Boston Commoners

08/02/2022

Meet Joey - foodie creator behind Joseph]]
Back in 2016, Joey started documenting his mouth-watering finds around New England restaurants. He began on by posting pictures of cheesy pizza and over-the-top donuts. Over the years, he has transitioned to video-based content on Instagram and capturing the cheese-pulling moments. Joey is now posting what I call “food porn” to nearly 200k followers across multiple platforms.
What I find most captivating about Joseph]] is his eminent passion for unique food. Joey explains he always had an interest in cooking and eating delicious food. Growing up Italian, Joey was surrounded by food and finds appreciation by the creativity and diversity of the various dishes he has posted on his page.
Through the years of growing his page, Joey learned the intricacies of photography. He shows up to shoots with a camera and lighting equipment to capture the photo-worthy dishes. Within a short few days (or even hours), Joseph]] shares his masterpieces to his drooling followers waiting to line up at what Joey thinks is the “the best Italian sub in New England”.
Joey is all about trying delicious foods, creating beautiful content, and helping businesses grow… oh, and making mouths salivate. Be sure to follow him on Instagram and TikTok and check out his website by searching TheRoamingFoodiePhotography.
Joey, keep doing what you’re doing! I’m hungry for it!
📸🍔🌮🍕🍝🍩🥡

05/24/2022

Meet Nick Taylor - an abstract artist, computer wizard, and movie lover - Nick Taylor]
Born and raised in Brookline, Nick found his love of art later in life. He shared that he always had a creative mind, but an empty canvas and inspiration from others turned his thoughts into masterpieces....
Nick likes to 'go with the flow' both in his life and his paintings. Nick explained that he always goes into a painting with an idea but that it never turns out the way he intended. Whether he creates a painting from a previous vision or paints whatever he feels in the moment, he is always left with a unique and innovative creation! He creates abstract paintings and has covered the walls of his home with them. What is so cool about abstract paintings is that you can make it your own - what Nick sees from his artwork can be interpreted differently by someone else.
Nick also uses his creative mind through technology. He has a passion for fixing and programming computers. Nick has even combined his passions for art and computers by incorporating circuit boards into his paintings (look through his Instagram to see at Nick Taylor])!
Nick loves sci-fi and if you think you've watched all the sci-fi shows and movies that exist - you'll be competing with Nick! Let's just say, I left our meet-up with a long list of shows/movies I need to watch!
What I enjoyed most about our conversation was being able to feel Nick's passion. I truly love hearing people speak about what brings them joy and creates meaning in their life. I also get to walk away with new knowledge and interests! For Nick, it's being able to express his creativity and sharing it with others.
Nick, please keep doing what you're doing! I hope to see your artwork around town! You can also find his paintings to buy on his website!

04/15/2022

Meet Kelsea - beer and snack connoisseur - Kelsea|BrewerybabeKelsea]]]
Born and raised in the south shore, Kelsea is truly the go-to for brewery recommendations in MA. The idea for this page started after her father passed away suddenly. Kelsea and her father were very close, spending up to three nights a week together! As a way to honor his memory, Kelsea continued to go out socially and drink beer, which lead her to discover the absence of women at breweries. This inspired Kelsea to change the narrative that only men drink beer…
Kelsea says she hopes to inspire “more women to get into craft beer”. Working at a brewery herself, she has witnessed the lack of females in the craft beer industry. Kelsea|BrewerybabeKelsea]]] is using this platform to face the paucity of women and craft beer.
As a matter of fact, it was women who began working as chemists for brewing caloric-rich beverages as a way to consume and preserve grains. Much of the iconography we associate with witches today, with the broom and cauldron, emerged from the connection to female brewers.
Kelsea discussed how she became so knowledgeable on beer and being able to cultivate a sophisticated palate for various hops and flavors in craft beer. She explained that she takes note of what she likes and doesn’t like from beers she tastes and carefully reads the description to identify the specific ingredients her taste buds prefer. Kelsea recommends getting a flight at breweries to explore a diversified selection of beers you may have never tried.
Kelsea|BrewerybabeKelsea]]] turned a corner when Kelsea began filing herself trying various snacks! Who doesn’t want to know if it’s worth buying the newest item or how the menu items at a brewery pairs with their beers?! Kelsea and her taste buds will surely inform your next grocery shopping or brewery trip!
Besides the fact that Kelsea|BrewerybabeKelsea]]] is super easy to talk to and you’ll learn a lot about beer, I encourage you all to follow, reach out, and meet up! Kelsea is passionate about her mission to bring more women to the craft beer world and I’m on board!! 🍻 Cheers, Kelsea! Keep doing what you’re doing!
Also, visit for delicious craft beer!

