Empowering Threads

Whatstarted as a pandemic hobby has now turned into a new brand hitting the block. Andrea Pascual has a strong passion for crocheted, knit, and multi-textile fashion, as well as breaking the binary expectations that run throughout fashion trends. Combining these two formulates a plan for Pascual to create her dream boutique displaying her brand, so appropriately named, Make Me Feel Better.

After being gifted crochet supplies by her sister, Pascual was able to learn everything there is about knitwear and to discover how she could develop her own place in the industry. Her mom had influenced the creation of her brand, ensuring her daughter learned how to make a business for herself. Pascual shared that her mom has been her biggest inspiration and motivation to continue pursuing her goals, as she works towards owning her very own boutique.

Pascual creates fashions that can be worn by anyone and everyone, creating gender fluid garments that could be dressed up or dressed down. Crocheting and knitting are what Pascual uses to make her pieces of art. These fashions are made by interlocking loops using a crochet hook or knitting needles, which allows for her to create variety within her brand. These garments are universal, as they are a simple staple in each of our closets. Within these garments that Pascual designs, she looks to create a space where everyone can purchase them at the same price. Developing a brand where everyone is paying the same price for a garment, no matter what size you are, is important to Pascual, as everyone should feel comfortable in the buying process of clothes.

“These are the clothes, wear them however you want,” Pascual said.

As Pascual has gotten her start selling her creations in markets and pop up shops, she has been able to grow into a business that has a following on Instagram. This has allowed her to appeal to a larger market of those who would like to wear her pieces. The idea of her garments not conforming to any gender binary is what drives her to continue making the pieces that she chooses to. Clothes that Pascual has created are meant to be styled how the wearer would like, providing a safe space for her clients to express themselves through their fashion choices. When hand picking her models, she wants to create a space that is comfortable for her clients to thrive in. Seeing what each buyer does with her clothing pieces shares the success that she has been able to achieve through the creation of her brand.

“Everyone deserves to have something they feel good in…I want everyone to feel confident in what they are wearing,” Pascual said.

-expression through this brand is timeless, creating multiple lines of clothing that can be worn by one of the most diverse demographics, no matter their shape or size. Using sustainable practices allows for Pascual to push boundaries in fashion to accommodate for many body types. This medium of design allows for Pascual’s creativity to flow, and be carried out across all seasons. Clothing and accessories are her specialty as she produces garments for the everyday wearer and those who would like to stand out. From sweaters to handbags, Pascual has created a brand around the self-expression of an individual and where they take their individual style. She asks her customers to send pictures of themselves wearing the garment they purchased. Pascual expressed that she looks forward to seeing how people style pieces differently,

Gender expression comes in many forms as well as many definitions. Since expression is so fluid and personable, Pascual strives to ensure that all of her customers feel seen. She is constantly working to keep up with trends and make them her own, as she believes that the things that make us different are the things that make us most beautiful. Pascual does her best to send a message: embrace and acknowledge others surrounding

An opportunity to grow and learn about business and art has become a golden opportunity for Pascual’s young designer mind. Moving forward into the future, Pascual will be joining a cohort of designers in Rhode Island as a part of the WaterFire Accelerate Program for younger designers under the age of thirty, who would like to be in a creative space to learn more about their own personal art. Pascual was hand-picked from a list of other artists, and this will allow her to have her own free studio space to work. The program will also pay for any supplies that she may need to create her artwork, and she will have her work promoted in the WaterFire Arts Center to be admired by those who visit the campus.

The future hooks Pascual in, as she would love to be able to open up her own boutique in the future. Alongside her ideals for genderless fashion, she would love to have her store not be defined by sections according to gender. If one of her designs stands out to her customer, then they should style it however they would like to. Having a storefront is a dream for Pascual, and one that her family has supported her through, helping her with the business aspects to ensure her success.

Pascual wishes for all bodies and identities to have an easier time shopping for clothes, making everyone who wears one of her pieces feel better.

