Life & Style SHOP

By Callie Bisset

Sustainable Style

Bristol’s Fenwick & Oliver is a must for unique and handmade home furnishings

On a chilly stroll through Bristol, an enticing window display beckons passersby to enter the stylish and cozy Fenwick and Oliver. Located on Thames Street across from Independence Park, the storefront is the side hustle turned livelihood of Lisa Newcity and her partner Don Ruest. It all began during the pandemic when Ruest turned to woodworking as a pastime. Encouraged by Newcity, he began showing his pieces at community markets like the Providence Flea and Field of Artisans with much success, and the couple soon pondered the potential of turning the hobby into something more.

When a space in Bristol became available, Newcity and Ruest decided to take the leap into retail. Legend has it that the building was pushed across the bay in the 1930s, and while it needed a lot of work, the couple embraced the history and architectural details, which complement their sophisticated yet approachable vibe. Ruest cleaned up the wood beam ceilings, which adds to the rustic charm and mission of sustainability.

In his work, Ruest utilizes reclaimed and salvaged wood, “basically trash,” he explains with a chuckle, and upcycles vintage finds. He has a small workshop in the back of the store and a larger one at the couple’s home a few blocks away. Some of his pieces include cutting boards, wall art, and side tables. He also fulfills custom orders and offers engraved Rhode Island-themed gifts such as wall-mounted bottle openers.

Fenwick and Oliver also gave Newcity the physical space to develop her talents as a decorator. A simple glance around the store reveals that she is a natural at pairing textures to create luxurious and inviting spaces. Newcity has no formal training in interior design but possesses an innate talent that flourished as she helped Ruest set up for shows. “My favorite part would be setting up the booth,” she says. Now she has an entire store, which she styles in zones to help customers envision how things would look in their own homes.

In addition to Ruest’s handiwork, the shop carries lines by East Bay makers like Sakonnet Candles and Jorge Amado Ceramics. “We value commitment to handcrafted whenever possible as well as eco-friendly and fair trade products. So far, we’ve had a great response from the local community,” Newcity shares. “Our neighboring small business owners and retailers have been incredibly supportive and we’ve heard some nice feedback from people visiting the store.”

Fenwick and Oliver

474 Thames Street, Bristol Fenwick-Olivery.MyShopify.com, @fenwick.and.oliver

Marketing

Katie Schibler Conn

Founder, Brand Strategist

“The best experiences in my life, personally and professionally, have happened when things didn’t go according to plan” – or as Katie Schibler Conn is known for saying – “when sh*t went sideways.” The founder of KSA MARKETING, Katie is an industry powerhouse in her element taking risks to deliver bold and performance-driven advertising campaigns. “The core of my job is to find clarity amidst the chaos and create a path forward that has everyone around us saying ‘Oh, hell yeah!’”

A classically trained marketer, Katie has more than 25 years of experience leading integrated marketing initiatives for global brands ranging from SKYY Spirits to PlayStation, as well as local clients University of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Department of Health, and many more. With a long history of forging meaningful client partnerships, Katie’s first account straight out of earning her BA in communications from Fairfield University was PepsiCo. The solid relationship would later set KSA Marketing’s growth in motion when PepsiCo signed on as her first client 11 years ago.

Katie is a past president of the Association of Marketing Professionals of RI, an active member of the Forbes Agency Council, an advisory board member of Enterprising Women, and was PBN’s Woman to Watch in Creative Services in 2021. “In 2019, I identified a growing need for workforce development recruitment campaigns and entered the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program,” Katie explains. “In doing so, I created an entirely new niche of advertising services in the marketing industry, running integrated advertising campaigns for workforce development organizations.”

Each industry move has been informed by her background, down to her upbringing in Canton, Ohio, surrounded by generations working in manufacturing. “I witnessed the negative social and economic impact the loss of manufacturing has had,” Katie says. “This is why KSA’s focus on workforce development is so important to me.”

While Katie’s innovation in the field speaks volumes, her employees and business partner David Bradley’s praise may echo louder. “Katie developed and built KSA for over 11 years, a milestone few business owners reach, and even fewer women business owners,” says Bradley.

