The U.S. health and wellness spa industry has nearly 20,000 businesses, contributing over $20 billion to the economy in 2024. With growing attention on mindfulness, fitness, and personal well-being, the industry is projected to reach $25 billion by 2029. This trend reflects a shift since the pandemic where people of all ages are prioritizing mental, […]
Michele Gallagher
Michele Gallagher is a lifelong student of history, a strong supporter of local woman-owned businesses, and the founder of City-by-the-Sea Communications.
Posted inArts & Culture
Michele Gallagher: Rhode Island women are investing their power and principles back into Mother Earth
This statistic more than doubles the national trend of women owning businesses at approximately one-third the rate of men, or 22%. Rhode Island has approximately 105,000 small businesses (those with fewer than 500 employees); 90% have 10 or fewer employees; Nearly all are micro-businesses with just one person at the helm. This dovetails well with Rhode Island’s […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Michele Gallagher: Women in Business Then & Now: Colonial-era table settings in Rhode Island
Made in Rhode Island: Fine Linens, Silver, Blown Glass, Ceramics, Candles, Furniture and Textiles Many of the things that fill our houses today also filled the homes of colonial Rhode Islanders, except in their case, they were (of course) handmade right here in RI, and occasionally goods were imported from Europe. Ironically most of the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Michele Gallagher: Women in business then & now – colonial-era quilt-making in Rhode Island
Petticoat Junction In 18th century Rhode Island, quilting served as a decoration for underskirt petticoats, in addition to bed coverings. The petticoats had the dual purpose of adding warmth as well as demonstrating exceptional stitching skills or intricate designs, often distinguishing social status. Some fabrics were imported from London and others were stitched by hand, […]