A Life in Full Color: 18 Years of Marriage and 17 Years of color theory Boston
This week is a momentous one for Kendra and me. It marks two of the most significant anniversaries of our lives: our 18th wedding anniversary and the 17th anniversary of our small business, color theory Boston. To truly understand how we reached this milestone, I find myself looking back to where the story first began.
A Boston Beginning
Kendra and I met during our college years right here in Boston. I was at Wentworth Institute of Technology, and she was at Emerson College. We first crossed paths in the winter of 1998 while I was working as a cashier at the Whole Foods (then known as Bread & Circus) Symphony location. I soon discovered Kendra was working as a barista just down the street at Espresso Royale. It took me months to work up the nerve, but on a picture-perfect spring day in early May, I finally found my courage. Having very little money, I got creative—I "curated" a bouquet from various city gardens and planters. Once I had a bunch worthy of her attention, I marched into Espresso Royale, cut the line, and presented them to her. I was quite proud of myself, though the look on Kendra’s face was one of pure surprise—it was clear that the time and place felt a bit awkward! Still, the plan worked. The next day, she visited me during my shift, and I struck while the iron was hot. I asked her to dinner, and on May 11, 1999, the course of our lives changed forever. We sat on a bench in the Boston Public Garden until 3 a.m., talking for hours that felt like mere minutes. I knew then I had found someone very special.
The Leap of Faith
Nine years later, having both worked in creative industries like visual merchandising and high-end furniture design, we were eager to get married. The trouble was, our salaries didn't afford the opportunity for us to save for the expense of hosting a wedding ceremony. Four years prior we had decided that the gift Kendra’s father had given us would be better served as a condo deposit than a one-day event. As my 30th birthday neared, I suggested we elope on the evening of my birthday, January 7th. Kendra smiled and agreed. We marched to Cambridge City Hall, announced our intent to the clerk, and were met with a very unamused expression. "Did you apply for a license?" she asked. A disappointed "No" whispered from my mouth. We filled out the paperwork, and ten days later, on January 17, 2008, we were officially wed. We kept it a secret until the deed was done, then sent a mass text telling everyone to meet us at the former restaurant Cuchi Cuchi, in Cambridge. We were overjoyed when sixteen of our favorite people dropped everything to celebrate our news. Our group was loud and lively—so much so that the owner of Cuchi Cuchi began to worry we were bothering her other patrons. But once she discovered the occasion, she moved us to a comfortable space of our own, leaned in, and said to me: 'You buy the food. Drinks are on the house. Congrats on getting hitched.' It was a beautiful gesture that turned a great night into one of our most treasured memories.
We waited until October 2011 for our honeymoon, making sure we had saved enough to really indulge. It was worth every bit of the wait when we finally arrived in the paradise of Tulum, Mexico.
400 Square Feet of Potential
Let's back up the story a little bit. In 2004, using my recently obtained real estate license, we managed to snag a "garden level" one-bedroom on Saint George Street, located in Boston's South End neighborhood, before it hit the market. It was tiny—just 400 square feet. The kitchen was so small the fridge and freezer had to be separate under-counter units! But it was ours. We painted the cabinets white and the open shelves espresso brown with white piping, hung Peacock Toile wallpaper in the miniscule bathroom, and painted a striped mural in the living room. That little condo became the "layover" spot for all our friends before a night out.
Six months into living at Saint George St., a colleague at my real estate office signed a new listing after the condo had failed to sell with a competing office. As a strategic move, the condo was listed for $15,000 less than it had been previously, making it obtainable for Kendra and me. We took a leap of faith, placed our Saint George St. condo on the market, and accepted an offer within two weeks, allowing us to earn $30,000 in profit. 483 Massachusetts Ave., Unit 2, became our next home—one we loved and cherished, and one that would eventually become the catapult for our future small business.
But shortly after moving into our new home, the real estate bubble burst. Interest rates soared, and I took it as a sign to leave real estate behind. I found my way to BoConcept first as a commission based Design Consultant and eventually as Store Manager, where I learned the "business" of budgets, space planning, industry networking, hiring, training and management. Kendra, meanwhile, was managing a high-end clothing consignment store on Newbury Street, honing the skills that would eventually help build our future.
