The Urban Girl’s Manifesto The ultimate guide to women‑owned businesses in Boston, featuring entrepreneurs YOU need to know Second Edition
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Boston
The Urban Girl’s Manifesto
Melody Biringer
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CRAVE Boston: The Urban Girl’s Manifesto A publication of The CRAVE Company 1805 12th Ave W #A Seattle WA 98119 206.282.0173 thecravecompany.com/boston twitter.com/boston facebook.com/craveboston © 2013 The CRAVE Company. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system nor transmitted in any form, by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise— without prior written permission of the copyright owner. While every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of the information, details are subject to change so please call ahead. Neither The CRAVE Company nor CRAVE Boston shall be responsible for any consequences arising from the publication or use. All editorial content in this publication is the sole opinion of CRAVE Boston and our contributing writers. Second Edition April 2013
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The U rban Girl’s Manifesto We CRAVE Community. We believe in acknowledging, celebrating and passionately supporting local businesses. CRAVE is a celebration of women entrepreneurs that showcases creative, interesting and gutsy proprietors. By introducing you to the savvy businesswomen in this guide, we hope that we will help inspire your own inner entrepreneur. We CRAVE Adventure. We encourage you to break your routine, to venture away from your regular haunts, to visit new businesses, to explore all the funky finds and surprising spots that Boston has to offer. Whether it’s to hunt for a birthday gift, indulge in a spa treatment or connect with likeminded people, let CRAVE Boston be your guide for a one-of-a-kind hometown adventure. We CRAVE Quality. CRAVE is all about quality products and thoughtful service. We know that a satisfying shopping trip requires more than a simple exchange of money for goods, and that a rejuvenating spa date entails more than a quick clip of the cuticles and a swipe of polish. We know you want to come away feeling uplifted, beautiful, excited, relaxed, relieved and, above all, knowing you got the most bang for your buck. We have scoured the city to find the hidden gems, new hot spots and old standbys, all with one thing in common: they’re the best of the best!
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A Guide to Our Guide CRAVE Boston is more than a guidebook. It’s a savvy, quality‑of‑lifestyle book devoted entirely to local businesses owned by women. CRAVE Boston will direct you to some of the best local spots—top boutiques, spas, cafés, stylists, fitness studios and more. And we’ll introduce you to the inspired, dedicated women behind these exceptional enterprises, for whom creativity, quality, innovation and customer service are paramount. Not only is CRAVE Boston an intelligent guide for those wanting to know what’s happening throughout town, it’s a directory for those who value the contributions that spirited businesswomen make to our region.
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aMortonDesign Somerville, Massachusetts
Sustainable. Adventurous. Responsive. aMortonDesign is an architecture firm with a portfolio of residential, commercial, kitchen and furniture design projects. The underlying principle of this work is a commitment to sustainable design. This is achieved through the use of environmentally responsible materials and finishes, thoughtful redesign of existing buildings to preserve the embodied energy of their construction, or enhancements to increase energy efficiency. Good design is sustainable.
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Photos by Patrick Rogers Photography, except portrait by Soul Focus Photography
Specialties: Sustainable Design 561 Windsor St, Ste A404, Somerville, 617.894.0285, aMortonDesign.com facebook.com/aMortonDesign, Twitter: @aMortonDesign
What are your most popular products or services? Kitchen and bath renovations are popular ways to add personal flair to homes while increasing energy efficiency. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Grow your network and seek out mentors. Be honest and sincere about what you don’t know. Follow up with personal notes or gifts for those who go above and beyond.
Andrea Morton
What do you like best about owning a business? Independence, daily challenges and victories and the personal connections that are the foundation of any successful endeavor. 13
Applaud Women LLC New Hampshire and Massachusetts
Authentic. Celebratory. Informative. Applaud Women is a website that focuses exclusively on local women. It’s a free, quarterly online publication that provides articles written by local business people sharing information relevant to their business expertise and providing inspiration, information and solutions in an entertaining format. Its mission is to recognize and celebrate the strength of local women and their achievements. Additionally, the website includes a restaurant, beauty and wedding resource center.
Specialties: Celebrating Local Women 603.895.4699, applaudwomen.com, Twitter: @applaudwomen facebook.com/applaudwomen.nh.ma 14
Boston
What do you like best about owning a business? Freedom. To create, to be me, to work at my own pace and do what I’m passionate about. Who is your role model or mentor? My mentor is Ginny Williams from Coach Ginny who believed in me from the very start and inspired me to keep on taking risks. What is your biggest fear? Making mistakes! I hate making mistakes but I love to learn from them.
Susan Caldwell
What motivates you on a daily basis? Wanting to provide the best product I can by providing inspiration and information for my readers. I love being creative or coming up with something new and exciting.
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What are your most popular products or services? Custom framing, mirrors, dry mounting, matting and framed prints. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? If you go in with a friend, make sure that everything is spelled out before you open. What motivates you on a daily basis? Making it; making people happy; loving framing as much as I do. What is your motto or theme song? “Take a Chance on Me� by ABBA.
Kimberly Wilkins-Cummings
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Boston
How do you relax? Going antiquing on Sundays, and martinis.
Artful Edge Framing Allston Village
Friendly. Artistic. Professional. Artful Edge Framing provides museum-quality framing at affordable pricing and a timely turnaround with a friendly staff. Artful Edge Framing offers all types of framing from 24K gold leaf to simple ready‑made frames. Specialties include framing of vintage posters, paintings, limited edition prints, sports memorabilia, family photos and dimensional objects.
Photos by Sandra Kimball Photography
Specialties: Custom Framing, Framed Art and Posters 55 Harvard Ave, Allston, 617.254.1444 artfuledgeframing.com
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What are your most popular products or services? My signature design, the flowered choker is still the most popular. Special orders are very popular when creating something for that special occasion or that brand-new outfit. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? The most important thing is to stay focused and be patient. Success does not come overnight, and sacrifices may have to be made. Just always love what you do.
Emily Athalia Hirsch
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Boston
What do you like best about owning a business? The freedom to be creative and take chances. Knowing that every day I have to push myself more and more to be the best that I can be.
Athalia Originals Boston, Massachusetts
Beautiful. Colorful. Wearable. Athalia Originals was founded in 2002 by artist Emily Athalia Hirsch. Over the years, her one-of-a-kind jewelry has been seen at art festivals, boutiques and galleries. Just this year, she began a series of trunk shows at Bloomingdales in Chestnut Hill. This self-taught jewelry designer loves designing and creating jewelry for all who love unique jewelry.
Photos by Savas Studios
Specialty: Unique Jewelry 617.512.6228, athaliaoriginals.com
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Audrey’s Back Bay, Boston
Philanthropic. Compassionate. Neighborly. Inspired by her beloved bulldog, Brittany opened Audrey’s to provide the pet community in Boston a place to shop for everyday essentials. A unique product mix and a welcoming environment creates a special shopping experience for your four legged friends. However, it is Brittany’s dedication to customer service and commitment to giving back to the local community and animal charities that sets this business apart.
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Photos by Shannon Michelle
Specialties: Pet Supplies and Delivery 296 Newbury St, Boston, 857.991.1236 audreysboston.com, Twitter: @audreysboston
What are your most popular products or services? Besides our core products, “Shop the Middle Table� is devoted solely to giving back proceeds to support animal charities. Some of Audrey’s treats raise money for canine cancer research.
Brittany Bang
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Do the thing you love more than anything in life. You might become a bit unpredictable, sometimes cranky, but you will be happier than you ever imagined possible. What motivates you on a daily basis? I am motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact and give back to the community that supports me and my business every day. 21
Photos by Soul Focus Photography
BeeCustom Design Boston, Massachusetts
Creative. Fabulous. Sparkly. Nicole is a freelance graphic designer specializing in a boutique approach to designing custom invitations one stylish client at a time. Nicole believes that designing an invitation based on the client and not the market produces something far greater. She feels every client has a vision and it is her privilege to take that vision and make it a stunning reality.