“Katie is a gifted leader who excites, inspires, and leads with bold vision. She is innovative and creative, bringing intense focus and enthusiasm to everything she does,” shares an employee. “She also invests her time and e ort to help sta and clients grow in their careers, helping them realize their own impact and potential while inspiring and motivating them to do their best work.”

The “chief a*s kicker” works hard but also advocates for worklife balance for herself and her team (earning the company PBN’s Best Places to Work), spending downtime with family and volunteering in the community. An active feminist, Katie also champions women leaders. While KSA is among the only 2 percent of women-owned businesses that achieve more than $1,000,000 in revenue, she shares, “I am personally on a mission to increase this statistic and create more equity in the financial divide between male-owned and woman-owned businesses.”

After back-to-back years doubling in size, 2023 promises to be a big year for KSA, scaling internal processes, resources, and sta , launching a mentorship program, and creating a training hub for both technical and soft skills. Katie looks forward to watching it unfold, all while upholding the agency’s core values: “kick-a*s commitment, passionate tenacity, and bold courage.”

100 Metro Center Boulevard, Warwick, 401-681-4900, TeamKSA.com

For top-notch dermatological procedures and cosmetic treatments, Dr. Alyssa Findley’s East Providence practice FINDLEY DERMATOLOGY LLC boasts compassionate care and expertise. A board-certified, fellowship-trained dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, Dr. Findley specializes in skin cancer surgery, complex reconstruction, and cosmetic dermatology, with a particular interest in the surgical management of melanoma.

“We just opened our doors to patients two months ago, so we are constantly evolving and super excited about the future,” says Dr. Findley, who holds a MD from Tufts University School of Medicine. She has completed internship, residency, and fellowship-level training, and is a fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery and member of other state and national medical associations. With 10 years of experience and intensive training, Dr. Findley has performed thousands of Mohs surgeries and complex procedures. As one of very few fellowship-trained surgeons in the area practicing Mohs, Dr. Findley is often referred patients from across Southern New England. “I’m very passionate about educating my patients about the di erent procedures and treatments we o er,” she says. She’s a strong advocate for the benefits of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and reconstruction occuring in a single setting. Mohs surgery is a highly e ective technique used for treating many kinds of skin cancers, allowing for examination of tissue specimens real-time during the surgery to pinpoint the precise location of tumor cells. This allows for her to minimize the removal of healthy surrounding skin, ensuring optimal reconstruction, and an easier recovery.

Along with skin cancer treatment, Findley Dermatology’s specialties include complex reconstruction and cosmetic dermatology. The goal is always to achieve the best functional and cosmetic outcome, and when it comes to minimally invasive cosmetic treatments, Dr. Findley helps patients achieve a well-rested and refreshed look.

“All procedures are under local anesthesia, so my sta and I are a orded the opportunity to really get to know our patients,” Dr. Findley says. “I love these conversations, forming long-term relationships, and providing excellent care.” Whether the patient arrives at Findley Dermatology seeking skin cancer surgery, benign lesion removal, or cosmetic procedures, they can feel safe and assured that they’re getting the best possible care.

Even for those who don’t have any pressing skin concerns, Dr. Findley recommends that everyone schedule a full-body skin exam performed by a boardcertified dermatologist to potentially detect and diagnose skin cancer and other issues that the patient may otherwise believe are harmless.

Throughout Dr. Findley’s career, balancing work and family life has played a role in everything she does. “I’ve had babies at almost all points in my career – residency, fellowship, and as an attending. Perseverance, dedication, and laughter have gotten me through it,” she reflects. The mother of five (to four boys and one girl) brings her warmth and sense of humor to both her personal and professional life. “I’ve always felt that being a mom has made me a better doctor, and vice versa.” An outdoor lover, she can also often be found running at Barrington Beach with her sheepadoodle Ollie on the weekends.

Looking forward to seeing her new practice grow in the coming years, Dr. Findley is working on ways to illuminate the high-quality work she and her team are dedicated to carrying out. “Soon, we’ll be able to provide our patients with videos and media to showcase what happens at Findley Dermatology on a dayto-day basis.”

