Welcome to Part 2 of a 2-part Series featuring the voices and origin stories of a few Adventure and Experience Women Entrepreneurs who are making Rhode Island even more fun and exciting for both residents and visitors alike. In WUN “Women Business Owner Voices” Part 1, we featured Rail Explorers and Paradigm Escape Rooms: fun […]
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.
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In Rhode Island, women-led ventures are redefining adventure and innovation
Welcome to Part I of a 2-part Series featuring the voices and origin stories of a few Adventure and Experience Women Entrepreneurs who are making Rhode Island even more fun and exciting for both residents and visitors alike. Innovation, passion, and discovery are at the heart of these 5-star experiences! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Rail Exploring in Our […]
Posted inArts & Culture, Business, Columns, Instagram, People & Profiles
Provence sur Mer serves up elegant French-inspired hospitalityÂ
A Celebration of Vision and Place Karen Pinelli is enjoying her second act. And she has created the perfect backdrop: an 1850 historic building overlooking Washington Square in the heart of Newport. Pinelli was a sales executive in Boston for more than 30 years, working in the HR & Employee Benefits industry. As she helped […]
Posted inInstagram, News, People & Profiles
Charting a Course: Martha Parker celebrates 40 years of Team One Newport
These days, as I walk the pup along the docks, I count the growing number of sailing and fishing vessels lining up in the harbor. Their colorful hulls bob gently, with crews carefully prepping these graceful “swans of the sea” for the season. Soon, the harbor will fill with beautiful white and grey sails—many competing […]
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Michele Gallagher: It takes a matriarchal village to make a shop feel like a home
May is busting out all over! And we couldn’t be happier. As the founder of ThamesGiving in Newport, I’ve had the joy of connecting with many savvy, creative business owners across the Thames Street District. One thing that stands out is how many of these businesses are run by mother-daughter duos and trios! For this […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health, Opinion
Michele Gallagher: The health, wellness and wellbeing industry is alive and well in Rhode Island
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, […]
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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, […]