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What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Do what you love, find your niche and then do it fabulously! What do you like best about owning a business? Being able to work from home. It took 12 years to establish a career that would fit with my family; was so worth the wait.
Nicole Mitsakis
Who is your role model or mentor? My dad showed me the value of a good work ethic and how important it is to “always do the right thing” no matter how hard it may be. What is your motto or theme song? Don’t confuse education with intelligence.
Specialties: Invitation Design 978.766.0489 beecustom.blogspot.com Twitter: @beecustomdesign
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Bling Boutique Braintree, Massachusetts
Inspiring. Stylish. Fun. At Bling Boutique true style isn’t about paying haute couture prices, it’s about having a well-edited selection of key pieces and knowing how to put it all together. Bling Boutique carries the hottest looks in denim from all sorts of designers, has a wide range of jewelry and bags. No look is complete without the right accessories, and they carry a wide range of trendy jewelry and bags at great prices.
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Photos by Sandra Kimball Photography
Specialties: Clothing, Jewelry and Accessories 871 Washington St, Braintree, 781.848.6300 shopblingboutique.com, facebook.com/shopbling Twitter: @ShopBlingBtq
What are your most popular products or services? Denim tops and accessories. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Believe in yourself! What do you like best about owning a business? You can be creative and set your own tone. Also, it is more of your vision. What is your motto or theme song? Don’t stop believing.
Nadine Aniello
What place inspires you and why? Europe, because I love their styles and trends and how they have a different pace!
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What are your most popular products or services? Razor cuts and dimensional hair coloring, Great Lengths hair extensions and keratin smoothing treatments. Sojourn hair products are good for your hair and the environment. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Have a good business plan, be fearless and never give up.
Kate Sanford
What do you like best about owning a business? I enjoy having flexibility in my schedule and doing a job that I love. Having created an environment where people come to feel and look great is incredibly rewarding. What do you CRAVE? A great blowout and dark chocolatecovered caramel with sea salt on top!
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Blush Hair Salon Arlington and Maynard, Massachusetts
Inviting. Relaxing. Cool. Blush Hair Salon is a boutique-style hair salon with an inviting feel and cool vibe. With only six chairs, the emphasis is on excellent cuts, colors and style. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the professional stylists are educated in the most current trends and technique. Their goal is for clients to leave the salon and be able to re-create their new look every day.
Photos by Sandra Kimball Photography
Specialties: Hair Cuts, Colors and Styles 1241 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, 781.483.3500 138 Parker St, Maynard, 339.222.9269 blushhair.com
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Photos by Soul Focus Photography
Bona Clara Downtown Boston
Fun. Educational. Modern. Bona Clara is a technology-driven beauty company whose mission is to create entrepreneurial opportunities for women everywhere while leveraging their online marketing platform and the best in formulation and technology. You can purchase their revolutionary age‑specific products from any of their brand reps (more than a thousand) or even earn some product for free as a thank-you for hosting an event of your own with some of your friends!
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What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Do your best to plan going into it, but know that you won’t be able to anticipate everything. Just be flexible, and learn a lot along the way. What motivates you on a daily basis? The vision of what I am working toward creating! What is your motto or theme song? “There is no improving the future without disturbing the present.” —Booth
Jasmina Aganovic
What place inspires you and why? The beach in the morning. It is almost always calm and incredibly energizing. It makes you feel like you can do anything.
Specialties: Skincare and Beauty 24 School St, 4th Floor, Boston, 617.500.1664 bonaclara.com, Twitter: @Bona_Clara facebook.com/bonaclarabeauty
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What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Jump in! Begin, and the resources and people you need will follow. I started my business after practicing law. Chocolate was always my passion. You have a gift to share.
Valerie Beck
What do you like best about owning a business? Owning a business lets me live authentically. My business mission is Uplift Through Chocolate. We uplift our customers, our partner stores, our team and our charity partners. Who is your role model or mentor? Louise Hay reminds us that our thoughts create our future and that gratitude and love open doors.
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Boston Chocolate Walking Tours Boston, Massachusetts
Photos by Savas Studios
Delicious. Entertaining. Informative. Boston Chocolate Walking Tours provides guided walking and tasting tours of select chocolate shops, bakeries and cafes. You’ll sample the specialties, meet shop owners or artisan chocolatiers and learn about the history and health benefits of chocolate. Samples might include Champagne truffles, double chocolate cupcakes or chocolate infused with tea. The team also provides tours in Chicago and Philadelphia. The sweetest tour in town!
Specialty: Chocolate Tours 617.955.2228 bostonchocolatewalkingtours.com Twitter: @BosChocTours
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Boston Electrology and Skin Therapies (B.E.S.T) Downtown Boston
Revitalizing. Soothing. Innovative. Boston Electrology and Skin Therapies (B.E.S.T) is a specialized skincare clinic and medical spa that focuses on electrolysis, laser skin care for hair removal, pigmented lesions, facial telangiectasia and photofacials. They also offer the latest in rejuvenation treatments with Botox/Dysport and dermal fillers. Other skin therapies include microdermabrasion, chemical peels and facials. Their eyelash extensions and skincare products will help you look and feel your B.E.S.T!
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Photos by Sandra Kimball Photography
Specialties: Electrolysis, Laser Skincare, Rejuvenation Treatments 59 Temple Pl, Ste 1106, Boston, 617.338.5188 bostonelectrology.com
What are your most popular products or services? Hair removal—either electrolysis or laser— and Botox/Dysport. Although there are still a lot of misconceptions about them, Botox/ Dysport are becoming more mainstream, and everyone loves the results. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Have a partner! Starting a business is an incredible amount of work; it’s great to have someone to help you along this awesome journey.
Lara Simondi, APRN, CNM, MPH, and Valerie Shirvani, LME
What do you like best about owning a business? Having access to all the rejuvenation and skincare products you can imagine! It’s a girl’s dream, however, sometimes it’s hard to fit in our own treatments! 33
cake pops boston Boston, Massachusetts
Boutique. Inspired. Charming. cake pops boston is a boutique dessert business specializing in cake pops. Cake pops are delicious little treats served on a stick that are customized for flavor, color or theme. They make a perfect complement to a dessert buffet or sweets table and can also be used as place-card holders or favors. Their motto: forget the fork!
Specialties: Cake Pops 617.834.9454, cakepopsboston.com Twitter: @cakepopsboston
Photos by Sandra Kimball Photography
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What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Do your research before making any major decisions! What do you like best about owning a business? Watching it grow and succeed; seeing that our customers truly enjoy our product. Who is your role model or mentor? Candace Nelson of Sprinkles, the first cupcake bakery in the United States. What is your motto or theme song? “Que sera, sera (whatever will be, will be).”
Heather O’Donnell
What place inspires you? Paris... love, love, love it! It is magical to the senses in every way: a total inspiration 35
CommonCove Coworking Admirals Hill, Boston
Innovative. Creative. Collaborative. A marina-side cooperative work place where entrepreneurs, independent consultants, digital nomads, freelance writers and remote workers build relationships, collaborate on ideas and foster new business opportunities while embracing the relaxed environment of a waterfront community. CommonCove Coworking offers the opportunity to view work from many different perspectives—from the comfort of indoor and outdoor work spaces such as indoor floating desks or waterside garden tables.
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What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Balancing life, fun, healthy living practices, work and eight hours of sleep is incredibly important. Especially when starting a new business. You will be far more successful with balance in your life. What do you like best about owning a business? Making my own schedule allows me to put my energy and time into the things I value most.
Leslie and Brooke Saba
What motivates you on a daily basis? The desire to build a collaborative, comfortable and professional work space that inspires and encourages the success of our community—both inside and outside of our walls.
