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3/2/2026
FEATURED CHIK:Â Jill Moccio Connors What began as a small idea with just 12 women-owned businesses has grown into a thriving community movement. Jill, founder of Babes, Brews & Browsing, has built high-energy, charity-driven events that now welcome more than 600 guests and unite a powerhouse network of 60+ incredible women. For Jill, supporting local - especially women-owned businesses -isn’t just important, it’s vital, and leading this community has been one of the greatest honors of her life.  Tell us a bit about your company! What do you do? What is your mission? Babes Brews & Browsing is a group of Local Women Owned Businesses that come together to take over different venues for a day of upscale shopping, live music, great food, and beverages! Back in March 2024, I organized my first ever Charity event for Shriners Children’s New England at the Starting Gate at GreatHorse, in Hampden. I had 48 women owned businesses and live music. It was such a hit that I did it again on Nov 30, 2024… then Nov 29, 2025… and our next scheduled one is Nov 28, 2026. We keep growing in attendance , I now work with sponsors from local businesses, I brought in not only music but we also have complimentary spa and salon services, and a 360 photo booth. Back in July 2025 I hosted Sunsets & Socials for Shriners Children’s New England - more of a smaller scale as the big November events have about 600+ guests, this one was 175 guests. We enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres, a dinner station, live music and 8 women owned businesses from Babes Brews & Browsing! In March I am hosting a 90s Boom! An upscale nightclub type event at The Starting Gate at GreatHorse! I just keep growing in momentum and these events are so well received in the community. In the last JUST two years , we have raised just under $80,000 for SCNE in my son, Jackson’s Honor. My reason and my why is him, and with the support of the community and the incredible women I get to surround myself with, skies the limit on the impact we do and continue to do within the area for our children who need the best care only Shriners Children’s can provide no matter the financial situation these family’s are in. How did you get started with your business? Babes Brews & Browsing was an idea I had as I am super small business in the area and have been involved in hundreds of events as a vendor. I wanted to build something different. A family. I preach community over competition. This group started with just 12 women owned businesses and now I have over 60 that I can call friends and get the pleasure of working with. People have really enjoyed this journey as they see the difference within our group. You’re getting relationship when you shop and support us. What do you feel is most important for other to know about your business? I want people to know that I lead with my heart always. I work hard to bring people together for good. I am a woman who wants my neighbor to do better than me. I believe there’s room for everyone at the table of success. I believe that supporting local businesses, especially women owned businesses is vital to the community and it’s an honor to be someone who brings events to the local area and most importantly it’s a privilege to bring beautiful charity events that are so much fun and so incredibly important.  How would you describe your leadership style? My style is simple. Be a friend, support, show up, refer, recommend, speak highly of others, respectfully. I believe we are a team, I just happened to be the one who began it, but we are all a vital part of the group. I recognize and I know that we wouldn’t be as successful as a group in these charity events and other events if it wasn’t for each one of these women. When you were growing up, what was your ultimate dream job? If it's this, how does it feel to have met your dream? If it was something different, how did your dream change over time? I never really knew who or what I wanted to be. I always found myself in different customer service type jobs, as I love working with people. For me - being with the public lights me up. I love bringing a smile and a laugh to someone, I love making people feel special because they are, I enjoy making people feel seen. I became a stay at home mom and I loved every moment of it, when my son turned 4..5yrs old I slowly started going back out in the world with my new business Hustle & Heart, and I knew that this was my path. I was my own boss, I could still be the best mom for my son, always home for him, but I could also get back out there with the public and bring those laughs and relationships back. And in the last 5yrs it has taken off into something I never knew I needed or could do. Every business owner faces challenges. How are you empowered to overcome yours?
