Kate Lawless

Client Focus: Perspective Learning

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For Chrystal Santos, building Perspective Learning, a business serving people with autism, is a dream years in the making. We spoke to her about the journey so far, and how the Franklin County CDC worked with her along the way.

Franklin County CDC: What brought you to serving people with autism?

Chrystal Santos: When I was in high school, we had to take a career aptitude quiz. My results pointed to a speech-language pathologist. I had no idea what that was. My basketball teammate's youngest brother has what would now be considered level 3 autism and received in home speech therapy. I asked to observe his in home session to see what a speech therapist did. This was almost 25 years ago, but I remember being inspired and sure I wanted to be an SLP. During my undergraduate studies, I interned at the New England Center for Children. After graduation, I served as an SLPA in public schools and at The Collaborative for Educational Services. In these roles, I often had a few learners diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. I became invested in learning about AAC and functional communication more than the speech or articulation side of Speech Therapy. I chose the educational track of a Behavior Analyst over a Speech Pathologist for my master's degree, and I will have been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst for 10 years this May!

FCCDC: How do you see your business growing/changing over the next year and beyond?

CS: Starting this business has been a slow and steady process. I've done it on the side in addition to working full time in the public schools. With support from the community lending program and my family, I feel ready to jump in with both feet to provide specialized healthcare options and education to some of our most vulnerable residents. I see myself running this business full time and it growing quickly over the next year. In this field, we need to be careful because businesses can grow too fast, causing service quality to diminish and become ineffective. I want to maintain small caseloads and high-quality services. I want to provide education and support to our young learners and their families. I see us becoming well known and established in our community. My hope is that Perspective Learning will be a resource for families, a place to access not only education but also community.

FCCDC: How has it been working with the FCCDC? Would you recommend it to others?

CS: The FCCDC is an incredible resource. It has been educational and supportive. I feel heard and valued. FCCDC gave me a platform to share an idea—a dream I've been sitting on for years—and then educated me on how I can make it happen through connections and a community lending program. The FCCDC reminds me there are still people out there who want to help, who want to give community members space and resources to develop new and exciting business ideas. I'm so grateful for their time and support. 10 out of 10 recommend.

FCCDC: Anything else you'd like to add?

I never thought I would be a business owner. It seemed too risky and time consuming. These last 2 years of development have been an emotional and challenging roller coaster. I've stuck to it and put in an enormous amount of time and effort. I'm so proud of the result and the mission. I'm grateful for the love and support from my friends, family, and clients.

I'm also SO EXCITED that Perspective Learning has the opportunity to sponsor the Greenfield Girls Softball League and give back to the community. My daughter grew up in the league through the donations and sponsorship of local businesses and it's fulfilling to be able to support that experience for the next generation of ballplayers!

Client Focus: Archetype Hair

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An Artful Space for Transformation

There’s a stillness in the space at Archetype Hair in Greenfield that feels soothing. The colors are cool and appealing, even the chairs are thoughtfully chosen. An alter window pierces the wall that delineates the hair washing station. Behind a white wood carved screen, a tea kettle, French press, and cups are placed on a tray on a painted bureau, the color of which matches the lacy curtains that filter light from the massive windows. This is a curated salon that exudes restful energy.

Which makes sense. Owner Stephanie Kauffman was immersed in the high-stress New York art world as an art handler while living in Brooklyn for 17 years. When she had to leave her apartment because the building sold, she returned to Greenfield, where her brother lives and where she had a built-in community from her Hampshire College and Rowe Camp days.

“I started cutting hair at summer camp when I was a teenager, because we would have these hair nights. And I just never stopped,” she said on a recent sunny day at her salon.

Back in New York, when she got laid off from a job in the art world, she decided to pursue that passion and went to the Aveda Institute, then worked at salons in Manhattan and Brooklyn. For Stephanie, hair care is a creative process.

“I think a lot of hairstylists identify as artists. And I feel like doing cut and color, it’s a way to have a complete thought.”

As she works with a client to bring out the best in the way they look, she also works with them on a deeper level.

“I really value the connection that happens with my clients,” she said. “I’m a certified Reiki practitioner. I also practice yoga, and I feel like there is an energy exchange that happens when you are touching someone’s hair, cutting someone’s hair. I feel like the people that end up being drawn to me, we end up being sort of drawn to each other. The relationships that I build with my clients over time, I think it’s really cool. Being a hairstylist, it definitely restored my faith in humanity.”

Stephanie integrates sustainable practices in her business, recycling cut hair and other waste and using products that are certified sustainable. “Sustainability is really important,” she said. “I actually feel really gross when I have to throw things in the trash.”

