Meet a Maker

Meet a Maker: Lisa Ann of Alchemy

Written and interviewed by: Christin Ritz

SM: Do you have a philosophy behind your artwork?
LA: The guiding light behind artistic, creative expression for me is to bring and give form to inspiration in a way that is meaningful and authentic.

SM: When did you start painting?
LA: I began taking abstract acrylic painting classes in October 2020 through the Dartmouth Cultural Center.

SM: What is your favorite thing about living and working on the south coast of Massachusetts?
LA: Being surrounded by and having easy access to nature's beauty and bounty.

SM: What's your favorite crystal?
LA: Tourmaline.

SM: What's your favorite flower?
LA: My favorite is the peony, with ranunculus coming in at a very tight, close second.

Meet a Maker: Anne Marie of Belle Toi

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Written and interviewed by: Christin Ritz

If this babe looks familiar, you've probably seen her working in the Padanaram shop. It's Anne Marie, proprietor of Belle Toi handmade skincare. She recently launched ritual bath boxes and hydrosol face mists. The "Moonchild" crystal-infused body spray is a Strawberry Moon exclusive, as well as our signature bath bombs with a surprise crystal inside. Check out our Q&A with the maker of one of our favorite brands!

Strawberry Moon: Tell us a little about your brand and how you started.

Anne Marie: After years of eating healthy, exercising, having my two awesome boys and preparing healthy family meals everyday, I had a health scare in 2011. I had an awakening and revisited how we were living. I was focusing on what we were putting in our bodies and not ON our bodies. After doing research and lots of reading, the magic started happening. With the support of some really savvy fellow business women, I launched Belle Toi. This year will be my 10th anniversary!

SM: What is your favorite thing about living and working on the Southcoast?

AM: I love New England and residing in New Bedford with my family. New Bedford is a melting pot of culture and history. I am a fan of all four seasons and love living by the ocean.

SM: What's your favorite crystal?
AM: Let's see.....I love many, many crystals, but my favorite is rose quartz (my first crystal from Andrea) and pyrite.

SM: What's your favorite flower?
AM: I loooooove flowers.....I'm always drawn to irises and hydrangeas...and laughing (which is not a flower, but a fun fact).

SM: Words to live by?
AM: Surround yourself with strong women, build each other up, elevate not hate!