Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Sutherland.
Maggie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
One day during the summer of 2014, I created an Instagram account on a whim. I had just graduated from college and was feverishly seeking a job. New York City was calling my name, so I packed my bags and headed to my second favorite place in the whole world to pursue internships in fashion. What I originally thought might turn into a career, turned into something so much better. I gained experience in social media and blogging a field I didn’t realize I loved…
I clearly remember the feeling of excitement I had sitting at the Starbucks on 401 Broadway in New York City in May 2015. It was the second to last day of my seventh unpaid internship and Seacoast Lately’s big debut! After a lot of preparation, I nervously pushed the “Send” button on Seacoast Lately’s very first newsletter. It was 9:00 am on a Monday morning, and I couldn’t wait to go full speed ahead on this new adventure. I was passionate about starting a business, pursuing something I loved, and celebrating and giving back to the seacoast – an area that truly has my heart.
I was born and raised here on the seacoast of New Hampshire and so appreciate everything this unique area has to offer. In my mind, it’s paradise! The stunning coastline, proximity to Boston and Portland, and the historic New England charm is unbeatable. What truly stands out in my mind, however, is the community. We live in a place where art, culture, and creativity are celebrated…where people know the farmers who grow produce for the market… where local shop owners and residents are integral parts of the community. The seacoast is a special place where history meets modern amenities, where coastal beauty meets cultural sophistication. This is an exciting time here on the seacoast and I can’t wait to see how it grows in the future!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all but I’m glad it hasn’t! Struggles and challenges make us better people and I’ve found that to be true time and time again. I’m not a natural sales person and that has certainly been the biggest challenge for me. I know it’s important and the only way I can survive so I work on it as much as I can, and it gets easier every time. I’ve learned that I don’t have to have the perfect professional training to make things happen – it’s okay to just be myself!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Seacoast Lately story. Tell us more about the business.
Seacoast Lately is a curated lifestyle resource for locals of and visitors to the coastal areas of New Hampshire and southern Maine. Through social media platforms, a website, and a weekly newsletter, we gather and share what is hip, happening, new, and noteworthy across our area. I like to describe it as a happy meeting of a modern chamber of commerce and a local newspaper that covers multiple towns all in one source.
We use modern technology to celebrate a pocket of New England keeping our content fresh and current. Our playful and happy way allows people to connect with us and stay informed on a more personal level.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
Number one is my mom. She dreams big and never takes “no” for an answer. Her zest for life, taste in beautiful things, and positive energy has filtered down to me and allows me to do the work I love. She is the main cheerleader for my individual gifts and was fully supportive dream to start my own business right after college.
Also, my cousins and extended family. They are determined, smart, fearless, and don’t settle. They make me always want to be better.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.seacoastlately.com
- Email: hello@seacoastlately.com
- Instagram: @seacoastlately
- Facebook: Seacoast Lately
- Twitter: @seacoastlately
Image Credit:
Seacoast Lately
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