Tiny, but mighty! 10 Saint George St., South End, Boston, Ma
Finding the "Change"
Building on my experience as Store Manager for BoConcept, I was recruited by a local interior designer, marking a pivotal step in my professional journey within the Boston design community. We had forged a strong working relationship during my time in the showroom, and she brought me on as her Project Manager. It was my first true "inside look" into the industry, and for me, it was love at first sight. I became a student of every minute detail of her daily operations. I watched, fascinated, as she navigated the "beautiful dance" of client relations—taking a client’s rejections and somehow, almost magically, weaving them back into her professional vision.
A sneak peek into our future! Our daughter, Clara, sitting on the iconic Vladimir Kagan sofa, at the Boston Design Center.
During this time, visits to the Boston Design Center became my version of going to Disney World. Having majored in Industrial Design with a focus on Furniture Design at Wentworth, being enveloped by the best of global home fashion was incredibly motivating. It was remarkable to finally place my hands on pieces I had previously only seen in reference books, albeit they were authorized reproductions.
As I proved myself, I was eventually allowed to create design plans for smaller aspects of her projects, specifically sourcing furniture and décor. I had a field day with these tasks. Witnessing the clients react with genuine excitement and joy to what I had developed was the turning point—I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my career.
When I asked to transition from Project Manager to Jr. Designer, I was respectfully denied. While I accepted the decision, the energy in the office shifted, and we mutually agreed it was time for me to move on. She was kind enough to introduce me to the Franchisee of the Roche Bobois showroom in the Ritz Carlton residence tower.
I found myself back in a commission-based sales role, but the scale was entirely different. To put it in perspective: if BoConcept was a top-of-the-line Acura, Roche Bobois was a Rolls Royce. I’ll be honest—I struggled at first. "Sticker shock" was an understatement. In 2008, an L-shaped leather sectional started at $50,000. My confidence wavered; I’ve always prided myself on excellent service and listening to my clients, but when it came time to ask for the sale, I would literally choke on my own words. Then, two things changed my trajectory. The owner gave me a much-needed reality check, explaining that for a Roche Bobois client, a $50k sofa feels like a $5k purchase does to someone else. She told me I was the only one getting in the way of the sale because of my own preconceived notions.
That explanation was exactly what I needed to take the bull by the horns. Within weeks, the "old me" was back, closing sales left and right. My most memorable moment was working with the 2007-08 NBA champion, Rajon Rondo.
As a die-hard Boston Celtics fan, meeting him was a dream, but helping him was even better. He was kind, easy to talk to, and ended up purchasing an entire living room, dining room, and bedroom set in just 75 minutes. He even autographed a Roche Bobois memo card for me—a memento I still cherish to this day.
The second event that truly reshaped my path once again came courtesy of the owner at Roche Bobois. In an effort to instill confidence and drive within her sales team, she gifted us all a copy of the book Positive Imaging: The Powerful Way to Change Your Life by Norman Vincent Peale. The book was a collection of short stories about people who were down on their luck, facing failure after failure. But no matter how difficult their situations became, they never stopped believing in themselves or their right to live their best possible life. The purpose of this book was to teach and encourage one to use the power of envisioning the life that they desired, the practice of Imaging. There was one word that echoed through every chapter: “change.” The message was simple but profound—if you are unhappy with your career or your circumstances, you have the power to "change" them.
Right around that same time, Barack Obama was running on a platform with the message, "Be the Change." It is a bit ironic, really—the very book I was given to help me self-motivate and increase my sales for the showroom, combined with being so deeply moved by the story of a common person working his way up to become our nation’s first African American President, gave me the courage I needed. I realized it was time to go all in and finally bet on myself. My time with Roche Bobois lasted just six months. In late December 2008, I gave my two-week notice, and on January 20, 2009—Inauguration Day—color theory Boston was no longer just a dream. It was my reality!
Building an Identity
Starting a business in a recession with no design portfolio was daunting. Stupid in fact. Luckily, during those slow first steps, Kendra was a pillar of support. Her role in upper management now at Urban Outfitters—overseeing showroom visuals—provided the steady salary that kept the roof over our heads and food on our table.
When color theory Boston first came to life in January 2009, I launched it as a refined painting and wallpapering service, paired with paint color consultations. It was a strategic move while I worked to build a design portfolio. I reached out to many of the real estate agents I had once competed against, offering to be the expert "extension" of their teams. I knew their world was a revolving door of sellers needing a pre-market refresh and buyers wanting to make a new house feel like home.