Specialty: Coworking Space CommonCove at Admirals Hill Marina: 305 Commandants Way, Chelsea, 603.254.4060 commoncove.com, Twitter: @commoncove
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Crush Boutique Beacon Hill and Back Bay, Boston
Flirty. Style-savvy. Irresistible. Founded by childhood friends Rebecca Hall and Laura Macris, Crush Boutique specializes in providing customers with a well-edited collection of the best in women’s contemporary fashion. Crush juxtaposes up-and-coming designers like Rory Beca and Yumi Kim with celebrity-loved lines like Alice + Olivia, J Brand and House of Harlow 1960. Shoppers enjoy the luxuries of department store and stylist services in a more intimate environment.
Specialty: Personal Shopping 131 Charles St, Boston, 617.720.0010 264 Newbury St, Boston, 617.424.0010 shopcrushboutique.com, Twitter: @crushboutique facebook.com/crushboutique
Photos by Savas Studios
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What are your most popular products or services? The one-on-one shopping experience that we provide on a daily basis. This customerfocused approach fosters a personal shopping experience in a boutique setting. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Be confident and never stop believing in yourself and your vision. This is the key to success. As with any aspect of life, remaining true to yourself will guide you.
Rebecca Hall and Laura Macris
What place inspires you and why? NYC. Fashion is paramount at every turn. The city is ever-shifting and always original. We strive to shift with the needs of our customers and always create unique experiences. 39
Photos by Soul Focus Photography
Debora Lunt Studio Beverly Farms, Massachusetts
Current. Creative. Caring. Debora Lunt Studio offers expert cut and color. Having worked at a high-profile salon on Newbury Street, and after extensive training in Paris with Jacques Dessange, Debora’s sharp eye instantly catches the unique look, personality and lifestyle of each client and intuitively translates a cut and color technique that defines and shapes the client’s hair, creating a soft, sculpted silhouette, maximizing the client’s full potential.
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What are your most popular products or services? Our organic, chemical-free hair color and products—a trend worth following— offer superb shine and manageability. And spa comforts: warm towels, head massages, slippers, lattes and more!
Debora Lunt
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Be in it for the long haul and willing to take risks. Early in my career, I took a chance and left Newbury Street so that I could build a clientele. What do you CRAVE? Hair! Creating a superb salon experience that ultimately generates beauty and inspires happy confidence in my clients.
Specialty: Hairdressing 30 West St, Beverly, 978.232.1125 DeboraLuntStudio.com facebook.com/DeboraLuntStudio Twitter: @DeboraLunt linkedin.com/in/deboraluntstudio
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Photo by Soul Focus Photography
“I’m able to create an experience for each client by handpicking the best of everything, including the hair products, the coffee, the furniture, the staff and even the music.” —Debora Lunt, Debora Lunt Studio
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Put all you have into it and dream big! What do you like best about owning a business? Getting to know so many people and helping people learn about the industry. Who is your role model or mentor? “Bunny” Mellon and Jackie Kennedy are my role models. Jackie because she was classy and stylish. Bunny is the world’s most amazing gardener; she has created world-famous gardens.
Desiree Spinner
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Boston
What is your motto? Treat people with kindness because you never know where they are in their walk of life.
Desiree Spinner Events Back Bay, Boston Osterville, Massachusetts
Photos by Bello Photography and Trent Bailey Photography
Creative. Chic. Fun. Desiree Spinner Events creates unique, modern hand-crafted celebrations for events large and small. They are inspired by the natural beauty and classic tradition of the local seaside. They are in love with color, texture and detail; they find endless inspiration in whimsy, romance and the timeless quality of special occasions.
Specialties: Wedding and Event Design By appointment only: 570 Sea View Ave, Osterville, 508.419.7449 30 Newbury St, Boston, 508.364.7800 desireespinnerevents.com facebook.com/DesireeSpinner Twitter: @desireespinner
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What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Research, research, research! Be absolutely sure you know your products and your targeted audience extremely well. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. What do you like best about owning a business? Flexibility to direct my own schedule and be in control of my work product. And, of course, the ability to bring my children to work with me.
Salina Gonzales Frazier
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Boston
What motivates you on a daily basis? My husband, my kids and our amazing customers. I love that locals come and hang out with us. I love the sense of community we’ve built!
Diaper Lab Davis Square, Cambridge
Photos by Soul Focus Photography
Smart. Simple. Green. Diaper Lab is a premier source in Boston for cloth diapers, baby carriers and other green baby goods. Stocking the largest retail selection of cloth diapers in the area for over five years, Diaper Lab’s staff knows diapers! With workshops and expert one-on-one support, Diaper Lab can help you choose the diapers and baby carriers that fit your baby, your family and your lifestyle.
Specialties: Cloth Diapers, Baby Carriers and Green Baby Goods 200 Elm St N, Cambridge, 617.764.0192 diaperlab.com, Twitter: @diaperlab, facebook.com/diaperlab
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e. scott originals Somerville, Massachusetts
Edgy. Handcrafted. Timeless. e. scott originals specializes in wearable, handmade, precious metal jewelry. With inspirations varying from vintage tattoos to Grandma’s jewelry box to Mother Nature, e. scott originals creates a wide range of jewelry made to be worn and loved. Her technical background blends with her random creativity to produce unique and identifiable jewelry that can be found online or the store in Somerville.
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Boston
Photos by Soul Focus Photography
Specialties: Precious Metal Jewelry 199b Highland Ave, Somerville, 617.776.2814 escottoriginals.com, facebook.com/escottoriginals Twitter: @escottoriginals
What are your most popular products or services? My “diamond” studs and anchor necklaces. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Take chances, but do your research first. Don’t jump blindly into anything, but definitely jump in.
Emily Scott
What do you like best about owning a business? Knowing that my success is mine. When you work so hard at something, it’s amazing to have it pay off and be 100 percent yours.
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The Financialite Wellesley, Massachusetts
Friendly. Factual. Fun. The Financialite is a personal financial consultant who enjoys dishing out advice on how to save money while still living a socialite’s life! Realizing that words like “budget” and “saving” tend to freak out the modern-day girl, her goal is to change that. She wants to inspire ladies to understand their budget, live within their means and start saving toward a goal!
Specialties: Personal Finance Tax and Accounting c/o Gormican, P.C., 148 Linden St, Ste 6, Wellesley, 508.397.4326 thefinancialite.com, Twitter: @thefinancialite
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Boston
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Build a solid foundation of understanding the operation of a business and the general accounting concepts before you jump in headfirst! What do you like best about owning a business? I get to work with genuinely creative people and make a difference in their lives.
Trish Gormican, CPA
What motivates you on a daily basis? New ideas motivate me—a new way of getting clients to understand that finances are not scary. What is your motto or theme song? “Financial Advice for the Everyday Socialite.”
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What are your most popular products or services? To be honest, if it’s not popular, we don’t continue to carry it. We are just over 400 sq. ft., and we fill our space only with best sellers! What do you like best about owning a business? You get to make the decisions: If you don’t like something, change it. If something’s not selling, get rid of it.
Katherine Morse
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Boston
What do you CRAVE? Balance and happiness... and to have the girls I work with never leave: they are the best asset I have!
flat of the hill Beacon Hill, Boston
Fresh. Fun. Fabulous. flat of the hill is a gift boutique heading into its 15th year of service to their incredible customers. They are always bringing in new items, but are very loyal to their quality lines that they have carried for well over a decade. Known for handbags, fun jewelry, candles, wood signs and pillows, flat of the hill strives to add fun new things to their mix at every turn!
Specialties: Jewelry, Handbags, Home Accessories 60 Charles St, Boston, 617.619.9977 flatofthehill.com, facebook.com/flatofthehill Twitter: @flatofthehill
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What are your most popular products or services? Sewing Basics Class is the most popular by far. We make a pillow and a tote bag; it helps gals conquer fear of the sewing machine. It won’t bite, I promise!