For the past almost three years, Sundays have been market days in Tiverton. Originally housed in the Sandywoods Community Hall, vendors congregate to share everything from fresh-caught seafood and farm-grown veggies to jarred, baked, or vegan treats. Patrons can sip a warm cup of co ee while perusing selections of hats made of alpaca wool, herbal teas, and nautical art, or snack on food truck bites while learning about sustainable farming practices straight from the source.

The TIVERTON FARMERS MARKET (TFM) sprung from a cultural moment when we were all craving connection, and it’s grown into not only a source of local produce and neighborly camaraderie, but also an educational experience of our food system – and director Meredith Brower made it all happen.

PANDEMIC SUCCESS STORY

“We had our first market on Tuesday, June 16, 2020,” recalls Meredith. “We worked together to get the Department of Health approval to open during a pandemic.” The market took o from there and has since outgrown its original space. Last year it moved to Sundays (10am-1:30pm) at the Tiverton Middle School. The yearround market now boasts two locations, with the winter market running November through May at the middle school and at the end of May this year, a new outdoor location – the Tiverton Town Farm Recreational Area – will host the summer session.

“The market has grown to include local farms, food entrepreneurs, food producers, makers, artists, and local and non-profit entities,” says Meredith. “Local musicians perform every week, too.” Her goal has always been to foster community connections – and what better way to bring folks together than with food and art?

Along with the Sunday market, eight specialty markets focus on holidays and seasonal themes, with an average of 25-35 vendors each week, upwards of 45 vendors for specialty markets, and the popular Harvest Market saw over 100. TFM has earned an Excellence in Business Award in the women-owned category from the Greater Newport County Chamber of Commerce, received state non-profit status in 2020, and received a Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) grant in 2021

And no two Sundays are exactly the same. “Each week you may find new and interesting vendors,” says Meredith. “All of them are local from the surrounding RI and southern MA area.”

Market Maker

“Before COVID, I was a freelance photographer and eco-artist,” says Meredith, who creates foraged designs via Firefly Mandalas, and hosts workshops. “The pandemic put a hold on that and the idea to create this market started.”

Along with managing a board of overseers and volunteers, “I handle all aspects of the market: social media, photography, marketing, financials, grants writing, vendor relations, and communications,” says Meredith. She also fosters a space for engagement, o ering regular workshops and facilitating collaboration. Working with the Tiverton Land Trust for the Harvest Market, TFM o ered Tent Talks on topics like honey production, land conservation, and organic farming, all led by vendors. Someday Meredith also hopes to have a full-fledged art market alongside TFM. This year, she looks forward to the market’s third anniversary in June, and she’s working on achieving 501(c)3 status. “It’s vital to know where your food comes from,” says Meredith – and a Sunday at the market is a great way to start.

Winter Location: 10 Quintal Drive, Tiverton; Summer Location: Tiverton Town Farm

Recreational Area, 3524 Main Road, Tiverton, TivertonFarmersMarket.com

Kathleen Flaherty

Estate Agent

Kathleen Flaherty is a mother, wife, published author, social media blogger, and seasoned Realtor® with RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES LTD., a people-focused brokerage filled with collaborative colleagues who support one another. “I’ve never experienced such a positive work environment,” Kathleen says. “Real estate transactions are different for every person, with unique needs and timelines. I am here for each one of my clients and can give them as much time as they need, no matter what!”

Licensed in MA, RI, and CT, Kathleen finds nothing more rewarding than guiding people on their real estate journeys. “I absolutely love what I do,” she says. “Helping others is my goal in life and this profession allows me to do just that.” Kathleen achieved over $11 million in sales in 2022 and was awarded the Gold certificate of excellence award. She kicked off 2023 representing the buyers on a luxury home sale in Barrington, followed by the sale of the iconic Del’s Lemonade in downtown Warren.

Being a mother of four is the source of inspiration behind her first published children’s book, An Octopus Named Mom – she still dreams of having eight arms to complete a busy day’s worth of tasks. Kathleen volunteers her time running book signings at local bookstores and libraries and speaking at schools during Read Across America. She participated in Mount Hope Farm’s vacation story time in February.