A graduate of the Franklin County CDC’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator who participated in the Take the Floor business pitch contest, Stephanie also met one-on-one with an FCCDC business coach and received a small grant from the FCCDC through a partnership with the City of Greenfield. Working with the FCCDC “was really helpful,” she said.

While setting up her space and her business, Stephanie faced some challenges, including finding a plumber who would install her sink in the center of the room so that she could wash clients’ hair from above. She also learned that she needed permission to hang her sign outside in one of those “how do you know what you don’t know” moments. And her credit card reader recently has been temperamental. Business ownership is not for the faint of heart.

“Hair is interesting, because when I cut my hair recently,” she said, “one of the reasons I chopped it was because I was moving into a new era of myself.”

Archetype Hair on 24 Miles Street in Greenfield is open for business and Stephanie is ready to grow her clientele as she moves into this new chapter of her life.

Client Focus: Anu

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Stepping outside synthetic wear

Cristina Marcalow moved into the Venture Center this fall to create upcycled cashmere neck warmers business Anu. We spoke to her about what it means to build a business with a sustainable foundation, how she sources knitwear, and the performance and look of the product.

What brought you to this business idea? Were you focused on the sustainable part from the start? Is that the driving force?

I started Anu out of a desire to build a business I truly believed in—one that could have a clear, positive impact on both customers and the broader economy. Both of my parents died young of cancer, which led me to think deeply about the toxins we’re all exposed to through modern American lifestyles, and about small but meaningful ways we can reduce that exposure. At the same time, I was thinking about my two young children and what it means to help build a more honest, ethical world for them to grow into.

I explored a wide range of ideas before landing here, but my heart kept returning to natural fibers and the outdoors industry. I’m an outdoor athlete myself, so it’s a world I feel both at home in and responsible for. Materials like cashmere and wool are naturally high-performance in winter conditions, yet the outdoor industry has become deeply dependent on synthetic fibers—many of which are treated with PFAS “forever chemicals.” Even recycled synthetics, often marketed as sustainable, shed microplastics into waterways and our bodies at alarming rates.

The garment industry is also a source of immense global harm, with opaque supply chains, unsafe working conditions, and enormous waste. When I found a reliable source of recycled cashmere, the path forward felt clear: we can reduce reliance on petrochemicals and create beautiful, functional outdoor gear using natural fibers that already exist. Sustainability isn’t a marketing angle for Anu—it’s the foundation. Upcycled natural fibers reduce waste, limit exposure to harmful chemicals, and offer a real alternative to plastic-based performance wear.

Humans have been reaching mountaintops and surviving extreme conditions in natural fibers for millennia. People were doing incredibly hard, daring things in brutal environments long before plastic garments existed. I have a rebellious streak, and I love questioning the modern assumption that performance requires synthetics. This work feels like the good trouble I’m meant to get up to in this life.

How have the first months been?

The early months have been exciting and intense in all the best ways. I’ve been focused on dialing in production and building systems that can eventually scale while still honoring the material-first nature of upcycling. Upcycling presents real challenges—the material must go through significant processing just to reach the equivalent of a virgin bolt of fabric. It’s felt important from the start to build systems that allow upcycling to function at scale, not just as a boutique or artisanal practice. 

Making the first sales this winter and seeing such positive customer reactions has been incredibly affirming. There’s something deeply grounding about watching an idea move from concept to something people are genuinely excited to use.

Where do you get your raw materials? Tell me about sourcing the cashmere.

I work with a textile recycling company a few hours away that processes a massive volume of discarded clothing every day and redistributes it into a plethora of recycling channels. From them, I’m able to purchase 100% cashmere in bulk. This material would otherwise enter a much more carbon-intensive recycling stream, often involving overseas shipping and heavy industrial processing before being turned back into new cashmere garments.

By keeping the cashmere regional and avoiding additional industrial steps, we’re able to reduce environmental impact while creating something of real value. In many ways, this is a more sustainable future for the material than what it was originally destined for.

Can you talk about owning a business as a parent—the joys and challenges?

Starting this business alongside raising my children has been both deeply challenging and deeply meaningful. One of the joys is flexibility—I’m able to spend more time with my kids than I did when working full-time in a large corporate environment. At the same time, entrepreneurship requires discipline. I try to draw clear boundaries: when I’m working, I work hard; when I’m with my kids, I aim to be fully present.

The world feels uncertain right now, and that uncertainty has sharpened my sense of purpose. It feels important to show my children that it’s possible to step away from a more secure path and build something aligned with your values. Working on Anu feels like a quiet act of hope—an intentional choice to focus on what I can control and contribute, rather than collapsing into despair about the scale of the problems we face.

Tell me about the finished product. What can shoppers expect?

