Meet Chrissy and Deedee, the dynamic duo behind Thirsty First. Their journey began in 2012 at Slapshot Pub in Chelmsford, Massachusetts—a beloved hockey bar where they first made their mark. When the building’s owner relocated to California, leaving the future uncertain, they had to pivot quickly. Knowing the clock was ticking, they explored new locations even before the move was finalized.

Chrissy and Deedee’s story is as much about serendipity as it is about business. Deedee, an experienced bar manager, hired Chrissy when she was working at a bar in Billerica. Their shared passion for bartending laid the foundation for a strong partnership. With a combined 50 years in the restaurant and bar industry, including Chrissy’s transition from preschool teacher to bartender, they set out to create something special together.

Their search for a new home led them to Central Street in Lowell, where they initially planned to name the venue Mill City Pub. However, after researching Lowell’s history, they discovered the phrase “Thirsty First,” coined locally the day before Prohibition began in 1919. As a Lowell native, Chrissy felt a strong connection to this piece of lore, and the name stuck. They soon transformed the Central Street space into the vibrant Thirsty First, a venue beloved for years.

At the Central Street location, Thirsty First embraced the local music scene, with Chrissy’s husband, Derek, adding a touch of Boston’s culture to the lineup. Recognizing their perfect space to give back to the community, they hosted numerous fundraising events supporting vital causes, such as mental health awareness and back-to-school initiatives. For years, Thirsty First became a gathering place where people from all walks of life could come together and connect.

In 2021, as they were recovering from COVID-19 challenges, the Central Street location faced an unexpected setback, forcing them to relocate again. Refusing to give up, Chrissy and Deedee began searching for a new home in early 2023, with help from the Entrepreneurship Center and the Lowell Development & Financial Corporation. This led them to Market Street, where they reimagined Thirsty First with a modern look while preserving the spirit of their original establishment, including a wall of memories from their Central Street days.

Since relocating to Market Street, Thirsty First has continued to foster community spirit. They’ve hosted shows, paint nights, and fundraisers that reflect the vibrant atmosphere they cultivated before, and to everyone’s delight, they’ve brought back their infamous grilled cheeses and delicious pizzas—staples from the Central Street days.

After two years, they are thrilled to host one of their standout events back in their new location: Punktoberfest! Returning for its 5th annual celebration on October 19th from 2 PM to midnight, this year features 12 bands and 5 breweries. Tickets can be purchased at https://bit.ly/5thannualPunktoberfest.

Through all their challenges, Chrissy and Deedee have remained dedicated to their passion and the community they’ve cultivated. Now, they’re bringing new life to downtown Lowell’s Market Street! Whether you’re in the mood for brunch, lunch, or dinner, Thirsty First has you covered. Catch your favorite sports team during the week, enjoy a refreshing draft beer, or laugh it up at a comedy show. No matter when you visit, there’s always something great happening.

Want to pay them a visit? Head over to 103 Market Street in Lowell, MA, and be sure to keep up with all their events and happenings on Facebook by searching Thirsty First Tavern, or follow them on Instagram @ThirstyFirstLowell.

In the bustling streets of Downtown Lowell, Massachusetts, there’s a special spot that has become a haven for book lovers of all ages. Lala Books, owned by Laura, her daughter Thea, and Laura’s husband Greg, is not just a bookstore—it’s a dream realized, a community hub, and a shining example of literary passion.

The journey of Lala Books began with a simple wish. Laura, Greg, and Thea, a reading family, often found themselves longing for a local bookstore in their own neighborhood. They envisioned a place where readers could gather, explore new worlds, and connect with fellow book enthusiasts. In 2021, their dream came to life as Lala Books opened its doors to the public.

From the very beginning, Laura, Greg, and Thea were determined to make a positive impact on the city of Lowell, particularly in the downtown area. They noticed a lack of bookstores and saw an opportunity to fill that void while also creating a space that would be fully accessible to everyone—a non-negotiable aspect of their vision.

What fuels Lala Books’ mission is not just the love for literature, but their appreciation for the community. It’s the people who breathe life into their bookstore, making it a vibrant space for connection and discovery.

Even in the face of challenges like budgeting, financing concerns, and infrastructure issues, the family’s deep connection with the community remained their guiding light. They recognized that by serving the people, they could better serve their love for books.

One of the key elements that sets Lala Books apart is Thea’s role as the head buyer. Her close relationships with the customer base allow her to curate a thoughtful selection of books that cater to diverse interests and perspectives. This personalized touch has garnered a loyal following, including support from the Lowell School Department and Community Teamwork Inc. (CTI).

Speaking of their partnership with Lala Books, Carl Howell, Chief Program Officer at Community Teamwork, highlights the bookstore’s commitment to diversity and inclusion: “As part of Community Teamwork’s commitment to supporting not only local small businesses but also women and POC-owned businesses, we have proactively chosen Lala Books for the majority of our book procurement needs throughout the organization.”

Howell continues, “Lala Books has played a crucial role in rebuilding our early education center libraries with age-appropriate and culturally relevant children’s books. We have extended this initiative to our shelter programs, ensuring that libraries are available at various locations with books that reflect the diversity of the individuals and households we serve.”
Lala Books’ location near attractions like the Quilt Museum and National Park Visitor Center also draws in tourists who make it a point to start their Lowell exploration at this literary gem.