Sarah Grey
What do you like best about owning a business? I like the freedom to try new things and work at my own pace. I also love getting to choose fabric and to curate all of our objects! How do you relax? Sewing club! A nice glass of sauvignon blanc, stitching camaraderie and my latest dress to work on: it’s my idea of heaven.
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Boston
Grey’s Fabric and Notions South End, Boston
Photos by Sandra Kimball Photography
Colorful. Modern. Inspiring. Grey’s is a boutique fabric shop in the South End featuring designer fabrics for clothing, quilting and home decor in a colorful and inviting environment. Forget what you think you know about dusty, old-fashioned sewing stores and your long-repressed nightmares of Home Ec. At Grey’s, you’ll experience a stylish side of sewing that will inspire you to design your wardrobe and your world!
Specialties: Fabric, Sewing Classes and Supplies 450 Harrison Ave, Ste 63, Boston, 617.338.4739 greysfabric.com, facebook.com/greysfabric Twitter: @greysfabric
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Heads Up Hair Salon Natick, Massachusetts
Stylish. Creative. Dedicated. Heads Up Hair Salon is located in downtown Natick. It is a busy urban salon in a suburban community. They employ nine senior stylists who are constantly up‑to‑date with current trends in cutting and color. The goal at Heads Up is to provide the best service to all customers and to keep you looking your best.
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Boston
Photos by Soul Focus Photography
Specialties: Cutting, Color, Retexturizing and More By appointment only: 11 Main St, Natick, 508.653.4750 salonheadsup.com
Lola Matarazzo and Lois Haswell
What are your most popular products or services? We use Rusk, Redken and Goldwell color. We sell Rusk, KMS and Moroccanoil products. The Rusk AntiCurl or Coppola Keratin Treatments are popular services at Heads Up. What do you like best about owning a business? Mentoring young stylists to help them develop their talent to become successful behind the chair. What motivates you on a daily basis? We all motivate each other with our individual creativity and enthusiasm for the love of our career.
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What are your most popular products or services? We build complete wardrobes from basics to the finishing accessories. We also add that one special, must-have piece that a customer has been craving.
Katherine Venzke
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Talk about your idea with people who support you. Find business owners who you admire and trust, and ask if they will chat with you about your endeavor. Get busy! What do you like best about owning a business? Re-creating the entire store every season. I buy four to six months out, which is truly delayed gratification! It’s thrilling when the new fashions come into the store.
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Boston
Helena’s Arlington and Belmont
Vibrant. Inspired. Versatile. Helena’s was built on the style philosophy that, with the right help, a beautiful, puttogether look is easy to achieve. Helena’s offers a generous collection of colorful separates chosen for their style, versatility and wearability. In 2008 the boutique received a “Best of” award from Boston Magazine. This spring Helena’s expanded its offerings by opening a second location in Belmont’s Cushing Square.
Photos by SLY Photography
Specialties: Apparel, Accessories and Gifts 397 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, 781.483.3055 453½ Common St, Belmont, 617.484.2550 ilovehelenas.com, Twitter: @HelenasBoutique facebook.com/helenasofarlington
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What are your most popular products or services? Men love the custom shirts and pants. They are thrilled when they can get high-end apparel that fits them well at a great price. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Don’t give up! There will be bumps in the road. Don’t take things too personally. Learn from your mistakes, and you will get better and see your business grow. Stay confident.
Jennifer Hardock
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Boston
What do you like best about owning a business? Being my own boss which gives me flexibility with my schedule. I love being able to be there for my family while still getting out into the world.
J.Hilburn Jennifer Hardock Boston, Massachusetts
Classy. Convenient. Affordable. J.Hilburn, men’s clothier, specializes in beautiful custom shirts, made-to-measure pants, sport coats and suits. Their fine fabrics come from the top Italian mills. Clients can choose their own styles to reflect their personal taste. J.Hilburn also has ready-to-wear items such as cashmere sweaters, performance polos, jeans, neckwear, cufflinks and belts.
Photos by Sandra Kimball Photography
Specialties: Men’s Clothing 978.697.9102 jenniferhardock.jhilburn.com facebook.com/jhilburnboston.jenniferhardock Twitter: @jenniferhardock
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What are your most popular products or services? Pilates lessons for injury prevention and rehabilitation are in demand because people want to trust their body with a licensed health professional. Barre classes are also hot right now! What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Be dedicated and balanced. Maintaining the health of your own mind, body,and spirit is essential to sustaining success.
Kristen Reynolds, PT, DPT, PMA-CPT
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Boston
Who is your role model or mentor? Kelley Allardi, co-owner of Active Motion Physical Therapy, introduced me to Pilates. She is intelligent, adored by patients, a devoted mother, incredibly thoughtful, and makes it look effortless.
k pilates rehab Boston, Massachusetts
Centering. Restorative. Compassionate. Former dancer and gymnast turned Doctor of Physical Therapy and PMA 速 Certified Pilates Teacher brings a chic, refreshing presence to orthopedics and sports medicine. Kristen Reynolds complements sharp diagnostic skills by integrating manual therapy with classical Pilates to provide an alternative therapeutic approach to patients. Clients also opt for small group training, such as her killer, unparalleled barre method that reforms bodies like no other.
Specialties: Pilates kpilatesrehab.com facebook.com/kristenpilatesrehab Twitter: @kpilatesrehab
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Ken’s Kickin’ Chicken and Rothwell Custom Catering Salem, Massachusetts
Home-cooked. Fast. Driven. Ken’s Kickin’ Chicken started with an idea to provide great home-cooked foods that were natural and affordable. Catering was the primary focus early in the business, and then expanding on that to bring quality food to people’s own kitchens. Rothwell Catering is still a thriving business providing custom menus for clients who want something special for their events. Customer service and high‑quality food are the driving forces behind every catered event or pie sold.
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Boston
Photos by Renee Trichilo
Specialties: Chicken Pot Pies and Full-service Catering 130 North St, Salem 978.744.6838, 978.825.0200 rothwellcuisine.net
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Be prepared to work and work some more! Being your own boss takes more discipline than working for anyone else. What do you like best about owning a business? I like the freedom it gives me to make my own decisions, to step out of the nine‑to-five box and do what I love to do.
Cris Ingemi
Who is your role model or mentor? I have to say my grandmother was my role model; she was the strongest woman I have ever known. She was a forward thinker and one of the best cooks I ever met! She instilled in me a strong work ethic and an even stronger sense of self-worth.
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Photos by Savas Studios
Koo de Kir Beacon Hill, Boston
Dedicated. Creative. Urban. Koo de Kir provides comprehensive design services to commercial and residential clients locally, nationally and internationally. The studio’s widely editorialized style is described as modern, casually elegant, classic and fresh. From entire home design to luxury retail consulting, Koo de Kir’s team of designers, architects and design professionals works hard to translate a vision into a designed and built environment.
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Boston
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Believe in your intuition and find a mentor for when you don’t. What do you like best about owning a business? I love knowing that I can change my course at any moment at my own pace and with my own resources. What motivates you on a daily basis? I like the process of design, and I love seeing the progress from ideas to drawings to built spaces. It’s great to see ideas come to life.
Kristine Irving
How do you relax? Cooking, gardening and hanging out at home. Being at home really centers me when things get crazy. I am a home body.
Specialties: Commercial and Residential Interior Design By appointment only: 45 River St, Boston, 617.723.8111 koodekir.com, Twitter: @koodekir
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Kristina Crestin Design Boston, Massachusetts
Fresh. Intuitive. Thoughtful. Kristina Crestin Design specializes in high-end residential design, working with clients in New England and beyond. As a “Rising Star of Design� per Boston Common Magazine, Kristina begins the design process by listening to the story each client wants to tell with his or her space and then taking that thread and running with it. This way, each project develops with a unique vision and focus.
