Local artist captures Southie’s spirit in StoopFest logo

The StoopFest logo isn’t just a design — it’s a symbol of South Boston’s character, history, and sense of community.

Created by local artist Maureen Garrity, the logo draws inspiration from the neighborhood’s iconic triple-deckers, capturing the welcoming spirit that defines Southie.

StoopFest, a new, free music event organized by the South Boston Chamber of Commerce and South Boston NDC, was created to bring the neighborhood together while supporting local businesses. Scheduled for May 31, starting at 1 p.m., this family-friendly, walkable event will feature live music performances at various venues across the west side of South Boston.

Chamber event planner Jenni McNeill reached out to Maureen about designing the logo pro bono for the new event. “As soon as I saw her work, I knew she was perfect,” Jenni said. “She developed exactly what I had in my head!”

When Jenni was explaining the logo to Maureen, “I immediately was like, ‘I live in this exact house you’re talking about.’ I knew exactly what this could look like. I based the logo on my apartment.

“I feel like it was kind of the perfect project for me,” said Maureen, 30.

Having moved to South Boston just before the pandemic, Maureen, who grew up on the South Shore, quickly developed a deep appreciation for the neighborhood. “There's sort of a stereotype of really young people living here post-college, and then the people who have grown up here and lived here their entire lives. But you realize it’s so much more diverse -- there are so many families, kids, working professionals here. It’s cool to feel like you fit in this community no matter what.”

Maureen, who holds a degree in graphic design from Massachusetts College of Art and Design, is the design director at the Broadway Hospitality Group. She designs menus, print materials, posters, bags, emails, and more. On the side, she creates mostly commissioned artwork, custom gifts, and house drawings, a passion she realized and grew during the pandemic.

She loves being within walking distance of the beach, her favorite coffee spots, and, of course, her job. “I've always wanted to live here; it's just such a nice little tightknit neighborhood. And even though you're in the city, it still feels like a welcoming neighborhood. I love that the work I do is for the community I live in,” she said.

Looking forward, Maureen hopes to stay involved in the event’s branding, possibly designing T-shirts and promotional materials.

As excitement builds for the first-ever StoopFest, Maureen is eager to see the community come together for a celebration of music and local culture. “This is the perfect neighborhood for this,” she said. “We’ve been talking about it in the office and everyone’s already so excited.”

The Chamber and South Boston NDC are grateful for Maureen’s design, which embodies the welcoming spirit that makes South Boston feel like home to so many.

 Follow Maureen on Instagram at @modrewthis or check out her website at www.modrewthis.com.

From pop-ups to a permanent shop

Jordan Renouf outside his South Boston shop on West Broadway.

Brick Street Bagels comes to South Boston!

Brick Street Bagels fans … your wish is about to come true!

Brick Street Bagels, which built a loyal following through its popular pop-ups in South Boston, will have a permanent location in the neighborhood.

Owner Jordan Renouf will open Brick Street in a shop space owned by South Boston NDC at 371 W. Broadway that formerly housed Sweet Tooth Bakery. The opening date has yet to be determined as Jordan and his team are finishing construction. 

“South Boston was such an important early piece of the growth of Brick Street,” Jordan said, and that played a big role in him wanting to have a shop here.

Jordan and his first hire, Andrew Blau, would make bagels at 2 a.m. in a South End restaurant, bring them to South Boston, set up a table at places like Shy Bird and Gray’s Hall, and start serving. “We would come over the hill and just see this huge line of people,” he said.

“Everyone was so nice and excited,” he continued, noting the people in line comprised a kind, welcoming, and diverse community.

“It's been really clear that a lot of our customers live in South Boston and have been begging us to bring bagels to South Boston,” Jordan, 30, said.

In addition to making amazing, high-quality bagels, Jordan wants to create a welcoming local gathering space, reminiscent of the general stores he grew up with in Vermont.

“Much of my inspiration for creating the actual physical space in South Boston is inspired by a Vermont general store where it feels like a space that has a lot of history and a lot of character. It feels warm and inviting. You come into a cool shop and there's fun music playing, you're greeted by someone who's got a smile on their face and excited for you to be there.

“It’s an experience more than it is just a transaction.”

And the location can’t be beat, he said. “It’s amazing. I don't know how I got so lucky to find a space with big, beautiful eastern-facing windows on a corner. It's going to be full of light.”

South Boston NDC Executive Director Donna Brown is thrilled to have a bagel shop in one of the nonprofit’s properties. “Brick Street’s commitment to quality, creativity, and creating a welcoming gathering space aligns perfectly with our mission to support local businesses and enhance the neighborhood. We can’t wait to see this space come to life — and to enjoy some amazing bagels!”

Brick Street will serve its signature hand-rolled bagels and cream cheese along with coffee. Among his best-selling bagels are the cheddar, the everything, and the rosemary and sea salt.

 What makes the Brick Street Bagels so special? “We put a lot of time and care into every single bagel,” Jordan said. 