Kathleen has volunteered for many years with the Bristol Christmas Committee. She and her sister raise money each year for Camp Southern Ground for special needs children and veterans’ families, founded by musician Zac Brown, and Hop On A Cure for ALS awareness and research.

During the summer, Kathleen’s commute consists of driving her boat between the mainland and her summer home on Hog Island, where she enjoys reeling in striper fish with her boys, swimming with friends, water skiing, and digging for quahogs to prepare for dinner. She’s in her element hosting gatherings surrounded by friends and family. Growing up in New England, she spent every summer on Hog Island, where her great grandparents began vacationing over 100 years ago. “My fondest memories are of my friends and I hopping on the Prudence ferry. We would head into Bristol, pick up the island mail, stop by Duffy’s for penny candy, Sunset Bakery, and, of course, Bristol House for lunch. I learned to sail and drive a boat at a very young age. It is such a gift that my children now love and respect the island as I did.”

Kathleen devotes her life to her family, relishing time spent watching her children grow. “I am so grateful to be in a profession that allows me to balance both work and a fulfilling home life,” Kathleen notes. “I will be married 28 years this June to the love of my life. Our wedding reception took place at the Bristol Yacht Club, surrounded by 250 friends and family. It was epic!”

Kathleen fostered a love of sharing places as a tour guide at Blithewold Mansions and far-flung Paris. She now puts her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing to good use with her Instagram page, “The East Coast Rhody.” There, she expresses her love of the area, highlighting local businesses, hidden gems, and fun events – with a motto of “Love where you live!” “It’s critical that we put our dollars into local shops and restaurants to keep them in business,” says Kathleen. “They are what make our communities so unique and charming.” Having always called the East Bay home, Kathleen and her family settled in Barrington in 2018. “It has been a wonderful place to raise our children. The beauty that surrounds us is something I never take for granted. Each day I am filled with the utmost gratitude.”

JENNIFER

JONES RASHLEIGH Artist

“My work as an artist is about the process of observing the world acutely, distilling natural details into their salient poetic eloquence,” says Jennifer Jones Rashleigh, owner of CÉDIAN PAINTING: STUDIO-GALLERY.

Her portfolio of water and wildlife paintings dazzle visitors with her detailed, dynamic, and tactile art. “I work with acrylic in every capacity,” Jennifer explains, “diluted washes, translucent gel coats, brushed, poured, thrown, knifed, dragged opacities, and thickly pulled impasto textures that lift o the canvas.” But stretched canvas isn’t all Jennifer works on – she is widely known for her hand-painted pillows, which allow the viewer to experience art in a new way: “I encourage my clients to run their eyes and hands over the artwork,” she says. “Something generative occurs when we as humans look at and touch something simultaneously.”

In February, Jennifer reopened Cédian Painting: Studio-Gallery in the heart of Historic Tiverton Four Corners. Working together with colleague Ashley Ainsworth, both artists share exhibition space while painting from studios that open to the gallery. Patrons access finished work and creative process. “I prefer a working studio,” says Jennifer. “Art means more when you can deconstruct processes: sketching, underpainting, value studies, layering.” Jennifer encourages, “When you see how art is assembled, it’s easier to understand the work.”

Shifting careers after 9/11 from Art Historian and US Fulbright Scholar, Jennifer started painting and never looked back. “I’m grateful for the two decades I spent researching and teaching art history,” she explains. “It informs my thematic and aesthetic choices and method.” cgrinkis@aafwealth.com

“The response to my growing body of water and wildlife painting has been exhilarating,” she confesses of her birds, fish, botanicals, and beach scenes. Discover Jennifer’s inspiring art for yourself at Making Waves, a Pillow Painting Demo April 7 from 5:30-7pm at the gallery. Join upcoming classes Tuesday evenings 6-8pm May 2, 9, 16 & 23. Come to the Gallery Grand Opening Saturday June 17, 5-7pm, or stop by the studio, open weekly Wednesday-Saturday, 11am-4pm.

