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By Ginger DeShaney In Good Company at 653 E. Broadway is so much more than a gift shop. It’s also a safe space, a supportive environment, and a meeting place. “The goal is to build a presence in the community around the shop that is a space where people go to feel good,” said owner Kait McKenna. “I want the shop to be a bright spot on the street where people can come to a meeting place ... A space that they can trust to buy meaningful gifts. It’s a space for people to express their individuality and spread kindness through gift giving and meaningful conversation.” In Good Company displays an LGBTQ flag in the window, which “is representative of a safe space for the [...]

By Ginger DeShaney Helping a friend lose 50 pounds put Ray Peleckas on track to turn around his own life and dedicate himself to his passion for helping others through fitness.  His studio, Burnin’ by Ray, helps his members have a better life. “By coming to Burnin’ by Ray, by being part of the community, they were able to live a better life ... meaning, they slept better, they were better parents, they were a better spouse, they were a better employee, they had less doctors’ visits,” Ray said.  “It just made their life better.” That’s the name of the game at Burnin’ by Ray, which has locations in the Seaport District (157 Seaport Blvd.) and Belmont.  People from all different walks of life work [...]

By Ginger DeShaney There are a lot of growing businesses in South Boston, but only one is an actual farm. “I feel like it would be cool for more people to know [about the farm] because this is something really unique and special in Boston and in the city,” said Boston Microgreens cofounder and CEO Oliver Homberg. “It’s the most central production farm in Boston.” After growing microgreens in his South End apartment to provide for a handful of local restaurants, Oliver decided to expand the business into a space at 416 W. Broadway. He grows 75-plus varieties of microgreens based on what his restaurant customers want. “We are a custom urban farm,” Oliver said.  Oliver provides microgreens to more than 50 restaurant customers; he [...]

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 [...]