“On a Saturday, we'll sell over 1,000 bagels, and every single one of those we are individually touching, we are individually flipping in the water so that each side gets boiled for the proper amount of time. We're seasoning every single one. While it's 1,000 bagels that are going out our doors, what is important to me is that I know that every single one of those individual bagels is going to be looked at and eaten by someone, so I really care that that none of them fall through the cracks.”

The shop will expand into open-face sandwiches created by Chief Bagel Officer Andrew, a talented and creative chef, and may delve into pizzas and cookies.

Jordan started this adventure by making bagels out of his apartment in the South End when he discovered there weren’t any bagel shops nearby. “I just figured that I would learn to make them, and then once I learned to make them, I thought that maybe it would be a cool way to meet other people in the neighborhood.

“I spent the next nine months on my bike, biking around the city, delivering bagels to people's doorsteps. Many of those doorsteps were in South Boston.”

As demand grew, pop-ups followed, and eventually, a partnership with The Buttery allowed him to bake and sell in a professional setting.

With the success of his bagels, Jordan was able to quit his full-time job and devote all of his attention to Brick Street, which he named in honor of his South End neighborhood’s brick-lined streets.

Brick Street Bagels will be open in South Boston from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day. The South End location at 312 Shawmut will remain open on Wednesdays through Sundays.

“What Brick Street is bringing to South Boston is this small, mighty team of really creative people who have a lot of energy and are thinking outside the box.”

Welcome to the neighborhood, Brick Street Bagels!

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Follow Brick Street on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brick.street.bagels/

Take action for affordable housing

The developer of 776 Summer Street (the former Edison Plant) is seeking flexibility to relocate the required Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP) affordable housing units off-site or pay into the IDP fund, rather than keeping these units on-site as originally committed to the community.

South Boston is already facing an affordable housing crisis. Removing these units from this location would hurt seniors, working families, and other vulnerable residents who rely on affordable housing to stay in our neighborhood.

South Boston NDC needs your help! Sign our petition to demand the city hold the developer accountable and require on-site affordable housing as promised.

Sign by Feb. 19 so we can submit our signatures before the Feb. 20 deadline. Every signature counts!

Find the petition here: https://forms.gle/PwzCRfmbCamcpSDU7

Thank you!

Chamber Spotlight: Sushi Guys

Cary Wong, Jaimie Thang, and Lyn Thang.

Sushi Guys, the latest addition to the South Boston culinary scene and the newest South Boston Chamber of Commerce member, officially opened its doors in September, bringing fresh and inventive sushi creations to the neighborhood.

Owner/manager Jaimie Thang, chef/partner Cary Wong, and their small team are no strangers to the restaurant industry. Jaimie and Cary each have more than two decades of restaurant and management experience. Jaimie has several years as an owner/manager under her belt.

Jaimie and Cary have built a concept that focuses on fresh ingredients, quality fish, and innovative flavors.

Cary is always creating new styles and new adventures for customers to enjoy fresh quality fish, Jaimie said, noting Cary has been voted Best Sushi by Reader's Choice Award. “Everyone’s trying to be healthy so we were thinking that sushi is pretty good.”

Twenty years ago, Jaimie and Cary co-owned a sushi place – Tobiko Japanese Fusion – so now they are coming full circle with Sushi Guys, which is located at 283C Old Colony Ave.

“We're not high-end, top-price sushi that the customer cannot afford,” Jaimie said. And the menu is not set in stone; customers can create their own sushi. If a customer has a special request or allergies, Sushi Guys can accommodate. “Any requests that you have, we can do it.”

Whether it's a party platter for an event or a custom order to accommodate dietary needs, Sushi Guys’ mission is to make sushi accessible and enjoyable for everyone in South Boston.

Sushi Guys offers creative twists on traditional sushi. Popular rolls include the Castle Maki (named after Castle Island), which is made with spicy tuna, mango, seared salmon, jalapeno, scallions, and drizzled with unagi sauce and crunchy seared sauce; and the young crowd favorite Volcano Island, which is a spicy tuna maki topped with broiled scallops mixed with kanikama, tobiko, and mushrooms.

Cary also creates different kinds of sauces and toppings to go with the fish. “A lot of people think sushi is just basically the fish with the rice itself,” said Jaimie. “But our sushi is more unique.”

The team's focus on customer satisfaction is clear, and they love to hear customer feedback, said Lyn Thang, who works at Sushi Guys on the weekends. “We always love to see customers go out with a smile and see them come back to us.”

Jaimie came up with the name Sushi Guys to honor Cary’s talents and love of sushi. Cary has trained students who are now working as sushi chefs in different restaurants and he will train anyone who has a passion for sushi. “So I named it Sushi Guys to pass down his talents and passion for sushi lovers.”

Sushi Guys is dedicated to being part of the community. They joined the Chamber to give back.

“I want to do something for the community,” Jaimie said. “If the community needs us, we just want to be a part of it and help out.”

Sushi Guys offers in house dining, takeout, and online ordering (through their own app and website, Uber Eats and GrubHub).

To encourage customers to try their offerings, they have the following promotions in place:

• For the holidays, buy a $30 gift certificate, get $5 extra; buy a $50 gift certificate, get $10 extra; buy a $100 gift certificate, get $25 extra.

