Holiday Hearts Initiative
b.LUXE Celebrates Community with Local Business Gift Card Giveaway
We’re so excited to share our favorite local businesses with you!
As December's festive spirit fills the streets of Medway and its surrounding towns, twinkling lights adorn storefronts and holiday shoppers bustle through local shops, creating a scene of seasonal joy.
But there's a particular warmth spreading through our community this year, one that goes beyond the glow of decorations and holiday shopping.
This month, b.LUXE Hair and Makeup is celebrating what we're calling “The Holiday Hearts Initiative," a tribute to the small businesses that make our communities thrive and the loyal customers who support them.
The concept is beautifully simple: b.LUXE is Gifting Ten $50 Gift Cards to some of our favorite local businesses throughout Medway, Franklin, and Hopkinton. But here's where it gets truly special; these aren't gift cards FROM b.LUXE. Instead, we're empowering our fellow small business owners to pay it forward, giving them the freedom to award these gift cards to customers they feel are deserving, whether that's a loyal patron, someone going through a difficult time, or simply a face that brightens their day.
"December is the heart of the holiday season, and it reminds us what's truly important," explains b.LUXE owner Heather Cohen. "We've always believed in lifting each other up, and supporting the incredible small businesses in our area. It’s not just a good business practice, it's the foundation of what makes these tight-knit communities so special. These businesses are run by our neighbors, staffed by our friends, and together they create the unique character that makes our community feel like home.”
Each of these ten businesses brings something unique to our towns…
Molly's Apothecary in Medway has been crafting handmade natural soaps, lotions, and bath products since 2006.
Run by sisters Ann and Margaret at Medway Mill, the business was born from a mother's love—named after their mom Molly and started when Ann's son experienced skin issues and she wanted an all-natural solution.
Their commitment to using only the finest oils, butters, and essential oils has made them a destination for those seeking natural, thoughtfully made skincare. www.mollysapothecary.com
Elf on a Shelf at Molly’s Apothecary in Medway, MA! Trees are decorated with gifts and goodies that all will love!
Muffin House Cafe - Rockstar Coffee, Breakfast, Lunch and Pastries
Muffin House Cafe in Medway needs little introduction to locals.
Since 2014, owner Sheldon Strasnick has been creating what many claim are the best blueberry muffins since the legendary Jordan Marsh bakery.
Opening at 5 a.m. daily, this family-owned cafe serves not just their famous muffins but breakfast sandwiches, lunch options, and specialty coffees.
The success speaks for itself—the original Medway location has grown to six shops throughout the region. www.muffinhousecafe.com
Over in Hopkinton, Swoon Central Boutique has been a gathering place for women since 2014.
More than just a clothing store, Swoon has become a community hub where friendships flourish over trendy apparel, jewelry, and gifts.
The boutique recently welcomed new owner Alaina Chagnon, a local kindergarten teacher who previously loved shopping at Swoon and now brings fresh energy and passion to this beloved space. www.swooncentral.com
Hopkinton’s premier women’s boutique, Swoon Central offers the finest selection of designer clothing in a boutique setting.
Terrazza in Franklin is an amazing gift store with so much to offer! There’s something for everyone!
Terrazza Gift Shop in Franklin has been transporting customers to the Tuscan countryside since 2004.
Specializing in gifts, jewelry, home decor, and garden accents inspired by French Country and Italian landscapes, this Franklin Village treasure offers everything from elegant Italian pottery to serene landscape prints.
The moment you walk through their doors, the bubbling fountains and scents of lavender and vanilla create an instant escape. www.terrazzagifts.com
Apricot Lane Boutique in Franklin joined our community more recently, bringing the 30-year-old California-based franchise's philosophy of local ownership and personalized service to East Central Street in 2022.
Owner Marta McNulty curates unique styles weekly, ensuring that women of all ages can find flattering, timeless, and affordable fashion.
The boutique's relaxed atmosphere and knowledgeable fashion consultants make every shopping trip feel special. www.apricotlaneboutique.com
Beautiful assortment of holiday wear at Apricot Lane
Paulina and Sean, the husband and wife team from Comer Teng Studio
Comer Teng Jewelry Studio, also in Franklin, represents the beautiful intersection of art, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. Husband and wife team Sean Comer and Paulina Teng (PT) create lightweight, hypoallergenic jewelry and accessories from wood, leather, acrylic, and upcycled materials in their home studio. Their commitment extends beyond beautiful design—they use only recyclable packaging materials and donate monthly to organizations making the world better. www.comertengstudio.com
JK Cafe and Catering on West Central Street in Franklin serves up small bites, charcuterie boards, and handcrafted beverages in a welcoming atmosphere. Owner Kelsey Lindsey has created a space where the community gathers for everything from banana nut chai lattes to pressed sandwiches and loaded pasta salads. Open Tuesday through Saturday for both cafe and catering services. www.jkcateringandevents.com
Delicious food, fantastic friends, Visit Medway Cafe
Medway Cafe on Main Street is where the town comes together. This sports-themed American restaurant and bar serves up generous portions of comfort food like fresh seafood dinners and tender steak tips, alongside cold drinks and plenty of TVs for game day. They've earned their loyal following the old-fashioned way: quality food, fair prices, and a friendly atmosphere where everyone feels at home. www.medwaycafe.com
Fiori and Fern recently moved to a stunning new location at 138 East Central Street in Franklin, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase two floors of curated gifts, home decor, plants, and fresh weekly flowers. Owner Michelle Greenwood, with her background in corporate merchandising, has created a unique shopping experience that goes beyond beautiful blooms to include artisan jewelry, candles, and thoughtfully selected home goods. www.fioriandfern.com
Beautiful holiday flowers from Fiori & Fern
Beautiful holiday nails at Chat Noir
Finally, The Parlour at Chat Noir Nail Studio in Medway brings a touch of French elegance to nail care. Named after a historic French cabaret, owner Jillian Cohen has built a boutique salon in the West Medway Historic District that stands apart from typical walk-in nail salons. Known for meticulous service, rigid safety protocols, and a cozy atmosphere, Chat Noir offers everything from basic manicures to nail art and reconstruction services. mysite.vagaro.com/theparlouratchatnoir
What ties all these businesses together is their commitment to more than just transactions. They're building relationships, creating customer experiences, and investing in our communities. They sponsor local teams, host workshops, employ our neighbors, and show up for events that matter.
"When we support local businesses, we're doing more than making a purchase," reflects Heather. "We're investing in the character of our community, keeping dollars circulating locally, and building the kind of towns we want to live in. This Holiday Hearts Initiative is our way of saying thank you to the business owners who pour their hearts into serving us, and to the customers who choose local."
If we remember one thing this season it’s that the holidays aren't just about what we buy, but how we build each other up. Maybe you're grabbing your morning coffee or treating yourself to a manicure, or searching for the perfect gift. Every choice to shop local creates ripples of positive impact.
So this December, as you check off your holiday lists and finish your shopping, consider making your next stop one of these wonderful local businesses—or any of the other incredible small shops throughout Medway, Franklin, Hopkinton and our surrounding towns. Supporting them supports us all.
The Holiday Hearts Initiative continues through December. Visit these businesses in person to experience the local love for yourself.
