We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dana Sayers. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dana below.

Hi Dana, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Growing up on the North Shore of Massachusetts was filled with such amazing memories. The seasons here are just amazing and the ability to visit the ocean and a major city in the same day is a true luxury. With so much rich history and culture, the North Shore is truly a magical place to call home. Having both of my boys during the pandemic, I noticed a huge shift in the ability to connect with the community and experience things in our area. I wanted to created a magical space that was like a “weekly community block party,” where family and friends could remember why we’re so lucky to live where we do. I’ve always been a person whose head was filled with crazy ideas. I want to nurture the growers, the makers, and the dreamers by creating a space for them to flourish and share their crazy ideas.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

When I was in high school, my guidance councilor told me, “you focus too much on the social aspect of life and not enough on the academic.” Even though I was in the National Honor Society and had a good GPA, she was right – I have always loved planning parties and socializing. She suggested I attend college under the Hospitality and Tourism Management focus and the rest is history,

From there I spent many years planning private and public events, running hospitality establishments, being on the frontline of service as a bartender and server, promoting well known and upcoming brands and specializing in social media marketing. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to run my own business and after some market research found a need and a want from the community for a weekly market in our beautiful coastal town of Ipswich, MA.

After setting my sights on developing this market, I spent the majority of 2022 and the beginning of 2023 securing permits, reaching out to vendors, building budgets & calendars and laying the groundwork for the magical event we have brought to the community every Thursday.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One thing I’ve learned through my years in the hospitality industry is that this business is truly organic – I don’t mean free of pests – I mean it is dependent on people! Without life entering your event, there is no event! People make the project and you CANNOT control people. Your best bet is to be authentic and plan as much as you can, all while being ready to pivot if need be!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

My advice to build your audience on social media is simple – show up. Show up on your page, show up in your feed, show up on your community pages, and be timely in responding. Some of my best alliances (turned friends!) that have developed from my work at the market were made through social media. You may not know where a new relationship or connection will go through social media networking, so be ready to explore all opportunities! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.  

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: @ipswichhomegrownmarket
• Facebook: @ipswichhomegrownmarket
• Linkedin: @danasayers

Image Credits
Emily Teresa Photography Illume by Merissa Conley