Business

By Ginger DeShaney The new yoga studio at 249 E Street is an inviting spot for the community to feel comfortable and connected. “We just kind of wanted to make a space that felt like a playground; where people could just walk in and connect with others and not feel the pressure of having to perform anything,” said Emily Arlauskas, one of the three young owners of the Yoga Playground. “Like a little kid on a playground, you take chances and try things and don’t worry too much if it’s going to be right.” Emily, 25, her sister, Hannah Arlauskas, 23, and Emily’s roommate, Natalie Wannamaker, 24 -- all graduates of Northeastern and all Southie residents -- opened the studio on Aug. 15, 2021.“Anyone is [...]

By Ginger DeShaney A new store has sprouted up in Southie and it’s all about community.  Sprout, at 47 L Street, is a specialty shop that offers daily grocery needs -- produce, dairy, grains, and bread -- but also a selection of oils, vinegars, spices, natural preservatives, spreads, yogurts, Italian sweets, artisanal cheeses, beverages, and so much more. Grab and go sandwiches, wraps, and salads are also available. Owner Nazih Kishtban opened the store Aug. 2 and already has had good foot traffic. Nazih had never opened a business. But when the COVID-19 pandemic derailed a new job he was supposed to start, he reevaluated his life. Feeling lost and confused, he volunteered with the Food Bank, helping package food, do deliveries, and more. After [...]

By Ginger DeShaney Alba Shaba Alba Shaba knows the neighborhood. A resident of South Boston since 2007, she’s proud to call Southie her home and raise her children here.  “I love South Boston,” she said. “It’s my community.”   Because of that, she knew that Southie would be a great fit for HarborOne Bank, where she is the Assistant Vice President of the new branch on 14 West Broadway, which opened in May. “South Boston is all about community,” she said. And so is HarborOne.  “Giving back is important to HarborOne,” said Alba, who personally volunteers at the Pine Street Inn and with Cradles to Crayons. For more than a century, HarborOne has been committed to its customers, its communities, and its colleagues. As [...]

By Ginger DeShaney Dluxe Nail Bar West, located at 377 W. Broadway, is now open.  The sister shop to D Luxe Nail Bar at 659 E. Broadway boasts 16 chairs, 8 bar stools, 4 tables, 4 drying stations, and a private waxing room.  With chandeliers lining the ceiling, the nail salon is inviting, modern, spacious, and bright.  “It’s beautiful,” said Ally White, who has been a client at the East Broadway location for years but stopped in the West Broadway spot last week. “You’re going into a pretty place.” Ally works on West Broadway, “so this is more convenient.”  Thai Nguyen and his sister Tiffanie Nguyen own the West Broadway location. Tiffanie is the owner of the flagship East Broadway salon.  The West Broadway location, [...]

 By Ginger DeShaney Emily Katz Eclectic artwork and funky lighting provide the perfect high-energy backdrop for working out at WAREHOUSE at 64 C Street in South Boston. A talented, diverse, and passionate group of artists was given free rein on the walls of B/SPOKE Studio’s 22,000-square-foot WAREHOUSE, which offers spin classes, weight training, yoga, personal training, and so much more. “WAREHOUSE embodies our aesthetic, energy, vibe, and culture,” said Emily Katz, B/SPOKE Director of Studios. “We had an opportunity to create and design a new space that feels really authentic to who we are and who we want to be as we continue forward. “Creativity, imagination, and inclusivity are literally painted into our DNA,” Emily continued. “Our walls are oozing with color, passion, [...]

By Ginger DeShaney Bohdii Boutique opened its doors at 398 W. Broadway on April 10 and already has some regulars. “It seems like everyone has great things to say when they leave,” said owner Justice Pellegrino. “We’ve already had repeat customers. A few girls were like, ‘I was just here the other day.’ That says a lot.  “If you’re seeing people come back, that’s the best that can happen.” This is the second boutique for Justice, who is just 24 years old. She opened her first Bohdii Boutique in Western Mass. (East Longmeadow) in November 2019 to see if she could do it. “Then I brought myself to the big city.”   A Boston shop made sense because she ships a lot of merchandise from her [...]

By Ginger DeShaney Men of Southie, get ready to shop! Power couple Christine Crevier and Chris Yang, managing partners and co-founders of Luxe Leisure, knew there was a real need for a men’s clothing shop in the neighborhood. In chatting with customers and neighbors, it was apparent something was missing. So they opened a men’s boutique connected to their women’s shop at 553 E. Broadway. “A lot of men didn’t have the option to shop [in Southie],” said Chris. “There were no local boutiques. People are super excited to see we are offering a more rounded assortment for families.” “Women are super excited, too,” Christine added. “We are filling a void.” The men’s shop had a soft opening on Saturday, April 3, with the grand [...]