Jul

28

These Are the People in Your Neighborhood: Joanne Rossman, Purveyor of the Unnecessary and the Irresistible

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 We caught up with the ever-colorful Joanne Rossman, who told us why her store is so irresistible!

Please tell us a bit about your store.
I say I am the purveyor of the unnecessary and irresistible, and when I opened my store 12 years ago, I wanted it to be a place for people to come and be inspired. The idea is similar to an old general store in Vermont, minus the honey and maple syrup. I feature artists that I know personally and love, I make a point to know where all the things I carry are made, and I avoid buying things from countries where their work practices are harmful. The shop aims to be a delicious format for indulgence.

How long have you been in business in Roslindale?
I’ve been in this location almost 12 years. Before that, I had a studio in the South End for 20 years, and I was in San Francisco before that. Basically, I have been making my own products, designing children’s clothing or pursuing some type of creative venture since 1964. My father’s best advice to me was “Be your own boss,” and that still resonates for me – even in today’s economy, when it is both easier and harder to be your own person.

What made you open your business here?
I lived in West Roxbury, and when the rent tripled in the South End, I found this storefront. These big windows drew me in. This used to be a shoe repair shop: Birch Street Shoe Repair and I have a shoe fetish, in fact, so that was one sign. I’m not an entirely rational person, though – I’m instinctive and if it feels right, I say, “Why not?”  Even with a million shoes piled up, dead flies everywhere, a plastic Christmas tree in the corner, and a Nixon calendar hanging on the wall, this place still just felt right.

What is your favorite thing about owning a business in Roslindale?
The people. I have met some extraordinary people. I love the energy in the community and the support from the neighborhood – but most of all it’s my customers. I’ve looked at Beacon Hill, Wellesley, and other places, but every time I think about moving, someone walks into the shop and says, “I am so glad you’re here.”

Of the products and services you offer, what will customers be surprised to see in your store?
My pug, Rita Rose! In all seriousness, though, this is such a quirky, unexpected store. I had a woman come in who wanted to buy a book I carried about paella and she said, “But I can never find Spanish paprika anywhere.” And I said, “I sell Spanish paprika! Look over here!” I usually carry it and am very loyal to the woman I buy it from because it fits my rule of thumb: it is unusual? Am I buying it from someone I know I’m supporting? Did I have a real conversation with the person selling it? And is it something you can’t find anywhere else? 

How is your business involved in the community?
I support the schools with donations, but most of all I believe in just listening to people’s stories when they come into the shop. I keep this book where I record what people share with me, because I think it is important to honor that connection. [Flips to a page in a small journal] For instance, “May 4th, Maria had a job interview. October 19th, Twins born to Lindsay on Kitteridge.” I’ve had people come into the store after they just found out they need a double mastectomy, or just before they are getting married, or when someone they love is dying. And if that person is brave enough to share their story with me, I think it is important to preserve that moment.

What is your best selling product or service?
Books! Quirky books! Books about tombstones, forgotten places, Burning Man, ghostly ruins, and food, food, food. [Full disclosure: the interviewer fell in love with a book about tacos during this conversation and bought it on the spot!]

Anything else you would like to share?
A lot of people feel pressured to buy something when they go into a small shop or independently-owned store. They think that storeowners don’t want them to come in unless they are going to make a purchase, but exactly the opposite is true. I really wish more people would just pop in to say hello. That’s what nurtures our soul, as storeowners, and sustains us throughout the day. Just stop by and say hi. That type of connection with people is something you can never put a price tag on.

 

Jul

26

Community Meeting about Roslindale Substation July 27th

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Historic Boston, Inc. and the RVMS subcommittee are continuing to work on the redevelopment plan for the Substation. The group will report on results of their work over the  past several months and will seek public comment on the updated plan. RVSP for the meeting here.

 

Click here to view pictures of the Substation.

Jul

18

Tractor-Pulled Wagon Tour of Allandale Farm

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Fundraiser for Roslindale Village Main Street Farmers’ Market
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 5:30 PM
259 Allandale Road
$20 per person, $5 for children under 12
(Raindate: Thursday, August 4, 5:30PM)

Click here to reserve your space! There is a limit of 25 people for this tour, so don’t delay!

