Every local business has a story — and we’re here to tell it. In this edition of Behind the Business, we caught up with Melissa Smith, founder of Hale Bone Broth, to talk about how it all began, the lessons learned along the way, and what keeps them inspired to serve the South Shore community.
What inspired you to start your business?
My inspiration came from a deep love for wellness, community, and connection. When I started Hale Bone Broth, I wanted to share the power of simple, nourishing, restorative foods that truly make people feel better. At the same time, I wanted to create something that brought people together — and that’s how the Hanover Farmers Market came to life. It became a space where local businesses, families, and neighbors could come together to support each other and celebrate what makes our community special.
How would you describe your business to someone new?
Hale Bone Broth is more than just a food brand — it’s a lifestyle rooted in wellness and community. We make nutrient-rich bone broths designed to help people feel their best, inside and out. Beyond that, we’ve built a local ecosystem through the Hanover Farmers Market, which is truly a hub for connection, creativity, and collaboration among small business owners, artisans, and families.
What has been your biggest challenge as a business owner?
Balancing growth with staying true to our mission. It’s easy to get caught up in the next big step, but we’ve learned that slow, intentional growth — rooted in quality and community — is what keeps our business strong and meaningful.
Another challenge has been learning to juggle the many hats of an entrepreneur, working in the corporate world, while keeping time for family and personal wellness.
What are you most proud of in your business journey?
I’m incredibly proud of how Hale Bone Broth has grown from a local kitchen concept into a thriving wellness brand, but even more so, I’m proud of the ripple effect we’ve created through the Hanover Farmers Market. Seeing local vendors launch, grow, and thrive because they had a place to start — that’s been the most rewarding part of it all.
How has the local community influenced your business?
The community is the heart of our business. Hanover and the surrounding towns have been endlessly supportive — showing up rain or shine at the market, cheering on small businesses, and reminding us why local matters. Being part of this community has inspired us to keep giving back and to keep building spaces that foster connection and growth.
What sets your business apart from others in the area?
We lead with heart and purpose. Hale Bone Broth isn’t just about selling a product — it’s about promoting health, wellness, and balance in everyday life. And through the Hanover Farmers Market and all the other markets we participate in, we’ve created a space that celebrates collaboration over competition. Each vendor, artist, grower, and maker feels like part of one big family — and that energy sets us apart.
Who has helped or mentored you along the way?
Honestly, I feel like every vendor and small business owner that we engage with has been a mentor in their own way. We all learn from each other — whether it’s sharing business tips, helping set up tents on windy days, or cheering each other on through new product launches. It’s a true community of support. My husband, Chris Honen, has also been my biggest partner in this journey — we’ve built this dream together from the ground up but I couldn’t do it without Jill Donelan, who took my vision for the Hanover farmers market and brought it to life and also continues to expand with the South Shore holiday shoppes.
What does a typical day look like for you?
No two days are ever the same! Some mornings start early at the kitchen where Chris aka “Broth Man” is loading up or setting up a market, and others are spent connecting with vendors, delivering to our local sippers or planning market events with other small business owners. We just make sure we always make time for movement, community connection, and family — they’re the anchors that keep us balanced.
What trends are you seeing in your industry right now?
People are craving simplicity and authenticity. Whether it’s food, wellness, or lifestyle — they want to know where their products come from and who’s behind them. There’s also a beautiful shift toward community-driven business — where collaboration, sustainability, and storytelling are just as important as the product itself.
What advice would you give to aspiring business owners?
Start with passion and purpose, not perfection. The journey will never be linear (or easy lol), but if you stay connected to your “why,” it will always guide you in the right direction. Surround yourself with people who lift you up — mentors, peers, and community members — because you truly can’t do it alone. And most importantly, don’t forget to celebrate the small wins along the way.
Sip Strong!