Squared's Roots
Melisa Christie, 38, took her love for glitter-covered citrus public when she opened gift boutique Davis Squared.
 (Globe Staff Photo / Wendy Maeda) |
You were the manager and buyer at a Davis Square institution, the gift shop Pluto, until it closed two years ago. Did you ever think you would open your own store?
I always wanted to open a store and nothing else came in after Pluto closed. We had such a great following at Pluto, so I just had to go for it, had to do it. [My husband and I] live in Davis Square; he's the bar manager at Gargoyles on the Square. It's our home, and we wanted to add something to our neighborhood.
How would you describe your store?
It definitely represents me. I like that it's very bright and airy. There's sort of a happy feeling to it. It's slightly feminine - we need to beef up the men's stuff a bit.
What about the manhole-cover doormats?
We've actually been selling them. One guy came in and bought a few; he has a place in New York and a place in Boston, and so he bought the Boston mat for his New York apartment, and the New York mat for his Boston place. I love that.
What are some of your favorite things in the store right now?
Our Davis Square T-shirts. There's also a line called Trumpette that I love - they do great baby track shoes in silver with pink and blue laces. And then we have in silver with pink and blue laces. And then we have a new jewelry line coming in, called Glitterlimes, from San Francisco. It's literally sliced citrus fruits dipped in glitter; you have to see them.
The aprons are very Betty Crocker-chic.
I can't keep them in stock; I'm selling them right off the mannequins. They are retro-y, cute aprons from Jessie Steele. They bring you back to home, to what your mom or grandma wore.
What cards do you carry?
OCD is definitely one of my favorite lines. I really like Great Arrow. We also have a handmade line called Some of Me - they make beautiful cards. And of course we have our edgy, slightly dirty Clayboys cards.
Are you into sending cards?
Yes. I'm not a big computer person. I've finally been forced to start sending e-mails. I love handwritten notes and sending little presents. I'm silly like that.
-- Courtney Hollands
Davis Squared
409 Highland Avenue
Somerville
617-666-6700
davissquared.com
