Ripped by Jules
Jules Feldman Batchelor draws legions of followers—notably fellow moms yearning to regain their physiques—to her West Acton studio with high-intensity boot camps, Tread Tabata, nutritional counseling, and a motto: Stronger than Yesterday. Despite her otherworldly stamina and Olympian’s physique, Batchelor is relatable, too: Having overcome bulimia, she brings empathy and perspective to her classes and training videos. rippedbyjules.com.
Jeremy Ogusky
You get a CSA box from your local farm and you’re on a first-name basis with your butcher, but what about the plates and bowls you set the table with every day? A worthy addition to any Boston cabinet, potter Jeremy Ogusky’s durable, unpretentious pieces can be purchased on Etsy; biannual open-studio days at his J.P. workspace, meanwhile, welcome all to come learn the art of pottery. claycrocks.com.
Parlr
Shutterbug and makeup artist extraordinaire Rachael Rubin has relocated her industrial-chic salon/photo studio concept to an 11,000-square-foot location in the same loft building, adding a full roster of spa treatments to her menu of services (think: microblading, reiki, lash extensions, and the very best blowout around). Bonus points for the chance to strike your best model pose after a day of pampering. One Watson Place, Framingham, MA 01701, theparlr.com.
Maricruz Hairstyles
Entrusting someone with the most photographed hairstyle of your life is no small decision—unless, of course, that someone is Maricruz Polito. With years of experience behind every tendril she curls, pins, or spritzes into place, the savvy stylist doesn’t just create memorable ’dos for clients preparing to walk down the aisle. Polito—who recently debuted a shiny new studio in Waltham—brings peace of mind to brides looking for a stress-free (and decidedly elegant) wedding day. 681 Main St., Waltham, MA 02451, maricruzhairstyles.com.
Blush
Tan lines and problem skin are no match for Kelly O’Keefe and her team of makeup artists and aestheticians, who travel throughout New England to create flawlessly natural looks for brides. Skilled in both traditional and airbrush foundation application, Blush’s pros can also work with you before the wedding, offering skin-care consultations and trial runs at their Hingham-based studio, Tryst. 29 Main St., Hingham, MA blushweddingday.com.
Flair Boston
You found it. The dress. Now it’s your bridesmaids’ turn. Choose a frock they’ll want to wear again (really) at Flair, where owner Stacey Kraft helps bridal parties sift through rack upon colorful rack of shifts, one-shoulders, and A-lines from top designers such as Jenny Yoo, Anna Elyse, and the Dessy Group. Beloved by wedding pros, the airy studio offers top-notch service and refreshingly honest advice. 140 Newbury St., Boston, MA flairbridesmaid.com.
Katrina Hess
A stalwart of the Boston beauty scene, Katrina Hess has always been a go-to for special-occasion makeup. But she’ll also transform your daily makeup routine with private two-hour lessons at her Newbury Street studio. Bring along your own cosmetics bag, and she’ll even weed out the duds. 115 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, katrinahess.com.
Orly Khon Floral
Industrial chic. Richly bohemian. Romantic and fresh. Orly Khon, formerly of Tangerine Creations, can weave a floral theme for any romance—blooms springing from driftwood, succulents beneath glass cloches, blossom chains. She's also a weather watcher, keeping track of how our crazy climate affects flowers and making appropriate (read: calming) modifications. And with a retail store inside the Restoration Hardware flagship and a studio close to the Boston Flower Exchange, Khon has a garden of local inspiration at her fingertips. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116, orlykhon.com.
Sophie Hughes
This young designer forges rings from start to finish in her studio using recycled metals and reclaimed or ethically sourced gems. Choose a ready-made design or meet with Hughes to get creative. From classic shiny bands to one-of-a-kind baubles, the possibilities are endless. (She'll even fuse metals together for a two-tone match made in heaven.) Hughes is adept with old miner stones, too, so incorporating Grandma's diamonds won't be a problem. 80 Dartmouth St., Boston, MA 02116, sophiehughes.com.
Ana Hernández
A wedding gown is more costly than anything else in your closet. Why buy it off the rack when you can get a couture creation? Designer Hernández will build the dress of your dreams from scratch. Simply walk upstairs to her lovely studio and collaborate with her to produce a dress the likes of which you literally won't see anywhere else. 165 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
David Vendetti, South Boston Yoga
If you had told us a few years ago that one day we'd be scrambling to get to a yoga studio in Southie, we'd have thought you were nuts. Yet here we ar—and it's all a testament to David Vendetti. After his flowing, challenging class, we're sore but ready to take on the world, and looking forward to meeting him on the mat again. 36 W. Broadway, South Boston, MA southbostonyoga.net.
Camden
Boston's answer to the Strokes was spawned at Northeastern when undergrad Jason Bergman joined up with three classmates (Timmy Miles, Jason Sibilia, and Jim Williamson) to form Camden in 2010. This rocking, Stones-influenced quartet has an impressive following at Great Scott, and a few self-pressed vinyl releases to its name. See them now, before they explode: They're in the studio working on a jazzier full-length album, expected to be released by spring 2013.
Michele Mercaldo Jewelry
Michele Mercaldo must have aced geometry — after all, this jewelry artist can sculpt the perfect rectangle and circle like no other. A MassArt alum, Mercaldo has devoted the past 30 years to creating ruby rings, brown-diamond necklaces, and prehnite druzy cufflinks, to name just a few. Browse the cases at her sparkling Shawmut Avenue studio, or make an appointment to have her custom-design something just for you in whatever shape you dream of. 276 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA 02118, michelemercaldojewelry.com.
C.R.K. Beauty
To newbies, the fine art of lash enhancement can seem downright confusing. Extensions, lifts, tints—where to begin? Thankfully, Cori Kurker is here to break it down for you in her cozy Beacon Hill studio, then deliver the goods, whether you decide on a classic full set with come-hither appeal, an on-trend curl, or simply a darker lash hue to accent those twinkling eyes. 135 Charles St., Boston, MA crkbeauty.com.
BKBX
The futuristic-looking new sibling of Brooklyn Boulders, BKBX landed in Allston earlier this year to bridge the gap between the work you put in inside the gym and the work you put in outside of it. That means you’ll find a comprehensive training studio in addition to recovery-focused amenities such as cryotherapy and an infrared sauna. Of course, this wouldn’t be a Brooklyn Boulders gym without a massive bouldering wall—go ahead and summit it when you’re feeling adventurous. 211 Western Ave., Allston, MA bkbx.fit.