401-573-4240

AAFWealthManagement.com

PSYCHOLOGY, CURIOSITY, & FINANCIAL PLANNING

I have a PhD in Clinical Psychology and started my career with fifteen years’ experience as a practicing psychologist. This perspective now benefits my awareness and approach when working with Personal Financial Planning clients.

As a matter of fact, the CFP® Board recently introduced the Psychology of Financial Planning as a new Principal Knowledge Domain, which they define as “identifying and responding to attitudes, behaviors, and situations that impact decision-making and financial well-being.”

As a Psychologist and a CFP® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional, I am so grateful that my prior skills have come full circle into my dayto-day life with clients. I am comfortable and experienced with crisis management, family conflict, and aiding clients through personal challenges. For example, I work with many widows and widowers as they navigate into a new world without their loved one by their side.

For each client, goals are personal, unique, and in progress, and I start each new client relationship by fully understanding their vision, opportunities, and challenges. And, although managing client assets and resources is central to our work together, much of the true work is accompanying the client through life’s journeys, ups and downs, and with the hope of providing peace of mind and encouragement towards personal fulfillment. We discuss difficult topics about mortality and life’s personal purpose such as “what is the life you have, the life you envision, and what do you want to leave behind?”

Each client is unique, which keeps me aware and open, observing, reading, wondering, thinking, and questioning. I am a curious person. And luckily for me, my clients provide ample opportunities for me to foster my curiosity.

MICHELLE PARENTEAU President

Michelle Parenteau is making waves in the Ocean State and beyond. The president and principal at MICHELLE LEE DESIGNS, who pairs a solid work ethic that utilizes local vendors with a confident use of color and materials, has landed the Johnstonbased interior designer on the pages of regional magazines, clients from coast to coast, and national recognition as June 2022’s Sherwin Williams Designer of the Month.

Michelle traces her enthusiasm for decorating to childhood. “As an only child raised by a single parent, I had to develop my imagination in order to occupy myself. My bedroom was drab and dated. The wallpaper was made of foil – a hideous trend in the 1970’s – and lacked color and textures,” she explains. At the age of seven Michelle asked if she could renovate her bedroom and shares that she got busy choosing window treatments, carpeting, and of course, new wallpaper. “I dove into reading fashion magazines and home magazines to hone my color skills. My love of the ocean and the color blue originated that day.”

That draw to blue continues to this day and has become a trademark of Michelle’s work. Whether installing aqua tiles in a kitchen, customizing restaurant bar stools with bright cyan trim, or accessorizing a space with azure pendant lighting, the abstract artist – who is happy to lend her skills to customer’s wall decor – brings a nod to nature in almost all she does.

“I enjoy getting to know my clients and finding out about their lives and tastes. Once I understand what makes them happy, I go about designing a space that will be thrilling to them.”

Since taking the leap to start her own business in 2004, Michelle has steadily built a long list of residential and commercial clients, colleagues, and friends. “I am proud that I had the courage to open my own business with the belief that I could make a difference.”

GIL’S APPLIANCES is a familyowned and operated appliance store with two Rhode Island locations.

Lisa Sienkiewicz and Gail Parella, co-owners and sisters, are proud to continue a tradition of trust, integrity, and value started by their parents, Gil and Sarah Almeida, in 1961. Family and community values are important to Lisa and Gail and they take pride in being at the helm of a multi-generational business that stands the test of time by continuing to provide the personalized service their customers have come to expect, both in-store and online.

Lisa, Gail and their team at Gil’s ensure that customers have the information they need to choose appliances for their home that fit their style, space, budget and timeframe. And as members of a large regional buying group, their prices and selection meet, and quite often beat, that of the big box stores. Gil’s carries all major appliance brands and offers free delivery and financing to qualified buyers. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for information on upcoming promotions and events and to see the difference Gil’s makes!

Bristol: 397 Metacom Ave., 253-9789, Middletown: 926 Aquidneck Ave., 314-9789, www.gilsappliances.com

GLORIA CRIST Actor, Director & Arts Integrated Specialist

“Whole-brain, heart-centered work in the creative and expressive arts is just as valuable as any other applied learning,” shares Gloria Crist, founder of THE CORE ORGANIZATION and a passionate advocate for inclusive arts programming access for all children. An award-winning actor, singer, producer, and director with decades of professional credits in theater, television, and film, Gloria’s creative pursuits extend to the classroom with her arts enrichment nonprofit serving K-12 students throughout Newport County and Southeastern Massachusetts.

