Salem Creative Collective To Highlight Women-Owned Businesses In New Podcast

SALEM, MA — A new podcast from the Salem-based Creative Collective is designed to feature women-owned businesses within the Creative Collective business program.

"Creativity Connects with Mikki Wilson" will explore the genuine experiences behind polished brand facades through conversations with local women entrepreneurs.

Wilson is the founder of Dot Connector Consulting and is known as "The Dot Connector" with more than 20 years of marketing experience.

"The entrepreneurial journey rarely follows a predictable path, especially for women who are building meaningful businesses while navigating unexpected pivots and embracing vulnerability," Wilson said. "This podcast celebrates the incredible women who make up our creative community by showcasing how they're redefining success through authenticity over perfection."

The series is intended to challenge traditional business narratives by highlighting how authentic women entrepreneurs thrive when they align their external brand with their internal truth.

The first five episodes feature guests representing diverse sectors of the local creative economy, including fine jewelry, gourmet food, event planning, and retail.

The First Episodes include:

Episode 1: Beyond the Brand with Daybar Bugler — Features the founder of Edex Provisions, exploring her journey from fashion design to becoming one of the few Black women-owned cheese shops, and how she balances entrepreneurship with motherhood.

Episode 2: Elena Rodgers of the Creative Collective — Highlights the Events Director's passion for creating spaces where artists can truly thrive and her deep empathy for small businesses.

Episode 3: Councilor at Large, Nicole McClain of Lynn — Showcases a multi-hyphenate leader whose work intersects education, community, and culture, including her historic role as the first Black woman city councilor in Lynn.

Episode 4: Beyond the Brand with Jenni Stuart — Features the classically trained goldsmith and founder of Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry, emphasizing craftsmanship, custom design, and meaningful connection.

Episode 5: Beyond the Brand with Die With Your Boots On — Explores the commitment to authenticity, size inclusivity, and creative expression of Salem's indie goth shop founders.

"These conversations reveal that sustainable business growth comes from genuine connection rather than polished facades," Wilson said. "We're learning that authentic women entrepreneurs thrive when they embrace collaboration over competition, and we're excited to continue highlighting more inspiring stories from our creative community in upcoming episodes."

"Creativity Connects with Mikki Wilson" is produced by Randyll Collum for Peabody TV and sponsored by Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that defines the Creative Collective community.

"This podcast represents exactly what Creative Collective stands for — empowering local creativity, fostering an inclusive community, and connecting creativity with commerce," said Elena Rodgers, Events Director at Creative Collective. "These women are not just business owners — they're community builders and culture creators who are making our region more vibrant and inclusive."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)