Allandale Farm will host a tractor-pulled wagon tour of its grounds on Wednesday, August 3rd at 5:30pm. Don’t miss this opportunity to get an insider’s view of the farm’s fields, meadows and ponds! Head farmer Jim Buckle will take you on a journey through Allandale’s history, organic growing practices, farm operations and community supported agriculture program (CSA) on this hour long tour!

The mission of Roslindale Village Main Street (RVMS) is to promote Roslindale Village as an appealing destination and the dynamic center of our community. As a nonprofit organization, we bring together local volunteers, businesses and public agencies to strengthen the Village’s economic vitality, physical appearance and unique local character.

Parents are responsible for the supervision of their children.

Jul

8

These Are the People in Your Neighborhood: Colorwheel Collection

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Vernee Wilkinson has operated Colorwheel Collection, a one-of-a-kind children’s clothing and gift shop, at 4266 Washington Street for the last two years. Vernee also serves on the board of Roslindale Village Main Street and is active with many of the organization’s activities. We met up with the proprietress in her bright, friendly shop to learn about why she loves doing business in Roslindale.

Tell us a little bit about Colorwheel Collection.
Colorwheel Collection is a children’s clothing and gift shop offering unique and unexpected items, as well as craft supplies for a variety of activities. We don’t have a lot of standard pastels or “fluffy ducks” – our name (Colorwheel Collection) is inspired by life being vibrant, exciting, and colorful. We really try to integrate that spirit into all items in store. We source our inventory from lines with colorful and creative options. I personally hand select items that really fit the vision of the store. Often times, we’ll find that people are drawn in by the colorful storefront. They may not even know right away that it’s a store for kids, and once they come in they’ll see that there’s things of interest for anyone of any age.

Why did you choose to open a business in Roslindale?
First of all, my husband, daughter, and I are residents here. There are a lot of young families and people moving here, but there are not a lot of options to buy things for children. I see kids in my neighborhood having birthdays and babies being born – having a store to help celebrate those moments is exciting, but also there was a gap in the market that could be filled.

What do you like best about doing business in Roslindale?
I really enjoy learning about the community and watching the families grow. I find that, two years ago, customers came in to shop for nieces and nephews and now they’re expecting their own baby, or folks that started shopping for their first newborn are now having a second child. It feels like my business is growing along with the families in the community. I really enjoy the loyalty of my local customers and how they support the community.

What are people surprised to find in your store when they come in?
We offer many creative and innovative items that are handmade by artisans. When possible, we source our items from local artists. It’s definitely a priority for us – I call it “small business supporting small business.” It’s such a great opportunity to build relationships and it give the artists a chance to experiment with new styles and colors and get really immediate feedback from our customers.

On of our best selling lines is called Hoosier Magnolia, handmade clothes from an artist in West Roxbury. It’s a really creative and whimsical line that’s become the go-to baby gift for a lot of my regular customers.

A lot of the inventory in our store supports the strong handmade movement that’s going on right now. In addition to the items that we sell, we host regular craft nights that are organized by another Roslindale resident, Meg Skaar (you can learn about these craft night by searching “She’s Crafty” on MeetUp.com). We offer knitting nights, sewing classes, paper crafting, jewelry classes, or any other craft with interest. People are rediscovering craft in a way that’s been almost generationally skipped – it’s a great opportunity for peer learning and experimentation. If you didn’t have chance to learn a craft from a family member, there’s still time to learn from peers – these things don’t have to be lost.

How is your business involved in the community?
We run a number of events in the store that benefit local nonprofits, including Boston Cares, The Home for Little Wanderers, and Solutions at Work. Additionally, I am personally active with Roslindale Village Main Street and the overall business community. I find that I am always referring customers in my store to other businesses in the Village – all of the local proprietors do this. We know a lot of little details about what products and services that each other offer and we’re happy to share the information with those that are new to Roslindale.

We are also a vendor at the Farmers’ Market on Saturdays in Adams Park. For a retail business like us, we don’t make a ton of sales at the market, but it’s a great chance to meet people in the community and tell them about our store. That kind of one on one experience you just don’t get online or from a newspaper ad. It’s also a great way to show the unity of our community and how supportive we all are of events like the Market.