“I advocate for arts as an extended educational source and resource for both social emotional learning and mental wellness in children and adolescents,” Gloria continues. “Now in the post-pandemic collective, we are seeing incredible numbers of children with increased anxiety, depression, and a need to connect. Arts as education does this.” numerous certifications. She blogs about her creative adventures in TraumaDramaMama, is the proud mom of her daughter, and continues performing, producing, and directing professionally. She’s in the midst of writing and developing a one-woman show, and April will bring the debut of both a film she helped produce and screenings of two projects written by Tiverton Middle School students through a film program PEER Productions.

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ALICIA C. REYNOLDS Realtor®

Gloria holds a BA in sociology and communications, MA in holistic counseling, CAGS in creative and expressive arts, and

The best part of the job for Gloria is seeing the work her students go on to create, the self-awareness they cultivate, and the questions and answers they keep probing through these artistic avenues. “I have students who reach out with news of their first play being produced, their first job in their field, their first or tenth audition, their failures as well as their successes,” says Gloria. “There is nothing I love more than seeing children thrive because they were given an opportunity to make theater, pick up a paint brush, bend some clay, integrate STEAM into the school day, or use their voice to be heard and seen.”

Residential Properties

Alicia Reynolds, Barrington-based Realtor® for

LTD., sees her role as that of a trusted, well-informed friend who has your back. “I’m kind of a client conduit, who connects them to their real estate goals,” Alicia says. “I work hard to understand their needs and wants.” Her industriousness has earned due recognition, receiving the Five Star Professional Rising Star award in 2023 and 2022, a designation based on consumer evaluations as well as production and business information.

A native Rhode Islander, she’s been involved in real estate for roughly 25 years. Her career started in mortgage lending, giving her unique insight into navigating the market and making sound choices. On her blog, she o ers perspective and seasoned advice for prospective buyers. “Whether it’s buying a first home, selling a long-loved family home, or building your real estate portfolio, I try to anticipate and mitigate stress so my clients can focus on the fun part,” Alicia adds. “I love helping new residents explore our great state and am honored to help folks figure out where their next move might be.”

Connecting with people is a passion for Alicia. Her ability to form close bonds with clients while solving problems is a true calling for her. “I love that they know that I am always here for them, even after the deal is over. I do more than help you buy or sell a property; I handle everything personally and have wonderful partners who can facilitate the smoothest and most stress-free transaction.”

When she’s not showing clients homes around the state, Alicia keeps herself sharp mentally and physically through cooking, knitting and quilting, reading, Pilates, and pickleball. She’s enjoying a few milestones in her personal life as well. “My daughter is getting married this summer,” Alicia adds. “It’s very exciting!” Her take on the 2023 spring market? “I think it’s going to be busy,” she says. “But more balanced for buyers and sellers.”

MEG JONES Owner, Artist & Interior Designer

Meg Jones has been fostering a love for art in clients of all ages through ART BY YOU AT WEIRDGIRL CREATIONS

POTTERY STUDIO since 1998 in Rhode Island with drop-in paint-your-own pottery and summer camps for kids. A potter by trade, she also memorializes customers’ special moments in the form of custom ceramic house numbers; name signs; hand, foot, and paw print impressions in clay; and more with IN GOD WE TRUST CERAMICS.

Meg attended SUNY New Paltz and NY Institute for Art and Design, and found her calling crafting one-of-a-kind custom ceramics. She’s also an interior designer with C & C Investing Group. This began as a hobby for the family real estate investment company, but turned into her going back to school to take over the design of all projects. “Through it all, the career I’m most proud of is being a mom of four adult children and grandmother to my four grandchildren,” she says. “I’ve learned through God all things are possible. I am blessed to be able to do what I love each day.”