03/25/2022

Meet Amber - a storyteller, producer, and editor -
is currently a graduate student at studying Strategic Communications and Public Relations. Since as long as she can remember, Amber has been fascinated with films and videography. She admires the creative ways in which a story is shared, especially important themes and messages that spread awareness to make an impact. When Amber got a position at an access television network, she truly discovered her passion…
What struck me about our conversation, was Amber’s drive and commitment to social awareness and public relations. We talked in depth about how videography and multimedia has changed the way we spread and receive information. Amber has taken her work as a videographer, producer, and editor to illustrate important messages to the community related to topics such as LGBTQ+, mental and physical health, environmental issues. She hopes to create work that is not only inclusive, but accessible to everyone.
Amber has focused her work in helping businesses, organizations, and communities grow and reach their intended audiences. She is passionate about developing creative solutions to engage communities and create partnerships. Amber worked with as their content creator and successfully helped the business expand!
Amber more recent years, Amber has worked on a web series called, AFAB (Assigned Female at Birth) . This series aims at sharing stories from 32 interviews with a diverse group of individuals from the POC, LGBTQ+ community, people living with disabilities, seniors, mothers, etc. They are in the process of producing the fourth season!
I love how passionate Amber is to create content that disseminates important messages to the community. Her work is amazing! Please check out her social media platforms and reach out if you or your business has the potential to grow! Keep doing what you’re doing,

03/20/2022

Meet Edward Galan - dancer, music connoisseur, and co-founder of A Trike Called Funk - A Trike Called Funk]]]]
It’s all in the name - a trike that travels around Boston bringing the funk to locals! A Trike Called Funk]]]] has been bringing the community together, creating a fun and engaging experience while also supporting local businesses and organizations. Ed believes that “any time there is a gathering of people, there is an opportunity to induce beauty, generosity, creativity and magic”
Ed was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Boston after moving here at the age 7. Throughout adulthood, Ed has lived in NOLA, the Bay Area, and Boulder where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies focusing on Peace and Conflict Studies and Psychology of Health, Healing and Music at .
When Ed moved back to Boston, he joined which is a Boston-based dance crew that specializing in Locking (a ‘70s funky style of dance). Here is where Ed met his business partner, . In 2019, they received a grant to put on a series of monthly pop-up performances around neighborhoods in Boston. In 2020 with the restrictions of social gatherings, they were forced to pivot their original plans…
A $100 trike found at a yard sale and with the help of local bicycle shops, A Trike Called Funk]]]] became the creative venture they never expected. In July of 2021, the trike was up and moving bringing funk/soul tunes to places like Carson beach, , and Franklin Park! This mobile and musical vehicle changed what social gatherings looked like for Bostonians during the pandemic!
Ed shared how he has been able to bring his passions for Latin dance, music, health and wellness, and cultural diversity together while also being able to support local businesses and recognize underrepresented communities. A Trike Called Funk]]]] has a website where you can book them for events and see where they will be lockin’, poppin’, and droppin’ the beats throughout the year! 🎶
I loved chatting with and eating delicious ramen . Please keep doing what you’re doing, A Trike Called Funk]]]] - I’m excited to show you my dance moves soon!