Specialty: Interior Design 978.890.7186, kristinacrestindesign.com eatsleepbreatheinteriordesign.com facebook.com/StudioKCKristinaCrestinDesign Twitter: @KristinaCrestin
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Boston
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Read a lot, ask questions, and then in the end, trust your instincts! What do you like best about owning a business? Touching all aspects of running a business: developing the branding, working with clients, networking and even yes, bookkeeping. What motivates you on a daily basis? My clients. They put a lot of trust in us to help guide them in the right direction and oversee the execution.
Kristina Crestin
How do you relax? Wandering through architectural salvage warehouses, playing ball with my husband and our pup Cooper and reading, when I can find the time.
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What are your most popular products or services? We specialize in fee-only financial planning for young professional couples and individuals. We offer several customizable service plans through private meetings or interactive workshops. What do you like best about owning a business? I love the flexibility to change the world the way I desire, according to the timeline that makes sense for me. I don’t have to ask anyone’s permission to shine!
Lisa J.B. Peterson, CFP(R)
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Boston
What motivates you on a daily basis? There is nothing like the thrill of presenting clients with a financial plan that will truly transform them and allow them to live with greater purpose.
Lantern Financial, LLC Boston, Massachusetts
Creative. Empowering. Transformative. Lantern Financial is a financial planning firm exclusively dedicated to helping young professionals reach their dreams and helping couples talk about money in their relationships. Lantern believes that people can have the life they truly desire if they surround themselves with that which they love and eliminate that which they do not value.
Photos by Jessica Pegg Photography
Specialties: Financial Planning and Counseling 617.482.2700, lantern-financial.com facebook.com/LanternFinancialLLC, Twitter: @lisalantern
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What are your most popular products or services? We specialize in custom gift baskets, stylish jewelry, handbags, clothing, stationery, frames, candles, gourmet goods and wine-themed gifts. We feature several local artists. We also offer complimentary gift wrap! What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Be prepared to work harder than you ever have for anyone else. But the best part is... the success you find is all yours.
Liz White
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Boston
What motivates you? Travel... even if it’s local. Exploring new places sparks my creativity. You never know where you’ll find inspiration.
Mason & Madison Middleton, Massachusetts
Upscale. Exclusive. Inspired. Mason & Madison offers a refreshing departure from the usual gift shop experience: it’s a boutique—stocked with an ever-changing selection of beautiful and unique gifts for every occasion—devoted entirely to the best products and exceptional service. In three years, it has quickly established itself as a premier gift retailer, featured in multiple magazines and recently chosen as one of the “Top 25 Gifted Retailers” in the country.
Photos by Soul Focus Photography
Specialties: Custom Gift Baskets 106 S Main St, Middleton, 978.777.8883 masonandmadison.com facebook.com/masonandmadison Twitter: @masonandmadison
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Photo by Soul Focus Photography
“The best part of owning my business is the freedom. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” —Liz White, Mason & Madison
The Organized Wardrobe dress with purpose Boston, Massachusetts Sophisticated. Resourceful. Inspiring. The Organized Wardrobe offers a variety of services to help you revive your wardrobe and discover your style. Services include closet edits, wardrobe consulting, personal shopping and group presentations. Their mantra: life is challenging, but we have to get dressed!
Specialties: Wardrobe Consulting, Personal Shopping 617.947.0573 TheOrganizedWardrobe.com facebook.com/TheOrganizedWardrobe Twitter: @Doreen.Dove
Photos by Soul Focus Photography
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Boston
What are your most popular products or services? Closet edits and wardrobe discoveries! Step one toward transformation is enabling the client to stop thinking something is wrong with her body and recognizing instead that something is wrong with her clothing! What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Don’t delay: do it today and always remember that you are the brand!
Doreen Dove
What do you like best about owning a business? Being the owner comes with the privilege of being able to create and refine all of those wonderful ideas that you have stockpiled over a lifetime. 77
Person + Killian Photography Back Bay, Boston
Unobtrusive. Fun. Perfectionist. Person + Killian Photography is a go-to duo for the elite clientele in Boston. Lead photographers Jill and Lauren are known for their delicate photojournalism, quick turnaround time and stellar reputation. P+K often shoot from atypical angles and add extra jolts of color so that every image pops off the page. Their boutique style studio is located on Newbury Street.
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Boston
Photos by Person + Killian Photography
Specialty: Wedding and Event Photography 251 Newbury St, Boston 617.236.1662 personkillian.com facebook.com/PersonKillian Twitter: @PersonKillian
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Follow your bliss! Do what makes you happy. If you bring something unique and good to the table, people will be interested in you and will come back for more!
Lauren Killian and Jill Person
What motivates you on a daily basis? Never feeling dormant. We are constantly motivated to work harder each day and to reflect on what we can do to make our work better. What do you CRAVE? Happiness, success and the feeling that our work will be a lifelong treasure to so many people for many generations.
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Photo by Person + Killian Photography
“Owning a business is rewarding. It is a really powerful feeling when you can say... ‘I made this happen for myself.’” —Lauren Killian and Jill Person, Person + Killian Photography
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Trust your gut. Do what you love, and go for it.
Tracy Cranley
What motivates you on a daily basis? When customers tell me how much they love Pine Straw. Their approval of and appreciation for the overall feel of the store to the merchandise motivate me. What is your motto or theme song? Live. Give. Celebrate. What place inspires you and why? I love Paris for its culture and endless inspiration. The people, the shopping, the buildings all inspire me every time I’m there.
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Boston
Pine Straw Metrowest, Wellesley
Photos by Soul Focus Photography, except portrait by Savas Studios
Inviting. Warm. Inspirational. Pine Straw features tabletop and home decor, personal gifts and accessories, as well as women’s apparel. The newly expanded shop, which opened in 2011, stemmed from the need for that “go-to” store, offering a little bit of everything for every occasion with a reasonable price. Whether you’re hosting a party or in need of a great gift, Pine Straw has something for everyone.
Specialties: Tabletop and Home Decor, Gifts, Women’s Apparel 466 Washington St, Wellesley, 781.235.1844 pinestrawshopwellesley.com Twitter: @pinestrawgirl
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What are your most popular products or services? Start-to-finish planning for outdoor athletic events; bike rides and 5Ks; galas and conferences. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Tell every single person that you know and meet about your plans. You never know who may need your services down the road.
Jennifer Saphier Whitman and Michelle Coury Harris
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Boston
What do you like best about owning a business? We love that you see the direct results from all the time, effort, blood, sweat and tears that you put into your own business.
Plum Productions Boston, Massachusetts
Upper-left and lower-right photos by Soul Focus Photography, lower-left photo by Rick Bern Photography
Strategic. Resourceful. Detailed. Plum Productions is a full-service event production and cause marketing firm. Their services include initial event concept, project management, event-day completion and venue management. They can work alongside your staff or take on all of the planning, leaving your team free to focus on their primary roles.
Specialties: Event Productions, Cause Marketing, and Fund-Raising 617.416.0013, plumproductionsinc.com, Twitter: @PlumBoston
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Ruby Jewelry Beverly, Massachusetts
Eclectic. Creative. Fabulous. Ruby Jewelry is an eclectic mix of fashion-forward jewels, crystals, baubles for the holidays, designer-inspired jewelry, costume jewelry and cocktail rings. Ruby Jewelry trunk shows are based in the Boston area, but have been showcased in Venice, CA, in the famously artsy Abbott Kinney area and on the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
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Boston
Photos by Soul Focus Photography
Specialties: Cocktail Rings, Chandelier Earrings, Bangles 978.590.1100, rubyparties.com, facebook.com/rubyparties
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Love and believe in what you are doing. Think of the business as a marathon toward a successful and balanced life, and not a sprint toward riches. What do you like best about owning a business? Fabulous customers and friends who enjoy my things.