• For purchase of $50 or more get a free choice of one of the following items: spicy salmon maki, spicy tuna maki, steamed gyoza, or steamed shumai

**Offers expires Dec. 31, 2024

——————————————————

Address: 283C Old Colony Ave.

Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Website: https://www.sushiguysboston.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SushiGuys

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_sushi_guys_/

Continuing a legacy of community and generosity

Mona Connolly Casper

Mona Connolly Casper honored with 2024 Thomas J. Butler Award

Mona Connolly Casper is honored and humbled by being named the 2024 recipient of the Thomas J. Butler South Boston Small Business Leadership Award given by the South Boston Chamber of Commerce. 

“It’s really meaningful because of the legacy,” said the Seapoint Bar and Grill manager. “My mother was involved with the Chamber from the get-go and to have evolved down to the next generation to keep it going … it's kind of great. I'm kind of following in her footsteps.”

Mona’s mother, Mary T. “Mona” Connolly, received several awards and recognitions in her lifetime not just for being a businesswoman, but for being a generous community member.

Mona is viewed in the same way. 

The ceremony for the award, which is in honor and memory of South Boston business supporter Tommy Butler, will take place at 11:15 a.m. on the Library Stage at the South Boston Street Fest Saturday, Sept. 21.

“It’s unexpected to be recognized by the neighborhood,” Mona said. “It’s funny, I always think of my parents being noticed … but you think you're not at that age yet.”

Mona and her husband, Tommy Casper, love South Boston. “We chose to raise our kids [Thomas and Macdara] here, we have a business here. My husband's a lifelong resident. I'm a lifelong resident. So it was a natural progression for us to be involved.”

Mona and the Seapoint sponsor local charities as much as they can, including the Laboure Center, Simon of Cyrene Society, and The Dodo Nee Foundation, which were important to her mom. They also support Kelly Conroy’s Adopt a Platoon Southie Style, Special Kids & Young Adults, Colin’s Joy Project, St. Bridget’s, South Boston Catholic Academy, Timothy “Doc” Cook Scholarships, youth sports, and so much more. 

“I hate to say no to anybody. We try to give where we can … as the business and as a family.”

 When Mona found out that Ultimate Self-Defense owner Andrea Muccini was going to lose her space, she told her, “Let’s see what we can do about that.”

Now, Andrea holds classes in the second-floor function room at the Seapoint.

That’s just how Mona and her family roll. Her philanthropic philosophy was instilled in her by her mom and her dad, Tom Connolly, a retired Boston Police Department detective who owns the Seapoint along with Coleman Mannion.

Mona, who has a Master’s in human services from UMass, a Women in Public Policy Certificate from UMass, and a bachelor’s in communications from Regis College, works full time at UMass Boston during the day and works nights and weekends at the Seapoint. 

The restaurant has been around since 1979 and its longevity can be attributed to the fact that “it’s a family atmosphere,” Mona said. “A lot of people have spent their happiest and saddest times with us, in terms of celebrations, funerals … So I think we're a constant, and I think people appreciate our product.”

 Customers include those who have been coming for 40 years or more to newcomers just moving into the neighborhood … and everyone in between. And friends and neighbors know if they want to find Mona or her family, they just stop by the Seapoint.

“We go to the Street Fest every year and hope family and friends continue to support all the South Boston small businesses,” she said. “It’s great!”

She is so appreciative of the award, of the Chamber, of her neighbors, for being able to raise her kids in South Boston, to have a small business here. “I’m just blown away by the generosity of those acknowledging me.

“I'm definitely one of those people that it takes a village, because I couldn't do half the stuff I was able to do with my kids or this business or my job, if I didn't have the people that surround me.”

On the day of the interview, a group of 60 people was coming into the restaurant. “We try to accommodate everybody,” Mona said. “We come from a place of yes and then figure it out later. You know what? That's true about most everything we do.”

Street Fest event team grows

Jenni McNeill

With the South Boston Street Fest growing bigger and better each year, South Boston NDC and the South Boston Chamber added more manpower to the event planning team. 

Jenni McNeill has joined forces with Karen Stanley of Vibrant Event Productions to help with the event. 

With Jenni’s interest in fitness, the yoga instructor was put in charge of reaching out to the fitness and wellness studios to try and grow their presence at the Street Fest.

“This year there will be a bigger presence because it’s such a big part of the community,” Jenni said about the fitness industry.

She is also reaching out to vendors, securing characters, and doing whatever else needs to be done.

Jenni, who has lived in South Boston since 2012, is no stranger to the Street Fest, learning a lot about it from Cathe Walsh at Deja Brew. Jenni has been to the event on and off for the past 14 years – “I love any event that I can shop at,” she said.

She participated in the Street Fest in 2019 when she worked at Wears and Wares. Everyone who worked at that small business wanted to work Street Fest day, Jenni recalled, because “we got to see all the other shops outside.”

Now that she’s on the organizing end, she sees the amount of work it takes to put on the Street Fest. “I realized how much work and dedication that Karen and Donna [Brown, South Boston NDC executive director] put into it. It’s such a big event with only a small group behind it. I’ve been excited to come in and learn the back side of it.”