The workload began as a slow trickle, but it eventually turned into a flood. Before I knew it, I was managing a team of four skilled painters and was booked four weeks out during the high season. It was an incredible start, and I was so grateful for the momentum, but even then, I knew in my heart that being a painter wasn't my life’s true ambition—it was just the beginning of our story.
As I sat on our sectional sofa, taking in the bones of our home located at 483 Massachusetts Ave., a beautiful collision of late 19th-century architecture and our clean, contemporary furniture from BoConcept—it finally clicked. This was the story I wanted to tell: Historic meets Contemporary. To honor the heritage of the space while making it feel uniquely ours, Kendra and I decided to be bold with our palette. We embraced the interior by painting the miles of original trim work and intricate ceiling moldings in a deep, sophisticated black. This created a sharp, modern frame for the walls and the center ceiling portion, which we dressed in a light, silvery sage green. To anchor the room and add a touch of organic texture, we wrapped the fireplace wall in a smoky botanical pattern. It was the perfect bridge between the old world and our new vision.
I emailed Rachel Slade, then Editor of Boston Home Magazine, with photos of our home. To my shock, she called me that evening. She wanted to redefine what a Boston interior could look like, and our home was her prime example. That connection led to five features over two years, including “The Hot 50: The Next Generation of Design Stars”, and "Best of Boston Home" awards in 2010 for Interior Painter and 2012 for Color Consultant. One would think that with all this great local press, that it would be a bottle rocket shooting into space, but it wasn’t at all.
The "Aha!" Moment
One night, while soaking in the wonderful company of our friends at Pho Republique, a lightbulb finally went off. I looked around the table and realized that my friends and close acquaintances were actually my "golden ticket" to building the design portfolio I had been coveting.
Sitting right there in front of me were young professionals in Bio-Tech, Law, Medicine, and Finance. They all shared three things in common:
- They had great careers and salaries.
- They were working 50+ hours a week and were far too exhausted to even think about decorating their homes.
- They all lived right here in Boston.
I eagerly pitched them my vision. One by one, I convinced them to let me take the reins—to repaint, hang wallpaper, and even design custom murals. I worked within their budgets to fully furnish their brownstone condos and lofts, and honestly, that was the spark that started it all!
Building the Dream
I took my own photos of the spaces (which, looking back, were definitely a bit amateur!), uploaded them to my simple Vistaprint website, and just like that—I finally had a portfolio to show Boston. It was a total game-changer. Soon, clients who initially reached out for our painting services grew curious about the decorating side of the business. They began combining both into one seamless package, and it started working beautifully. I felt so much gratitude for those friends who trusted me; they didn't just give me projects, they gave me a career.
Becoming a "Mom & Pop"
Two and a half years into the life of color theory Boston, we were finally in full swing. The referrals from happy clients were pouring in—a support system that was, and still is, invaluable to us. You’d think I would have been at my happiest, but something vital was missing: time with the love of my life, Kendra.
Our work schedules couldn't have been more different. I was out the door by 6:30 every morning, exhausted by 5:00 PM from a day of climbing ladders and lugging heavy boxes of paint, only to head straight into late-afternoon quote appointments.
Meanwhile, Kendra’s role at Urban Outfitters was a total roller coaster. One day she’d be at the store by 6:00 AM; the next, she’d work from 1:00 PM until 10:30 PM, getting home at 11:00 PM only to have to be back at work by 6:00 AM the following morning. How insane is a schedule like that? We almost never saw each other. On those rare days we were both off together, we spent the entire time just trying to rest and recoup.
At the time, Barack Obama was campaigning for his second term, and Michelle Obama had become just as much of an inspiration to us as her husband. She is the definition of class—intelligent, confident, and genuinely herself. They say, “Behind every strong man is an even stronger woman,” and it couldn't have felt more true for us. It was time to gamble once again. It was time to bet on ourselves, lean into our strengths as a team, and finally become business partners.
Kendra left her position with Urban Outfitters in the fall of 2011 and has never looked back. Stepping in as Co-Owner, she initially took on the role of Project Manager and handled our web leads to get acclimated to the industry. While she assumed those sales responsibilities like a seasoned pro, it was obvious early on that she possessed a natural, keen eye for pattern, texture, and color. While I continued overseeing the painting and wallpaper services, Kendra’s role naturally expanded into Interior Decoration. The timing couldn't have been more serendipitous; we soon landed at that time, the largest design project in our company's history: a top-to-bottom, 6,000-square-foot custom build in Winchester.
