Creative Collective Explores

Creative Collective Explores Celebrating Creative Collective members across Essex County - the local businesses, makers, and events that make the North Shore special. Check out our program.

Want your business discovered by thousands? Creative North Shore is powered by Creative Collective. Creative Collective fosters growth, sustainability and scalability for small businesses, creative thinkers, organizations, entrepreneurs and innovators. We service the game changers, community leaders, municipalities and everyone that understands the importance of the creative workforce. To find out

more or to see what it means to be a member of Creative Collective —> https://www.creativecollectivema.com/join

To everyone who made Essex County feel a little more connected this year—thank you. 🤍Whether you're celebrating Christma...
12/24/2025

To everyone who made Essex County feel a little more connected this year—thank you. 🤍

Whether you're celebrating Christmas, lighting candles for Hanukkah, observing Kwanzaa, honoring the Solstice, or simply finding rest in these quieter days—we hope you find moments of warmth with the people who matter most.

And to those of you working straight through the holidays—behind counters, in kitchens, at markets, making magic happen for everyone else—we see you. Your dedication is what makes this community run. We hope you find YOUR moment of peace too, whenever it comes.

This year reminded us why community isn't just nice to have. It's essential.

2026 is going to be a year of unity—building each other up and rising together. Amplification—making sure YOUR stories, YOUR work, YOUR magic gets seen. And yes, a little bit of disruption—because the old ways of doing business aren't working for everyone, and we're here to change that.

We rise together. We create together. We take care of each other. That's not just a hope—it's a promise.

With so much gratitude (and a whole lot of excitement for what's next),

John + The Creative Collective Team ✨🔥


Looking for a New Year's celebration that works for the whole family? 🎊The North Shore Children's Museum has the perfect...
12/23/2025

Looking for a New Year's celebration that works for the whole family? 🎊

The North Shore Children's Museum has the perfect solution — a Noon Year's Eve Party on December 31st from 10AM-12PM!

Your kids get all the excitement of New Year's Eve (complete with countdown and ball drop!) without having to stay up way past bedtime. Plus access to all exhibits, a festive craft, and a winter holiday puppet show.

It's genius, really. All the celebration, none of the cranky overtired kids the next day.

Who else thinks this is the perfect family compromise for New Year's?

12/21/2025

Special hours alert at

🎄 Pop in today (Sunday) from 12-5 PM or swing by tomorrow (Monday) from 11-6 PM! 🎁

You HAVE to check out before the holidays!

Jenni's custom fine jewelry is absolutely gorgeous, and there are so many creative gifts from amazing independent makers. So many stunning options to explore! 💍✨

Jenni's Fine Jewelry:
💍 Custom engagement rings & wedding bands
💍 Permanent bracelets (walk-ins welcome!)
💍 Fine jewelry collections
💍 The stunning Ropes Friendship Rings (collaboration with —inspired by 19th-century Salem friendship traditions) 💍 100% recycled precious metals & ethical sourcing (love the article in this months )

Plus Curated Creative Gifts: 🎨 accessories & treasures 🕯️ candles 📚 and local artists featuring ✨ And so much more from talented makers

Every single piece at 24 Front Street is handpicked with so much care! Whether it's Jenni's handcrafted jewelry or creative finds from indie brands she loves, you're guaranteed to discover unique gifts and meaningful pieces you won't find anywhere else in Salem.

📍 24 Front Street, Downtown Salem

Huge shoutout to Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry for being an awesome Holiday Happenings Website Sponsor! Thank you for making 24 Front Street such a special spot for creativity, community, and ethical craftsmanship. Salem is SO lucky to have you! 🙏

✨🎨 Upcoming Programs at North Shore Children's Museum 🎨✨Here’s what’s happening the week of December 21, 2025 at NSCM!Pl...
12/21/2025

✨🎨 Upcoming Programs at North Shore Children's Museum 🎨✨

Here’s what’s happening the week of December 21, 2025 at NSCM!

Please note: The museum will be closed December 24, 25 & 26.

🎭 Sat 12/27 – Kids’ Theater Games (3 PM)
Join Christina for a fun half hour of theater and improv games! Perfect for elementary-aged guests, though all are welcome. Younger children may need a little adult support to join in the fun.

🧱 Sun 12/28 – LEGO Challenge (2–4 PM)
Drop into the back party room anytime between 2–4 PM and take on the LEGO challenge of the day! Free building time included. All participants earn a LEGO-themed sticker to take home.

