Where to shop locally in Massachusetts
Finding the perfect gift can be a daunting task. Small business owners say that’s one reason to shop local.
Updated: January 26, 2024 8:00 PM ET
It was crystal clear. I like giving books to friends. I like giving small trinkets as gifts. I found my colleague’s earrings. Either way, finding the perfect gift can be a challenge. Locals say small business owners tend to find better gifts. I think brick and mortar in particular is really interesting. Because when you walk in, you don’t know what you’re going to walk out with. Another benefit of shopping local is that you get to see someone’s creative vision. Kathleen and Eric Gendron’s creative vision is a glittering shop inspired by nature. Located in the heart of downtown Lynn, Ravenstone adds even more charm to the city’s already colorful business district. We just want to be surrounded by things that make us happy. Crystals are the main exhibit here, sparkling in all colors and shapes, appealing to casual buyers and serious collectors alike. Some people believe the stone has healing properties, Gendron says. You can choose all the crystals and stones that we carry in our store. We love treasure hunting, so we always go to the big gem and mineral shows. We think crystals are the perfect gift. Folks, whether you’re interested in the metaphysical side or the geological side, it’s a beautiful Earth. I know I can’t beat that. Open Ravenstone in Gendron opened in 2020. We had never worked in retail before, but when we moved to Lynn, we both had jobs at quite a few companies. I worked in marketing in Boston, and Eric ran a recruiting agency in Boston. Their careers changed when Catherine, who was shy and introverted, started making jewelry. Big, bold jewelry has always helped me connect with people and sparked conversations that people might not have the courage to have. Raven Stone has dedicated an entire wall to Kathleen’s designs. Her two-story store also includes a pharmacy and a bookstore, which is small but has a wide selection of products. Framed insect art adorns the walls. We decided to open a store. We had no idea how to buy things, so we thought the best way was to carry things we really liked. Eric says that’s one way he approaches gift-giving. My advice is to always find what you would like to receive. Gendron also says there’s an art to browsing through Ravenstone Lish tracks. Explore and see what catches your attention. We wanted to feel like an oasis, reconnecting with ourselves. Reconnect with nature and get inspired. Beyond this window is a display of South Boston, a small, cheerful jungle. This is MICRO PLANT STUDIO, founded in 2018 by Julio Cesar Roman. ROMAN carries a wide variety of houseplants, many of which are pet-friendly. The priority here is easy maintenance. We tend to think that we can’t handle it on our own. I don’t carry it. You fall in love with plants. We can also provide care instructions and match plants to your lifestyle for gifts. Roman suggests that Ficus is always photogenic. It is a very easy plant to care for. Prefers some direct sunlight. Just be sure to store it away from cold drafts and heaters. In fact, extreme temperatures will cause the leaves to drop. Caring for plants, Roman says, can nurture and heal people, including himself. I’m actually from Mayaguez, on the west coast of Puerto Rico. In fact, my passion for plants started when Roman and his mother moved to the mainland and East Coast as a child. We jumped from one state to another as a way to actually overcome domestic violence. Eventually, they settled in Hartford, connected with the help of teachers, and Roman embraced his artistic side. He earned an art degree and spent years in the nonprofit world, but then he had health concerns. All I had was a plan for the recovery process, and it was what made me smile. Eventually he was able to grow over 250 plants and that’s actually how I started my business. So, Emerson, do you think he should put this cat and microplant Studio Roman in his 3D prints, vases and home decor? He and his studio assistant, Emerson Joseph Ferrara, design floral arrangements and displays for corporate and celebratory events. All of this is fulfilling work, Roman says. He believes that plants are one way to lift your spirits. You see something growing, and the reason it actually grows is because you put love and heart into it. The Zendrums say they are big cheerleaders for the city of Lynn. There’s also a growing number of independent businesses, not to mention plenty of public art downtown. And regarding Julio Roman of MICRO PLANT STUDIO, I mentioned that he has done non-profit work in the past. He was an arts educator in South End and Roxbury and organized botanical workshops as a way to connect young people and their families. next,
Where to shop locally in Massachusetts
Finding the perfect gift can be a daunting task. Small business owners say that’s one reason to shop local.
Updated: January 26, 2024 8:00 PM ET
Wondering where to shop locally? And maybe you’re wondering whether it’s better for a gift or an experience. Look no further for the answer. For shoppers intrigued by crystals, books and wall art, Ravenstone in Lynn has a range of glittering propositions. There is an art to browsing in Ravenstone. Shoppers can relax, explore and see what naturally catches their attention. The South Boston artist-turned-plant expert says his Micro Plant Studio has gifts for everyone, even those who don’t think they have a green thumb. Julio Cesar Roman, owner of Micro Plant Studio, says that people can grow and heal by caring for plants. “It gives me a sense of optimism to see this tiny little thing be able to grow,” Roman said. The studio offers a variety of plants, unique 3D printed vases, and home decor. The shop also specializes in floral arrangements and display design for corporate and celebratory events. All of this is rewarding work, Roman says. He believes that he is one of the ways plants give “gifts” to the spirit.
Wondering where to shop locally? And maybe you’re wondering whether it’s better for a gift or an experience. Look no further for answers.
For shoppers interested in crystals, books and wall art, Lynn’s Ravenstone has a range of glittering offerings. There is an art to browsing in Ravenstone. Shoppers can relax, explore and see what naturally catches their attention.
The South Boston artist-turned-plant expert says his Micro Plant Studio has gifts for everyone, even those who don’t think they have a green thumb. Julio Cesar Roman, owner of Micro Plant Studio, says that people can grow and heal by caring for plants.
“It gives me a sense of optimism to see this tiny little thing be able to grow,” Roman said.
The studio offers a variety of plants, unique 3D printed vases, and home decor. The shop also specializes in floral arrangements and display design for corporate and celebratory events. All of this is rewarding work, Roman says. He believes that he is one of the ways plants give “gifts” to the spirit.