With a degree in advertising, marketing, and entertainment public relations from Emerson College, Jenni, 40, has done a fair amount of event planning, including parties, small business events, and more.

When she saw South Boston NDC’s posting for a Street Fest assistant, she knew she had to apply. “It was something I really wanted to do,” said Jenni, who is also a personal shopper, a decorating guru, a retail worker, and a jack of all trades.

She is enjoying making connections and reaching out to people she hasn’t met or hasn’t spoken to in a while.

Jenni, who taught herself how to make balloon arches and charcuterie boards, is most excited about the creativity of the actual Street Fest day, especially setting up the photo booth area.

“I am looking forward to seeing the neighborhood come out together,” she said.

Chamber Spotlight: Boston Civil

Kevin Quetti, owner of Boston Civil, is living his dream.

 He has a growing business, a fiancée, an amazing neighborhood, and a new office on East Broadway.

 “It’s a dream come true to have a sign on Broadway,” he said.

While his office was located in Andrew Square, the Principal Engineer posted on a Facebook group that he was looking for space on Broadway. Seaport Realty reached out and let him know they were willing to share their space at 711 E. Broadway.

 He had great rapport with Elizabeth Dynan, owner of Seaport Realty, and her daughter, Tara, and the move was approved.

 “Seaport has been great and is very active in the Southie real estate scene,” Kevin said, noting he moved to the space in April. “Moving to Broadway has been great.”

 Originally from the Berkshires, he attended Villanova, where he got his civil engineering degree, and always wanted to live and work in South Boston.

 “I just love it here,” he said, noting he’s a frequent visitor to Roza Lyons next door and got his fiancée Laura's engagement ring from Carson Calnan Pitts at Inner Harbor Jewelers a few doors down.

 He loves the proximity to the beach, the restaurants, and the walkability of the neighborhood.

 In a conversation with Donna Brown, executive director of South Boston NDC, she mentioned the Chamber of Commerce and Kevin knew he wanted to be involved. He joined the Chamber in June.

 He sees the Chamber as a way to help him grow his network, meet new people, and participate in Chamber events.

 “It’s just a good sense of community here,” he said.

 Kevin, 31, has worked on projects ranging from single-family homes to large-scale housing developments, and upcoming commercial developments on Broadway.

The civil engineering services Kevin provides include:

• Development coordination

• Site utility design

• ·Site layout and grading

• ADA design

• ·Stormwater management design and permitting

• Notice of Intent/Wetland permitting

• Erosion and sedimentation controls

• Title 5 soil evaluations

• Boston Water and Sewer (BWSC) permitting 

• Construction administration

“It's often overlooked in the construction and real estate world, but it's important,” Kevin said.

 “We strive to continue providing a reputation for excellence, reliability, and transparency 

in every project we undertake.”

 Boston Civil works with architects, builders, real estate developers, realtors, geotechnical engineers, fire protection engineers, plumbing engineers, structural engineers, surveyors, wetland scientists, and others.

 Kevin relies on referrals and word-of-mouth to grow his business and because he takes every project seriously, picks up the phone, is responsive and professional, and goes above and beyond, it’s working.

 He was able to hire one person this year and will continue to grow carefully.

Kevin founded Quetti Design in 2020 and transitioned the company to Boston Civil in 2023.

“I don't take having the name ‘Boston’ in our company name lightly. I want to represent it as a very high-quality brand,” Kevin said.

• Website: https://bostoncivil.com/

• Instagram: @BostonCivil

Chamber Spotlight: Nourish Lounge

The sweat equity these sisters put into opening Nourish Lounge allows you to sweat out your toxins.
Nourish Lounge, which opened at 321 West Broadway in South Boston in January by sisters Allison Lane and Annmarie McHale, offers far infrared sauna wrap therapy – and people are loving it.

What does far infrared sauna wrap therapy do?

Using modern-day technology, the therapy enables your body to detox, sweat, and relieve muscle tension, according to the Nourish Lounge website. “While a traditional sauna heats the air around you to jumpstart your body's perspiration, infrared saunas use infrared waves to directly heat your body from within.”

The top things this relaxing therapy does:

• It eases inflammation. 

• It increases circulation. 

• It helps in muscle recovery.

• It promotes collagen production, resulting in a youthful glow. 

• It's good for GI issues. 

• It assists with women’s monthly pain. 

And the studio gets people who have cardiovascular issues; this therapy is actually one of the safer ways to strengthen your heart, but at a slower rate, Allison said.

“We've been known to be kind of like mini psychiatrists sometimes,” Allison said. “When you're here, you're in therapy mode and you end up talking.

“We've been noticing it's a lot more like a social hour … and just having that therapeutic conversation with someone that you sometimes just need to have.”

There are four beds in the studio. The client puts on the sweat gear and gets into the sleeping bag-like wrap. They can watch TV, do a guided meditation, or just zone out. “Most people fall asleep for the first 20 minutes,” Allison said. “And once they start to sweat, they’re like, ‘OK, I’m awake now.’”

