As part of its successful Project: Pop-Up, the City of Melrose welcomed new business Paper & Clay to the West Emerson business district during a celebration hosted by Mayor Paul Brodeur and State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian on Thursday, January 19.  Paper & Clay, located at 122 West Emerson Street, is a creative gift shop co-founded by clay artist Lesley Keegan of Melrose and Revere resident and paper artist Denise Boucher.

The shop features the owners’ products as well as a rotation of other brands and features artist classes and events, such as its upcoming Galentines Day Cookie Class taking place on February 12.

Paper & Clay is the second pop-up initiative led by Mayor Paul Brodeur that is funded through a state economic development earmark secured by Representative Lipper-Garabedian and Senator Jason Lewis and a grant from the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD). Mayor Brodeur first pursued the MOBD grant in 2021 to re-invigorate vacant storefronts in downtown Melrose and support local entrepreneurs. The first phase of Melrose’s program was located at 12 and 14 Essex Street and was home to Rou Mi Candle and Friends and the Mothership of All Design.

“This program has proven to be a successful way to provide immediate opportunities for economic growth and added vitality in our commercial districts,” said Mayor Paul Brodeur. “I was particularly happy to see Mothership of All Design Owner Glen Blackburn go on to open a new, permanent space at 427 Main Street,” he said. 

In collaboration with UpNext a Newton-based, woman-owned business that connects emerging brands to available spaces, Project: Pop-Up is a program designed to fill vacant storefronts with small retailers, artists, and makers at a significantly reduced cost. The retailers “pop up” for a limited amount of time to introduce their businesses to a wider audience, while having access to a range of support services such as marketing and PR opportunities, signage, and event stipends to help ensure their success. 

“Paper & Clay is a welcome addition to West Emerson Street that will generate new economic activity here and complete a block that is already home to several thriving businesses,” said Lauren Grymek, Director of Economic Development for the City of Melrose who spearheads the Project: Pop-Up program. “Small businesses are still recovering from the economic impacts of COVID-19 and are challenged by the current rates of inflation and a tight labor market, making it even more risky to start a new business venture. This initiative helps to overcome some of these challenges.” 

Immediate neighboring businesses include Alfredo’s Italian Kitchen, which is completing renovations, Bohemian Coffee House, The Music Shop, Perella Jewelers, Yara Chocolate and Zani Salon. A host of other retailers, artists and services businesses are just 1-2 blocks away.  

"We could not have asked for a better launch of our business. Project: Pop-Up and the overwhelming support from the City of Melrose has exceeded our expectations,” said Paper & Clay co-owner, Keegan, a Melrose resident and owner of Serenity Sage. “Thank you to our friends, customers, new and old, Elected Officials, and everyone who has supported us.” 

Melrose is one of several communities participating in Project: Pop-Up, an economic development initiative powered by UpNext, having initially received a Regional Pilot Project grant from the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD). The program aims to revitalize village centers and commercial centers by attracting patrons to new and existing local businesses.  

“The pop-up model is really ideal for emerging brands, especially in the current economic climate,” said UpNext Founder and CEO, Allison Yee. “Project: Pop-Up allows businesses to test drive a brick-and-mortar location at a subsidized rate with very minimal risk. We’re not only proud to give this opportunity to small businesses, many of which are women and BIPOC owned, but also to add value and vitality to communities throughout the region.”

Paper & Clay Hours of Operation

-Thursdays, 11 a.m. — 5 p.m.

-Fridays, 1 p.m. —5 p.m.

-Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. — 5 p.m.

To learn more about Project: Pop-Up visit https://www.project-pop-up.com/ and www.cityofmelrose.org/businesses/pages/pop-businesses