The first thing most people notice is how incredibly soft the neck warmers are. They’re warm, breathable, and feel wonderful against the skin. Each piece is uniquely designed, so no two are ever the same—customers often connect immediately with a particular colorway or pattern.

In terms of performance, cashmere excels in winter conditions. It provides excellent warmth, manages moisture well, and remains comfortable even in harsh weather. They work great in harsh mountain elements and will also help you just get out the front door on those blistering cold days when it is hard to even step outside to walk the dog. 

Where can people buy Anu neck warmers? Are you looking to expand?

Anu neck warmers are available on our website at www.made-anu.com, as well as in select ski shops in Vermont. My target customers are outdoor athletes who care deeply about performance and sustainability, and I hope to expand thoughtfully into other regions with strong winter outdoor communities.

I’m very intentional about staying focused on the outdoors industry. Hand-sewn natural fiber garments can easily be placed in artisanal or luxury corners of the market, but Anu sits firmly in the performance outdoor space. My goal is to bring more natural fibers to mountain tops and, however modestly, help shift the industry away from petrochemical dependence. 

How has it been renting space at the Franklin County CDC’s Venture Center?

The Venture Center has been a phenomenal place to grow Anu. It feels like stepping into a community where people genuinely support one another. The energy in the building is positive and focused, and it’s been an incredible environment to show up consistently and do the work of building something from the ground up.

You’re also an alum of the Entrepreneurship Accelerator. What did you take away from that experience?

The Entrepreneurship Accelerator is a valuable resource for anyone exploring the idea of starting a business. The curriculum covers many of the practical realities entrepreneurs need to consider early on. The CDC is an incredible resource for practical resources, business guidance, and not least important: encouragement! For me, one of the most meaningful aspects was connecting with other participants. Starting a business can be a lonely path, and having a cohort of people navigating similar challenges was both grounding and energizing.

Client Focus: Stillman Quality Meats

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Local Meat as an Economic Driver

You’ve heard the line, “Build it and they will come.” Kate Stillman of Stillman’s Quality Meats is doing some serious building with an eye to filling a need for up to 300 regional livestock farms. About three years ago, she started planning and designing an 8,000 square foot two-story facility that includes a 4,000 square foot USDA smokehouse and value-added processing facility in Hardwick.

“This facility is really the next step for livestock farmers,” Kate says. It will process both poultry and red meat (beef, pork, and lamb), which is rare in New England. The facility was designed to complement services of other meat processing facilities, rather than compete with them. Here, producers can make bacon, pot pies, meatballs, stock, jerky, and other value-added and ready-to-eat items, helping them (and Kate’s farm) increase their income and sell to the wholesale market.

“This is changing the game in our area for sure, to have access to this capacity,” she says.

The plant will have space for farms to store animal carcasses to add value off season and reduce pinch points during high demand times. “There’s tremendous freezer and refrigeration capacity,” she says.

After running a successful livestock farm and direct-to-consumer butchery for the past 14 years, Kate felt called to take the business to the next level. This new facility will enable her to hire more workers, mainly local moms, significantly increasing economic activity in the rural towns east of the Quabbin and west of Worcester. Through her current butchery, she sells products via farmers market coupon programs, helping increase access to healthy foods for low-income communities.

The Franklin County CDC provided partial funding for the multimillion-dollar project through its Massachusetts Food Trust Program, and served as one of many technical advisors along way. Kate also credited Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture and Berkshire Agricultural Ventures as major collaborators on the project, as well as the Commonwealth, which awarded the project a Food Security Infrastructure Grant.

“We’re talking about investing in rural communities here,” she says, adding that her business will create highly skilled, high paying, year-round jobs.

The facility has many custom components, causing some delays, but also expanding what’s going to be possible when it’s slated to open in January 2026.

Kate faced other hurdles, such as federal funding barriers and increased costs and delays obtaining equipment because of tariffs. She also has invested more of her own capital that she planned to, causing her to launch a crowdfunding effort.

How did these bumps in the road impact her? “I have put a smile on my face, rolled up my sleeves and navigated through.”

We asked how her experience was working with the Franklin County CDC on the project. She replied, “Oh they they've been fabulous.”

2025 Holiday Gift Guide

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2025 Holiday Gift Guide video social (2)

The holiday season is upon us! We know you want to support local small businesses but do you also want to give functional, fun, and delicious gifts? Our clients have you covered! From mushrooms to meats, merch to mouth-watering condiments (and even live elves for your seasonal party) you'll find something for everyone here. Please scroll down to the very end, where you'll find Wildwood Granola, a great gift!. These are just a sampling of the 373 innovative, passionate entrepreneurs we were proud to work with this year.

