Tawakal Halal Cafe
From-scratch sambusa wrappers stuffed and fried to a hot, flaky crisp, followed by tangled piles of spaghetti sauced with a velvety stew of fragrantly spiced braised goat: Such soul-warming Somali comfort food certainly takes the edge off these anxiety-ridden times. Bonus points for bottles of signature hot sauce available for enlivening humdrum home cooking with East African herbs. 389 Maverick St., Boston, MA 02128, tawakalfoods.co.
Neena’s Lighting
The illuminated storefront at Neena’s flagship store on Boylston Street beckons patrons with a covetable selection of Tech Lighting chandeliers, Louis Poulsen pendants, and Artemide lamps. The highly trained staff not only will help you choose among contemporary, transitional, and classic styles, they’ll also advise on which fixtures will look the best in your home. 380 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, neenaslighting.com.
Puppet Showplace Theater
This Brookline institution is known for its top-notch puppetry shows in all different traditions, served up with sightlines designed for the little ones. But did you know you can also have the puppets take the stage just for your munchkins? Schedule a private performance or a workshop to give the kiddos an inside look at what happens behind the backdrop, or simply block seats at a regular showing. Then take over the lobby to blow out the candles on the most memorable of celebrations. 32 Station St., Brookline, MA 02445, puppetshowplace.org.
Peter Sacco, Adelante Shoe Co.
Ever stopped to wonder where your shoes come from? Peter Sacco did. Deeply troubled by the economic inequality he saw while on vacation in Central America, he dedicated his life—and his business—to finding a way to help. The designer’s high-quality, made-to-order leather boots and loafers are created by craftspeople in Guatemala who are paid 75 percent above the market rate, providing them with a livable wage. In other words, there’s plenty of soul in these classic soles. Bow Market, One Bow Market Way, Somerville, MA 02143, adelanteshoes.com.
Company One Theatre
Whether it’s tackling stories about immigration or staging resident playwright Kirsten Greenidge’s vision in a Back Bay school, Company One will take you places you never expected, but are better for having been. Think, for example, of this season’s rom-com Vietgone: A collaboration with Pao Arts Center, the perspective-shifting, often hilarious look at the Vietnamese refugee experience from Marvel Studios writer Qui Nguyen skewered, subverted, and surprised the whole way through. 539 Tremont St., Boston, MA companyone.org.
9Tailors
Everyone knows ladies wear suits, so why is it still so difficult to find one that fits properly? Samantha Shih, of 9Tailors, is out to change that. In March of this year, she launched a collection of suiting designed especially for the female form. Choose the right look and fabric during an individual style consultation to customize a suit that’s as powerful as you are. 132 Lincoln St., Boston, MA 9tailors.com.
Tinailery
Similar to having your hair cut or colored, investing in nail art has the potential to completely transform your look—especially at Tinailery, an adorable Japanese-style salon that creates tiny masterpieces for your digits. Thumb through its vast collection of options (gems, glitter, and painted butterflies, oh my!) while enjoying tea served in graceful china, then let your nail artist work her magic. 92 State St., Boston, MA tinailery.com.
Timothy Ro, SalonCapri
Psst—you over there with the weekly date at the blow-dry bar. Yeah, you. Tired of getting your locks pulled and your scalp burnt as you’re rushed from sink to dryer to cashier? There’s a better way. Namely, placing your hair in the skilled hands of Timothy Ro. Drawing on his experience backstage at Fashion Week, the SalonCapri stylist confidently (and efficiently) churns out runway-worthy looks—no laminated menu required. 11 Newbury St., Boston, MA saloncapri.com.
Mandarin Oriental
Looking to rub elbows with your favorite A-listers? Chances are if they’re in town, they’ve snagged a room at the Mandarin Oriental. It’s no surprise when you consider the hotel’s dedication to discreet yet over-the-top service, helmed by charismatic GM Philip Knuepfer: Whether you’re dropping by the sprawling spa, the on-site restaurant, Bar Boulud, or the check-in counter, you’re bound to get the star treatment. 776 Boylston St., Boston, MA mandarinoriental.com.
Lekker Home
You already know this South End boutique for its modern furnishings and home accessories. Now discover Lekker Home’s softer side, courtesy of a luxe linen collection with everything you need for a lifetime of pampering: Sasawashi scrub towels to keep your skin looking fresh, a super-soft Blacksaw throw for movie nights, and a crisp set of Area bed sheets to sink into later. 1313 Washington St., Boston, MA lekkerhome.com.
Faherty
Recycling has never looked better. Founded by twin brothers and self-professed beach bums Mike and Alex Faherty, this company is making waves by blending salvaged plastic into fabric to create quick-dry bikinis, reversible one-pieces, and custom-printed swim trunks. And unlike your post-vacation glow, these suits won’t fade, thanks to natural indigo dyes and a special finishing technique that protects against chlorine and saltwater. 115 Newbury St., Boston, MA fahertybrand.com.
Michelle Lee, Salon Eva Michelle
When we showed Michelle Lee our hair inspiration—a shot of actress Kate Mara’s chic and shaggy shoulder-length bob—she nodded knowingly and got to work. As she snipped, she explained that razor-cutting the ends would create a perfectly imperfect base for her volumizing vertical layers. And she wasn’t kidding. On our way out, our tresses bounced with vigor, proving that you don’t need to be a superstar to look like one. 118 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, salonevamichelle.com.
South End Athletic Company
Neighborhood running shops really have to go the extra mile (sorry, we couldn’t resist) to compete with the big guys these days. And South End Athletic Company does just that, with a carefully chosen selection of footwear and apparel from Mizuno, Brooks, and more. Staffers use video gait analysis to put you in the right shoes, then invite you to christen them at one of their free running clubs. 652 Tremont St., Boston, MA 2118, southendathleticcompany.com.
Katrina Hess
This makeup pro has been primping brides from the Back Bay to Bermuda for more than 20 years. During a consultation at her lofty Newbury Street studio, Hess will school you in skin maintenance and eyebrow shaping, and on the big day, she’ll travel to your venue to give you an absolutely flawless look. She’ll even stay through the night to make sure it lasts through the happy tears and cake smears. 115 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, katrinahess.com.
Dani Wagener, DW Beauty
Dani Wagener's brides always look flawless in photos. Some of it is nature and the blush of true love, of course, and some of it is the result of Wagener's deft hand with airbrush foundation, custom-blended to perfectly match each client's complexion. After a relaxed prewedding trial in her airy studio, she'll travel to your bridal suite on the big day to get you gorgeous, killer lashes and all. 125 Newbury St., Boston, MA daniwagener.com.