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By Ginger DeShaney For Erin Ghella and Marty Horn, one blessing came out of the COVID-19 pandemic: their new hair boutique, Feather & Waves.  During the state shutdown, Marty was laid off from her job and Erin’s hours were drastically cut. Marty called Erin and asked: “Do you want to open a salon with me? I’m serious. It needs to happen.” “We held hands and said, ‘Let’s go,’ ” said Erin. “We’re Laverne and Shirley over here.” “It’s one good thing that came out of COVID,” Marty said. “I never thought I’d actually do it. But we had no choice. No one was hiring.” Located at 653 E. Broadway, Feather & Waves Hair Boutique has been open for about two months. Marty, 30, and Erin, [...]

By Ginger DeShaney With everything going on in the world right now -- from the Covid-19 pandemic to the political situation -- people are seeking an antidote. One such medicine comes with a mat.  “At this point, our mental well-being is at the forefront,” said Andrea Corazzini, owner of East Side Yoga & Fitness at 584 E. Broadway. “We’re trying to navigate this new landscape.” Andrea likes to say that the physical part gets people on the mat, and the mental benefits keep them there. “Exercise helps you get out of your own head. Someone tells you what to do so you can just zone out.” Yoga offers a sense of peace and mindfulness, Andrea said, something we could all use right now. “It clears [...]

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 [...]