Lekker Home Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary
When Lekker Home moved into its space at 1317 Washington St. ten years ago, most of the area was under construction, there were a few spread out businesses, and the sidewalks weren’t even finished. Maybe not a great sign for a couple of first time small business owners. “It was the scariest thing I’ve ever done,” said Curt Carpenter, who co-owns Lekker Home with his wife, Natalie, about opening up the store back in 2003. “But it was also the most exciting thing of my entire life.” Both of the Carpenters had come from the corporate world, Curt, who worked in financial services in Boston, and Natalie, who worked for Ralph Lauren in New York. Wanting to take their lives in a different direction, and visiting Natalie’s parents in Amsterdam, the two hatched a plan to provide some of the unique European furniture and accessories in Boston that Americans just couldn’t get. “What’s killed a lot of the independent design stores is that they’re selling the same stuff the big boys have available, and it no longer makes them unique,” he said. “We go to trade shows and find the unique brand designs, and that’s what makes us different.” And the store doesn’t just rely on its business in the South End. After importing the products to the U.S., Lekker Home either sells them in-store or online, distributing nationwide. The furniture and accessories for sale in-store and online is what you might expect from a modern European retailer – clean, sharp lines, bright color accents and practical pieces. Carpenter said that going forward, the couple might be looking to expand to a second store in South Boston, but for now, they’re taking care of their two small children, ages 2 and 4 months. “Thank you to those customers who brought us to this point, and we hope you’ll continue on this journey with us,” he said. “It’s not easy for independents, and we’ve got to stick together.” SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
Categories: Arrests Tags: 10Year, Anniversary, Celebrates, Home, Lekker
South Enders Celebrate Marriage Equality Anniversary at Public Garden
Dozens of local gay and lesbian couples gathered at the Boston Public Garden Thursday to celebrate the 9th anniversary of the law that gave them the right to marry in Massachusetts. The celebration, put on in partnership between Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD), the Respect for Marriage Coalition and Mayor Thomas Menino, ended with a group photo at a location popular for wedding photography. Michael Kelley and Ricardo Rodriguez of the South End were on hand Thursday. Kelley said that before marriage equality was in place, people referred to himself and Rodriguez as “friends, boyfriends, that friend, partner,” but that all changed when they were wed. “That is exactly the power of marriage,” Kelley said. “It’s been an extraordinary five years,” said Ellen Wade of Newton, who along with her wife, Maureen Brodoff, were one of the plaintiffs in the landmark case they won in 2003 that led to the adoption of marriage equality in the state. “It’s been exciting and inspiring, and we’re grateful to have played a small part in showing the country what marriage equality looks like,” Wade said, and in gesturing to the crowd, added, “it looks like us.” Bette Jo Green and Jo Ann Whitehead of Jamaica Plain have been together for over 32 years and both have battled cancer. But because of the Defense of Marriage Act, they worry about their financial future. “If Bette were to predecease me, I would not get the Social Security Spousal Benefits that other married couples are able to have,” Whitehead said. “We’re very hopeful the Supreme Court will strike down DOMA and there will be equality for all under the law.” Menino was unable to attend the ceremony, but in a statement read by Jullieanne Doherty from his office, he said it was an important anniversary for the city, state and nation. “Nine years ago was one of my proudest days as mayor of Boston,” Doherty read from Menino’s statement. South End Patch
South Enders Celebrate Marriage Equality Anniversary at Public Garden
Dozens of local gay and lesbian couples gathered at the Boston Public Garden Thursday to celebrate the 9th anniversary of the law that gave them the right to marry in Massachusetts. The celebration, put on in partnership between Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD), the Respect for Marriage Coalition and Mayor Thomas Menino, ended with a group photo at a location popular for wedding photography. Michael Kelley and Ricardo Rodriguez of the South End were on hand Thursday. Kelley said that before marriage equality was in place, people referred to himself and Rodriguez as “friends, boyfriends, that friend, partner,” but that all changed when they were wed. “That is exactly the power of marriage,” Kelley said. “It’s been an extraordinary five years,” said Ellen Wade of Newton, who along with her wife, Maureen Brodoff, were one of the plaintiffs in the landmark case they won in 2003 that led to the adoption of marriage equality in the state. “It’s been exciting and inspiring, and we’re grateful to have played a small part in showing the country what marriage equality looks like,” Wade said, and in gesturing to the crowd, added, “it looks like us.” Bette Jo Green and Jo Ann Whitehead of Jamaica Plain have been together for over 32 years and both have battled cancer. But because of the Defense of Marriage Act, they worry about their financial future. “If Bette were to predecease me, I would not get the Social Security Spousal Benefits that other married couples are able to have,” Whitehead said. “We’re very hopeful the Supreme Court will strike down DOMA and there will be equality for all under the law.” Menino was unable to attend the ceremony, but in a statement read by Jullieanne Doherty from his office, he said it was an important anniversary for the city, state and nation. “Nine years ago was one of my proudest days as mayor of Boston,” Doherty read from Menino’s statement. South End Patch