Salvage & Shine

10/21/2026

I made this reel to thank all the people who showed up to my coalition's Site Fight last Monday evening. I was nervous about turnout as there was a Common Council budget meeting at the same exact time. We created the event and focused on giving you the facts which were compiled over several months and after attending several EKG presentations.

We are so glad that you showed up and asked us such amazing questions! We came together and we learned so much. Thank you for trusting us to tell you the truth!

My coalition is concerned that the current proposal does not take into consideration the Mount Hope community’s values, economic development needs, and its environmental health challenges. As a Mount Hope small business owner and resident, I feel disrespected as we are being told that this data center development project -- that excluded us from the beginning -- was developed in our community's best interests. We are being told we should be grateful for their efforts! We cannot appreciate something that is being forced upon us.

Mount Hope has been speaking up and speaking out! We are opposed to the current EKG proposal and we are happy to see there are so many people who stand with us and are rightfully concerned. We are still waiting to review EKG's environmental and sound study reports... when they send it as they say they would.

For those of you who don't get why we are upset, please stay tuned. We have more events planned and you are welcome to attend and learn why. I would like to give a special thank you to Sean at News Channel 6 for covering our event. We (Mount Hope and my coalition) thank you for helping us share our perspectives and voice to a wider audience. Also, thank you for taking the photos which I used to create this reel. 🫶🏾❤️

says to hyperscale

10/18/2026

We are happy to announce one day earlier than scheduled that we have created a sans spa (non-spa) liming option for those who are interested in attending our Caribbean Lime Time art and wellness experience on October 25th, but who are not ready to try the mineral bath spa treatment. This wellness experience is deeply rooted in Caribbean culture and the practice of liming (coming together to just hang out and socialize as a group)! We would like to show you how to come together with no ulterior motives.

If interested, please email me Alessandra Payne at [email protected] expressing your interest in joining us. RSVPs will be accepted through Friday, October 23, 2026. The RSVP payment deadline will be Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 3PM. All unpaid RSVPs will be canceled after the deadline. We hope you can join us and look forward to hosting you next Saturday!

10/15/2026

Good day! Before you label me as a "repeat vendor host", I assure you that I am still innovating in this space. Four years ago, I dreamt of creating a conference (a loving meet up space) for sustainable (environmentally forward thinking) people to come together as a community and discuss how we can live and create wealth in ways that respect and preserve our planet. The Seed Our Souls Sustainable Showcase is my educational art empowerment experience where anyone can attend, advocate, sell, and exhibit as long as they are committed doing so sustainably. This event was created to present an inclusive, community oriented experience around sustainability. In times where people are chasing profits and deals, I am seeking authentic growth, an eco-conscious community, and a safe space to conduct sustainable business.

Please help me grow this experience by sharing this post with sustainable individuals, artists, nonprofits, and businesses. I am working hard to create an ecosystem for my sustainable community. I tried to apply for grant funding, but was denied so there is an attendance fee. All who respect this collaborative development process are welcome to attend. This event is made possible by community oriented sustainable businesses, caring nonprofits, and concerned citizens who believe we can do anything we put our mind to because we are BETTER together! I have so much planned for you! I will be posting more about this experience closer to the event date. Thank you for your time and please take care!

Sincerely, Alessandra J. Payne dba Salvage & Shine

10/12/2026

Good day! It was very important for me to showcase my Swanning Collection on my friend. She is someone who is on her Swanning journey. She existed in spaces where she felt out of place and is now moving to spaces that celebrate her authentically. My choice to cast her in my fashion show was to show the attendees what a Swanning transformation process looks like. She was learning to let go, embrace her space, and to pose naturally with confidence and grace.

We all know people who are on their Swanning journey and when you see them it is important to give them love and support, and to encourage them to follow their gut, and praise them. Celebrate them every moment they showcase self care, give themselves grace, and lean into being confident and authentically loving themselves!

We were not put onto this earth to tell people how we think they should be. We exist on this planet to love and support each other as we learn to love and live authentically. Swanning is not a profit driven rat race! It is a life journey where each person learns how to express agape love to themselves and then to others!