To be honest, I really haven’t had any challenges. I have an extremely supportive husband, I don’t have a storefront so I am allowed to dictate where I am with my business and items, I can be choosy in that aspect, as far as Babes Brews & Browsing, the only obstacle is that vendor events are everywhere, the scene is saturated. So I make sure that my events are next level, different, events you want to be at. Especially the charity ones. It’s important to continue to wow my guests. And I do believe I do just that each and every time. Tell us (in one word) how you would describe your boss-chik business! Unstoppable. Anything else we should know about you, your business, or just a fun fact?! I definitely am a person who lives out loud and I am really proud of my growth and the growth of both my businesses! Where You Can Find Her: Facebook | Email  Small business owners are some of the hardest-working people out there. You’re wearing every hat, making decisions on the fly, and often operating in survival mode. But here’s the truth many don’t want to hear: hustle alone is not a strategy. And without a clear strategy, even the most passionate business can stall, or fail.
At Chikmedia, we see this every day. Talented entrepreneurs with incredible products or services struggle not because they lack effort, but because they lack a plan. Strategy is what turns effort into momentum. Strategy Creates Focus in a Noisy World Today’s digital landscape is overwhelming. Social media platforms, algorithms, email marketing, PR opportunities, SEO, paid ads, we get it, it’s a lot. Without a strategy, small businesses often chase everything, spreading time and money too thin. Strategy provides clarity. It helps you identify where to show up, how to communicate, and who you’re actually trying to reach. When you have a strategy, decisions become easier. You stop asking, “Should I try this?” and start asking, “Does this support my goals?” That shift alone saves time, reduces burnout, and increases impact. Strategy Protects Your Brand Your brand is more than a logo or color palette; it’s how people experience your business. Without strategy, messaging becomes inconsistent, visuals drift, and the brand story gets muddy. This can confuse your audience and erode trust, especially in moments of growth or crisis. A strong strategy ensures that everything you put into the world, from Instagram captions to media interviews, aligns with your values, voice, and long-term vision. Consistency builds credibility, and credibility builds loyalty. Strategy Turns Marketing into an Investment Many small business owners see marketing as an expense because they don’t see immediate results. Often, that’s not a marketing problem, it’s a strategy problem. Throwing money at tactics without a clear plan leads to frustration and wasted resources. With strategy, marketing becomes intentional. You know your goals, your metrics, and your audience. You’re not guessing, you’re building. Over time, this approach delivers measurable returns and sustainable growth. Strategy Helps You Grow - On Purpose Growth without strategy can be just as dangerous as no growth at all. Hiring too quickly, expanding into the wrong markets, or saying yes to every opportunity can stretch a business beyond its capacity. Strategy allows you to grow with intention, aligning expansion with your mission, systems, and resources. It also gives you a roadmap. When challenges arise, and they always do, you’re not reacting emotionally. You’re responding strategically. The Bottom Line Small businesses don’t fail because owners don’t care enough. They fail because they’re doing too much without direction. Strategy is not a luxury reserved for big corporations; it’s a necessity for small businesses that want to last. At Chikmedia, we believe strategy is the foundation of everything: branding, communications, crisis management, and growth. When you invest in strategy, you’re not slowing down - you’re setting yourself up to move forward with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Because hustle may get you started, but strategy is what keeps you standing. 1/6/2026
CONFIDENCE TIPS FOR THE NEW YEAR It’s no secret, a new year has a way of shining a spotlight on what we want more of and the resolution lists to achieve those things. Today, scrap the resolutions, and let’s look at building your confidence with intention and action. As emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals, confidence is often the difference between staying comfortable and truly growing. Confidence is not about being the loudest voice in the room (which may shock some of you since I’m known to be loud, LOL) and it’s not about having everything figured out. Instead it’s about trusting yourself enough to take the next step, even when things feel uncertain. Three practical ways to strengthen your confidence this year. 1) Start with clarity, not pressure Confidence grows when you are clear on where you’re going. Pressure grows when you feel like you have to do everything at once. My suggestion, ask yourself:
The formula is simple. Clarity creates focus. Focus builds confidence. 2) Keep promises to yourself Are you someone who keeps your word? That’s an admirable quality, but often we find that we do what we say we’re going to do for OTHERS and forget about ourselves. That’s why in 2026, one of the fastest ways to build confidence is to do what you say you are going to do for YOU. This may seem scary. There’s only so much time to go around. So what happens is we tend to drop our needs to the bottom of the list… behind the boss, the client, the kids, the spouse, the Amazon driver (okay, maybe kidding on the last one but seriously why do we allow our own needs to be the last priority?) You don’t have to prioritize your needs in spite of all the others; you can start small. A few suggestions to do this:
Every time you follow through, you reinforce trust in yourself. Confidence is built through action, not intention alone. 3) Put yourself in rooms that elevate you Growth rarely happens by doing the same thing you’ve always done. Confidence often shows up when you challenge yourself. I recommend finding places and people who inspire you to be your bold self. This year don’t let it happen by chance, be intentional and…
Remember, if you want to level up, you have to be willing to show up. Don’t wait for another calendar flip Confidence is not something you either have or do not have. It’s something you build, moment by moment, choice by choice. Don’t wait any longer, get started building your confidence today! Use this new year to give yourself permission to take up space, to be seen, and to trust that you are capable of more than you realize. I often share with my POP!more and Chikmedia clients that confidence fuels possibility. And possibility is where growth begins. Here is to showing up fully this year!!! - Jill Monson, Founder of POP!more and Associate Director of Marketing at Chikmedia  As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on a year full of growth, impact, and bold moves, both for me personally and for Chikmedia. It’s been a year that has challenged me, inspired me, and reminded me why I love what I do.