Interested in working with us or need help with your business? Learn more about what we do and get started here.

Want to support the work we do with entrepreneurs throughout western Massachusetts? Donate securely here.

Africana Villa - Egusi soup, anyone? Order melon seeds or other African grocery items online or visit in person for grocery items, prepared west African food, and fashionable apparel on Locust Street in Springfield.

Ahlbin's Homemade - Good for what ails ya, Ahlbin's Homemade fire cider features many local ingredients and is made at the FCCDC's Western MA Food Processing Center.

Al Nassir International Market - Mediterranean food to order online to pick up on Elm Street in West Springfield, or shop the aisles for ingredients like date syrup, labneh, homemade Iranian bread, and housewares for the chef on your list.

Alchemy of Avalon Tea - Order online gifts of tea, concoctions, even a tarot reading! Or visit the store/tea house on Fiske Avenue in Greenfield.

Appalachian Naturals - Dressings and sauces make a great gift!

Artifact Cider Project - Canned New England hard cider. Irresistable.

Back River Blends - Jamaican jerk marinade made in Maine with clean, simple ingredients and no artificial sweeteners.

The Back Stop - Stop in for a chair or table massage in Thorne's Marketplace in Northampton or book masseuse Michael Grosso for an on-site massage for your party or work event. Gift certificates available!

Baker's Lane Biscotti - Specialty Italian biscotti and pizzelle made by hand. Order online and add some dolce to your vita this holiday!

Bear Butter - Fortified almond butter giftwrapped, and Bear Butter socks, because, why not?

Big River Chestnuts - Pop some roasted chestnuts in your mouth at Moonlight Magic in Shelburne Falls on November 29, or head to the Farm Stand in Sunderland for all things chestnut.

The Black Sheep Deli - How about a gift-card-stocking-stuffer for a nosh at this classic deli on Main Street in downtown Amherst?

Blooms by Sara - Send her a direct message on her Instagram to order after perusing the bounteous bouquets.

The Bone Sauce - Got a serious barbecuer on your list? Send them this. Spring for the gift box, y'all.

Bree-Z-Knoll Farm - Pick up a quart, half gallon, or gallon of Our Family Farms milk at your local market or try a pint of their strawberry, chocolate, or coffee milks! Oh, and now...eggnog!

Bub's Barbecue - Order online, pick up your order on Amherst  Road in Sunderland, and "pig out in style."

Carolyn’s Farm Kitchen – Find fabulous baking mixes, from whoopie pies to garden herb drop biscuits.

Ciesluk's Market - Get your holiday party catered by the best! Or stop by for a house-roasted-beef sandwich on North Main Street in South Deerfield.

Common Variety - Stop by this new Montague hotspot for an Americano and a trout salad sandwich; shop for tinned fish, hot sauce, and other delicacies.

The Compost Cooperative - Give the gift of hauling away their scraps and the good feelings that arise by doing something good for the earth! (There's merch, too.)

Coquito Chukito - A holiday tradition from Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands, coquito has flavor and packs a punch!

Daily Operation - A gift card, a meal out whilst shopping? Or, if you've got a loved one who's a fan of the food (check!) you may want to gift them a Daily Op hoodie or tee.

East Alstead Roasting Co.  - Single-origin coffee beans with light-medium roast. 

Enjoy Clothing Boutique - Find curated treasures online or go to their shop in Shelburne Falls.

Essentials - Find unique gifts online or go to their store on Main Street in downtown Northampton.

The Farmer Foodie - Vegan cheese that tastes amazing delivered to your door (or the door of your favorite vegan).

Fat Moon Mushrooms - Buy a mushroom grow kit for your fun-gi friends!

Federal Street Books - A smart choice for the reader on your list. Buy books, cute merch, and odds and ends that are fun to peruse. Buy online or visit the store in Greenfield.

Flis Market - When in Erving, check out this lovely market and pick up a prepared meal, or shop specialty grocery items (sweet, appealing jars of candy), wines, and brews.

Foxtrot Herb Farm - Bulk fresh and dried organic herbs and specialty produce to apothecaries, restaurants, and makers. 

Franklin County Picker - An eBay store by a local guy. Cool stuff, including the exact Peanuts metal lunchbox I had as a kid!!!

Fruit Fair - The only independent grocery store in Chicopee, they also cater! On Front Street.

Gifted Peace - Bring some peace to your space with a candle, room spray, or cologne from Gifted Peace. Find scents such as peppermint, lemon pound cake, and orchid.

The Gill Tavern - Who wouldn't want a delicious meal at The Gill Tavern this season? On Main Road in Gill.

Gnutze - It's nuts in a pouch. Who doesn't love nuts in a pouch?

