We were lucky to catch up with Ryan Berkeley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ryan , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Ive always been a right brain person since I was younger always looking at the visual context and being a visual learner. But also having some left brain tendencies which I had applied to going to design school. When I was in school Ive always had the mental vision of what something could be in the end put together. Preparing for a test I would visualize the textbook in my mind of what it said talk about being a visual learner. Taking some art classes started my passion of architecture and design. I attended college for interior architecture which merged both sides to have a visual aesthetic with organization and logic. Learning from the classic designers and gaining an appreciation for their designs and their processes.

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

So fast forward from design school, after working in the lighting design industry and transitioning to the home technology world. I would work with architects, designers, and developers to design lighting and home technology for high end residential. Learning from architects they would design their own furniture and furnishings, think of Frank Lloyd Wright stained glass windows or Eames chairs. I grew a passion for collecting items that have history and unique design aesthetic, mid century pottery and furniture, vintage collectibles, vintage advertising, typewriters, and cameras. After curating this set of items, the collection grew and we wanted to share these with others. We started attending curated markets selling the items to others who enjoyed these pieces of history for their homes or as gifts. There was an opportunity here in Salem to hold a vintage, handmade and art market in historic Derby Square which was born The Salem Flea. The Salem Flea is a curated group of individuals who are vintage curators, handmade makers, and artisans. We rebranded the vintage market to appeal to a youthful demographic and took off running. It runs in Derby Square from May-Sept for locals and tourists to get one of kind items from small business owners. We are always looking to improve and allow our business growth. The success of what we have put together has allowed us to hold the Salem Flea going into its 7th year now with an always changing list of top notch vendors.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Yes, depend on other creatives to support you. Collaboration is a main part of success. I think many artists and creatives think that they need to know everything and do everything alone. You don’t need to be a terrific in every aspect. Creatives know the skills that they are good at, organization, talent for art, etc. but maybe lack in social media presence. Share other peoples local businesses and artists you like, make a reel of your favorite businesses, or make a post with your picture. People want to connect with the person behind the curtain. Once they know you then they will share your story, tag you in something or buy your art. It takes time and risk to put yourself out there in the world but the results could be successful.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

It might sound cheesy but that one that Do what you love and Love what you do. If you have a passion for something, odds are someone else will take interest in your talents.

Contact Info:

• Website: thesalemflea.com
• Instagram: thesalemflea
• Other: TikTok – thesalemflea

Image Credits
The booth with the clothing and the photo of the cluster of items is from Eleventh House Vintage