Hi Chik friends,
 
Meghan here (a.k.a. President & Chief Bad Ass of Chikmedia). This may seem like it’s coming early but every year I get lots of questions about why we do an annual Holiday Shutdown. Predicting this year will not be different, I thought I’d take this early opportunity to share why I have chosen to do this for over the past ten years since beginning Chikmedia.
 
Why we pause
 
Every year around Christmas we shut down for approximately 10 days (the days between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day). This is our intentional pause. It is a full team unplug, a chance to reset, recharge, and hit the next year ready to rock.
 
Here’s the deal: in the always-on, digital world of content, marketing and creative work, it is all too easy to stay plugged in, keeping up with client demands, algorithms, pings, social edits, brand launches and more. Rooted in wellness, our Shutdown is designed to push back against that pace.
 
We want each Chik to spend quality time with friends and family, reflect, unplug, maybe binge-read or hike or cook, and let their minds wander away from the day-to-day hustle. This isn’t just vacation, it’s strategic. I believe when you give creatives space to breathe they come back more alive, more inspired and more ready to innovate.

​A real need for rest
 
Creative teams and marketing professionals are under real strain, but don’t take my word for it, here’s what the data says:

• 70% of professionals across media, marketing and creative sectors reported experiencing burnout in the past 12 months according to a 2024 study.
• 76% of creative leaders say they and their teams felt burned out by workload over the past year.

 
This info tells us something important: we’re in a field driven by ideas, fast-moving platforms, evolving client expectations; and if we don’t build in the rest, creativity falters, morale dips and innovation suffers. So our shutdown is preventative. We don’t want to wait until someone hits the wall. We’d rather skip the crash and revive the engine before we need it.
 
Why clients should care
 
You might ask: “Does a shutdown mean our projects stall?” Not at all. In fact, it means the opposite. Creating this space allows us to serve you at our best – not just delivering but over-exceeding. We plan far ahead, schedule accordingly, and let every client know our rhythm. And we come back with sharper vision, deeper clarity and the kind of creativity that only full replenishment allows.
 
We believe creativity thrives when each Chik is properly fueled. So yes, we shut down our offices for a bit. Because in a world that expects continuous output, we choose sustainable excellence instead. Who is ready to join us in giving yourself and your team permission to rest, reflect and return in 206 with intention?
 
Hears to a restful holiday season and a kickass new year!

~ Meghan
President & Chief Bad Ass
​

WICKEDLY WONDERFUL THAT IS!
Bewitched is coming to the Springfield Museums​

Mark your calendar if you’re in the mood for a little magic this month and join us for Bewitched: A Haunting Evening at the Springfield Museums. Meghan Rothschild, Chikmedia President, is partnering with the Museums to help bring this spellbinding celebration to life.
 
DETAILS:

• Thursday, October 23
• 6:00pm – 8:30pm
• The George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum at the Springfield Museums

 
This isn’t your average autumn outing. Guests will step into a night filled with mystery, music, and a touch of the supernatural. The evening will feature:

• Culinary creations by Al Dente’s Catering,
• Live music that’s sure to cast a spell on you, and
• Interactive experiences that are equal parts eerie and elegant.

 
Curious what the future holds? You can find out with tarot card readings from Mirror Mirror Tarot.
 
Feeling daring? Be mesmerized by a witchy acrobatic performance from the talented artists at SHOW Circus Studio of Easthampton.
 
And because every good haunting has a story, the museum’s original founders, George Walter Vincent Smith and Belle Townsley Smith, are said to make a few mystical appearances of their own. The setting itself – a stunning gallery of global art and artifacts – provides the perfect backdrop for an evening that blends history, creativity, and a bit of Halloween magic.
 
This one-of-a-kind event captures exactly what we love about fall in Western Mass: community, creativity, and a dash of whimsy. Whether you’re attending with friends or flying in solo on your broomstick, Bewitched promises a night you won’t soon forget.
 
Tickets are limited, and reservations are required by October 16. Visit the Springfield Museums website to secure your spot before this enchanting evening disappears into the night.
 
Grab your cauldron (or cocktail glass) and prepare for a hauntingly good time. We’ll see you there… if you dare!
​

We are thrilled to announce the addition of Julianne Fruscio to our growing creative team, as a Content Producer. With over a decade of expertise in marketing strategy, social media, and brand development, Julianne brings a proven ability to craft impactful content that drives engagement, strengthens brand presence, and fuels growth.
 
