Hammer & Stain North Shore: A Creative Vision Born from a Late-Night Dream
When most people are fast asleep, some dreamers are wide awake, chasing inspiration down rabbit holes of opportunity. That’s exactly how the journey of Hammer & Stain North Shore began.
For the founder, the decision to open a creative DIY studio was born during a major life transition. “I was still living in South Carolina when I decided to open Hammer & Stain,” she recalls. “We were planning to move back to Massachusetts, and I knew I didn’t want to return to a typical 9-to-5 office job in downtown Boston.” Longing for a creative career that offered freedom and purpose, she discovered Hammer & Stain during a late-night scroll. Drawn to the concept—and the fact that each of the 90+ locations was independently owned—she was hooked. “I knew almost immediately that I wanted to open one when we moved back to the North Shore.”
That dream quickly became reality. With help from her realtor, she secured a space on Cabot Street in Beverly, Massachusetts. After moving in August 2019, she received the keys to her studio on September 1st and welcomed her first customers by October. But just as the business was gaining momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
“For 3–4 months, I had to shut my doors,” she says. “It was incredibly stressful—but in a strange way, it ended up helping me fast-track the growth of the business.” Through innovation, resilience, and community support, Hammer & Stain didn’t just survive—it thrived.
Creativity at the Core
At its heart, Hammer & Stain North Shore has a simple mission: to spread joy and creativity to the Beverly community and beyond. What started with custom wood signs has grown into a vibrant art space where customers can explore a variety of mediums. Today, the studio is known for its resin pour workshops, a hands-on favorite among local creatives.
“We’ve really evolved,” she says. “We’re no longer just about wood projects. We’ve embraced so many different materials and now consider ourselves experts in teaching resin art and more.”
Community Roots, Creative Wings
The most rewarding part of running the studio? “Meeting and interacting with the community,” she shares. “So many customers have become friends over the years.”
Hammer & Stain isn’t just a studio—it’s a hub for collaboration. Local artists are invited to host pop-up shops within the space, and the studio often takes its workshops on the road, partnering with other local businesses. She’s also deeply involved in the community, participating in Beverly events, supporting North Shore initiatives, and regularly donating to fundraisers.
The Journey of Growth
Running a small business isn’t without its challenges. For her, one of the biggest hurdles is constantly innovating. “I’m always asking myself, ‘What’s next?’ I have so many ideas, and my brain doesn’t always know how to shut off at night,” she laughs.
But she’s learned the value of building a team. After running the business solo for the first year, she made the decision to hire instructors—now a team of seven. “It was the best decision I ever made,” she says. “Now I can actually take a day off or go on vacation. But I still run workshops three or four nights a week because I love it. I’ll never give that up entirely.”
Looking Ahead
Recently, Hammer & Stain moved from its original Cabot Street location to a new home on Rantoul Street—a major goal accomplished. As for the future, she’s focused on growth, innovation, and continuing to say “yes” to the ideas that push her out of her comfort zone.
Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? “Just do it. There will never be a perfect time. If you’re passionate about your idea, trust yourself and go for it. Don’t let others talk you out of it.”
In a world that’s constantly changing, Hammer & Stain North Shore is proof that creativity, community, and courage are a winning combination.
