Event Recap: How I Built This – Real Stories from Local Entrepreneurs

Portside Real Estate Group recently brought the local business community together in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for an inspiring panel discussion: How I Built This – Real Stories from Local Entrepreneurs. Held in the heart of the Seacoast, the event showcased the voices of four exceptional women business owners from New Hampshire and southern Maine.

Featured Panelists:

• Maggie Sutherland, Founder of Seacoast Lately

• Amy Dutton, Founder and Owner of Amy Dutton Home

• Nicole Carrier, Co-Founder and President of Throwback Brewery

• Lilly Beaulieu Mullen, Co-owner of Springer Jewelers
   

Moderator:
Dava Davin, Founder of Portside Real Estate Group

Held in Portsmouth, NH, this Seacoast event welcomed professionals from over a dozen real estate brokerages and small businesses across the region. Moderator Dava Davin guided the conversation with insight, warmth, and a deep understanding of what it takes to grow a successful brand.

The panelists shared powerful stories about starting their businesses in New Hampshire, overcoming obstacles, and staying true to their values. Nicole Carrier discussed how Throwback Brewery built a brand around sustainability, inclusivity, and local sourcing. Maggie Sutherland detailed how she grew Seacoast Lately into a must-read digital guide for Seacoast locals and visitors alike.

Amy Dutton shared her journey of launching a design studio that blends architecture and interiors, while offering advice for real estate professionals on how to help clients see a home’s full potential. Lilly Beaulieu Mullen spoke about the responsibility and pride of leading a fifth-generation jewelry store in downtown Portsmouth, balancing legacy with innovation.

Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners:

• Authenticity and mission-driven leadership set successful brands apart

• Building community is essential for long-term business growth

• Luck may help, but consistency, hard work, and values are what truly drive success
   

This panel was more than just a conversation—it was a celebration of small business and the powerful stories behind the brands we know and love.

Portside Real Estate Group is proud to support entrepreneurs across the Seacoast and beyond, and we’re grateful to Absolute Title, our event sponsor, for their ongoing partnership and professionalism.