But it’s actually a different type of sweat than if you were working out; you don’t come out salty, Allison said. “It's almost like a fresh sweat. It’s a clean sweat.”

The duo knew it was important to become a member of the South Boston Chamber of Commerce. 

Allison’s husband, Andrew Lane, is from South Boston “and you don’t just lose those roots with people that you grow with,” said Allison, who grew up in Dorchester.  “That's what I think this Chamber of Commerce does for these businesses.”

Allison noted how the Chamber and businesses help each other and collaborate. “You just feed each other. You're nurturing each other with your business and caring. So I think that's very important for what the Chamber does.” 

Allison and Annmarie work full time; Allison is an officer in the Boston Police Department, and Annmarie works sales and marketing. But they make time to be at their studios. In South Boston, the sisters employ a team of nine local women.

Three and half years ago, Allison, a mom to twins, was not finding time for herself and was looking for an outlet. She found similar studios in Florida and New York and was wondering why Massachusetts didn’t have something like this. She convinced her sister to get on board and they opened their first studio in Milton; South Boston is their second location.

“Business has been good,” Allison said, noting they get about five new customers a week. They rely on word of mouth to let the customer base grow authentically. Their mom, Pat McHale, and cousin, Samantha Payne, help with the design and branding of the studios.

Between the two shops, Nourish Lounge has serviced almost 4,000 clients over the last two years and the ages range from young women and men athletes to people in their 70s … and everyone in between.

Allison knows it can be scary to try something new. “But you can try anything once,” she said. “I guarantee you'll be back because we have like a 96 percent return rate.”

• Website: https://www.nourishloungesite.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nourishlounge/

Chamber Spotlight: O’Brien Funeral Home

The newly renovated O’Brien Funeral Home is big, bright, and beautiful.

And despite some rumors, the funeral home at 146 Dorchester St. is open … in fact, it never closed during the renovation, said Maureen Reen.

Maureen and her husband, John, purchased the funeral home in July 2022 from Edward O’Brien. John, who had worked for O’Brien for more than 20 years, also owns and operates his family’s funeral home in Brighton: Lehman, Reen, & McNamara.

“We just wanted to have an updated space that was welcoming and bright; a place where families and friends can come together to honor their loved ones,” Maureen said. 

The O’Brien Funeral Home is the newest member of the South Boston Chamber of Commerce. “South Boston is a new community for me,” said Maureen, noting her husband has been working in the neighborhood for quite a while.

“For me, there's a lot to learn. So I thought it was a good opportunity to get involved and meet some people and learn more about the community,” said Maureen, who has worked at  Lehman, Reen, & McNamara.

“In Brighton, we've always been active members of the community. And we would like to do that in South Boston as well,” Maureen said.

The Reens held an open house in April and visitors were awed by what they saw. 

“The most fun is seeing the reaction on people's faces,” Maureen said. “People are shocked at how beautiful it is. I think they're really moved.”

The Reens made sure to include special little touches that reflect the community, including artwork from local artists and the original sign from 1910.

“We tried to be really mindful of what would be important to people in the community,” she said, “and give them a space that they felt at home in.”

Other changes to the funeral home include new carpeting, wallpaper, drapes, and furniture. The Reens took down a dividing wall in the main area to make it one large, more comfortable space. Food is now allowed in the funeral home. And they created two new 3-stall handicap-accessible bathrooms.

One of the first changes was the creation of a website, which is full of information, including a section to preplan a funeral.

Many people still do traditional funerals with a wake, then a funeral service at the church, and burial at a cemetery.

“Many families are also choosing to do unique services that really reflect their own family's traditions. And so I believe our space is really big and bright and beautiful. And it's a great space for people to be able to do that,” Maureen said.

“We're finding that people are interested in something different. We serve anyone who wants to come in the door, no matter what their religion is, and have created a space where they can really honor their loved ones.

“It's really whatever the family wants. We want to try to accommodate them as best we can.”

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OBrienFunerals

• Website: https://obrienfunerals.com/

Chamber Spotlight: Seapoint Bar & Grill

The Seapoint Bar & Grill, a popular neighborhood gathering spot, has renewed its membership in the South Boston Chamber of Commerce because the organization is vital to the community.

“The Chamber is really important, especially since we're not on Broadway and there's a lot of restaurant groups,” said Mona Connolly Casper, vice president and marketing manager of the 367 E. Eighth St. eatery. “[The Chamber] has great things going on and I think sometimes when we try to tap into any of that stuff, it's harder for us. So I think the Chamber brings everybody together. The networking is awesome.”

Mona also appreciates the opportunity to build friendships and collaborations through the Chamber.

Mona’s mother, Mary T. “Mona” Connolly, was one of the Chamber’s first members when she owned Pleasure Bay Travel. “She was big in the Chamber,” Mona said. “She was ahead of her time as a businesswoman.”

Mona’s mother was the manager of the Seapoint until she passed. “She was the face of the Seapoint.”

