Kimberly LaFoy Shares Her Obsessions
LaFoy with her dog, Huckleberry, in her Somerville storefront. / Photograph by Toan Trinh
When it comes to the craft of small-batch manufacturing, Kimberly LaFoy is an expert. LaFoy, who grew up in Vermont and Michigan, uses this well-honed artistic sensibility to stock the Union Square design shop Loyal Supply Co.—which she opened in 2014 with her fiancé and business partner, Ryan Habbyshaw—with an impressive array of indie goods. From neatly arranged Danish kaleidoscope trays to hand-poured beeswax candles showcased on oak-doweled shelves, the 250-square-foot retail space reflects the craftsmanship LaFoy so admires. Not shy about getting their hands dirty, LaFoy and Habbyshaw also create their own designs, including key holsters and leashes, in a workshop space downstairs. Ahead, LaFoy shares a few of her favorite things and inspirations.
Butter Elixir
I love the way this body oil smells: clean, fresh, and natural. I use it after every shower. It’s one of the beauty products that I can’t live without.
Iron Curtain Press
There’s nothing I like more than sending snail mail. Iron Curtain Press is one of my favorite stationery lines, and their “The dream is free but the hustle is sold separately” card is the perfect sentiment for all small-business owners.
Anna Sheffield
I think everything Anna Sheffield designs is gorgeous. I was thrilled that Ryan worked with her to design my engagement ring.
Minna Beach Blanket
I absolutely love my “Mitla Dash” blanket by Minna. They get softer with every wash and come in two beautiful colorways. I’m already looking forward to spreading it out on a warm beach this summer.
1911 Chandler & Price Printing Press
My printing press is my pride and joy. We restored it in 2010, and it now has a home in the middle of our Union Square shop. I print wedding invitations, custom stationery, and greeting cards.
1982 Suzuki Fa50 Moped
I’ve affectionately named it “Little Red.” It’s the best way to get around Boston. Ryan had a few mopeds when I met him, and he built mine using the best parts of all of them. It’s adorable and functional at the same time.
ON FILE
What I’m Eating
I like to consider myself a mac ’n’ cheese connoisseur. My favorite will always be my gram’s homemade version, but the Publick House in Brookline is where I go when I want some serious comfort food.
What I’m Watching
I can watch The West Wing on repeat. I’ve seen every episode multiple times, and it never gets old. I only wish I had a maze of hallways like The West Wing for meetings on the go.
What I’m Wearing
I’ve had my Barbour jacket for almost four years now, and I wear it all through the fall and into the winter with a liner. It’s waterproof and has tons of pockets.
Where I’m Traveling
I was born in Vermont, and it’s a place that I try to escape to as much as possible. My aunt owns a camp with a great view of Lake Champlain, and thankfully she always seems to have vacancies when I need a break.
Photographs by Toan Trinh. Courtesy of Butter Elixir; Iron Curtain Press