This collaboration was built on trust and love! She trusted me with her dress which I redesigned in a way where she learned to love it again. She is not the "model type" but she did this to support my brand and admitted that she loved my process. For me, I was happy to see her embrace an experience that would have made her anxious. This is how art can empower!

10/08/2026

I am taking time to honor my sisters who capture the world with their plus sized bodies and spiritual energy! My model, Julia, is a sassy comedienne and candlemaker. No matter how she is feeling inside she is always ready to light up your world and make you laugh until you cry with tears of joy!

The most important quality a model must have is confidence and a bug heart! My collection is intentionally designed to honor women like Julia. All of the pieces accentuate her natural curves and make her stand out in a crowd. I am so glad that she took time to model and represent my brand. Her presence was greatly appreciated and she always helps me remember that creating and collaborating must always be fun!

Come exhibit your wearable art with me this November 8th at my Seed Our Souls Sustainability Showcase's Eco-conscious Wearable Art Fashion Show and Tell!

Take care, take up space, and always choose to love! Sincerely, Alessandra J. Payne dba Salvage & Shine

upstatenewyork

10/07/2026

Community, we need to talk. While we claim we are living in Democracy, yet few elected representatives hear us when we voice our truth.

Please note the "site fight" was never intended to be violent. This "site fight" is about advocacy, diplomacy, and respectful political discourse. My eyes have been opened and it Is shameful to depths of low people will go to grab what they want at the expense of our environment, peaceful coexistence, and a historical community that I live in. This is why I am preparing for battle because I cannot live and work in these hostile conditions.

This October 19th event is a people's caucus. We will come together and discuss the impacts of building a boutique hyperscale AI ready data center in our City. At this event, I will speak on environmental justice and will be the mistress of ceremonies.

If you feel no one is listening to your concerns, please attend this event and be heard. I will listen. Your voice matters. We promise to listen to you. We will do out best to advocate for sustainable and responsible technological development in Albany's South End. I look forward to seeing you. RSVP via QR Code and participate!

10/02/2026

Lately, I have been thinking about what it means to be an entrepreneurial artist activist and I realized I need to liberate myself from thoughts that were holding me back. As an artist, I realize my gift is expression so I cannot hold back truths no matter how uncomfortable they may feel. My truth is that I like making political art! As an entrepreneur, I shouldn't limit my truth in order to make profit. My truth is my business is empowerment, sustainability, and community. While money is good to have, it isn't the life, air, or food that sustains me. As an activist, I am realizing my brand of activism is education. My truth is the only thing I would beat someone with is facts! So, please take time to consider what your personal and political truths are. The world would be a better place if more people reflected on these things. Get liberated one thought at a time! Sincerely, Alessandra J. Payne dba Salvage & Shine

Also, shout out to kileyshear for modeling liberation so elegantly! 🙏🏾🫶🏾

09/25/2026

Good day! I am looking forward to vending in a new space where I can show up and sell. This year, I created wearable art that express concepts that are near and dear to my heart using eco-conscious handmade methods.

It is allows fun to sell in new places, meet people who get to experience my art for the first time! I have been enjoying building this business despite all the challenges and hope to continue to grow as a sustainable artisan jeweler. I look forward to serving you! Sincerely, Alessandra Payne dba Salvage & Shine

09/23/2026

Good day! I will be vending here for the first time!

FALL FESTIVAL IS COMING!

The leaves will be changing, and Memorial Park will be the place to be!

Join us October 3rd from 12:00–4:00 PM for the Town of Mamaroneck Fall Festival!

🚚 Food Trucks
🎶 Live Music
🎃 Pumpkin Patch
🚒 Touch a Truck
🛍️ Local Vendors
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun & More!

Bring the whole family and enjoy an afternoon of fall fun, great food, music, and community!

Memorial Park at Myrtle Blvd. Saturday, October 3rd 12:00–4:00 PM

Mark your calendars — you won’t want to miss this one!

Interested in becoming a vendor? Email [email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/share/19Fa8bVLXJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

09/18/2026

I worked with friends to make sure that everyone who attends my teach-a-thon leaves with knowledge and training on who to activate and organize. Please come and get a copy today!

Special thank you to our print sponsor for making this knowledge drop possible! Yes, we have a print sponsor because they, too, believe we have a right to know how our city is developed.