The restaurant, which is world-renowned for its steak tips, is family owned and operated by the  Connolly and Mannion families. It’s been in operation for 47 years. Mona’s dad, Tom Connolly, a retired Boston Police Department detective who is going to be 88 years old, and Coleman Mannion are the owners. Several generations of South Boston families work at the restaurant, including Mona’s husband, son, and nephews.

The Seapoint, which has its own parking lot, holds 200 people in the restaurant and 200 people in the upstairs function hall. Thursdays are Trivia Night. There’s a Volo cornhole league at the restaurant … and Volo sports leagues regularly descend upon the restaurant after games at Moakley Park and Caron Beach. It’s a great place to catch a game on TV. And the food is always consistent.

Ultimate Self Defense even uses the function room to hold classes. When Mona found out from owner Andrea Muccini that she was going to lose her space, Mona told her, “Let’s see what we can do about that.

“We didn’t want her to lose her space because she was probably going to have to move out of Southie for classes. And we’ve known her forever,” Mona said, noting her sons took classes from Andrea when they were younger. “So, it was nice.”

The veteran presence is large at the Seapoint, especially because Mona’s dad is a veteran and three other veterans are employed here. There’s currently a fundraiser at the restaurant for the Adopt A Platoon Southie Style. 

The clientele includes customers who have been coming for 40 years or more to newcomers just moving into the neighborhood … and everyone in between. And friends and neighbors know if they want to find Mona, they just stop by the Seapoint.

Because the Seapoint is off the beaten path, “it’s a large space in Southie that people forget about.”

But this old Southie mainstay is unforgettable. From the cozy bar and rustic decor, it’s an inviting place that is always ready to help the neighborhood.

Follow the Seapoint on social media:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seapoint367

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seapoint_02127/

MW Hair Studio is certified!

MW Hair Studio has been certified as a Women-Owned Business Enterprise with the City of Boston and owners Lisa Walsh and Nikki McCart encourage others to do the same.

“I think it's important to be a part of a group where you can show off the fact that you're a woman-owned business,” Lisa said. “Things are hard for women out there. Looking at a group of women from various backgrounds … it's nice to see that there's some inspirational people out there.

“These people did that … We can do that,” she continued. “It's important to have a place where you can find women who have done things like that to inspire others.”

Lisa and Nikki look forward to helping other women-owned businesses get certified, which isn’t as daunting as people think. They are happy to walk people through the process. “It’s a nice way to give yourself a little boost and get some help from the city,” Nikki said. 

The certification is empowering for women-owned businesses, Nikki and Lisa agreed. “To be able to feel like you're part of the city, I think it really is empowering,” said Nikki. “We're just a small little place in South Boston, but we're recognized by the city of Boston.”

When they found out about the program, they wanted to put themselves out there in every sense of the word. “That's something that speaks to us because they offer things that could help us in the future and provide us an opportunity to help other people in the future,” Lisa said. “It's important for a business to be a part of a community where you can help other people.”

The city’s mission for certification with the City's Supplier Diversity Program is to create equal opportunities for businesses of all kinds in Boston. After a business is certified, the city includes it in outreach efforts for city projects. The city can also connect the business to resources offered inside and outside of the city.

Certified businesses are listed in a directory by category, giving them legitimacy and credibility, Lisa and Nikki said. For example, if a movie is filming in town and the producers need a hairdresser; they can look in the directory and find MW Hair Studio. People and companies will also post jobs on the site that certified businesses can bid on.

Being certified comes with other perks, like meet-ups, event invitations, networking, workshops, and educational pieces.

Nikki and Lisa encourage women business owners to get certified. “It gives them an opportunity to get their name out there a little further than just South Boston,” Nikki said. “That's a big thing.” 

Added Lisa, “Being registered and being certified within our city is a great way for people to know that we're here, but also to get opportunities to participate in different events around the city and to show our faces. That's the best way for people to get to know us.”

Nikki said, “When you tell people that you're certified, they're like, ‘Oh, wow. That's so cool. How do I do that?’”

And Nikki and Lisa are glad to help, provide guidance, and share their experience with other women-owned business owners. 

“We’re all in this together,” Nikki said. “Women really need to support and stand with each other.”

And because South Boston has so many women-owned businesses, “why not be together as one?,” Nikki said. “I feel like Southie has such a good community vibe … everyone really does have each other’s backs and sticks together.”

To get started, check out this link: https://bit.ly/3R88Mf1 

Welcome to the Chamber, Heyday!

Heyday Skincare took facials out of the spa and brought them to the forefront of its business model.

The recently opened Heyday Skincare in the Seaport offers 50-minute, personalized facials. It’s a concept that drew owner Haylee Tallarida and her husband, Deepak Diwan, to open a franchise at 41 Northern Ave.

While on a buying trip to New York for her jewelry business, Haylee had some time to kill so she popped into a Heyday for a facial. “This is the most convenient thing I’ve ever done,” she said. “I was like, this is fantastic. I really love this concept. And I wanted to bring it to Boston.”

Haylee loves Heyday’s unique business model. “Instead of picking a facial from a menu board when you really have no idea what you need, you're booking 50 minutes with a licensed esthetician and they get to do their thing,” she said. “The autonomy that the estheticians have within the treatment room is unheard of in the realm of a spa.”