03/14/2022

Meet Carl Alleyne - an entrepreneur, mindset coach, and performer - Mindset Coach]
Carl has been involved in the entertainment industry for 32 years. Born and raised in Boston, Carl found a love for performing, teaching, and choreographing. He’s performed for big names such as .raycharles and . He has starred in various films as an actor and model. Carl has been able to travel around the world to choreograph and perform. He currently teaches classes at where he brings his fun personality, style, and knowledge to the dance floor!
What may sound like a glorious lifestyle of traveling with famous artists, Mindset Coach] found himself wanting to take his own path. Carl created the Boston Mobile Dance Studio, where he and fellow coaches were able to serve thousands of dance students around New England. In 2020, he founded the digital media company, Your Brand Expressed Media, with a mission to provide services that help individuals, companies and organizations navigate forward in their endeavors.
Through the pandemic, Carl recognized a need for a mindset change - both for himself and others. In 2021, he became a certified mindset coach and has used his own life experiences to help those wanting to live life to its fullest. Carl provides 1:1 coaching, group coaching, as well as programs. His goal is to assist individuals in navigating challenges their lives.
With managing being a dad of 5, Carl focuses his programming towards other men wanting to find balance in their lives. His newest group launched last week - learn more on Instagram and Facebook!
I love how Carl has taken his choreographer skills and transformed them to his coaching business - he creates a collaborative space and reminds his clients to take life one step at a time (pun intended). 🕺 Carl, thanks for sharing your experiences with me. I admire your energy and positive mindset - you are truly making an impact on others. Keep doing what you’re doing!

03/08/2022

Meet SSgt Tori Glover - a recruiter for the US Air Force - SSgt Tori Glover]]
First and foremost, thank you SSgt Tori Glover]] for your service 🇺🇸 From not knowing much about the process of enlisting into the military, it was eye-opening to hear from the perspective of Glover’s personal experience.
For SSgt Glover, she joined the U.S. Air Force] as an alternative way to finance her education. Born and raised in the south shore, she had goals of moving away and pursuing a college education. Like many, Glover found herself in a predicament when she did not receive the financial aid to support her studies. That’s when Glover sought out a recruiter for the Air Force…
Having family members in the military, Glover already had a base knowledge of what she was signing herself up for. Shortly after competing the documentation, she received the call with her duty - a weather forecaster stationed in Las Vegas.
During the 6 years Glover was working in that position, she was able to narrow her future goals… which no longer included going to college the “traditional” way. Glover continued to work her way up in being able to apply and accept a position as a recruiter for the Air Force, which allowed her and her daughter to move back to Massachusetts to be closer to family. Whilst being active in the U.S. Air Force] Glover was able to complete 2 associates degrees and still plans to pursue a bachelors!
The way Glover discussed her journey since graduating high school brought tears to both our eyes. I found it inspiring how enlisting to the Air Force changed Glover’s course of life, as many other teenagers who may not be able to afford a higher education or who decide not to take the ‘typical’ path in life. From her own experience, Glover takes her recruiting job seriously in understanding one’s motivators for wanting to join the military. It was uplifting to hear how Glover’s recruiter was the pivotal part in her decision to enlist, and now she has come full-circle in being able to be that person for others.
Thank you SSgt Tori Glover]] - keep doing what you’re doing.

03/03/2022

Meet Alyssa Zonghetti - entrepreneur, podcaster, and inspirational speaker - Alyssa Zonghetti]]]
Alyssa suggested we meet to support a small business and the different nonprofits that the coffee shop endorses. I point this out because her suggestion was just one example of how Alyssa spreads kindness and inspiration in her everyday.
Alyssa Zonghetti]]] shared the life challenges she has endured that she never expected would later open the doors for entrepreneurship. Alyssa has always been passionate about bringing people together and worked as an event planner for over 20 years. After becoming a widow at age 31 and finding herself looking for connection through the pandemic, Alyssa found how she could strengthen her passion and also help others…
In March of 2020, Alyssa began hosting virtual hangouts for anyone feeling lonely on Saturday nights. The weekly group quickly grew and she recognized that she was not the only one suffering from loneliness during this unprecedented time. That’s when Alyssa founded The Contemporary Connection - a social membership group bringing independent women together.
The Contemporary Connection has reached women globally, providing a space for single and independent women to socialize, network, feel empowered, supported, and ultimately create personal connections. Alyssa is evolving this community with hosting in-person events inclusive for all ages of women!
In addition, Alyssa Zonghetti]]] and host - a “no bull$hit” podcast discussing topics related to empowering women. From relationships and finding your voice to story telling and sharing your passions, this podcast is all about helping you become the true you!! Alyssa Zonghetti]]] stated that she feels empowered to share her personal story and be a voice for those who are quietly going through a similar experience as she did. She is currently writing a book to better illustrate how her life experiences shaped who she is today.
Alyssa, you are so inspiring - I admire your positive energy and the big heart you have for others 💕Please keep doing what you’re doing! Go to thecontemporaryconnection.com to learn more!