Goodie Krunch - Hand-crafted coconut clusters inspired by West African tradition. Ships fast!

Ground Up Grain - Locally sourced and milled flours for the expert baker in your life. Purchase on the website.

Hager's Farm Market - Holiday gifts of maple syrup shipped anywhere (give 'em a call), or visit the store on Route 2 in Shelburne.

Happy Tails Greenfield - The doggone perfect gift for the dog who has everything! Day care with floppy-eared friends! On Davis Street in Greenfield.

Haya Market - The place for tahini, vacuum-sealed sukkari dates, banana milk, orange and basil seed drink, and other unique culinary delights. At 1003 St. James Avenue in Springfield.

Herrell's Original Hot Fudge - The one and only, made famous at the Northampton ice creamery and prepared right here in Greenfield. Rich and fudgy, it's the best.

Hiking Paws - The perfect gift for the dog lover on your list, or treat your own special four-pawed friend! They pick up and drop off your pup.

Holyoke Hummus Company - Buy some for your holiday party at 29 shops in western MA. Make life easy and delicious.

Hot Girl Pickles - Variety packs (Honey Harissa to Original Dill) of pickles delivered to your door!

Imperfect Joy - Gift a photo session with Melody Joy Paine to your favorite family.

Incandescent Brewing - Gift cards and fun merch available in the taproom, which you should totally go visit in Bernardston.

Intisar's Navy Bean Pie - Learn more about bean pie and what it means to the Black Muslim American community (if you don't already know), then order some instant pie mix for all your friends!

Kay's Curries - Delightfully easy add-water-and-cook Indian meals and gift cards for sale online.

KD Crop Farm - Unique relishes and jams, plus pickle-making kits and workshops!

Kitchen Garden Farm  - Locally grown and made salsas, giardinieras, sriracha, and more! 

LaSalle Florist - Hand arranged bouquets for that hard-to-buy-for person. Online sales or visit the store on LaSalle Drive in Whately.

Last Ditch - Lesbians, when you're feet are tired from shopping, grab a barstool at Last Ditch in Greenfield for a fabulous cocktail. All others can come too.

Lilla Candy Company - A Swedish candy company based in Deerfield. Non-GMO, no artificial dyes, vegan & GF options. If you're going to get Swedish fish, get 'em here.

Long River Market - Fine hand-crafted gifts (from jewelry to pottery to candles to knitwear) plus local produce, prepared food, and grocery items. You can buy a gift card online, too, or go to the store on Greenfield Road in South Deerfield. Same stuff, new name.

Looky Here - The coolest calendars, note cards, art, and more made on their very own Risograph! Visit them in Greenfield and make some art and/or buy some stuff for your bestie.

Many Graces Farm and Design - From elevated wreaths and garlands to gorgeous seasonal bouquet subscriptions, Many Graces' gifts are something special. Buy online.

Maple Craft - Sweet seasonal takes on pure maple syrup, or try their new maple hazelnut spread. Online ordering.

Marshall's County Store - This Bernardston store has ready-made meals, meats for your holiday dinners, and some much-sought-after earrings. On Church Street.

Massive Bookshop - You can order any book from Massive Bookshop, and browse their selection that includes radical and scholarly missives. All profits go to mutual aid organizations.

Mo's Fudge Factor - Way more than an ice cream shop in Shelburne Falls, Mo's will ship her excellent confections anywhere you like! On State Street in Buckland.

Mycoterra Farm - Everything mushroom! Buy a pack or a kit to grow your own. Online ordering.

North Hadley Sugar Shack - Online maple products ordering, plus stop by for the deli, bakery, and pick up a Christmas tree! On River Drive in Hadley.

Nostalgia Scratch Pastry - Berkshire County residents and visitors, are you in luck...find these incredible desserts at eateries listed online.

Nourish Wellness Cafe - Buy a gift card online for the Northampton or Easthampton location!

Nova Motorcycles - For that gear head on your list: a custom assembled vintage bike? Yes!

Old Creamery Cooperative - Sandwiches and hot cocoa after cross country skiing, homemade gifts, it's an immersive experience. On Berkshire Trail in Cummington.

Old Friends Farm - Ginger, elderberry, and turmeric honey sourced and made locally, shipped anywhere!

Piping Plover Baking Company - Baked from scratch for everyone! GF, vegan, happiness!

Pure Pro Massage Oils - The gift that gives the hint, "I want a massage." Started by a professional masseuse, the company sells products perfect for those with sensitive skin. Order online.

Quabbin Harvest - Shop Orange's co-op for groceries, prepared foods, and gift items! On Main Street.

Richardson's Candy Kitchen - The caramel in their famous dixies are made from scratch with local milk. At Richardson's, the sheer variety will make your head spin and will surely please everyone on your list! Order candy or gift cards online or visit the store on Greenfield Road in Deerfield.