The estheticians give each client a skin analysis and ask about their skincare goals; a facial is created based off of those two things, Haylee said. The estheticians also provide guidance on what products would be beneficial.

“The beauty of this whole business is that you have someone telling you, ‘This is what I'm noticing about your skin. What are your goals?’ And together you're going to craft [a plan] to see those goals as soon as possible.”

The client is educated during the facial, Haylee said, as the esthetician explains the products she is using and what the treatment is actually doing. “So you're actually learning and then they're also guiding you to what to do at home because, obviously, skincare is not just what's happening within the actual facial treatment. It's also what you're doing at home.”

In this model, a client can build a relationship with one esthetician, said Haylee, who references her experience with her’s. “I fully trust her; she's the guiding light for me in terms of my skincare and she'll be like, ‘Hey, this is working for you, this is not working for you. You haven't been drinking enough water.’ And then you have someone that you actually feel comfortable with.”

Most spas will carry one or two lines, maybe three, but Heyday carries a curated selection of brands, Haylee said. 

Heyday offers a membership model that offers discounts on products and facials. But having a membership is not required. 

Before Heyday opened, Christina Cook, the shop manager, had been spreading the word with grassroots marketing, introducing the brand, and creating events and awareness. After reaching out to the South Boston Chamber of Commerce, Heyday Skincare has become a member. 

“Being new to the market, I think joining the Chamber is a great way to meet people,” Haylee said, noting they will be participating in the 23rd South Boston Street Fest.  

Heyday staff will continue going to events, introducing themselves, and hosting people in the shop. “One of the nice things about grassroots [marketing], especially here in the Seaport, is that everybody's really encouraging and helping each other out and exposing each other and I think that the Chamber only lends itself to that.”

Heyday is a really special brand, Haylee said, and thinks Boston will take well to it. “We’re excited to be here.”

• Website: https://www.heydayskincare.com/pages/seaport

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heydayskincare

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heydayskincare/

Micro Plant Studio earns SPACE Grant

Photos Courtesy the City of Boston Mayor’s Office

South Boston’s Micro Plant Studio was one of 24 small businesses to receive American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funding through the Supporting Pandemic Affected Community Enterprises (SPACE) Grant, which will help owners expand their businesses and move into vacant storefronts citywide.

Mayor Michelle Wu announced the winners at a ceremony on Wednesday, July 26. This first round of SPACE Grants will distribute $2,830,000 in an effort to bring more foot traffic into major commercial districts, revitalize Boston’s downtown, bring vibrancy to city neighborhoods, and close the racial wealth gap. Of the businesses receiving grants, 75 percent are minority-owned and more than 60 percent are women-owned.

“Thank you for acknowledging the long hours that we invest in our business but also the value that we bring to Boston,” said Micro Plant Studio founder Julio Cesar Roman. “The fact is when small businesses open in a neighborhood, it increases our sense of community and safety, creates jobs, and brings up real-estate values. It's a win for all.”

Micro Plant Studio, located at 365 W. Broadway, is the first Latinx plant store in New England and the first plant business that 3D designs and prints pots and vases, Julio said. In 2018, he officially opened his first location in Southie. The shop sells plants, pots, and flowers; facilitates workshops; provides personalized plant services; and creates elaborate window displays that brighten the neighborhood.

“But most importantly, we bring smiles to people’s faces and we are connected to the community,” Julio said. “The future of Micro Plant Studio is even brighter thanks to this grant.”

The grant will fund the opening of a second location with expanded hours, Julio said. The new location will be much bigger and house a 3D lab, plant bar, green room, and outdoor space in addition to creating jobs. 

This grant will provide Julio with an opportunity to redefine the traditional retail experience for customers and what a plant business could be — a maker space where people can explore their artistic side while connecting with people with similar interests.

In addition to the grant, the city is providing each business with wrap-around services to assist with lease negotiation, accounting, taxes, regulatory compliance, marketing, and employee-ownership to ensure long-term success. The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), are also offering free one-year memberships to their organizations. 

“The SPACE Grant program connects entrepreneurs with the extra capital and technical assistance they need to be vibrant, successful additions to our downtown and our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “These first 24 recipients each have an incredible story of entrepreneurship, from immigrants sharing their culture through food, to daycares filling a need seen in many of our communities. This program at its core is a win-win for Boston, filling vacant storefronts while helping our small businesses thrive.”

Julio is grateful for the support. “Thank you to the city of Boston for intentionally investing in small businesses like mine and supporting our dreams. Together, we will build a vibrant and greener Boston for all.”

Click here for more information.

MW Hair Carbon Neutral Certified

Lisa Walsh (left) and Nikki McCart

MW Hair Studio is making a difference.

 Known for their exceptional hairstyling skills, Lisa Walsh and Nikki McCart have also made a name for themselves through their commitment to environmental sustainability.

Lisa and Nikki were recently awarded a Carbon Neutral Certificate. Being carbon neutral means that the amount they have recycled has offset the amount of electricity they’ve consumed, considering their square footage. The duo recycles everything from foils, single-use items like gloves and plastic caps, metal color tubes, and the color itself.

