Something New

‘Plant nerd’ brings unique, diverse inventory to Providence

Something New 07/10/2020

A gardening store that features unusual varieties of familiar perennials is a new addition to Providence. Homegrown, which opened in May, has both houseplants...

MATCHMAKER: Debra L’Heureux, owner of Get Ready to Date LLC in Barrington, offers personalized matchmaking and dating-coach services for seniors. / PBN PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM

She makes the dating game personal

Something New 07/03/2020

Debra L’Heureux has always been a matchmaker of sorts. First it was pairing Johnson & Wales University students with their dream careers during her time...

MADE IN R.I.: Cynthia Treen, left, and Clare King, co-owners of isewMasks, use locally sourced materials from Rhode Island-based companies in their do-it-yourself mask-making kits. / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

These DIY face mask kits have dual purpose

Something New 06/26/2020

isewMasks do-it-yourself mask-making kit products are locally manufactured, affordable and designed to teach new skills while filling a need during the coronavirus pandemic. Founders Propel...

POWERFUL PRODUCT: Allyson Cote, CEO and president of Ocean State Shields, and Todd Thomas, chief innovation officer, with their product, sd90, a coating that stops micro-organism growth for up to a year on surfaces. / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Startup aiming to ensure microbes stay away

Something New 06/19/2020

Without making claims specific to the new coronavirus, Ocean State Shields LP says its product – a nontoxic spray-on liquid that disinfects surfaces, including...

TACTILE TRAINER: Kevin Davis spent 15 years working as a personal trainer in various gyms before setting out on his own and launching Anchor Fitness LLC in Middletown in September. / PBN PHOTO/KATE WHITNEY LUCEY

Bad injury sparks a passion for trainer

Something New 06/12/2020

A broken back ended Kevin Davis’ skateboarding career. But the injury also forced the Portsmouth native into a gym, igniting a new passion and the...

ONE-MAN GAME: David Rothenberg, owner of A Plus Handyman Services LLC, power-washes a house. The one-man operation offers a range of services, including painting, siding, excavating and sheet-rock installations. / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

A fast restart for handyman service

Something New 06/05/2020

David Rothenberg put his 3-month-old business on hold in March when COVID-19 appeared in Rhode Island. Gradually, he began feeling more confident about accepting...

NO STING: Beeline Loans Inc. co-owners Nicholas Liuzza, CEO, and Jessica Kennedy, general counselor, aim to simplify the home mortgage process by allowing people to complete it online. / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Beeline Loans trying to make mortgages process simpler

Something New 05/29/2020

Getting a home mortgage shouldn’t be painful. That’s the premise of a new mortgage company, Beeline Loans Inc., which recently opened in Providence. Launched in February...

CAREER COACH: Charise Wilson, owner of employment-services company Workforce Ready Solutions, helps clients identify their unique skills and talents through self-created aptitude tests and career coaching. / PBN PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY

Job-hunting service suddenly in demand

Something New 05/22/2020

When Charise Wilson launched her employment-services company last May, the state hit record-low unemployment. Most of Workforce Ready Solutions LLC’s initial clients were not laid...

BY THE NUMBERS: Heart-rate monitors and a 3D body scan help trainer Nate Andrews, left, and Dr. Ram Yogendra, founder of ECA Wellness in Pawtucket, assess clients’ fitness needs. / PBN PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM

In fitness journey, ECA Wellness makes use of science

Something New 05/15/2020

ECA Wellness LLC reflects founder Dr. Ram Yogendra’s scientific approach to fitness. Heart-rate monitors, a 3D body scan and other devices help Yogendra and trainer...