11/17/2025
Finding Freedom...  Finding Freedom in Authenticity:
Reflections from My Keynote at Women in Development Greater Boston By: Meghan Rothschild On November 7th, I had the honor of serving as the keynote speaker at the Women in Development Greater Boston (WIDGB) Annual Breakfast, an inspiring gathering of brilliant, mission-driven professionals who are shaping the future of philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. Standing in that room, surrounded by so many dedicated women and allies, was both energizing and deeply humbling. My keynote centered on a theme that has guided both my personal and professional journey: living authentically. It’s a phrase we hear often, but in practice, choosing authenticity can be uncomfortable, vulnerable, and even risky. Yet it’s also where our leadership becomes the most powerful. I spoke about what it means to bring our full selves into our work, our stories, our values, our identities, our imperfect humanity, and how authenticity strengthens not only our own sense of purpose, but also the relationships we build and the impact we make. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that authenticity isn’t something you “arrive at.” It’s a practice. It’s a series of daily choices; choosing honesty over ease, choosing alignment over approval, choosing presence over performance. When we let ourselves be seen, we give others permission to do the same. At the WIDGB breakfast, I invited attendees to think about the moments when they’ve dimmed their own light in order to fit in, and what might be possible if they allowed themselves to lead with more truth and less fear. What stood out to me most that morning was the palpable sense of community in the room. Women supporting women. Leaders uplifting leaders. Strangers who instantly felt like collaborators. This is the kind of community where authenticity can thrive; one that celebrates difference, encourages vulnerability, and makes space for growth. I’m deeply grateful to WID Greater Boston for inviting me, and to everyone who joined me in exploring the theme of living authentically. My hope is that each person walked away with something, an insight, a reframe, a spark, that will support them in showing up more fully in their own lives and leadership. Authenticity is not about perfection. It’s about alignment. It’s about the everyday courage to live and lead from who we truly are. And if November 7th taught me anything, it’s that we’re all walking this journey together. 11/3/2025
Meghan shares why...
Chikmedia Closes Every Year for The HolidaysHi 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:
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 10/27/2025
FEATURED CHIK: KRISTIN PERAGINE Meet Kristin Peragine, Owner of KP Design Co. and upcoming Resin Artist. Kristin shares her story of how she turned her hobby into a small business, selling her art to over 20 shops across the country.
10/6/2025
Something Wicked... 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:
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:
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! 9/20/2025
WELCOME Julianne Fruscio TO THE TEAM! 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.
8/8/2025
Featured chik: Jamie Bohlin 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.
7/21/2025
FEATURED CHIK: Jolly PRADHAN 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.
 Earlier this month, the Chikmedia team hit the road for a four-day work trip to the stunning coast of Maine, and I couldn’t wait to share a little behind-the-scenes look at our stay at Glenmoor by the Sea.
6/26/2025
FEATURED CHIK: Cassiana Jensen 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.
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