“The hair color they take back to make renewable energy," Lisa said. “We've created more renewable energy by recycling than we've put out.”

MW Hair Studio has partnered with Green Circle Salons, which provides recycling services to salons across the country. Nikki and Lisa have separate bins for different types of recyclables, and Green Circle provides bags and boxes every month to ensure that everything gets recycled properly.

The hairstylists encourage clients to participate in their sustainability efforts. When clients purchase Kevin Murphy products, MW Hair incentivizes them to bring back the bottles for recycling and offers a 25 percent discount on their next purchase.

Lisa and Nikki realized that local single-stream recycling doesn’t accept excess color waste or many other items they use. “We found this company through our distributor and we really liked their whole mission and how easy they make it,” Lisa said. “It was totally a no-brainer. Let's just start here and see how much of an impact that makes.”

The duo noted that when excess color is poured down the sink, it enters the waste system, making it challenging for treatment plants to remove. Green Circle takes the excess color and uses it to create renewable energy.

Love and Mercy, another South Boston salon, also participates in the program. “It’s nice to see other salons doing this," Nikki said.

Meet PKL

Community is vital to Katie Coakley, one of the owners of PKL Boston, 64 C St., so joining the South Boston Chamber of Commerce was a no-brainer.

“I just wanted to be able to connect with some of the other business owners and share what's been working for us and hear what's been working for them and what hasn't been working. We're kind of all in this together.”

PKL has been doing outreach to local businesses. For an ‘80s prom event on New Year’s Eve, PKL reached out to Bohdii to do some looks. For Galentine's Day, they reached out to LoveChild, who did a floral workshop. For a Wine by Women event, In Good Co. was on hand. Castle Island Brewing created a beer for PKL.

“So we've been kind of trying to reach out and spark some of those conversations, work with other businesses,” Katie said. “There's just so many talented business owners and entrepreneurs in South Boston. Any chance I can get to partner with people and support other people, it's a no-brainer.” 

Welcome to the Chamber, PKL!

To read a story about PKL, visit https://southbostononline.com/pkl/. 

Micro Plant Studio wins grant

Julio César Román, owner and founder of Micro Plant Studio, has hired a studio assistant and is expanding his hours thanks to a grant award.

For the past five years, Julio has worked the shop at 365 W. Broadway by himself seven days a week. Now he has Emerson Joseph-Ferrara helping out. 

Fifty Black- and Latinx-owned small businesses around the country received $10,000 grants from The Coramino Fund, a grant program of LISC and Kevin Hart’s Gran Coramino® Tequila. Julio was one of two recipients in Massachusetts.

“Black and Latinx entrepreneurs have historically lacked access to financial resources and learning opportunities, restricting their businesses' ability to expand and thrive,” said Lisa Glover, CEO of LISC. “This impactful partnership provides vital resources to an exceptional group of small business owners around the country, who in turn support our local communities.” 

Julio was shocked – and thrilled – to get the grant. Emerson is happy Julio finally has someone on board. Running an entire business for five years alone and being open seven days a week … “I don’t know how he's done it.

“A lot of his regulars say they’re so happy that he finally has support.”

And that support comes in the form of the perfect candidate, Julio said. Emerson grew up and still lives in South Boston. She loves plants and art, two of Julio’s passions. And she is a quick learner.

“We’re very lucky to have her,” Julio said.

“Being a part of a business that is in my hometown is really important,” said Emerson, who works in the mornings.

The 24-year-old daughter of Fred Ferrara and Alexis Joseph-Ferrara has always loved art, creating, and working with her hands. Her passion for plants was instilled in her by her dad. “Growing up, we used to always be in the garden,” she said, noting their house on West Fourth Street actually has a decent-sized yard. She just recently cleaned up the garden beds to get ready for spring. 

She came into the job with a lot of plant knowledge, but Julio has taught her an amazing amount. “My knowledge has expanded greatly,” she said.

“Being [at Micro Plant Studio] really combined my passion for plants with art,” she said. Her duties include repotting plants, pruning, maintenance, sharing plant care information with customers, collaborating with Julio, and just creating beauty.

“She has been awesome,” Julio said, noting that not only does Emerson appreciate plants for plants’ sake, she also looks at the beauty of them.

Julio and Emerson use their arts backgrounds and love for all things green and colorful to help customers connect potted and unpotted plants and floral arrangements with the aesthetics of their spaces. Emerson enjoys helping customers find the perfect plant to best suit their lifestyle, taste, and space.

Emerson had been in the restaurant industry for about 10 years and knew it was time to do something else. She did some soul searching to figure out what she was most passionate about …and that was plants. Almost serendipitously, she saw that Micro Plant Studio, a member of the South Boston Chamber of Commerce, was hiring.

Emerson had been in the store before. “I loved it. I loved the atmosphere. I thought I’d be a great fit.”

She is thrilled she has the chance to share her passion and Julio’s passion with the community and grow the business at the same time.

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• www.MicroPlantStudio.com

• https://www.instagram.com/microplantstudio/

• https://www.facebook.com/microplantstudio/