Spaces: Focal Points

The Real Eskater

Photo by Erica Dubois/Whimsy & Bokeh Photography.

CONNIE STOWERS HAD $58 LEFt in her bank account when she had an epiphany.

It was August 2023. The single mother had left her retail career behind to sell real estate while teaching herself to roller-skate and documenting her efforts on social media. “Why not combine the two?” she thought. 

The Real Eskater was born. And in the next twelve months, the Lincoln resident sold $8 million in real estate. 

More than 99,000 Instagram users watch Stowers sail through homes on her turquoise Moxis as a realtor for HERE Realty, pointing out a spacious kitchen just perfect for entertaining or a bedroom suite with a whirlpool tub. They’ve followed along online as she gained confidence on her skates, balanced motherhood and self-employment, and embarked on a life of sobriety. They download her learn-to-skate guide or reach out through her DMs, asking for advice on how to start skating again or how to start over as a single parent.

She compares her journey of reinvention to learning how to roller-skate as an adult.

“You’re going to fall, you’re going to fail, you’re going to be embarrassed, but you still show up every day,” she says. “You show up with the intent of, ‘I’m going to do my best today,’ and my best might be four out of ten. My best might be ten out of ten. It depends on the day, but I’m still going to show up and do it.” @therealeskater

Island Vibes

Photo courtesy of Island House Newport.

Island House Newport, a newly built luxury hotel owned by Main Street Hospitality, opened in March. 

Developed by Marshall Properties, the hotel features spacious rooms, suites and penthouses with premium amenities and fully equipped kitchens, all done in soothing coastal tones of seafoam and periwinkle. Guests can combine different room types to create connecting rooms, suites or penthouses to personalize their stay, a plus for families and friends traveling together. 

Main Street Hospitality also manages Hammetts Hotel in Newport and The Beatrice in Providence. islandhousenewport.com

The Golden Touch

Photo courtesy of J Marcel.

If you’ve been on Hope Street lately, you may have noticed J Marcel’s new gilded window sign. (We certainly have, because several Rhode Island Monthly editors visit the store on the regular for its adorable boho-chic dresses and colorful designs.)

Owners Dixie Caroll and Bill Jette thought it was time for a refresh, and gave the reins to their friend, designer Wade Devers, who replaced the original logo, brand kit and signage designed ten years ago. A highlight was working with Providence Painted Signs on the new window piece, Devers says, which has striking gold outlines, matte gold centers and abalone mother-of-pearl on the diamond details. jmarcel.com