Roshona Bilash - Roshona Bilash USA is a homemade ethnic food business that specializes in producing achar (pickle) and ghee (clarified butter). Unique recipes are made without any preservatives or additives, ensuring authentic and fresh flavors! 

Round Table Farm - Aged cheese that defies labels. Samplers (with crackers or tinned fish!) for sale on their website.

Sadie's Bikes - A full-service bike shop in Turners Falls, chock full of totally awesome bikes, parts, accessories, bits, bops, and widgets!

Sassy Balls - Protein balls in cool flavors, packed with sass. Merch, too.

Sawmill Herb Farm - CSAs and bulk dried herbs for nourishing your body through the winter! Online ordering.

Scout Cuomo Studio - Luminescent paintings transformed into prints for your home. Really gorgeous images at an affordable price.

Shire Photography - Weddings, births, portraits for any occasion.

Silver Screen Design - Need matching custom designed T-shirts or hoodies for the family? Silver Screen is your go to for custom printed apparel!

Small Oven Pastries – Macarons, made in Vermont! 

Something Royal Party Company - Invite characters in their holiday finery to your community tree lightings, private holiday gatherings and more! You can even invite one of Santa's very own elves to your home for a visit!

Soul Good Confections - Vegan caramels exquisitely presented. Buy online.

Stillman Quality Meats - Top quality, huge variety, online ordering. Your people want meat? Buy it here from this woman-owned shop.

Stoneman Brewery - The beer CSA may be an over-the-top gift but why not?

Sweet Life Kettle Corn - Add a little crunch to your holidays--sweet and salty: the best combo.

Sweet Lucy's Bakeshop - Give or take a baking class (macarons? pies?)—or go the quicker route and snag a box of cupcakes at this gem in Bernardston.

Sweet Babu's - Small-batch granola made in Chicopee with local honey. 

TeaTimes (TX) - Choose your tea adventure with blends that are loaded with antioxidants; available online.

Truffles by Tarah – Tempting treats: order online or shop at her pop-up shop in Pittsfield! 

Stout Pidgeon Coffee - Pretty coffee gift packs that will have your friends cooing.

Sweet Babu's - Beautifully presented gifts of small batch granola with local honey. Online ordering.

Tapi Papi - Heat and flavor, balanced intensity in a hot sauce for all occasions.

Unk's Island Blendz - Jerk seasonings, hot or ghost pepper--spice up your holiday meals!

Vermont Cheeseless – Vegan cheesecakes, shipped to you! 

Wellness Croft - A monthly subscription of freeze-dried (delicious) fruits delivered to their door. That's a nice gift! Order online.

Wildwood Granola - The perfect day begins with a good breakfast. Give the gift of granola!

Are you a FCCDC client and want to be listed here? Let us know and we will add you!

Client Focus: Common Variety

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Local Staples, Daily Delights
Part breakfast joint, part deli, part prepared-food-to-go spot, part grocery store, part coffee shop, part community hub, Common Variety lives up to its name as a go-to for foodies looking for a, well, variety of goodies. Started by the then-Brooklyn-based duo of Molly Botnick and Tawni Benick, the Montague business sources ingredients from local farms and offers breakfast and lunch, with the possibility of pop-up dinners in their future. Molly's husband David D'Altorio manages operations and the front of the house. Common Variety received financing through the PVGrows Investment Fund earlier this year. We spoke to Molly and Tawni on a recent sunny Thursday morning when the espresso machine was humming and in the cheerful dining room, conversations were flowing.

You opened Common Variety in late October. How has the response has been?

Molly: We've seen a lot of people coming in. The weekends are definitely picking up to be pretty busy, and on Wednesdays on Thursdays, it's a little quieter and we have the ability to let people sit and enjoy and read and do some work and hang out for a little bit longer. In general, everyone's just been super kind. It's been really fun to get to know all of our neighbors and people who have been watching the progression of the building and waiting to be able to come in.

How did you end up moving to western Massachusetts from Brooklyn and choosing this spot outside Montague Center for your restaurant/store?

Molly: My parents live in Haydenville and it had been [my husband] David and my goal to move up here for many years. Working in the service industry and as a chef, I wanted to start my own project. So those two things kind of went hand in hand. And I knew that I didn't want to open something in New York City. That was just a bit too much stress and pressure. So I started looking around at different commercial properties casually two years ago. We looked at pretty much every commercial space available in the valley looking for the right home for us, and that's when we found this space, and it all really coincided very well because I didn't want to do it alone. Tawni and I had worked together for several years in Brooklyn. She hired me at a company called Poppy's in Brooklyn. And that, for me, forged our creative partnership and friendship. We had always kind of danced around the idea of one day doing something. And I got lucky that she was looking for a change and ready for something new, and to make the leap at the same time that I was. And so I convinced her to come.