The Winchester "Crash Course"
published June 9, 2013
This project was a massive undertaking. We were responsible for every single detail of the three-story home, including: • Architectural Elements: Hardwood flooring, interior doors, and custom millwork. • Fixtures & Finishes: Lighting, plumbing fixtures, fireplace inserts, and bathroom vanities. • Interiors: Sourcing and qualifying every piece of cabinetry and custom storage. It was a total crash course, to put it lightly. Our clients were incredibly patient and supportive of our growth, and many, many, many months later, we successfully installed every piece of furniture and décor we had sourced. This monumental project soon became a cover story for an issue of the Boston Sunday Globe magazine. The response from new clients was overwhelmingly positive and benefitial for our small business. That relationship came full circle eight years later when those same generous clients hired us to design their three-story custom built beach house on Cape Cod.
Growth and New Beginnings
Following the success of the Winchester project, it truly felt as though dream projects were falling from the sky. We found ourselves immersed in the creative heartbeat of metro-Boston—developing renovation plans for kitchens and bathrooms, transforming unfinished basements into vibrant multi-purpose rooms, and breathing fresh, inspired life into the historic homes that define our city’s character.
But even as color theory Boston was reaching this new level of professional success, we were preparing for the most significant and beautiful change of all.
Some of our large-scale renovation and custom built home projects from 2013 to early 2020
Our Greatest Creation
On June 20, 2013, our business officially and proudly became a "Mom & Pop" operation. We welcomed our greatest creation yet into the world: our daughter, Clara Jade. While we had spent years designing beautiful spaces for others, Clara was the one who truly completed our own home, bringing a depth of joy and purpose to our work that we never could have imagined.
The Priceless Gift of Flexibility
Juggling the demands of new parenthood with a growing business certainly had its challenges, but we eventually found our groove. Being business owners gave us a gift that was nothing short of miraculous. Kendra was able to work from home and spend every day with Clara. I adjusted my schedule by leaning on my talented team, allowing me to be home most days by 3 p.m. Having the ability to design our own schedules so we could spend quality time together as a family has been, quite literally, priceless. In July 2014, a wonderful chapter began for us when we were lucky enough to find a 1,350 sq. ft., two-bedroom loft in Roxbury's Nubian Square, formerly Dudley Sq. We moved in just before the neighborhood saw its wave of full gentrification a few short years later, and this beautiful space at 10 Williams St. served as our home until March 2025. It gave us all the room we needed to grow our design business and, most importantly, our family. As new parents, we cherished the close bonds we formed with our neighbors at 10 Williams—many of whom became dear friends and honorary family, creating a true sense of community for Clara.
The Unforgettable Friday the 13th
color theory Boston was operating like a well-oiled machine. We were busy with a steady stream of new referrals, people finding us online, and those all-important repeat clients who had become like close friends. While we could feel the economic and political winds starting to shift, nothing could have truly prepared us for what was coming.
I’ll never forget the date: Friday, March 13, 2020. That was the day the world seemed to stop as the reality of the pandemic reached the U.S. Overnight, the trajectory of our future projects came to a screeching halt. If it hadn't been for the projects already in progress before that day, I honestly can’t imagine where my family and I would be today.
Heartbreaking Decisions
It was gut-wrenching to have to lay off our devoted team members. By June 2020, with no new work on the horizon for over two months, we had to make the incredibly difficult decision to discontinue our painting and wallpaper hanging service.
From late 2020 through the start of 2023, we navigated a season of quiet persistence, managing just a handful of small projects each year. There is a profound sense of gratitude in being asked to return to a family’s story. In 2022, we were honored to reunite with repeat clients to design their 5,000-square-foot, three-story home in Hartford, Vermont. But that year, the beauty of the design sat alongside a heavy quiet; this was one of only three projects we were awarded with in twelve months. To keep our vision alive, we made the difficult choice to live off the years worth of savings we had carefully tucked away for a larger home. It was a year of immense creative pride, shadowed by the weight of a personal future placed on hold. While Kendra and I explored opportunities to join other teams, even "changing" industries, and came very close a few times, our instincts told us to stay the course. We chose to trust our hearts and remain dedicated to our own path, and I am so grateful that we did.