For Laura, Thea, and Greg, Lala Books is not just a business—it’s a labor of love and a testament to the power of community. With their tagline “Where readers gather,” they continue to inspire and enrich the community through the magic of books, one page at a time.

If you’re in the Lowell area, make sure to stop by Lala Books at 189 Market Street, Lowell, MA 01852. You can also reach them by phone at 978-221-5966, or explore their collection online at https://www.lalabookstore.com/.

Step into Wham’s Cafe, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Lowell, Massachusetts, where Sandra, a determined entrepreneur, has been crafting a culinary haven for lovers of authentic Kenyan cuisine for the past decade. Located on the corner of Aiken Street and Lakeview Ave, Wham’s has become a cornerstone of the community, offering a taste of Kenyan street-style snacks and home-cooked meals.

Lowell, often referred to as a gateway city, possesses a rich history and a diverse immigrant community. Sandra’s vision for Wham’s Cafe goes beyond simply providing delectable dishes; it’s about breaking down stereotypes surrounding African cuisines and creating a welcoming space for new immigrant families. In a city known for its hospitality, Wham’s stands out as a testament to inclusivity

The cafe’s menu, inspired by Kenyan kibandas and roadside kiosks, brings a piece of East Africa to the Greater Lowell area. Beyond satisfying culinary cravings, Wham’s is on a mission to support working immigrant families facing the challenges of balancing multiple low-wage jobs and adapting to a new way of life.

Wham’s Cafe is ever-evolving to meet the changing demands. Recognizing the trend towards take-out and the desire for convenient family meals, Sandra envisions a future where Wham’s becomes the go-to destination for ready-packaged items, providing a quick “grab and go” experience for busy families. Sandra has received invaluable assistance and guidance from the Entrepreneurship Center at CTI, specifically from Amanda Camerano. Amanda has provided a thorough business and personal assessment, offering support to enhance Wham’s growth and sustainability.

Amidst these endeavors, Sandra, a mother to a special pre-teen named Stella, holds an annual awareness event at Wham’s Cafe. The event supports special needs children and families in Kenya through Stella’s Wish Bus, showcasing a commitment to community engagement and social responsibility. Stella’s presence is not only an integral part of Sandra’s life but also a source of inspiration for the entire Wham’s community.

As we honor Black History Month, Wham’s Cafe takes center stage in celebrating the diverse and vibrant blend of African culture and resilience. Sandra’s journey, from setting up the cafe from an empty storefront to managing its day-to-day operations, reflects the spirit that has shaped the history and contributions of the black community.

Wham’s Cafe isn’t just a place to savor Kenyan delicacies; it’s a cultural bridge, fostering understanding and appreciation. Join Wham’s on their journey as they navigate the challenges, embrace growth, and continue to serve not just food but an experience that transcends borders and builds bridges of connection in the heart of Lowell.

In the heart of Tyngsborough, Massachusetts, Blushing Skin Bar has emerged, aiming to become part of your routine for personalized skincare and body treatments. Reflecting the inspiring journey of its founder, Sophea Prum. Nestled at 164 Westford Rd STE 15, the establishment stands as a testament to the hard work and passion for change that fueled Sophea’s dream of creating a haven for beauty enthusiasts.

Sophea’s journey unfolds with a longing for transformation and a desire to nurture something distinctly her own. The catalyst for this venture? An appointment for a laser treatment, an experience that motivated Sophea to pursue certification in electrolysis and laser procedures, ultimately leading her to become a certified aesthetician.

Graduating amidst the challenges of the 2020 pandemic, Sophea’s dreams faced an unexpected hurdle as the world slowed down. She found herself compelled to return to her original workplace temporarily, navigating through the uncertainty of those trying times. However, the passion to create persisted, and as the world gradually reopened in 2021, Sophea embarked on a quest to find the perfect space for her vision.

Fueled by determination and guided by her entrepreneurial spirit, Sophea set out to explore the landscape for rental spaces, seeking the ideal location to bring her dream to life. It was during this pivotal moment that she crossed paths with the Entrepreneurship Center, an invaluable resource that provided her with the guidance and support needed to navigate the intricate journey of starting her own business. The Entrepreneurship was there to nurture her business plan and grow her ambitions from the ideation phase into the operation/growth phase it is in today.

Blushing Skin Bar is a testament to Sophea’s unwavering commitment to excellence. Every detail within the beauty bar reflects her dedication to and commitment to beauty itself. The sleek and modern ambiance mirrors the sophistication of Sophea’s vision, creating an atmosphere where clients can unwind and experience the pinnacle of personalized care.
Sophea’s commitment to providing unique experiences extends to her facials, available for the face, back, and underarms. One standout offering, aptly nicknamed the “Peachy Pit Facial,” caters to the underarm area, providing a refreshing and rejuvenating experience like no other. The Blushing Skin Bar also proudly offers a range of services, including revolutionary V-IPL (Variable Intense Pulsed Light) and V-FR (Variable Fractional) treatments.

Join Sophea on this transformative experience, where each visit is not just a beauty treatment but an experience crafted with precision and care. For those seeking radiant, rejuvenated skin, Blushing Skin Bar is more than a destination; it’s a reflection of one woman’s dreams, passion, and the dedication to work towards her goal that started with a desire for change and blossomed into a radiant haven for all.

To embark on your journey to radiant skin, Blushing Skin Bar invites you to book an appointment through their convenient online platform on Vagaro