What are your relative roles and specialties?

Tawni: I do the majority of the baking: the bread for the sandwiches and the pizza that you see on the counter every day that has rotating toppings. And then the pastry program, which right now is mostly baked goods, cakes, pies, muffins. We're hoping that within the year we can start adding in laminated pastries as well. Once we can get a laminator. It's a big piece of equipment.

What is a laminator?

Tawni: It's how you make any sort of croissant dough. Laminating is the process of putting sheets of butter in between sheets of dough. And you have to do it very evenly and it's kind of a long process. It rolls it out for you in a very specific way, in a more even way than doing it by hand. It's an important piece of equipment that you should have if you're trying to do any sort of pastry like that on a larger scale. While Molly's main corner is more of the savory food, we both go back and forth and I think that's one of the things that works so well for us is that we can both do both. We have favorite sides, but we're both constantly in tasting and cooking on both sides of the spectrum. Whereas even if I am doing most of the baking I still very much rely on her opinion about how it tastes or what the flavor is, and vice versa.

Molly: I think that Tawni is an incredibly talented baker. We used to call her the mad scientist because she would come to us with an idea and we'd be like, “That’s the craziest thing I've ever heard, those flavors that I'd never put together.” And then she would bring it to us to eat, and we'd be like, "Works perfectly. No notes. We love it.” [Laughs.] So that's really fun for me, that I always get to learn from her. And particularly with sourdough and all of the flours that we're using, Tawni has a wealth of knowledge in exploring and not being afraid to incorporate flours that are both more nutrient dense and better for the environment. So I really respect that in her, a deep commitment to incorporating different flours, like rye or buckwheat or the ancient grain that we're using, and always including some sourdough so that you're getting more complexity in the flavors. It's more work and it's more costly, but I think that it is something that we're dedicated to offering. She's an incredibly good savory cook as well, and she's the hardest working person I know.

I know you’re committed to supporting local agriculture, and that was part of your fit with the PVGrows Investment Fund financing. Can you talk a little bit about working with local farms and how those products fit into your menu?

Molly: Working in Brooklyn, we were constantly bringing the same products that we use here a couple hundred miles south into Brooklyn. We both worked with Myers Produce [a distributor based in South Deerfield that sources local food products] quite a lot. So we already had a baseline knowledge of the local ag landscape here. Also, my family lives here so we know a lot of these local farms are already. And that was part of the reason we felt like our home was here, because there's such a rich network of agriculture and food. This is just a piece of that puzzle that we felt like was missing, and it's just really beautiful and poetic to be able to go down the road to the fields where you see the food growing that you're getting to use, and then just letting it be beautiful in a lovely environment—that brings us a lot of joy. So, it's all about connection and community and having a place to sit with your neighbors and have a cup of coffee and enjoy a piece of focaccia that has radicchio that we bought from Red Fire Farm or Old Friends Farm or any of these other incredible farms. And we want to see a longevity, a future, in small, local agriculture. Part of that is making sure that people are purchasing their product. And we want to be able to continue to do that.

What would success look like to you?

Molly: Well, I think success is just people continuing to come in and support the business and feel good about not only what they're eating, but where their dollars are going. We hope to be able to grow and continue to hire people and offer jobs to young people, old people, whoever wants to work with us and learn. You know, that's another piece of the puzzle of creating vibrant communities is offering more job opportunities to people who want to live here. So, success to me looks like a business that has a thriving, happy staff and customers that want to come back.

Tawni: And the ability to continue not only what we're doing, but grind upon that and being able to offer more. More things, more different things, you know, having the staff and the manpower to offer more provisions than we can right now and expanding upon that.

Working with the FCCDC and PVGrows Investment Fund: Any comments on how that process went? On our piece of this puzzle?

Molly: We're extremely grateful to have been shepherded through the process. This is the first time that either of us had purchased a commercial property or any property. Or gone through the process of applying for money and raising money. And the amount of guidance that we received and just cheerleading to help us get through, it was just very important to us getting to this place. We know how to cook and we know restaurants. But that aspect of the business was new to us. And so just knowing that we had people in our corner that we could call, even for reference to an accountant or a lawyer. It was an incredible opportunity to have people that we trusted, to be able to pick up the phone and call. And we knew that they were going to pick up the phone and give us their best advice. So yeah, we truly quite literally would not be open or sitting at this table right now if it wasn't for not only the financial assistance, but the educational opportunity that the FCCDC offered us. So were extremely grateful.

