May is busting out all over! And we couldn’t be happier. As the founder of ThamesGiving in Newport, I’ve had the joy of connecting with many savvy, creative business owners across the Thames Street District. One thing that stands out is how many of these businesses are run by mother-daughter duos and trios! For this WUN Voices piece, I’m spotlighting a few of these amazing family-run ventures—and the powerful and supportive relationships behind them.
Matriarch
Matriarch opened at 468 Thames Street in May 2023 and has quickly become a vibrant hub of all things fabulous, fun and female! Founded by Amy Larson, a proud feminist, the shop is a tribute to all the women in her life who have inspired her – hence the shop’s name.
“When I opened Matriarch as the brick & mortar home for my brand, Overseasoned, I named it that because the shop sources almost entirely from woman-owned brands. Since the beginning, I knew I wanted to collaborate with my Mom (Ann Larson) and my Aunt Mair Mary Anne Murphy) on running the business. They are my matriarchs, and I have so much to learn from them!”
Before launching Matriarch, Amy built her apparel and kitchen accessories brand on whimsical, bold designs, inspired by her personal philosophies. A foodie and a bibliophile, she stocks her store with tasty treats, cookbooks, and curated reads.
Her mom Ann is Matriarch’s gardener and floral designer, keeping the storefront lush and inviting – and winning many Newport in Bloom awards, thanks to her green thumb. She also brings in warm baked goods to every shop event; and there are many! Aunt Mair, a seasoned salesperson and marketing pro, keeps the visual merchandising fresh and welcoming. Amy’s cousin Lydia Berggruen is a multi-media artist and the shop’s social media guru. Plus, she runs Matriarch’s popular monthly Craft Club.
“At Matriarch we are building a community that goes beyond just a shopping experience,” Larson says. “Our calendar is full of creative events. We want people to come in not just to shop, but to connect, learn, make friends, and give back to causes we care about.”
This Saturday, May 10, from 8am – 1pm, Matriarch is hosting a Mother’s Day bake and floral sale in support of Moms Demand Action.
Catch the Wave: Vitamin Sea & Co.
Kirstin Lewis and Karen Lewis, the mother-daughter team behind Vitamin Sea & Co., own an ocean-inspired art gallery & gift shop located in the Perry Mill building at the start of Lower Thames Street in Newport. Kirstin, the artist and creative director, brings her bubbly, fun-loving spirit to every piece she creates, while her mom, Karen, handles daily operations and keeps the gallery running smoothly when Kirstin is in the studio.
Both left previous careers – Kirstin was a registered dietitian and Karen has a teaching and therapy background – to build their dream business together.
“In five years, we have curated such a wonderful, supportive community of ocean lovers, art lovers, good energy & positive people. We have met visitors from around the world who have come back to visit us every time they are in town,” Kirstin said. “We are building up our local community with our Resin Art Classes to create a therapeutic, confidence-boosting, safe, and fun environment to explore one’s artistic side.”
Vitamin Sea & Co.’s new classes, which launched this past winter, have been a big success and often sell out. “We love being able to engage the community in art classes, and foster a greater appreciation of the arts, as well as offer a therapeutic outlet through art creation,” Karen added.
They hope to continue expanding this creative and healing side of the business.
A Stitch in Time: Mery’s Tailor Shop
Mery Revilla and her daughters Gabriela and Carla, run Mery’s Tailor Shop on Marlborough Street in Newport. Mery launched the business 20 years ago after emigrating from Bolivia. She told WUN “My passion for sewing began in Bolivia, where I studied fashion design and began selling my own creations. When we moved to Newport, I kept tailoring and working design-related jobs until I was able to purchase my own shop.”
Gabriela joined her 12 years ago, bringing her RISD-honed skills to the team. Revilla said, “Working together just felt right—it allowed us to support each other, grow as a family, and share what we love to do with our community.” Her youngest daughter, Carla, joined the business full-time in 2021, completing the mother-daughter team.
Mery explains that their professional roles evolved over the years organically. Their roles evolved naturally: Mery focuses on bridal gowns and home décor, Gabriela handles suit alterations and fittings with expert care, and Carla keeps operations running smoothly, handling logistics and basic alterations.
Community is very important to the Revilla family too. “We serve a wonderfully diverse community and we welcome everyone with open arms,” Mery shared. “We believe in the power of connection and care, and that’s what we want our small family business to reflect.”
The Little Chateau with a Big Heart
Chrissy Harrington and her mother, Jackie, opened the Little Chateau apparel & gifts boutique, in Washington Square, over Mother’s Day weekend in 2022.
“My mom and I always wanted to open our very own boutique,” Chrissy explained. “We both have retail backgrounds, and we knew that someday we would work together. When 13 Touro Street became available in 2022 after years of us casually browsing the commercial space market, we fell in love with the location and jumped right in!” The owners recently expanded next door to annex 15 Touro which will enable them to showcase even more thoughtfully curated home décor, gifts, apparel, and jewelry.
When you visit Little Chateau, along with all of these other shops, it is clear they are all true labors of love, beautifully nurtured by these dynamic mother-daughter teams.
Happy Mother’s Day to all these creative and inspiring women business owners – and to all the women who build and dream together!
Michele Gallagher is a dedicated supporter of local businesses, and the founder of City-by-the-Sea Communications.