Megan Shepherd
What motivates you? As a mother of four children, it motivates me to have something that is just mine! What place inspires you? Anywhere near the ocean. The ocean has so many stories to tell.
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What are your most popular products or services? We offer a website photography package that business owners love. It is a great way to revamp or help design a company’s website. Video content is also becoming huge. The power of images and video is invaluable when connecting with people or potential customers.
Sarah M. Winchester
What is your motto or theme song? As a creative, visual person, it has to be “stop and smell the roses.” Beauty can be found everywhere. What place inspires you and why? Florence, Paris and Bangkok. Florence for the art and memories of my study abroad, Paris for the streets and photo inspiration and Bangkok for the food and people.
88
Boston
Sarah Winchester Studios Seaport/Fort Point, Boston
Innovative. Savvy. Helpful. Sarah Winchester Studios is a full-service creative studio specializing in commercial photography, video, video editing, creative direction and photography consultation. From interior photography and fashion editorials to head shots, portraits and video content, Sarah’s work is known for its professionalism, style, quick turnaround time and client-focused approach. The loftlike industrial space is located in the Seaport/Fort Point area of Boston.
Photos by Sarah M. Winchester
Specialties: Commercial Photography, Video and Creative Direction 369 Congress St, 2nd Floor, Boston, 404.542.2833 sarahwinchesterstudios.com, Twitter: @sarah_w_studios facebook.com/sarah.m.winchester
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What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Find a mentor you can trust. Listen, research and stay focused.
Christine and Stephanie Savas
What do you like best about owning a business? Owning a business provides a great sense of pride. Working hard and knowing you’re doing it for yourself make a world of difference. Accomplishing tasks feels incredible. What is your motto or theme song? Life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself. What do you CRAVE? The creative process of the next challenge or project.
90
Boston
Savas Studios North End, Boston
Fresh. Urban. Sincere. Savas Studios is a hybrid of boutique and studio. The space boasts high ceilings and exposed brick and immediately gives an urban loft feel. The boutique carries many local as well as international designers that are exclusive to Savas Studios. The studio can be set up for photography or transformed to host a networking event or even a cozy dinner for family and friends.
Left-page photos by Shannon Michelle, right‑page photo by Frank Monkiewicz
Specialties: Photography, Make-up and Clothing 456 Hanover St, Boston, 617.728.7775 savasstudios.com, Twitter: @savasstudios facebook.com/savasstudios
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Photos by Shannon Michelle, except right‑page upper photo by Megan Ryan
Shannon Michelle Photography Boston, Massachusetts
Beautiful. Intimate. Modern. Shannon Michelle is one of the most sought-after beauty photographers in her industry. She believes in celebrating the ability to be beautiful, strong and confident... at any age. When not shooting the runways of New York, Shannon is in Boston, where she specializes in boudoir photography. She often speaks to other photographers, and her educational materials have sold worldwide.
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Boston
What are your most popular products or services? Hands down, our custom-designed bedroom books. These handcrafted albums, printed in Italy, include 20-plus pages, a one-of-a-kind “crystal” cover and retouching. What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Be passionate. Work hard, and then find the balance. Don’t give up. Learn as much as you can. Always grow.
Shannon Michelle
What is your motto or theme song? “The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself.” —Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City
Specialties: Beauty Portraits, Boudoir and Fashion Photography 617.307.1155, shannon-michelle.com, Twitter: @bostonboudoir facebook.com/shannonmichellephoto Fashion Foto Wire: fashionfotowire.com, Twitter: @fashionfotowire
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What are your most popular products or services? Our amazing gemstone cocktail rings! They will be a conversation starter anywhere you go. I’ve been stopped on many flights and asked, “Where did you get your ring?” What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Be flexible and constantly creative! When the recession hit, we doubled our revenues with some creative thinking—by opening up Sikara pop-up stores in San Francisco and Boston.
Mousumi Shaw 94
Boston
Who is your role model or mentor? My mom of course! She opened her jewelry store in Corpus Christi over 20 years ago. She told me, “There’s no limit to what you can do.”
Sikara & Co. Back Bay, Boston
Photos by SLY Photography
Modern. Bold. Classy. Inspired by the architecture, food, people and textiles seen through founder Mousumi Shaw’s travels around the world, the eye-catching sterling silver and 18K vermeil designs are sure to make a statement. When people stumble upon Sikara & Co.’s beautiful Modern Fusion™ jewelry, most say, “I’ve never seen anything like this!” Sikara & Co.’s handcrafted jewels can be found in Sikara stores, high-end boutiques, museums and online at sikarajewelry.com.
Specialties: Modern Fusion Jewelry 250 Newbury St, Boston, 617.236.7770 sikarajewelry.com, facebook.com/SikaraJewelry Twitter: @sikarajewelry
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Photos by Shannon Michelle
Skiler Love Boston, Massachusetts
Boho. Feminine. Edgy. Skiler Love (pronounced “Sky-ler”) is a jewelry line for women who want to add luxury to their everyday looks. Designer Alyssa Davis launched Skiler Love’s Bohemian Luxe collection during Boston Fashion Week 2012 to great responses! What makes Skiler Love special? Quality and care! Alyssa Davis designs and creates all jewelry in her Boston studio, so no two pieces are exactly the same.
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Boston
What are your most popular products or services? The Jett is our most popular statement piece, often rocked with a strapless dress for an elegant but funky look. Also, our stackable beaded charm bracelets and Swarovski crystal necklaces. What do you like best about owning a business? Being involved in every aspect and having freedom and control over the creative direction of the brand. I also love collaborating with other designers and industry professionals.
Alyssa Davis
What is your motto or theme song? “If you never ask, the answer will always be no.� I found my voice this year and when I had an idea, I wasn’t afraid to share it.
Specialty: Jewelry 857.231.6034, skilerlove.com Twitter: @skilerlove facebook.com/skilerlove
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What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Dream big and set realistic expectations, hire for your weaknesses, do the best you can to balance work and life. What do you like best about owning a business? Having control over our destiny. What motivates you on a daily basis? Our team, the desire to succeed and that we enjoy coming to work every day.
Kate Saliba and Deb Bastien
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Boston
What place inspires you and why? My garden. It needs tending, is always changing and growing. A snowy trail through the woods— it’s peaceful and rejuvenating.
Smudge Ink Charlestown, Massachusetts
Playful. Simple. Resilient. Smudge Ink is a design and letterpress printing company specializing in stationery and gift products including boxed notes, everyday greeting cards and gift wrap. Weddings by Smudge Ink is their custom wedding line where they work directly with clients to design and print unique invitations. Smudge Ink: Designing beautiful stationery and celebrating the art of the handwritten note.
Specialties: Stationery and Gifts 50 Terminal St, Building 2, Charlestown, 617.242.8228 smudgeink.com, facebook.com/SmudgeInk Twitter: @SmudgeInkBoston
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Soul Focus Photography Downtown Salem
Artistic. Inspired. Charming. Soul Focus Photography is a boutique studio specializing in portraits with a focus on maternity, newborn, children and families. Principal photographer Courtney Trembler is very passionate about what she does; she creates beautiful memories for the families she photographs. Her jovial personality and great way with children make it a fun process. She is a certified professional photographer, a mark of distinction.
102
Boston
Photos by Soul Focus Photography
Specialties: Maternity, Newborn, Children and Family Portraits By appointment only: 221 Essex St, 2nd Floor, Salem, 978.697.8164 soulfocusphoto.com
What are your most popular products or services? Our most popular products are framed wall portraits for the home, as well as albums (available in different sizes) that help to showcase many images at once. What motivates you on a daily basis? On a daily basis I remember what I am doing for my clients, which in turn feeds my soul. I capture memories that they will be able to enjoy forever. How do you relax? I love doing hot yoga, taking walks and going to the beach.
