Cindy Jensen, Studio 9
Trained in the school of Michaud, Jensen calls on her years as a makeup artist to deliver brows that enhance the whole face. Plucking, not waxing, allows for maximum precision. 9 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Blissful Monkey Yoga Studio
663 Centre St., Boston, MA blissfulmonkey.com.
Antonio Vitale, Studio for Hair
Let the Newbury Street bigwigs battle it out for the spotlight. Color virtuoso Antonio Vitale is content to sit back in his humble Kenmore Square studio and fix any of their overzealous fiascoes. Vitale discreetly repairs even the worst mistakes; his eye for natural, flattering color is invariably dead-on. Little wonder, considering that his other career is as an artist. (This summer saw his gallery show of beautiful three-dimensional landscapes). And while there's nothing abstract about his talent with hair, Vitale brings the same respect for light, color tones, and nature to both of his vocations. 464 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA .
Jeannette Neill Dance Studio
Aspiring professionals, athletic young adults, and spirited beginners gather at this gem of a dance studio, tucked away in an unassuming low-rise near North Station. Seasoned performers lead each class with enthusiasm, patience, and style. Plus, the venue attracts big-deal guest instructors such as Alvin Ailey principal dancer Matthew Rushing. A traditional mix of classes (jazz, ballet, tap) is complemented by funky hip-hop and video dance options. 261 Friend St., 5th Floor, Boston, MA jndance.com.
Q Division Studios
Last year, Q joined the exodus that has seen just about every cool band, club, and scene relocate north of the Charles. Leaving the South End, Q's owners took their two vintage sound boards, a Neve 8068 and a Trident 80Band, and headed for the burgeoning Davis Square. Along the way, they acquired the requisite computer gizmos and hired engineer/producer extraordinaire Matthew Ellard. Even with the plush lounges, oodles of classic equipment, clients like James Taylor and Aimee Mann, and infamous annual who's-who-in-Boston-music Christmas party, Q still remembers the little voices: Local bands are welcome with open ears. 363 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA qdivision.com.
James Joseph Studio
Thanks to James Joseph's new little sister, an affordable Newbury salon finally exists. Cuts start at $40, but it's worth springing for Michelle Lee's $50 stylings—they often outshine her neighbors' more expensive handiwork. 168 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, jamesjosephstudio.com.
Barbara Benagh Yoga Studio
The Yoga Studio's Barbara Benagh gets high marks for her gentle but firm approach to Hatha yoga. With more than 20 years under her belt, Benagh has built up a stellar reputation in the city. Watch out, though. Her beginner classes on Beacon Hill are often overflowing with new students. 74 Joy St., Boston, MA .
Andrew Zona Studio
It's not just that stylists here can take your hair from bed head to pin-straight in a friendly flash—though that would certainly be enough. Nor is it only that you'll find an international dream team of products, from Kérastase to Bumble and Bumble to Kiehl's. It isn't even that the helpful, affable counter staff goes out of its way to avoid the fabled Hingham hauteur. It's the intersection of all of the above—which is precisely where you'll find Andrew Zona Studio. 65 South St., Hingham, MA .
Fuel Training Studio
The offerings at boutique fitness studios typically fall into the "either/or" category: either cycling or barre; either high-intensity training or boxing. But at Fuel in Newburyport, you can have it all. Classes in HIIT, Tabata, flexibility, suspension training, and more ensure that you'll never fall into a fitness rut. Another highlight: on-site babysitting and outdoor interval training. 75 Merrimac St., Newburyport, MA 01950, fueltrainingstudio.com.
Quadrum
"Funky elegance" may seem like an oxymoron, but the keen-eyed buyers at Quadrum nail it. Witness the brilliant pairings: hammered-metal cuffs scattered with diamonds next to Darcy Miro bangles that look like some beautiful thing that crawled straight out of the sea. 199 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA 2467, quadrumgallery.com.
Minni Art Studio
Is it even an art class if they don’t come home with paint all over their arms and legs? This airy SoWa space is a haven for pint-size makers as young as 18 months. 71 Thayer St., Boston, MA 02118, minni.space.
Forêt Design Studio
Flowers by Forêt Design Studio. / Photograph by Joyce Lee, styling by Kelly Shea/Anchor Artists As floral trends evolve, no one has answered the call for nature-inspired and greenery-infused arrangements like Rose Mattos and Erin Heath. From a windswept delphinium archway to a cascading bohemian-style bouquet, their organic pieces seem sculpted, not just assembled. In fact, you could say they take on a beautiful life of their own. foretdesignstudio.com.
Muckykids Art Studio
Each week, director Liz Vance comes up with several new projects—from doll quilts to magnetic sculptures to homemade slime—and arranges supplies on tables in her studio. A helper or two is always around, but the tidy, colorful stations are so inviting, you'll likely find yourself up to your elbows in oobleck, too. 1776 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140, muckykids.com.
Synergistics Personal Training Studio
Just when you thought fitness fads had reached their zenith, Helena and Brian Collins turned the notion of working out on its head. Forget long lines for treadmills, aerobic Amazons, and nightclub noise: Synergistics is a calm haven where trainers work one-on-one with clients. The Collins' approach to fitness uses sculpting, balancing, and strengthening programs in addition to Pilates, target eight training, and martial arts techniques. Brian is trained in the art of Huo Tuo Tui-Na, a massage therapy thought to alleviate migraines, lower back pain, and stress-related health problems. 9 Newbury Street, Boston, MA lifeinsynergy.com.
Bodega
It never gets old: walking up to what looks like a convenience store and entering through a door disguised as a soda machine, only to discover a boutique that by virtue of visiting makes you instantly cooler. All of the heavy hitters in streetwear are here, from Midnight Studios to Stone Island, plus some store originals: Don't miss the vintage sweatshirts with embroidery resembling paint splatters from local artist and employee Pat Peltier. Plans are in the works to open another outpost in L.A., though the jury's still out on whether it, too, will have a trick door. 6 Clearway St., Boston, MA 02115, bdgastore.com.