kate unpacks how she balanced motherhood, pivoted through a global pandemic, and found her marketing sweet spot through genuine relationships. Tune in for hands-on advice, real-life stories, and an inspiring look at how to thrive in your local market by staying personal and adaptable.