Courtney Trembler
What do you CRAVE? I crave all things fun! I love to be around people who have a passion for life! 103
Upper-left photo and right-page photos by Linda Holt, Left page: lower-left and right photos by Sandra Kimball Photography
Thirty Petals Boutique 34 Leonard St, Belmont, 617.489.2334 thirtypetals.com, facebook.com/ThirtyPetals
Authentic. Stylish. Comfortable. Thirty Petals is a warm and inviting boutique located in the heart of Belmont Center. The shop features a unique and versatile collection of clothing, jewelry and accessories. Their friendly staff will help you find something special whether it’s a casual outfit or an elegant dress. With a focus on quality and value, Thirty Petals takes pride in providing a unique but affordable shopping experience. 104
Boston
What are your most popular products or services? Unique clothing, jewelry and accessories... as well as a wonderful staff that is happy to help you put it all together! What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Trust yourself, and go with your intuition. What do you like best about owning a business? I like the independence of making my own decisions and being able to use my creative spirit. What motivates you on a daily basis? The fact that I wake up every day knowing that I do something that I love.
Erica Kleinkopf
What is your motto or theme song? Style + Value = Thirty Petals.
Specialties: Clothing, Jewelry and Accessories
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What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Find your niche, and know your competition. Always find ways to improve on your craft. Be patient with the process of growing your business. What do you like best about owning a business? The challenge. Making women feel glamorous, beautiful and stylish is my passion.
Tscherina Telesford
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Boston
What is your motto or theme song? “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” —Coco Chanel
Umoya Designs LLC and Umoyaisms Boston, Massachusetts
tPhotos by Leigh Smyth
Bold. Captivating. Chic. Designing jewelry has always been a desire and a passion. Tscherina’s initial customers were family and friends, and the business grew through word of mouth quickly. Through her customer base she received requests to restore, repair, replicate and design jewelry. These experiences increased her knowledge in designing and more intricate techniques such as metal soldering. The construction process for each piece is exciting and rewarding.
Specialties: Jewelry Design, Restoration and Repairs 774.275.3062, info@umoyadesigns.com, umoyadesigns.com umoyadesigns.com/blog, Twitter: @umoyadesigns facebook.com/umoyadesignsjewelry, Instagram @umoyadesigns pinterest.com/umoyadesigns, about.me/umoyadesigns umoyaisms.com, umoyaisms.tumblr.com
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What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Seek a strong group of mentors, people proven in their respective fields to guide you along the process. What do you like best about owning a business? Having the ability to be as creative as I would like and to know that the harder I work, the better the rewards I will reap. Who is your role model or mentor? Any successful woman entrepreneur who has had to do it on her own.
Heather Carbone
108
Boston
What place inspires you and why? Europe. The way of life there is much more relaxed.
The Urban Art Bar South Boston
Photos by Shannon Michelle
Social. Fun. Creative. The Urban Art Bar offers a unique experience where clients sign up for a painting class and come in to “Sip, Socialize, and Paint!� The students are guided through a 2.5 hour class by an artist where they create their own masterpiece of the night. Come with friends or a date, and enjoy a night filled with cocktails and lots of cheer.
Specialty: Art Instruction By appointment only: 163 Old Colony Ave, Boston, 617.596.0553 theurbanartbar.com, Twitter: @theurbanartbar
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Vamped Boutique Saugus, Massachusetts
Trendy. Edgy. Appealing. Vamped Boutique is a new boutique in Saugus that offers trendy and fun clothing, shoes and accessories for juniors and young women. They have a great selection that ranges from casual and chic to dressy and dazzling! Featuring over 50 different brands, you can be sure that you will find amazing and exclusive outfits at great prices at Vamped Boutique.
Specialties: Trendy Clothing and Accessories 358G Broadway, Saugus, 781.558.2491, vampedboutique.com facebook.com/VampedBoutique, Twitter: @vampedboutique
Portrait by Sandra Kimball Photography
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Boston
What tip would you give women who are starting a business? Stay focused on your goals and don’t give up. Network, find a mentor, know every aspect of your business and stay organized. These are all important for getting your business started successfully. What do you like best about owning a business? The freedom to be your own boss and to have the opportunity to grow your business without any limits is great! You can be as creative as you’d like.
Andrea Belschner and Lauren Maloney (Liz Maloney not pictured)
What do you CRAVE? We crave a champagne bottle life! We love to stand out and grab the attention of others. Having fun and doing what we love, you just can’t beat that! 111
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Boston
Index by Category The Arts Artful Edge Framing, 16 Fashion Foto Wire, 92 Person + Killian Photography, 78 Sarah Winchester Studios, 88 Savas Studios, 90 Shannon Michelle Photography, 92 Soul Focus Photography, 102 The Urban Art Bar, 108 Beauty Blush Hair Salon, 26 Bona Clara, 28 Boston Electrology and Skin Therapies (B.E.S.T), 32 Debora Lunt Studio, 40 Heads Up Hair Salon, 56 Savas Studios, 90 Business Services Applaud Women, 14 BeeCustom Design, 22 Bona Clara, 28 CommonCove Coworking, 36 The Financialite, 50 Koo de Kir, 66 Lantern Financial, LLC, 70 The Organized Wardrobe, 76 Plum Productions, 84 Sarah Winchester Studios, 88 Smudge Ink, 100 Events Bona Clara, 28 Desiree Spinner Events, 44 Plum Productions, 84 Savas Studios, 90 Smudge Ink, 100
The Urban Art Bar, 108 Fashion Athalia Originals, 18 Bling Boutique, 24 Crush Boutique, 38 e. scott originals, 48 Fashion Foto Wire, 92 flat of the hill, 52 Grey’s Fabric and Notions, 54 Helena’s, 58 J.Hilburn~Jennifer Hardock, 60 The Organized Wardrobe, 76 Pine Straw, 82 Ruby Jewelry, 86 Savas Studios, 90 Shannon Michelle Photography, 92 Sikara & Co., 94 Skiler Love, 96 Thirty Petals Boutique, 104 Umoya Designs LLC / Umoyaisms, 106 Vamped Boutique, 110 Food & Drink Boston Chocolate Walking Tours, 30 cake pops boston, 34 Ken’s Kickin’ Chicken, 64 Rothwell Custom Catering, 64 Gifts cake pops boston, 34 flat of the hill, 52 Mason & Madison, 72 Pine Straw, 82 Savas Studios, 90 Smudge Ink, 100 Thirty Petals Boutique, 104
113
by Category (continued) Home aMortonDesign, 12 Koo de Kir, 66 Kristina Crestin Design, 68 Mason & Madison, 72 Pine Straw, 82 Moms Bona Clara, 28 Diaper Lab, 46 Mason & Madison, 72 Soul Focus Photography, 102 Pets Audrey’s, 20 Recreation Bona Clara, 28 Grey’s Fabric and Notions, 54 Wellness Bona Clara, 28 k pilates rehab, 62
114
Boston
Index by Location Admirals Hill CommonCove Coworking, 36 Allston Artful Edge Framing, 16 Arlington Blush Hair Salon, 26 Helena’s, 58 Back Bay Audrey’s, 20 Crush Boutique, 38 Desiree Spinner Events, 44 Person + Killian Photography, 78 Sikara & Co., 94 Beacon Hill Crush Boutique, 38 flat of the hill, 52 Koo de Kir, 66 Belmont Helena’s, 58 Thirty Petals Boutique, 104 Beverly Farms Debora Lunt Studio, 40 Braintree Bling Boutique, 24
Downtown Bona Clara, 28 Boston Electrology and Skin Therapies (B.E.S.T), 32 Maynard Blush Hair Salon, 26 Middleton Mason & Madison, 72 Natick Heads Up Hair Salon, 56 North End Savas Studios, 90 Osterville Desiree Spinner Events, 44 Salem Ken’s Kickin’ Chicken, 64 Rothwell Custom Catering, 64 Soul Focus Photography, 102 Saugus Vamped Boutique, 110 Seaport/Fort Point Sarah Winchester Studios, 88
Cambridge Diaper Lab, 46
Somerville aMortonDesign, 12 e. scott originals, 48
Charlestown Smudge Ink, 100
South Boston The Urban Art Bar, 108
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by Location (continued) South End Grey’s Fabric and Notions, 54 Wellesley The Financialite, 50 Pine Straw, 82 By Appointment BeeCustom Design, 22 Boston Chocolate Walking Tours, 30 cake pops boston, 34 Fashion Foto Wire, 92 J.Hilburn~Jennifer Hardock, 60 k pilates rehab, 62 Kristina Crestin Design, 68 Lantern Financial, LLC, 70 The Organized Wardrobe, 76 Plum Productions, 84 Ruby Jewelry, 86 Shannon Michelle Photography, 92 Online Applaud Women, 14 Athalia Originals, 18 Skiler Love, 96 Umoya Designs LLC / Umoyaisms, 106
116
Boston
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120
Boston
Contributors We believe in acknowledging, celebrating and passionately supporting locally owned businesses and entrepreneurs. We are extremely grateful to all contributors for this publication.