02/22/2022

Meet Nick Shea - the artist creating $1 drawings -
“By doing what you love, you inspire and awaken the hearts of others.” Nick does exactly that. It was a pleasure to join him on that bench and watched as people stopped by for $1 drawing of themselves. Within one minute, Nick hand draws a charactour with nothing but a sharpie and his stack of index cards. What he does is so simple, yet so powerful…
What some might quickly judge to be a homeless kid trying to make quick money, is actually a creative initiative to spread joy and kindness! Nick reminded me of the simplicity in spreading kindness - for him, it only takes a cardboard box, a and a stack of index cards.
What I found most inspiring was the quick connection he makes with the strangers that approach him. As people stand while Nick draws their portrait, he starts a conversation by asking simple questions like “are you from Boston?” “Do you like to draw?” Within 30 seconds, a deeper conversation is initiated. From learning about others’ interest in art and discussing favorite places to visit in the city to hearing what brought them to the that day or how they committed a murder (yes, true story), Nick is a listening ear. He has a love for spreading positive energy, whether that’s listening to someone vent or providing them a small piece of art on their walk in the park.
Nick started drawing for $1 in 2017 and still finds himself sitting on that bench as often as he can. His goal is continue to do what he loves and hopes to inspire others to do the same. He shared that if he can make one person smile from his drawing, then he had a successful day.
If you don’t see on that bench, you may see him elsewhere in the city drawing architecture or skateboarding the streets. Nick also creates music and has produced multiple albums. Please go visit and get yourself a cute drawing like I did! You can also check out his story written in the
Nick, please keep doing what you’re doing!! ✍️

02/16/2022

Meet Alex - better known as Alex Makes Art, LLC]] - a mixed media artist inspiring kids all over the globe to express their creative side!
Alex, born and raised in New York, made her way to Boston as an aspiring photographer. After earning a scholarship to the Art Institute of Boston at and she quickly recognized that school inhibited her from exploring her unconventional ideas. She left college and began teaching at an after-school program in Cambridge, all while facilitating art lessons and creative events on the side. Not long after, the global pandemic changed the course of life for Alex.
Like many of us, the pandemic allowed Alex time to explore undiscovered ideas and new hobbies. Alex filled her time by making fabric masks after quickly recognizing the need to keep her local community safe. Soon after, Alex discovered another significant need in her community…
Alex recognized the need to not only to keep herself busy, but the minds and hands of the kiddos she used to teach. Alex had the idea to turn into a virtual arts community, reaching all over the country. Her program, Crafternoons, became an online art experience for kids of all ages! Crafternoons was a 3-night a week, donation-based program wheee kids could utilize common household items to create art! She then organized and led an 8-week virtual art camp, Social Art Virtual Immersion (SAVI), structured with different themes!
After the program ended, Alex developed what is now Alex Makes Art, LLC]] - an online platform featuring her two programs: Crafternoons and Social Art Virtual Immersion (SAVI). Kids can receive monthly boxes filled with pro-level art supplies hand-picked by Alex! She also facilitates private lessons and events both virtually and in-person!! Alex shared that she loves watching folks of all ages tap into their creative side and that she can provide them a safe space to allow their ideas flow.
I love what you’re doing, Alex Makes Art, LLC]] - keep it up! 🖌🎨

02/12/2022

Thank YOU for making this project come to life! Like many of you, I felt lonely and distant the last two years and worried how I would be able to integrate back to "normal" life. This project allowed me to challenge myself to get off the screen, and go out into the community. I wanted to challenge myself to meet new people, explore new places, learn new stuff, try new things, and make new connections. I hope this project provides you the space to see the wicked cool things people are doing around you. I challenge you all to reach out, connect, and try something new. This project is about all of YOU.
Please don't hesitate to DM me for a meet-up! You do not need a business, an extraordinary hobby, or a life-changing story - I want to meet with everyone! We ALL have our own unique passions and interests that will inspire and motivate many. Remember, you all have a place here in Boston and that's what makes Boston so great!
Thank you to for featuring this project! Excited to see where it goes.

- Naomi

02/09/2022

So wicked cool! Thank you, Boston The Boston Globe

Naomi Szanto, who recently moved to the city, launched a social media campaign called “Boston Commoners,” where she sets out to spend time and talk with the strangers we pass by everyday — and share their stories with the world.