This month we're delighted to shine the Member-Owner Spotlight on Aidan Faiella (MO#1377), an exceptionally talented filmmaker, cinematographer, and photographer whose love for the people and places of Schenectady drew him into the life of the Electric City Community Grocery. As the owner of Faiella Studios, Aidan specializes in visual storytelling that highlights the people and passions behind businesses, products, and everyday moments.

Originally from New Haven County, Connecticut, Aidan spent time in Rochester before settling in Schenectady in 2017. Now living in nearby Rotterdam, he’s continuing to put down roots in the Capital Region and is excited to be part of the growing co-op community. Through his work, Aidan helps individuals, businesses, and organizations share their stories in ways that feel genuine and lasting.

As the Electric City Co-op continues to grow, he’s especially interested in using his creative lens to document its evolution—capturing the people, milestones, and community spirit that will bring this shared vision to life. Aidan has already been interviewing co-op leaders and shooting b-roll on site during the store tours this week!  Want to share why you love being part of ECCG?  Aidan is gathering stories from our community about what the Electric City Co-op means to them. If you’d like to be featured, reach out at aidan@faiellastudios.com.  We are beyond grateful, and so excited to see what he creates through his conversations and lenses. 

What do you like about being part of the co-op community? 

As a filmmaker, I’ve built my career around storytelling and connection, so being part of the co-op community feels like a natural fit. My work is guided by a deep belief in connection, authenticity, and community, and that’s exactly what I see taking shape with the Electric City Community Grocery. I believe our greatest wealth is found in human relationships, and a community-owned grocery is such a powerful expression of that idea. I’m excited to meet fellow member-owners, collaborate creatively, and help document the co-op’s growth—bringing our shared vision to life, one authentic story at a time.

What will having a downtown grocery mean to you?

For me, it will elevate connection and visibility in the heart of the city—two things I care deeply about in my work and in my community. Through Faiella Studios, my mission is to help people feel seen, whether that’s a business, a product someone has poured their heart into, or personal memories. A downtown grocery that’s owned by the community feels like an extension of that mission. It’s a place where local producers, neighbors, and small businesses can all be seen and connected in mutual support. I’m excited not only to stop in and shop there, but also to help tell the story of how it grows and becomes part of everyday life in our city. 

What do you love about Schenectady?

I moved to Schenectady in 2017 after spending time in Rochester and originally growing up in Connecticut. Schenectady is so captivating - from it's rich history to the incredible people. What I love most is that this is a place where people keep building, together. Schenectady has so much history that people are building on to. It's not about making Schenectady new, or something else... to me, it's about building on the foundation that so many incredible people and businesses have given us. Giving back to the community and the people that make Schenectady so incredible. Giving back to the years of family ancestry that still exist. A nod to the people who have made this city what it is, and the generations continuing to contribute to it. There’s so much creativity, entrepreneurship, and heart here. As someone who believes storytelling can “build and celebrate human bonds,” I see endless stories in this community...people continuing tradition, starting businesses, creating art, and investing in their neighborhoods. Being part of that energy, and contributing creatively through my work and doing that for the co-op as well through various projects, is something I’m really grateful for.