David Michie Violins
Photograph by Jeff Fusco For more than 30 years, Michie has operated his Locust Street storefront to help musicians on their stringed journey — from sizing and selecting their instruments and bows in a Harry Potter-esque setting to providing expert repairs quickly and with care. It doesn’t hurt that he’s a classically trained violinist himself. 1714 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Broad Agency
There’s a trick to creating a captivating logo or designing a brand’s aesthetic — one that makes modern-day eyes, inundated with an unending stream of viral memes and frenetic videos, stop to really see. It starts with an agency that has a preternatural knack for asking the right questions and getting to know the client. The Broad Agency, run by two talented (self-proclaimed!) broads, Kristen Sachs and Hannah Dillon, shines in this arena. They pick up on who you are and what you want, maybe before you even know yourself, and can bring to life a new look for your business, including a website, swag and packaging.
B&E Sportswear
When it’s Friday and you realize your daughter’s robotics team needs high-quality full-zip hoodies with screen printing on the back and embroidery on the front by the following Wednesday, you call this friendly, family-run establishment that’s been keeping customers happy since 1983. Sports jerseys. Family reunion t-shirts. Whatever. They do it all. 1005 Sussex Boulevard, Broomall, PA 19008
Steve Odabashian
As more colleges reverse the test-optional policies they implemented during COVID, and with a brand-new (computerized!) SAT dropping earlier this year, proper test prep is a must. Fortunately, the father of four behind Main Line Test Prep has been taking and teaching the SAT for 30-plus years and knows all the tricks and tips your own kids need to boost their scores.
PhotoLounge
TikTok recently introduced those disposable film cameras that once graced the table of every wedding reception to a whole new generation, which is welcome news for anyone who missed the delayed gratification of flipping through physical photos. Drop your cam off at PhotoLounge, which has been processing film since it opened in 1997. These days, they’ll also pick it up for free in Philly, scan it, and share the digitals via Dropbox. And you’ll still get to open a stack of real, beautiful photos. 130 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Authorized Camera Repair
Their website says “Philadelphia’s only camera repair shop,” and while that’s technically not true, they’re the folks we trust the most. Owner Matt Fuehrer has worked in the field for more than 30 years, repairing everything from digital cameras to lenses to cinema cameras. He’ll also buy used cameras, so if you’re upgrading — or decide photography isn’t your thing — Authorized is the place to go. 339 North York Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090
Jared Polin
Large-format photography is having a bit of a moment in Philly right now — check out its role in West Philly author Emma Copley Eisenberg’s new novel, Housemates — and nowhere is that more evident than with Polin, who has been lugging his 80-year-old Graflex Speed Graphic camera to Citizens Bank Park all year. It’s a tedious process, but the results are incredible: sharp, detailed photos that hearken back to a slower era. In addition to his own art, Polin creates and sells guides for aspiring photogs.
The Roof Doctor
When water is actively leaking into your home, the stakes are high for finding a roofer fast. So when you’ve gone down a list of recommended companies and none reply to calls, emails or carrier pigeons, you, wild-eyed and desperate, might believe that roofers in Philadelphia are an urban legend, like finding a parking spot in South Philly after dusk. Until you call the Roof Doctor, and a pro from the second-generation family business answers the phone. They’ll put you on the schedule and show up when they say they will. The reliability is only part of it, though; they also do quality work at a price that feels fair, even when not taking into consideration your level of desperation. 2315 A Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
KMT Consulting
For those of us who break out in the math sweats at the mere thought of calculating a tip, tax time can be particularly challenging, but KMT Consulting will make you dread April a lot less. Led by experienced CPA Kirsten Toler, the whole team knows the minutiae of small-business finance. Emails are answered lickety-split, without even a hint of condescension. They take care to make you feel like a collaborator, like you’re capable of understanding your taxes, and maybe, maybe, even like you’re pretty good at math.
Maryanne S. Ritter
A few years ago, we got a tangle in a thin gold chain, one of those frustrating kinks you know you can get out on your own but instead you put the jewelry away and forget about it until you want to wear it again. When it happened again, instead of procrastinating, we took it to this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Queen Village jewelry shop, where the problem was fixed while we stood at the counter. We’ve since had bracelet clasps reinforced and steered a bunch of friends (and now you) to do the same. 712 South 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
REMY Creative
The portfolio of Ardmore-based interior designer Randi Edelman is a study in modern style: a high-contrast palette of crisp whites and dramatic blacks, heaping splashes of bold wallpaper, and tons of funky lighting and accessories. Her expert eye for design isn’t surprising: Edelman spent years in the fashion industry before opening her boutique firm four years ago.