Melody Biringer, CRAVE Founder thecravecompany.com, startupjunkie.com Innovative. Feminine. Connective. Melody Biringer, self-avowed “start-up junkie,” has built companies that range from Biringer Farm, a family‑run specialty‑food business, to home furnishings to a fitness studio. Her current entrepreneurial love‑child is The CRAVE Company: designed to creatively connect entrepreneurs who approach business in a fresh new way with the consumers they desire, as well as with each other. CRAVE is a resource for women entrepreneurs to promote their business and support like-minded women. Melody has taken CRAVE from Seattle to more than 30 cities worldwide, including New York City, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Amsterdam and Toronto. Melody is a loyal community supporter, versed traveler and strong advocate for women-owned businesses.
Kim Phillips, CRAVE Boston Partner KimPhillips@CraveParty.com Ambitious. Creative. Intuitive. Kim Phillips, a graduate of Regis College with a BA degree in communications, is pursuing her MA degree at Boston University and is also the founder of Skill Blaze. Through her creative career coaching, flair for unique presentation and personalized approach to working with women, she has assisted many to advance and fulfill their career goals. She is a strong supporter of female entrepreneurs and local business, a yoga enthusiast as well as a lover of all things creative. Kim is proud to add CRAVE to her experience in entrepreneurial projects. A lifelong resident of the Boston suburbs, she enjoys time with her daughter Kaelie, discovering fun new shops throughout New England, travel, great reads and writing for various online publications. 121
Alison Turner, Graphic Designer alisonjturner.com, linkedin.com/in/alisont Alison is a passionate designer and critical thinker from Seattle. She supports human rights and the local food movement. She enjoys researching interesting things, volunteering, being outside, dancing, cooking and running.
Carrie Wicks, Copy Editor linkedin.com/in/carriewicks Carrie has been proofreading professionally for 15-plus years in mostly creative fields. When she’s not proofreading/copyediting, she’s reading, singing jazz, writing songs, walking in the woods or gardening.
Lilla Kovacs, Operations Manager lilla@thecravecompany.com As the operations manager, Lilla ensures that everything runs like clockwork. In her limited spare time, she enjoys baking, shoe shopping, traveling, art, Apple products and daydreaming about her hometowns, Arad, Romania, and Tel Aviv, Israel.
Lisa Stanislawski, Project Assistant Lisa is a college graduate from Washington State University and is pursuing a career in advertising. Most of her free time is spent online shopping, attending music festivals, discovering new recipes and creating clothing for her friends and her Etsy shop. She loves going on road trips and has visited over 45 states.
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Courtney Trembler, Soul Focus Photography soulfocusphoto.com, 978.697.8164 Courtney graduated with a fine art degree from Endicott College, knowing she wanted to open her own photography business. In 2007 she started focusing her camera on babies, children and families. She absolutely loves what she does, and her passion comes through in her work.
Jennifer Saphier Whitman, Business Development PlumProductionsInc.com Jennifer keeps her to-do list full as a co-owner of Plum Productions, wife, mom, adventurer and full-time refurbisher of yard sale finds.
Kristina Ippolito, Business Development Twitter: @ParkerDutch, parkerdutch.blogspot.com Kristina is a marketing and sales professional with experience supporting entrepreneurs in business reach their goals. Parker Dutch is her lifestyle blog and business. Aside from being a part of the entrepreneurial community, Kristina is a novice photographer, aspiring music producer, fitness enthusiast, volunteer, cook and explorer.
Leigh Smyth, Photographer itakeyourphotos.net Leigh Smyth has established herself as a multifaceted photographer in Boston. From portrait, fashion and product shots to events, her work seeks to communicate the intimate essence of her subjects.
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Morgan Bouchard, Intern Twitter: @mbouchardxoxo Morgan is a senior at Lasell College, majoring in fashion merchandising. She is a lover of all things fashion and beauty, and cannot wait to graduate and pursue her career.
Samantha Yanofsky, SLY Photography samanthayanofsky.com, facebook.com/sly4photography Samantha started doing photography at the age of 9, and loves it more and more every day.
Savas Studios, Photography savasstudios.com, Twitter: @SavasStudios, 617.728.7775 Sisters Stephanie and Christine work in the boutique by day and book makeup and photography services by appointment. The studio, located in the heart of Boston’s North End district, is also available to rent.
Shannon Michelle Photography shannon-michelle.com, Twitter: @bostonboudoir info@shannon-michelle.com Shannon specializes in modern beauty: boudoir and fashion photography for women of every age, shape and size.
Thank you to our additional contributors: Jessica Pegg Photography and Sandra Kimball Photography
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CRAVE is about fostering connections with inspiring, entrepreneurial women. We cultivate friendships, strengthen the local community by supporting small businesses and serve as a guide to one-of-a-kind shopping and urban adventures. Cutting-edge business-themed content, inspirational wisdom, exclusive events
thecravecompany.com
an in-person gathering for setting the world on fire Our mission is to provide the spark for women to experience sweet moments of inspiration, both business and personal, through joyful kinship and conversation. Find an Urban Campfire to attend near you
thecravecompany.com/urbancampfire
an online program for moving women forward Move your dreams forward with our ongoing program that brings Urban Campfire to your living room. Courses feature talks from Danielle LaPorte, Agapi Stassinopoulos and more.
theurbancampout.com
You hold in your hands the most unique and stylish guidebook for Boston living. CRAVE Boston is a celebration of women entrepreneurs that showcases some of the most creative, interesting and gutsy proprietors throughout our area. Let us introduce you to a fabulous new designer, to a miracle-worker masseuse, to a confectionery queen, to the amazing women around town who will help satisfy your next craving.
WHAT DO YOU CRAVE?
“Starting my own business enabled me to build a network of entrepreneurial women that helps fuel my success and energize my days. CRAVE recognizes and shares that energy with all women and helps us to live, give and celebrate the women in our community.” —Tracy Cranley, Pine Straw “Empowered entrepreneurs crave to share their success and passion with a community. CRAVE is the door to that community; we welcome you!” —Doreen Dove, Founder and Chief Stylist of The Organized Wardrobe “CRAVE is such an unbelievable community to be a part of. It is the one place that showcases and encourages the creativity, fun and passion that exists in the female mind. We as women are capable of so many things, and CRAVE puts that message front and center.” —Jasmina Aganovic, Bona Clara