33 Kent Street, Suite B, Barrington, 401-247-1397, WeirdGirlCreations.com

TIFFANY PEAY JEWELRY & HEALING

ARTS is a special place, and that’s by design. Inside a cottage nestled along Main Road at Tiverton Four Corners, the interior is as luminous as its o erings, and leadership team of Ti any Peay, artist, and Hannah Soares, forewoman. Part studio, part jewelry store, the blush-colored space also highlights the work of local artists. While prices are highend reflecting the handiwork and sourced gems, the vibe is anything but pretentious.

“We are proud to create a healthy, inspiring space where our customers can feel refreshed. We love to share art, wellness, and our knowledge of gemstones to our thriving community, and we appreciate our followers and fans for loving our handmade, oneof-a-kind fine jewelry,” says Hannah.

Originally from Virginia, Ti any founded her business 25 years ago. Hannah discovered the shop after earning her BFA in Metalsmithing from nearby UMass Dartmouth, and the two have been working together ever since. “A shared love of jewels and finding gratitude in helping customers select

Director & Dance Teacher

Thirty years ago Michelle Spina founded EXTENSIONS SCHOOL OF DANCE. Today, the studio has grown to two locations and o ers classes including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, acro, and hip hop. Michelle, who has been dancing since she was two, shares that her excitement for the art never wanes. “I enjoy a wonderful combination of love and respect from students and families. Preschoolers greet me with a hug and teens bow with me at the end of class. Many of our dance teachers started at the studio as preschoolers so they are part of my family.”

Bristol and Middletown, 401-481-8876, Extensions-RI.com the perfect pieces has resulted in creating a beautiful and empowering relationship over these 12 years,” begins Ti any. “We have a great relationship that we have built over many years o ering beautiful jewels, healing arts, and individual attention to every customer’s needs and desires.

In addition to Ti any’s hand-crafted collection which includes bracelets, charms and pendants, earrings, necklaces, and rings, Tiffany and Hannah are excited to share their expansion into energy work featuring beautiful and healing Crystal Light Therapy, Aura-Soma Color Therapy, and Reiki/Quantum Healing, all o ered in a private space on the second floor. “Adding energy work to our small business gives us a many faceted opportunity to empower each other while encouraging others in that same mission,” says Ti any.

“Working at Ti any Peay Jewelry inspires us each day,” says Hannah. “Allowing us to be creative while working with gems, color combinations, new designs, displays for the shop, graphic design and interacting with customers.”

For Bailey Holland, real estate is in her blood – her family has been in the business since 1966 when her grandmother founded T.L. HOLLAND AGENCY. Today, Bailey upholds their legacy while creating her own reputation as a real estate agent helping people buy and sell property as well as find rentals and manage Airbnbs. “I love to help people in any way I can,” she says. “Helping someone find a roof over their head is the most satisfying feeling in the world.”

3948 Main Road, Tiverton, 508-428-8389, TLHolland.com

TANYA DONAHUE President & Owner

ASHLEY AINSWORTH Fine Artist

“I have always had an artful eye,” says Ashley Ainsworth, whose close attention to color, line, and pattern and studious obsession with drawing and reading have blossomed into her career as a fine artist. Through ASHLEY AINSWORTH ART, she has garnered praise for capturing the essence of her subjects and conveying a sense of place and time in vibrant scenes painted on canvas.

As an art history major at Boston College, Ashley supplemented her education with several studio courses and has since developed her artistic style creating works for herself and commissioned pieces, working in large and small formats alike. “I like to switch mediums after a spell, almost as a palette cleanser,” she explains of her process, and she thrives as a collaborator, too.

To house her growing business, this spring Ashley looks forward to opening a brand new working studio and show space in the heart of historic Tiverton Four Corners with colleague Jennifer Rashleigh. Says Ashley, “I’m so grateful to live in this area that welcomes and encourages artists’ contributions to the community.”

3848 Main Road, Tiverton, 908-902-5449, Ashley-Ainsworth.com

Growing up around her dad’s construction company when she was young, Tanya Donahue’s career path in building may have been inevitable, but the reputation she’s created for RIKB DESIGN BUILD goes above and beyond as a leading firm locally and nationally. “I have sawdust in the blood,” Tanya jokes, describing her love of the industry. It’s a passion she pours into fostering a company culture and mission centered around turning clients’ dream spaces into reality.

