Business

By Ginger DeShaney It was a match made in party heaven. Colleen Dunleavy knows flowers. Crystal Mills knows cocktails. They met six years ago doing a photo shoot and immediately hit it off professionally and creatively. “Colleen and I are such a great match,” Crystal said. “We had a friendship from Day 1, and it's been amazing for us to know each other's strengths and build our business as business partners.” Today, their business, “Love Child,” combines blooms and booze and is making a name in South Boston. “Flowers and cocktails go hand in hand,” said Colleen, who also owns Dunlovely Floral Design while Crystal also owns WanderLush, a craft cocktail business. “Flowers and cocktails make people feel better and put smiles on their faces.” [...]

By Ginger DeShaney It was a few minutes before closing time when the phone rang. It was someone looking to buy a gift for a special friend. “Yes, come in. I’ll be here,” Julio Cesar Roman told the caller. A little before 7 p.m. on a Wednesday, Eben van der Walt walked into Micro Plant Studio. He asked Julio for plant advice. He pulled out his phone and showed Julio a photo of the gift recipient’s living room, which was full of plants. Julio knew each plant in the photo, and, noticing what she didn’t have, suggested Eben get her either a small Calathea Pinstripe or a larger monstera plant to add to her collection. Julio asked Eben questions, told him about each plant, explained [...]

By Ginger DeShaney Publico Street Bistro and Garden is a hidden gem in South Boston’s busy restaurant scene. Located off the beaten path at 11 Dorchester St., the eclectic eatery attracts all ages: families with kids, young adults in their 20s, people in their 80s, and everyone in between. Open for almost four years, Publico has been quietly and steadily building a stellar reputation and a burgeoning clientele. The cool atmosphere, friendly staff, global menu, and creative executive chef attract the diverse crowd. “We cater to everyone,” said Theo Bougas, managing partner, who noted that’s where the name Publico comes from: for the public good. According to Publico’s website: “Imagine yourself walking through a local public market, enjoying culturally unique street foods, socializing and immersing [...]

By Ginger DeShaney The 32-year-old owner of Louie Styles is kicking it old school in his new barbershop at 100 Dorchester St. in South Boston.  Louie Ramos officially opened his doors about two months ago and he and his fellow barbers are already attracting regular customers. He attributes this early success to his strong work ethic, his old-school mentality, and his focus on the customers. “We offer high-quality cuts. We take our time,” Louie said. “We don’t want our customers to feel rushed.” Services range from 15 minutes to 60 minutes. The shop takes walk-ins and scheduled appointments. “We build bonds; we have conversations,” he said. “The customers talk to us. We have conversations and make connections.” To get the word out about his shop, [...]

Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the expansion of the Reopen Boston Fund to ensure restaurants in Boston are able to purchase necessary equipment for outdoor dining this fall and winter. This opportunity will include costs to cover heaters, storage equipment, and propane. In May, Mayor Walsh announced the $6 million Reopen Boston Fund, which provides debt-free grants to support the safe and healthy reopening of small businesses in Boston. To date, the City of Boston has issued more than $2.5 million in direct grants to 1,325 qualified small businesses to implement necessary public health measures and to procure personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies. The Reopen Boston Fund continues to offer grants to eligible small businesses of up to $2,000 (for non-restaurants) to assist with reopening costs, now [...]

Phase Two of Governor Baker’s multi-step plan to reopen Massachusetts, after the mid-March shutdown, could begin on Monday, June 8.  The shutdown shot down our St. Patrick/Evacuation Day Parade, and it mostly continues even now.  Barber shops, beauty shops, and beaches are open already, provided that access and all personal gatherings are controlled and limited.  And make no mistake – “Social Distancing” when we knew very little about Coronavirus was absolutely necessary. But right now, let’s start thinking about more reopenings, and how we can make it as real and enjoyable as possible here in South Boston.  Here are a few ideas: First, last weekend, beach crowding and athletics were rare.  Other than a couple of volleyball nets and some “gentlemen” passing a football back [...]

by Rick Winterson You are completely aware of the need to take steps against Coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic – it was (and still is) a true plague of global, worldwide dimensions.  Here, our schools, churches, athletic facilities, entertainment venues, and almost all of South Boston’s stores were shut down.  And while it has been a great economic sacrifice, this quarantine has measurably “flattened the curve”.  It has worked. Now it’s time for South Boston to reopen – gradually! South Boston Online plans to report upon this reopening in segments, using several short articles.  You know that there are a large number of excellent retail establishments in our neighborhood - establishments that play a huge part in the high quality of life we all enjoy [...]

By Tara Kerrigan Hayes For many business owners, the Payroll Protection Program sounded like a saving grace. Until they read the fine print. The forgivable loan, designed to incentivize small business owners to get employees back on payroll, was plagued with issues from the beginning. From false starts to larger companies overshadowing the smaller businesses, there was a frenzied sense of urgency to get the money before it was depleted. Then money was gone. Then there was more. Small business owners scrambled to re-apply, many with a loose understanding of how, precisely, the guidelines worked, but desperately seeking a life support to one day reopen their doors. The general requirements, according to the Small Business Association website, is that, “the loan will be fully forgiven [...]