⏰ Special Hours
The museum will be OPEN on:
• Mon 12/29 – 9AM–12PM & 1PM–4PM
• Tue 12/30 – 9AM–12PM & 1PM–4PM

🧒✨ Children’s programs are free with admission to the coinciding play session. Tickets are limited—reserve in advance at nschildrensmuseum.org.

📧 [email protected]

🔗 nschildrensmuseum.org

Comment EXPLORE below to learn about more about local events or how to join the Creative Collective MA business program!

12/19/2025

Weekend Round-Up for December 19
Each of these events represents our Creative Collective members investing in the kind of community they want to be part of - and we're all invited to explore alongside them!
These gatherings offer meaningful breaks from daily demands while directly supporting the local businesses, makers, and innovators who make Essex County distinctive.            
Our full calendar at creativecollectivema.com (also link in the bio)reveals workshops, markets, performances, and gatherings where we're discovering together that showing up for these experiences strengthens both our personal well-being and the local ecosystem we all depend on.

🧘‍♀️✨ Join Us for Historic Hearts Yoga at Hamilton Hall! ✨🧘‍♂️On January 17, 2026, Hamilton Hall welcomes you to a speci...
12/19/2025

🧘‍♀️✨ Join Us for Historic Hearts Yoga at Hamilton Hall! ✨🧘‍♂️
On January 17, 2026, Hamilton Hall welcomes you to a special pop-up yoga class led by certified instructor—and Hall staff member—Rebecca Johnson. This uplifting practice supports two beloved Salem nonprofits: Woman's Friend Society and Hamilton Hall.

Inspired by organizations that honor the past while nurturing our community today, Rebecca invites you to unwind, stretch, and breathe spaciousness into your evening. The class will be held in our beautiful third-floor Supper Room, where guests may practice on a mat, in a chair, or both. 🕯️

Whether these organizations hold a special place in your heart or you simply love yoga, we’d be delighted to have you join us. Beginners welcome!

📅 Saturday, January 17, 2026
📍 Hamilton Hall — 9 Chestnut St., Salem, MA
🧘‍♀️ Chair + mat options available
💛 Benefitting The Woman’s Friend Society & Hamilton Hall
🎟️ Register: https://hamiltonhall.networkforgood.com/events/94590-historic-hearts-yoga

Accessibility note: Hamilton Hall does not have an elevator. The class will take place on the third floor. Handrails are available on the stairs.

WOW - this morning's Coffee with the Collective at Cultura Latina Dance Academy was absolutely BUZZING! So much energy i...
12/19/2025

WOW - this morning's Coffee with the Collective at Cultura Latina Dance Academy was absolutely BUZZING! So much energy in the room!

60 business owners showed up before 10 am on a Thursday! The dedication is real, but honestly? I think we've all discovered something REALLY special here.

Loved seeing REAL conversations and genuine connections happening everywhere. No awkward business card shuffles - just genuine people showing up for each other!

Huge THANK YOU to for welcoming us into their gorgeous space and sharing their extraordinary mission! Shoutout to for keeping us caffeinated and for making these gatherings possible. This is what real business support looks like!

Extra love to everyone who brought toys for CLDA's holiday drive (and even more if you shopped local!). THIS is what it's all about!

Lynn absolutely SHOWED UP this morning!

Mark your calendars! Next month we're at The Bower ( ) in Beverly on January 15th - our home base! Come check out where Creative Collective lives and works inside Montserrat's 36,000-square-foot creative hub. SO excited to share more details soon!

See you there. ☕

Behind every confident headshot is someone ready to bet on themselves ✨Meet Kendra st. John, owner of LightShed Photogra...
12/18/2025

Behind every confident headshot is someone ready to bet on themselves ✨
Meet Kendra st. John, owner of LightShed Photography Studio - she's made it her mission to help people see themselves the way the world sees them: capable, professional, and ready.
Right now through March, she's offering her most popular headshot sessions at 50% off. Whether you're updating LinkedIn, launching something new, or just ready to show up differently, this is your moment.
📍 Lightshed Photography Studio
50 Grove St., Suite 218B, Salem
📅 Now through March 31
🔗 Book: https://lightshedcommercial.client.photos/bookings
What would showing up in your "best light" change for you this year? 💭

Comment EXPLORE below to learn about more about local events or how to join the Creative Collective MA business program!

✨ Step Into the World of Oz This Winter! ✨The Salem YMCA is thrilled to present a magical 3-day Wicked-inspired Broadway...
12/17/2025

✨ Step Into the World of Oz This Winter! ✨
The Salem YMCA is thrilled to present a magical 3-day Wicked-inspired Broadway camp—perfect for young performers ages 8–13!