The years from 2023 through 2025 were what I like to call our “rebuilding era.” Progress was more of a steady marathon than a sprint, but we were rewarded with some truly wonderful projects along the way. If there was a hero in this chapter of our story, it was undoubtedly our Color Consultation service; those appointments were booked one after another and quite literally kept our gears turning while the world found its footing.
Never ones to sit still, we also decided to lean into our love for greenery, expanding our services in early 2024 to include Interior Plant Styling and Exterior Planter Design. It turns out Bostonians have quite the green thumb (or at least the desire for one!), and the warm reception has been a breath of fresh air.
Ending on a High Note
As we reflect on 2025, our hearts are incredibly full. The year concluded with a consistent and heartening workload that reminded us why we love what we do. A true highlight was reuniting with a longtime client to renovate her first income property on Cape Cod—a project dedicated to ensuring her a comfortable and well-deserved retirement.
We also had the joy of returning to work with another wonderful family in Wellesley, transforming their expansive basement into a vibrant 'Teen Lounge.' From a home gym and drum studio to a movie theatre and game area, it was a delight to create a space where their daughter and son can truly thrive and as well as not disturb their parents.
Looking back, the majority of our 2025 projects were with repeat clients; there is no greater reward than the continued trust of those we’ve worked with before.
Kendra and I want to send a special thank you to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Boston for trusting us to refresh your most requested Spa Room—it was an absolute honor to work in such a serene, yet high traffic space. You can read all about that adventorous project here.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we step into 2026, the future for color theory Boston feels brighter than it has in years. We’ve recently reunited with a supportive repeat client to tackle a series of major renovations in Hanover, MA, and we’re nearing the finish line on a delightful decorating and mini-reno project on Union Park in the South End with two of the kindest gents you could ever meet.
As I write this, the momentum is undeniable. Kendra was selected to be interviewed for a Boston Globe article that was published on Decemeber 23, 2025, and the response has been quite favorable. Our inbox has been receiving a steady stream of client inquiries ever since. Just yesterday we signed on new clients to overhaul their Formal Living Room, Mudroom and spruce up some details of their kitchen in Wayland. We’ve met with three potential new clients this week, with two more on the calendar for the coming days! If these projects move forward, our schedule will be beautifully full through late April. This is the rhythm Kendra and I remember from the years before 2020, and believe me, we are not taking a single one of these new connections for granted. It feels great to be back!
We owe an immense debt of gratitude to these repeat clients who have supported us through it all: The Chudnows, the Hajjs, the Madans, the Evans', the Yoons, the Ganzs, the Kearns', the Murtys, The Marshs, The Packards, The Graysons, G. Mandell, M. Leta, D. McDonald, and K. Cieslak & B. Wagenaar.
Looking back over 18 years of marriage and 17 years of business, it hasn't always been easy, but it has always been us. We traded a 400-square-foot condo for a life and a business that allows us to be present for every moment. I am beyond proud of what we have accomplished together!
Kendra, there is truly no one else in this world I would want by my side on this journey. You are my partner in every sense of the word, my soulmate, and the absolute love of my life. When I look at you, I see our whole story—every chapter we’ve written together, the beautiful life we’re living now, and all the dreams we have yet to realize.
Kendra, my love, you are such a remarkable mother to our Clara. Watching the way you guide her through this often uncertain world with such grace and intuition has given both of us a sense of stability that I cherish every single day. I often find myself thinking that you deserve a life filled with a kind of abundance and beauty that goes far beyond any number I could ever hope to see in a bank account. If I could, I would give you the world and more, but I know that even the most high-end designs can’t compare to the richness you bring to my life every day. We’ve navigated the "financial fumes" and the rebuilding years together, and through it all, your spirit has never wavered. While I may not always be able to provide the level of luxury, I wish I could right now, I am filled with such a deep, sincere hope. Seeing the momentum we’re building for 2026, I truly believe that all of our late nights worrying, our shared risks, and our tireless hard work are finally on the verge of paying off in a way that will honor everything you’ve sacrificed. You are my greatest inspiration, and I am so ready to give you and Clara the future you both so deeply deserve. Thank you for your endless patience, your unwavering belief in what we’ve built, and your unconditional love.
Here’s to the next 18 years of building, dreaming, and loving together!
