Monadnock Voices: Caroline Tremblay

Richmond

Where do you live?

My kiddos and I are lucky to live in a nature reserve where we’re surrounded by a really special community. This past spring, our neighborhood held a fun contest to guess when all the ice on the pond would finally melt. The prize was a coveted pint of Walpole Creamery ice cream. Someone guessed it exactly, but instead of just one winner, we all brought a pint and turned it into a sundae party at the beach.

What was it like growing up here?

I grew up in Rindge with a big backyard, a screen porch and a garden — late summer nights listening to the peepers and holidays warmed by the woodstove. Most days, I was outside for hours, playing by the stream or riding horses every chance I got. It gave me a heart full of memories that I took on the road when I got restless as a teen. But those early memories stayed with me, and now I’m back raising my own kids.

What brought you back to the Monadnock region?

I’m your classic boomerang. I left after high school, convinced I’d never come back to country life. I traveled, lived abroad, tried out a few cities, but each new place helped me realize the kind of magic I’d grown up with here in the Monadnock Region.

I didn’t realize it as a kid, but living here really gave me a sense of place and community. I remember watching the sun come up at MacDowell dam with friends in high school, going on a first date there in my twenties, and later hiking it with my mom friends. These places are part of me, and being able to go to them, no matter what chapter of life I’m writing — that’s so grounding.

Why did you decide to start a business here?

It all comes back to community. In my late twenties, I met with Terrence Williams from The Keene Sentinel at Prime Roast one morning, and he gave me a shot at writing articles for ELF Magazine. Thanks to his mentorship and the guidance of many others at The Sentinel, that opportunity grew into writing for other publications and, eventually, for many of the entrepreneurs I’d had the honor of featuring. That’s how my copywriting and ghostwriting business, Owl & Pen, was born more than a decade ago.

Then in 2020, I launched The Monadnocker, a digital magazine that began as a kind of antidote to the “nothing to do” feeling so many had during the pandemic. It quickly became a platform to spotlight the incredible outdoor spaces in our region, as well as creative events, innovative businesses, local theater, takeout gems, and all the things that make this place vibrant. We continue shouting must-have experiences here, which means there will be never-ending stories to tell.

When launching a new business in the Monadnock area, what kind of professional or community support were you able to receive?

Over the years, I’ve received so much support — everything from formal coaching to pep talks over tea. The business community here is warm, generous and surprisingly organic. I’m not exactly sure how I became surrounded by so many talented business owners and community leaders. They just made me feel included and connected me with the next right person — small but powerful gifts that have led to a successful business for me.

Do you feel like the business environment and/or community is encouraging to new ventures?

My business, Owl & Pen, was built on the support and good faith of the local business community. After writing magazine features about makers, farmers and shop owners in the area, many of them reached out and said, “Let’s do more together.” That turned into website storytelling, social media and email marketing — and little by little, I built a business from scratch, doing what I love. In a very real sense, this region helped raise my business. Talk about homegrown.

What do you feel has been your best accomplishment so far?

I think one of my proudest accomplishments has been helping to shift the narrative around rural life. People often say, “There’s nothing going on out there,” but that couldn’t be further from the truth in the Monadnock Region. Honestly, I live in a near-constant state of FOMO — between the book readings, farm dinners, group hikes and creative meetups, there’s always something happening.

Through storytelling — whether it’s a feature, a blog or a social media post — I’ve been able to help people see their neighbors in a new light and feel more connected to the magic happening all around them. That’s been the real gift of this work. It makes me proud to be rural by choice.

What advice would you give to others who might be considering opening a business in the area?

If you’re thinking of starting a small business here, my advice is: Heck yes. This region is full of longtime business owners who are generous with their wisdom and new entrepreneurs who are experimenting in bold ways. If there’s someone you admire, invite them for coffee at Brewbakers. People here are incredibly open to sharing what they’ve learned.

Take advantage of resources like the Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship, and make time for local events hosted by groups like the Keene Young Professionals Network, Stay Work Play and the Greater Monadnock Collaborative. Just showing up can spark the connections and energy you need to get started and keep going.

Tell me about your other work or community connections.

As a mom with young kids, most of my energy right now goes into my family and my writing, but I do everything I can to stay connected. We’re part of the Gathering Waters school community in Keene, which has introduced us to some of the most thoughtful, engaged families I’ve ever known.

Through The Monadnocker, I’m also able to spotlight local pop-ups and events, help promote small businesses and pitch in with volunteer efforts whenever we can. This past fall, we had a blast partnering with The Craft School Mill Hollow Works for their “Celebration of Heritage Craft.” I’m excited to continue collaborating with them and other organizations that are making a difference for Monadnockers.

What is your favorite local spot?

What an impossible question! How much space do you have? If I could smoosh in Rockwood Pond, Bowerbird & Friends, the Tiny Farmstand at Cheshire Garden (personal-sized artisanal berry pies, anyone?), and a zillion other spots, that would be absolute perfection.