Family, friendship at Porch
By Anne-Marie Seltzer/ Correspondent
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Mystic Street shop brings fun, practicality
Laura Bronisz-Wisner believes "the best things happen on your porch," so when she opened a gift shop in Arlington Center in September 2003, she named it after that special space.
Filled with indoor and outdoor items for the home, Porch also reflects the taste and personality of its ownerÑ someone who is practical and relaxed, and loves to have fun.
"I call this place a hidden gem," said the Arlington resident of the Mystic Street business, which is tucked next to the Jefferson Cutter House "You have to find us, but once you do, you come back."
The customers, who are primarily women, keep coming back for a variety of goods. Bronisz-Wisner stocks aprons, bath and body items, cast-iron doormats, cleaning products, cocoa, colored colanders, dog bowls, glasses, guest towels, Kennebunk Blankets, pillows and soy candles. Items cost from $5 to $100, with the average prices ranging from $12 to $30.
"I look for things that other people aren't carrying that are functional and affordable, but not too unusual," she said.
Some products are worth noting.
"Gloveables were featured on ABC's 'Desperate Housewives'" she said. "They have an oil cloth ruffle around the top and cover more of your arm. Some customers buy them as joke gifts, but they're very useful. The cleaning items, lavender-scented sheet spray and colored colanders are very popular, too."
Bronisz-Wisner runs Porch and its adjoining store, Wardrobe, with her business partner Barbara Walsh. She also manages a small flower business called Petals.
"Porch was originally just me. I was pregnant with my son Miles when I opened it," she said. "Barbara joined me last March. We launched Wardrobe, a quality consignment store for women's clothing, four months ago. I thought there was a need in Arlington."
A business career wasn't in her original plan "I worked in geriatric psychology for five years. I wanted to help people and work in the community, which is why I went into health care," said Bronisz-Wisner, who holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in counseling. "But it wasn't for me. I found my niche when I started working in a consignment store in Needham."
Opening a business in Arlington was important.
"I believe in keeping business in my hometown and providing an affordable product in the town center. I also wanted to bring Miles to work with me," she said. "Porch is definitely kid friendly. A lot of moms with young children shop here."
Keeping business in town means working with other store owners. She is "very close" with the women who own Inside and Pink Dolly in Arlington Center.
"We're all friends and we help each other out," said Bronisz-Wisner. "If someone is going to spend some money, we'd like to have it stay in Arlington."
When she's not at the shop, Bronisz-Wisner enjoys life with her husband Paul, their toddler Miles, and a toy poodle named Gracie Lulu.
"We go to the Res; I work on my house. Arlington is a great community This is where I plan to live for the rest of my days," she said.
The business has her husband's complete support.
"This store was the start of a new phase of my life. Paul made the sign for Porch, changed the lights, laid the floors with me and built the dressing room for Wardrobe," she added. "He also takes care of Miles on Saturday."
Bronisz-Wisner is clearly proud of being a working mom and an entrepreneur.
"I want my son to know that I'm strong that I took very good care of him and kept him with me," she said. "It doesn't cross my mind that this is work. This is what I do, who I am. I'm with Miles. On my porch."
Porch is located at 23 Mystic Street and is open seven days a week. Call 781-641-3325 or visit www.iloveporch.com for hours and information.
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Barbara Walsh and Laura Bronisz-Wisner try to bring a light atmosphere to their Arlington Center businesses: Porch and Wardrobe. (Staff photos by Les Masterson)
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