Tanya has been widely recognized for her work, earning the Extreme Sales award from ProRemodeler magazine and MVP award from Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston, as well as serving on the Rhode Island Builders Association board for three terms and speaking at national conferences. RIKB has also received design awards and, most important to Tanya, client recognition in the form of GuildQuality and Houzz customer service designations, as well as being named a PBN Best Places to Work every year since 2018. “Without our wonderful clients and fabulous team, nothing else matters.”

RIKB not only remodels homes but also builds careers. “We have employees who we trained right out of school as interns, apprentices, and design associates who now have full careers here,” shares Tanya. “We’ve seen their growth along the way, whether it’s buying a first car or home, getting married, or having children. I am so proud to see them all evolve and become leaders in the industry. We all celebrate each other’s successes.”

Serving clients with warmth and professionalism, Tanya and her team create spaces for clients to raise their families, entertain friends, and care for loved ones or age in place in their retirement. This year Tanya looks forward to relaunching in-person remodeling workshops for the community, as well as hosting client events like wine tastings and their Visiting Chef Series.

“I love that we have a direct impact on people’s lives, and that they welcome us into their homes and trust us to keep our promises.”

SARAH LYNCH Founder

Sarah Lynch carries with her the same tenacious spirit she developed early on following a torn ACL in college that set back her soccer career but put her on the path to becoming both an MRI technologist and ACE Certified Personal Trainer. After rehab, she took up running and started teaching spin classes at SALT Cycle Studios. “After seeing how strength training transforms the body, I wanted to help other people build their own strong foundations in fitness.”

Sarah has since founded ELEMENT TRAINING + FITNESS, where she enjoys being a personal trainer for clients of all fitness levels, though they all share the same goal, she says, “to live an attainable, healthy, and functional lifestyle.” Element has been open for three years and only recently opened more broadly to the community. Sarah has already seen clients grow tremendously and has been there

CARRIE A. MCPHERSON, CRPS®, CDFA®, CHSNC® Financial Advisor & Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®

“I enjoy solving problems, building plans, and helping execute them,” begins Carrie A. McPherson, a Financial Advisor with BEACONPOINT WEALTH ADVISORS, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. “In a nutshell, people hire me to help them make educated decisions regarding their financial and investment questions and serve as an unbiased opinion when looking at the big picture.”

Carrie brings nearly 15 years in the finance industry and certifications as a Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist®, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, and most recently, Chartered Special-Needs Financial Consultant®. Carrie’s personal experiences with divorce and growing up with a mother struggling with mental illness makes her especially empathetic and connected to her clients. She loves working with women in coaching and cheering them on every step of the way. “At the end of the day, do what makes you happy” is a motto Sarah not only preaches but lives by.

If you enjoy listening to the kind of soulful singing that transforms the vibe of even your living room into a cocktail bar, Providence-based ALEXUS LEE needs to be on your radar. Known for her commanding stage presence and a four-octave range, this singer-songwriter can be found performing on stages around Rhode Island and beyond.

Alexus’ love of making music started early. “When I was eight I started taking piano and violin lessons with my mom, but even before that I was writing songs.” Today, Alexus still starts the process at the keyboard. “I start by fiddling around on the keys and once I come up with a progression I like, I start to sing.” particular, helping them feel empowered to make choices regarding the money they’ve worked so hard to earn.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to work with a professional that will help them feel more comfortable and confident about their finances,” says Carrie, who reveals plans for some fun events this year – “because finances don’t have to be boring!” she says.

1 Citizens Plaza, Suite 610 Providence, RI 02903, 401-824-2557, AmeripriseAdvisors.com/carrie.mcpherson

Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. ©2023 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Her favorite show to date? The Sinclair in Cambridge, November of 2019. Says Alexus, “I had the amazing opportunity to open for Mac Ayres. I played a 40-minute set, entirely of originals – the crowd was alive and singing my songs with me, my parents were in the balcony – it was just a perfect night.”

Hear Alexus Lee perform at the Leading Ladies party on March 23 at Aloft Providence.

AlexusALee.com