9 Woman Owned Businesses on the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway

The scenic views, fascinating history, and a thriving cultural scene are all well-known attributes of Massachusetts’ North Shore – and shopping local helps to keep these communities strong. Many small businesses along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway are run and owned by women and offer unique products and services that heavily contribute to the vibrant culture and local economy. Here are nine woman owned businesses found in the towns and cities along the Byway that you can visit and support today!

Pauline’s Gifts

Address: 512 Essex Avenue, Gloucester

Pauline Bresnahan is a decorative artist and hand paints Mailboxes, glassware, ornaments, and much more.

Gloucester, Massachusetts-based Pauline’s Gifts is a small gift shop specializing in local goods, flags, and Gloucester-themed gifts dedicated to supporting women serving overseas. The Owner, Pauline Bresnahan, is a decorative artist and hand paints Mailboxes, glassware, ornaments, and much more. You can also find nautical gifts, jewelry, greeting cards, wind chimes, and other unique items.

Essex Bird & Pet Supply

Address: 121R Eastern Avenue, Essex

Shelly Nicastro & Susan Lufkin are sisters and lifelong residents of Gloucester. They grew up on a small family horse farm fostered their love and knowledge of animals. They love what they do and supply feed and accessories for all furry and feathered friends. As the only full-service pet and livestock supply on Cape Ann, you’ll be surprised at the wide array of food and supplies Essex Bird & Pet Supply has for a variety of animals including dogs, cats, horses, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, fish, and more. 

Googan’s Galley

Address: 1 Martin Street, Essex

A “Googan” is defined as “a novice fisherman; one who seeks to gain experience through trial with some snafus along the way.” Googans Galley is an awesome local cafe and market that embraces this concept and applies it to their everyday life. This vibrant eatery serves up a variety of quality breakfast and lunch options as well as meals to-go, pantry needs and even retail merch.

Sea Meadows Gifts

Address: 7 Main Street, Essex

Totes, mugs, sweatshirts, baby toys, fun games for kids, wall paintings, beautiful home decorations, and tees and hoodies are just a few of the gifts available at Sea Meadow Gifts & Garden. They also provide a wide variety of lovely wind sculptures, as well as ornamental items for gardens and backyards. The natural environment of Cape Ann, Massachusetts, serves as inspiration for many things that are handcrafted and developed by New England artists.

This beautiful, authentic shop is nested in a charming 18th-century house in historic Essex, Massachusetts. Stop by if you’re in town or shop for a unique collection of decorative and handcrafted items online!

The Essex Exchange

Address: 101 John Wise Ave, Essex

The Essex Exchange is owned by Katrina Haskell and is a curated, upscale, resale multi-dealer shop of found vintage wares, art, jewelry  and furniture! It is a unique treasure trove in Historic Essex, Massachusetts, their shop is where you’ll be able to find second-hand home furnishings, handmade items, painted furniture, attic antiques, and more. Stop by, browse, and meet the friendly staff!

Olde Ipswich Shop & Gallery

Address: 83 County Road, Ipswich

Olde Ipswich Shop, run by award-winning artist Johanne Cassia, offers a wide range of presents, antiques, and unique artwork. Her original folk art paintings, prints, and artist cards are quite popular. She depicts historical landscapes and villages in her work. She occasionally holds classes in her studio, which is upstairs. A wide variety of collectibles, smalls, jewelry, hand-hooked goods, pottery, bird sculptures, and seasonal décor are available. Also, usually on display are products created in America. A delightful store offering a wide variety of gifts, home goods, and art.

AnnTiques

Address: 45-47 South Main Street, Route 1A & 133, Ipswich

Antique, vintage, and mid-century furniture, decorative arts, clothing, fine jewelry, and interesting artifacts may be found at AnnTiques. Owned by Ann Orcutt, discover something from the past that has been given new life at AnnTiques, which is open all year long in Ipswich. Explore the over 8,000 square feet of unique offerings from all over the globe!

Lost Treasures

Address: 29 Main Street, Rowley

Lost Treasures is a charming vintage shop located in Rowley, stop in to check out what they have available.

The Barn at Todd Farm

Address: 275 Main Street, Rowley

The Barn at Todd Farm is a antiques & collectibles shop owned by Barbara Breaker located at Todd’s Riverview Farm in Rowley where you will find an array of unique collectibles at great prices. They offer a fine collection of antique, primitive, traditional, farmhouse, industrial, mid-century, and repurposed furnishings as well as a wide range of accessories, handmade and one-of-a-kind, for your home.

If you enjoyed learning about these woman owned businesses along the Byway, you should definitely check out our other blog that gives you the best antique shops along the Byway!