Pippy Sips
Photograph by Kartsie Photography It sounds simple: a discreet all-in-one breast-milk cooling, storage and monitoring device for new moms on the go. But it only took, you know, gazillions of parents struggling to find a solution before South Philly mom Amberlee Venti dreamed it up. Pippy Sips’ Maia keeps milk at safe temperatures for 16-plus hours thanks to a freezable cooling puck and a digital thermometer. The insulated stainless-steel shell is sleek, and you can either pump directly or pour milk into the bottle. It’s now available at Target — to make your errand running even, well, simpler.
SK Heating & Air Conditioning
Does anyone really know how their home’s heating and air conditioning works? Most of us are versed on the basics: When either breaks, it’s a huge, expensive pain. Saki Karamitopoulos and his team can replace a broken furnace or fix your AC that blasts hot air on Tuesdays. But even better, SK specializes in regular maintenance — twice-yearly cleaning, filter replacement and inspections — because they actually want to help you prevent (or at least postpone) that fate. Bala Cynwyd and Logan Circle, PA
Marguerite Rodgers Interior Design
The staff here are as skilled in project management as they are in aesthetics, bringing architects, landscape architects and contractors together to produce spaces that express their clients’ personalities. Interested in taking a look at their handiwork without snooping through a neighbor’s window? Take a peek at the spruced-up interiors of the Athenaeum on Washington Square, or the new High Street at the Franklin. 2131 North American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122
House on Memphis
After more than a decade in the design industry (most notably at Rohe Creative), Lisa Hines finally launched her own full-service residential design studio in 2021. Her projects toe the line between modern and classic, with rich colors and wallpapers, dramatic statement stones and tiles, sculptural and vintage pieces, and plenty of singular style. In short: She’s one to watch — and hire. 2223 Memphis Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Sales by Helen
In the market for some rare antiques? Or maybe you’re looking to get rid of the ones currently cluttering up your attic? In any case, Sales by Helen can handle it. Led by certified appraiser John Romani, they serve both city and Main Line clients looking to sell or buy luxury items of any kind at the in-person sales they organize and through their online shop (which is updated weekly with hundreds of new pieces).
Justine Kelley
Photograph by Jeff Fusco You may have seen work by Filipino American designer, illustrator and printmaker Kelley around town in the form of posters for local events, or on 3D origami-inspired polar bears at the King of Prussia Mall, or as a logo for WHYY’s The Infinite Art Hunt, or even on a billboard on I-95 advertising Unique Photo’s camera show. Inspired by vibrant colors, personal narratives and humor, Kelley is bringing an unmistakably playful energy to Philly through her hand-drawn art.
Simagas Autodetailing
Abdoul Simaga seems to really hate dirt, grime and all sorts of filth. That’s what you’ll learn if you hire him to clean and detail your car. He goes deep and doesn’t rest until your baby looks sparklingly new. The Ivory Coast native does pop-up mobile detailing in parking lots along City Avenue, but for the best service (and so you don’t have to wait in the very long line), hire him to bring his thoroughly outfitted mobile detailing truck to your home.
Gen3
By now you’ve probably heard all about energy-efficiency incentives — the credits and rebates the feds, local governments and even utility companies are giving out to people willing to modify their homes. The folks at Gen3 make this a piece of cake, doing a whole-home walk-through to determine just what array of heat pumps, mini-splits and other tech you need to green your house. And on your invoice they’ll lay out just what rebates and credits you’ll be eligible for, making that bill look just a little lighter. Grays Ferry, Glenolden and Melrose Park, PA
Mark Horowitz
The next time you need a custom conducting baton, turn to this retired actuary and actuarial software developer. The Ambler resident (whose father was the late, world-renowned baton maker Richard Horowitz) crafted replicas of Leonard Bernstein’s originals for Bradley Cooper’s Maestro. He designed a beauty bearing a rosewood handle for the Curtis Institute of Music’s Benoit Gauthier, and has created wands for the Philadelphia Orchestra’s principal guest conductor Nathalie Stutzmann and Riccardo Chailly of La Scala. Horowitz makes only about 25 batons per year: After all, he is retired. He’s doing this for fun — which is music to our ears. Horowitzbatons@gmail.com
Ilene “The Lice Queen” Steinberg
There’s possibly no worse message to get from your kid’s teacher: There’s lice in the classroom. But don’t despair — just call the Lice Queen. Steinberg owns the Center for Lice Control, and she’ll have the pests out of your hair in no time. Book an appointment at her Havertown salon for a quick treatment, call her seven-day-a-week hotline, or pick up some of her lice-removal products. Her panic-free YouTube channel is a great resource too. 68 West Eagle Road, Havertown, PA 19083
South Street Sam
Spend any time on South Street, and you’ll likely hear someone ask, “Can I take a portrait of you?” That’s Sami Aziz, who spends his days and nights chronicling the blocks’ quirks and inhabitants with his camera and posting them on his South Street Sam Instagram account. They’re a love letter to the neighborhood, yes, but they’re also … really freaking good. Want something more formal? He’s available for hire too.