@makemefeel.better

The Friendly Toast is an all-day brunch and bar restaurant that has eleven locations throughout New England. The independent restaurant group is helmed by Vice President of Operations, Staci Pinard. The homestyle layout and warm smiles from the staff immediately create an inviting atmosphere upon entering the establishment. With unique flavor pairings and memorable names to go with their dishes, The Friendly Toast has set themselves apart calling themselves a scratch kitchen and bar.

The interior designer for The Friendly Toast finds inspiration for the brand’s kitschy decor by traveling around New England to vintage markets, consignment shops, antique stores, and more to find unique pieces that fit the vibe of the brand. Most of the decor is vintage, sprinkled with unique and quirky finds, giving multi-generational diners an environment to relate to and spark great memories and stories from the past. The seating is reminiscent of a retro, mid-century restaurant, with comfortable booths, barstools, and chairs. Their decor brings a sense of nostalgia with a range of memorabilia such as a photo wall full of magazine cut outs, pictures of animals, and portraits of historical figures and celebrities.

The Friendly Toast stands out as an all-day brunch and bar restaurant that serves an array of beverages to their guests. Having a bar in each location, they are able to bring in a wider demographic of customers. Their dishes are also one of a kind. They serve dishes such as The Friendly Toast Benny, which is thick cut English muffins, local New Hampshire North Country smoked ham, poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce. Their most successful items, the ones that make you want to keep going back for more, include items such as the chicken and waffles, the benedict, and their burgers, which are served all day on their signature brunch menu.

They make an effort to give back to the communities they are a part of by holding a rotating fundraiser in conjunction with their special’s menu each month, called friendly fundraisers. Occasionally, the restaurants in each state (ME, NH, VT, MA) will raise money for a different organization for their state, while other months they all contribute to the same charity. This allows The Friendly Toast to bring communities together, giving back in ways that directly help individuals.

“ We put a lot of time and effort into being a very welcoming group of restaurants for our staff and guests alike, and to push those efforts even further, we pride ourselves on giving back to the communities we are a part of,” said Pinard.

The Friendly Toast values culture, diversity, and inclusion. The business prioritizes the feelings of others to a commendable degree. Not only do they want to provide a judgment free space for their team and community alike, but they also take pride in their partnerships with ethical companies. Partnering with businesses such as Las Hermanas Peet’s Coffee, located in Nicaragua, and SlopeSide Maple Syrup, found in Williston, Vermont, The Friendly Toast has made it a point to make a wide array of connections. Ties to the people and places around this brunch spot are important to this brand and how they will continue to evolve.

The brunch restaurant faces some of the same difficulties as the rest of the industry, such as staffing and supply fluctuations. As they navigate these challenges, they also have the rewards of being able to create a comfortable dynamic between their employees and consumers. As you take a seat at a table, or at the bar, you will be greeted by the kind staff, who are ready to help you with anything that you may need. This is something the brand is known for, and they will continue to nurture this environment in all of their businesses, as it sets them apart.

“It’s the normal things that are difficult, but we have been able to successfully navigate challenges by prioritizing people and community. Yes, we’re a fun place to work, but what makes our locations stand out is how our team members are respected and treated as the highly valued members of our organization that they are. It’s important to our leadership team that our employees have balance in their life, with work and whatever else it is that is important to them,” said Pinard.

The future of the restaurant is very bright, as they continue to expand into new regions of New England. The twelfth location is slated to open as the third New Hampshire Friendly Toast restaurant. This location is still in development, but having another opportunity to dine at The Friendly Toast is sure to bring excitement for many returning and new guests. The company aims to continue bringing The Friendly Toast to new locations in need of a fun, creative brunch spot for years to come.

If you plan to dine in any of The Friendly Toast restaurants on a weekend morning, it is highly recommended that you join their online wait list from home beforehand, allowing you to wait for your table on your own turf. The food is so good that you will want to come back multiple times a month. Maybe, you’ll be back a few times a week. If you want to have a drink with your friends, grab a seat at the bar or order it with your meal from the friendly staff. If you like to have breakfast later than noon, or start the morning with a brunch burger, this restaurant is right for you. With The Friendly Toast being such a comforting spot, it’s best not to keep its glory to yourself. Next time you’re in the mood for some good food, be sure to grab some friends, and come on down.

