Page 79 - BusinessWest February 21, 2022

André Boulay, who has been at Eastworks for almost a decade, praised the facility’s physical features, community experience, and “great vibe.”
invaluable resource to have them in the building and down the hall for support.”
Beck said most of her custom clients are people who were refer- enced to her from other businesses at Eastworks or people she was able to meet at the property.
After a single visit and a few conversations with tenants at East- works, what becomes clear is a synergetic relationship between the businesses and their clienteles. The strong community aspect of East- works is abundantly apparent and reflects the spirit of the city of East- hampton itself.
“There are a lot of very dynamic parts in the puzzle that make us even stronger. That has to do with Easthampton, and it also happens to do with us having the kind of space people are seeking out,” said Bundy, adding that the unique, wide-open spaces have attracted many different kinds of busi- nesses, many of them not exactly arts-related.
Like YoYoExpert, which has been at its Eastworks location for almost a decade. This venture brings yo-yo toys in from all over the world and teaches people how to use them through the internet.
André Boulay of YoYoExpert spoke enthusiastically of both the lively com-
munity experience at Eastworks and the
impressiveness of the physical building itself. “Eastworks has such a great vibe ... you’re always meeting new and interesting people,”
he said. “I also love to ask people if they’ve been to Eastworks, because if you haven’t been here and seen the grandness of this old mill building
“Our maker community is very solid ... it’s a reflection of the Easthampton arts community.”
that’s been converted into all these spaces, it’s just a really neat space to walk through.”
The wide range of businesses at Eastworks lends itself to visitors enjoying a one-stop trip to complete many of their day’s errands.
“I get my hair cut in the building at the Lift. If I’m hungry, I just go upstairs to Riff’s,” Beck said. “I get my acupuncture done at the Easthampton Community Acupuncture with Cassie. I go to yoga classes upstairs at Sacred Roots.”
Passing the Test
The community at Eastworks has certainly been tested by the pandemic. Many of the busi- nesses rely on foot traffic, and they have been impacted by a distinct lack of it since March 2020. And while the pandemic may have slowed the pace of new arrivals and expansions to some degree, there have been some notable
Eastworks
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