Jackie Valentine is the owner and operator of the Wallingford Marketplace at Words on Wood, a vibrant small-business collective rooted in creativity and community located in Wallingford, Connecticut. With a background in entrepreneurship, retail curation, and event building, Jackie is passionate about creating opportunities for local makers, artisans and small businesses to grow together. Through thoughtful programming, intentional partnerships, and hands-on leadership, she has transformed her business into the Wallingford Marketplace at Words on Wood;  a welcoming destination that supports small business success while strengthening the local economy. 

Her newest venture, Vision to Viability Consulting,  provides support for property owners, developers, town government and economic development officials and downtown organizations seeking growth. Her services include consultation on location, physical set up of space, POS selection, vendor selection, contracts and leases, events, website and social media, launch development and support for those wishing to transform downtown spaces into retail destinations. 

Jackie’s advice: 

Design your ecosystems where businesses amplify each other. When one succeeds, the entire community grows stronger.