@_thefriendlytoast; thefriendlytoast.com

This is the story of two childhood best friends who quit their corporate jobs to pursue their passion in fashion and open their own boutique. A PR specialist and an IT auditor who remained in touch from their early teen years, both discovering where their true passion lies: creating this boutique that they fell in love with. Their goal was to fill the store with pieces that their customers could have a “crush” on.

Laura Ayers and Rebecca Hall, the two best friends and store owners, are the ones who took the leap to follow their calling despite being a little scared. They had previous retail experience, and had taken courses on fashion marketing and entrepreneurship. The start obviously had its ups and downs. Both Ayers and Hall had to work seven days a week, from day to night, to get this boutique to where it is today.

Opening up in April of 2007, the boutique was not open long before the market crash of 2008. Thankfully, it was early in their business venture, which allowed them to make adjustments. They faced a few more unexpected challenges as a small business during the Covid-19 pandemic, but with a few adjustments they remained working mostly online. Ayers expressed the added stress that this caused and the challenges it created, but at the end of the day it has all been worth it. Learning through experience isn’t always easy, but you can learn a lot from it. These two women are so passionate about their desires to help others find clothing that they absolutely adore. That passion has carried them through many different struggles and taught them how to make it out on top each time.

Coming up with the name Crush Boutique came from their idea of being innocent, flirtatious, fun and simple. The two of them have created an atmosphere that is whimsical and sophisticated through the ways in which they decorate and approach each customer that walks through the door. They encourage their customers to just take a look around at their own pace. It’s the sort of place where you have your repeat customers and the families that have been coming in for years. Located in Beacon Hill, Boston, they are set right in the neighborhood, creating a connected community that has helped to build their store up. Ayers shared her stories about many of the families that, as a business, they have gotten to see grow up. These clients have even been with them up through their weddings and even having their own children. They have a wide range of an audience with an array of different prices, therefore they are able to dress just about anyone. Opening this boutique has been so wonderful and rewarding for the owners. From working with customers to getting to know them, they strive to help them make the right purchase decision.

“Being a part of people’s lives in a rewarding way,” said Ayers.

This boutique has had the chance to grow and adapt through the years, as Ayers and Hall began to start their own families and bring that lifestyle into their business. They use their business as a way to inspire their children, teaching them that you can follow your dreams and you should. It’s a life lesson that many of us should listen to. This family life also inspired them to bring in their “sister store” Whitney and Winston, which is their children’s and lifestyle side of retail. Whitney and Winston are welcoming in families to help them pick out the perfect items for their newborns and babies.

Crush offers a diverse selection of clothing in a variety of styles creating a large market that targets a wide demographic. The store offers numerous different brands as well. They have something for everyone from daily life up through cocktail parties, showers, and engagements. Their color palettes always change with the seasons.

Not only are they a family-invested boutique, but they also do many outreach projects within their community. Working with local organizations to provide charity. They have one customer that they support and help fund to run a marathon for a positive cause. They support the Pink Agenda, Runway for Recovery, and numerous marathon funds that benefit different departments at MGH and Women’s Lunch Place. During Runway for Recovery, they typically dress a few models to walk. This event, among many others, is one of their favorites that happens in late October. The show is for all women who are fighting breast cancer, have survived breast cancer, or have lost someone to breast cancer. This small store has such a big heart.

“The future could hold anything and they are ever evolving,” said Ayers.

Crush Boutique, devoted to their whimsical and giddy atmosphere, has learned to grow with the challenges of owning a small business. There are possibilities that at some point, if there are the means, another store may be opened, but for now, take advantage of getting a chance to go into their store or even take a look at their website. You could also give their social media a look for weekly highlights and inspiration for buying their clothes.

A cherished store that has so much to offer, and sweet owners and employees that want the best for their customers can be hard to find in a world that has become so digitized, yet set in this neighborhood one still exists. Take some time to look around their store and you are sure to fall head over heels with the space and many of their pieces. The least that might happen is you catch a little crush.

@crushboutique; shopcrushboutique.com