Julianne is a seasoned marketing director, social media influencer, and expert in content creation, with extensive experience developing innovative campaigns for major brands including her work with Amazon and Comfrt. She specializes in brand positioning, storytelling, and creative direction, consistently producing results-driven content that captivates audiences and boosts conversions.
 
In addition to her corporate achievements, Julianne has built a thriving body positivity community, showcasing her talent for fostering authentic engagement and inspiring audiences. Her strengths in trend analysis, content planning, and visual production ensure that the brands she works with achieve consistent growth and lasting impact.
 
"This partnership with Chikmedia is beyond exciting and is such a good fit between two strong women marketing professionals in Western MA,” said Julianne. “I am in awe of Meghan and the Chikmedia team and what they have accomplished, so it truly is an honor to be part of the team. Creating compelling content and managing social media platforms is one of my passions and I can't wait to bring my creative vision to new and existing clients!"
 
Julianne’s appointment underscores Chikmedia’s commitment to expanding its creative capabilities and delivering high-quality, compelling content for its clients. As a Content Producer, she will play a key role in content strategy, brand storytelling, and multimedia production.
 
“We are so excited to welcome Julianne to the Chikmedia team,” said Meghan Rothschild, our President. “Her expertise in social media marketing and brand development, combined with her creative vision and passion for storytelling, make her an invaluable addition as we continue to grow and innovate.”
 
Julianne holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Ithaca College’s Roy H. Park School of Communications. Prior to joining Chikmedia, she served as Director of Marketing, Retention, and Field Services at Dominion Dealer Solutions, as well as Business Development and Marketing Specialist at Excelsior Integrated.

To contact Julianne you can email her at [email protected].
 

Marketing today isn’t just about being seen: it’s about being remembered. As the owner of Chikmedia, Meghan Rothschild-Shea has spent over a decade helping businesses break through the noise. In a world full of algorithms, ever-changing platforms, and constant content demands, it’s easy to lose sight of what actually works. Meghan shares with the Massachusetts Business Network, her expertise on the core marketing best practices she recommends for businesses looking to build real, lasting connections. 

​Meet Jamie Bohlin, the heart and soul behind Cape Cod Celebrations! As the owner and lead event planner, Jamie brings passion, creativity, and years of experience to every celebration she curates. From intimate beach weddings to large-scale coastal events, her attention to detail and deep love for Cape Cod make each occasion that much more memorable.

Meet Jolly Pradhan, CEO & Founder of End-to-End Innovation Consulting. With a passion for turning bold ideas into practical breakthroughs, Jolly leads with a strategy-first mindset, in helping organizations drive innovation from concept to execution. The mission at End-to-End Innovation is for every solution to bridge creativity with impact, while transforming complex ideas into tangible, market-driven results.

Meet Cassiana Jensen, Interior Designer and Founder of Cassiana Jensen Interior Design Inc., whose approach to interior design is rooted in the belief that design isn’t just about aesthetics. Her designs are grounded in neuroscience - she designs with intention, using research-backed principles to create spaces that truly support well-being.  ​

Meet the talented eye behind the lens who has brought our vision to life a countless number of times, Photographer, Hilary Boutin, Owner of Hilary Lynn Photography. Her passion for capturing empowering and on-brand imagery has helped entrepreneurs and creatives build a stunning portfolio and spread the word about what they do. 

​Dakin Humane Society announced its all-volunteer 2025 Board of Directors, representing communities from across the Pioneer Valley. Chikmedia President, Meghan Rothschild, alongside her fellow new Directors, is excited to begin her three-year term on the board. Meghan’s personal values align closely with that of the Dakin Humane Society's mission, as both are dedicated to improving the lives of animals through compassion, advocacy, and community engagement. Meghan looks forward to contributing to making a positive change in animals lives and the people who love them.   

​Branding is arguably the most important piece of your business. It allows you to create recognition with your target audience, builds trust with your community, and ultimately, increases your sales. We have so many small businesses that come to us and they don't have the basic branding tools in place. Before we get into our branding must haves, let’s go over what exactly branding is.