From December 29–31, campers will spend three half-days dancing, acting, singing, and discovering the joy of bringing a story to life on stage.

💚 Camp Highlights:
✨ Learn a full dance number inspired by Wicked’s iconic choreography
✨ Explore scene study, character work & vocal performance
✨ Build confidence, technique & stage presence
✨ Experience the magic of Broadway in a fun, supportive environment

Led by instructors Jay Gould and Raivin Smith, this camp is the perfect winter break adventure for aspiring performers ready to shine.

🎭 Spots are limited — don’t miss your chance to join us in Oz!
👉 Register today: Link in bio

📍 Salem YMCA
1 Sewall Street, Salem, MA

Comment EXPLORE below to learn about more about local events or how to join the Creative Collective MA business program!

Discover something magickal this December at Stardust Salem ✨Looking for a little enchantment? Stardust is hosting two b...
12/16/2025

Discover something magickal this December at Stardust Salem ✨

Looking for a little enchantment? Stardust is hosting two beautiful ways to connect with ancient traditions (and fellow curious souls):

🔮 THURSDAY MAGICKAL MEET-UPS ($10)
Every Thursday evening - learn a new skill, meet like-minded people, and embrace your inner witch. This week: Tea Leaf Reading! Next week: Pomanders!

🍊 POMANDER CLASSES THIS WEEKEND ($25)
Saturday 12/20 & Sunday 12/21 at 1pm + 4pm
Create your own aromatic pomander while learning about their magickal uses. ALL AGES WELCOME - bring the family! Choose in-person at Pequot House (29 Congress Street) OR join virtually from home.

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just magick-curious, these intimate classes blend education with hands-on enchantment. Plus, you leave with something beautiful you made yourself.

Stardust is one of Salem's hidden gems where ancient wisdom meets modern seekers. Support local magick makers and discover something new about yourself in the process.

Book now: Link in bio or DM them for details!
Tag someone who needs a little magick in their December ✨

12/16/2025

Last week, Creative Collective attended Cultura Latina Dance Academy Inc.'s 2nd Annual Gala Fundraiser! The evening was packed with powerful performances by the students at CLDA, art and music, and a community coming together for celebration. We would like to thank Yajaira "Yaya" Rodriguez and the CLDA team and sponsors as a whole for fostering a night of unity, culture, and unforgettable experiences!

Comment EXPLORE below to learn about more about local events or how to join the Creative Collective MA business program!

12/15/2025

Still need to check off a few items on your gift list? has you TOTALLY covered with the most amazing, handpicked finds for everyone! Seriously, you’re going to love what’s in (this) store!

Have you shopped at Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry before? We would love to know about some of your favorite purchases in the comments!

There’s SO much more than just fine jewelry waiting for you at this downtown Salem gem!

✨ Custom fine jewelry (ethically sourced), same-day permanent bracelets 👜

purses & accessories
💇‍♀️ hair clips & accessories
🐺 creations

🐭 Salem's Smallest Attraction felted mice – EXCLUSIVE! Take a tiny part of home with you!

From stunning, eco-friendly jewelry (made with 100% recycled precious metals!) to the cutest handmade treasures, Jenni Stuart’s collection is full of surprises you won’t find anywhere else. Each piece is picked for its wow-factor, quality, and that amazing 'How did you even find this?!' vibe.

Pop by 24 Front Street in downtown Salem—open all through the holidays! Walk-ins are totally welcome for permanent bracelets, so swing in anytime! 💫

Still searching for that perfect gift? There’s time—and SO many awesome options waiting for you! ✨

🎄 Holiday Happenings Website Sponsors:

👻 Social Media Sponsors:

Co-organized by | Partner:

Address

Salem, MA

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Creative Collective Explores posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Creative Collective Explores:

Share

Our Story

Creative North Shore celebrates and supports all things creative economy, arts and culture. Original content, photography, videography, stories and more all shared across various online, real world and social platforms. CNS is a program of, and is powered by Creative Collective MA.

Creative Collective is a business program that provides opportunities for small businesses, entrepreneurs, non profits, organizations and individuals that are looking for a more modern and creative approach to business growth and brand awareness.

Our partners benefit from our ability to layer services that reach far beyond traditional marketing and business programs. Together we share a vision that thriving arts, culture and creative sectors makes the world a better place and support the sustainability of our communities and businesses.

Together we connect creativity, commerce and the community.