Business

Entrepreneurial Belmont Youth Building and Selling Bears

December 10, 2025
Move over, Build-A-Bear Workshop, because Belmont resident Hillary Hoffman created a new plush bear with hometown roots. Just in time for the holidays, the 13-year-old Belmont Middle School student released Toby, the first bear in what the young entrepreneur envisions as a…

Belmont Clothing Designer Charts a New Creative Course

December 7, 2025
The machine groaned as John d'Arbeloff turned the crank, pressing silver through cardboard and cheesecloth until the metal emerged with an imprint of woven texture. After 30 years in the clothing business, the 65-year-old founder of RailRiders adventure wear has launched a…

Bright Horizons Co-Founder Shares Her Legacy of Service

October 20, 2025
Editor’s Note: On Thursday, Nov. 6, The Belmont Voice will host its first community event, welcoming Linda Mason, in conversation with GBH News Senior Editor Stephanie Leydon, and Rick Doblin, in conversation with Media Consultant Greg Stone, to the First Church on…

Leonard Street Boutique Marks 20 Years in Business

August 8, 2025
Helena’s, a women’s clothing boutique in Belmont and Arlington, celebrates 20 years in business this summer, having survived the pandemic and the 2008 recession, thanks to its flexibility. “I want my clients to be able to have a piece and wear it…

New Business Coming to Former CVS Site

February 7, 2025
It appears there will soon be one less empty storefront on Leonard Street. Demetrius Spaneas, president of Land & Sea Real Estate of Andover, recently confirmed that 60 Leonard St. has been sold to Dr. Emma Wu, a dentist in North Andover.…

Leonard St. Shop Closes, Will Refocus Online

October 8, 2024
The Louis XVI Roll Cylinder desk, standing along the left-hand wall inside Styylish at 55 Leonard St., stands out. The finish on the kingwood veneer is flawless, glimmering under the lights. The intricate diamond-shaped, yew-wood inlay gives the cover a three-dimensional appearance.…