Common Variety is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Kwaku Ofori

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Kwaku Ofori (kwakuo at fccdc.org) is the Director of Lending at the Franklin County Community Development Corporation (FCCDC).

A finance and development professional with over 15 years’ experience in business lending, small business technical assistance, and community-focused finance, Kwaku leads the FCCDC’s lending programs that expand access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs across western Massachusetts. He is passionate about helping local enterprises start, grow, and thrive through responsible and inclusive lending.

Born in Ghana, Kwaku has dedicated his career to empowering small businesses and underserved markets, holding senior leadership roles in financial institutions dedicated to the service of small businesses, low-income individuals and underserved segments. Recently, he served as Board Fellow with Justice for Housing Inc., a Boston-based nonprofit supporting justice-impacted individuals with re-entry and housing, reflecting his commitment to community development and social justice.

Kwaku holds an MBA in Quantitative Finance and Entrepreneurship from Babson College. He is a Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA, UK), and holds the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation jointly issued by AICPA and CIMA, along with multiple international certifications in microfinance and rural credit.

Outside of work, he enjoys visiting cultural and heritage sites and attending local events.

 

Back to Our Team

Anna Halpin-Healy

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Anna Halpin–Healy (annah at fccdc.org) serves as the Finance Specialist at the Franklin County Community Development Corporation (FCCDC). She has been passionate about supporting small businesses and local economies since her high school job at a “mom & pop” sandwich shop in New York City. Food and community have been the throughline to her career and prior to joining our team, she managed operations at Cricket Creek Farm, a small dairy farm in Williamstown, MA. Anna holds a Master of Business Administration with a Focus on Entrepreneurship from University of Massachusetts Amherst's Isenberg School of Management. She is a knitter and potter and loves running with her dog, Cirrus. Anna joined the Franklin County CDC in 2025.

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Brian Dejnak

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Community Lending Associate Brian Dejnak (briand at fccdc.org) is from Deerfield and brings a background in farming, emergency services, and commercial lending. He holds an Associate’s degree from Stockbridge School of Agriculture and a Bachelor’s from the University of Massachusetts in Business and Conservation Management. He has volunteered in his community doing fire service and as a Conservation Committee member, and is driven to help the local community, farms, and small businesses. In addition, he enjoys farming and spending time outdoors with family and friends. He joined the FCCDC in 2025.

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Client Focus: Soul Bowls

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Malik Golden and Hughann Thomas at the Western MA Food Processing Center

Restauranteurs Source Their Secret Sauce

Willie Fair, Malik Golden, and Hughann Thomas (aka Chef Pop) opened their first Soul Bowls fast casual restaurant in Hartford in 2022. After a warm reception by diners, they expanded to a second store in West Hartford in March 2024—and have ambitions to open many more locations in the next 10 years. The cornerstone of their business, create your own soul-food bowl, relies on barbecue sauce made at the Western MA Food Processing Center. We posed a few questions to the owners:

FCCDC: What’s been great about opening and owning two restaurants?

Soul Bowls: The best part about owning and operating two restaurants is the community we are building both through our team at each location and the customers we serve. The reach we’ve been able to create fosters connections and relationships that will last a lifetime. Food has a unique way of bringing people together, regardless of background, and we’ve had the privilege of building incredible relationships over a great meal.

FCCDC: What’s been challenging?

SB: Our biggest challenge so far has been securing financing. The reality is that restaurants are unstable businesses, and as a new operator, it can be difficult to secure funding due to the high risks associated with the industry. Running a lean business in the early stages is crucial to covering unexpected costs and buying time until you’re in a position to secure financing. As we plan to scale aggressively over the next 10 years, we’re focused on establishing strong relationships with lenders who can support our growth.

FCCDC: What’s your favorite dish that you serve at Soul Bowls?

SB: Since we offer a build-your-own experience, what we love most is that every customer can create a bowl tailored to their personal tastes. While signature meals are important, giving customers the freedom to customize their meal creates an engaging experience that keeps them coming back. One week, you might have a favorite combination, and the next, you might switch it up. This variety increases the likelihood of repeat visits. Our simple menu also allows us to run specials that keep the restaurant feeling fresh and exciting while maintaining a solid core menu.

FCCDC: How has working with the Western MA Food Processing Center impacted your business?

SB: WMFPC has been a hidden gem for us! We truly appreciate the support and dedication they put into helping small businesses succeed. Initially, we planned to produce our sauce in-house, but we quickly realized how time consuming that would be. We hit a roadblock for nearly two years before discovering this incredible resource. Since partnering with WMFPC, we’ve been able to significantly increase productivity in our sauce operation, making it much easier to supply our customers through each restaurant.