Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Porcello.
Robert, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up in Dorchester, MA, I was always drawn to the arts. Playing guitar and woodworking were my passions. I briefly attended the Museum School of Art MFA in Boston and later worked in the family woodworking business.
This mix of art & craft led me to create some outside-the-box folk art crafts & furniture. So creating home furnishings has been a big part of the whole journey. I was 21 when I opened my first retail store, Knock on Wood, in Quincy, MA. At night, I would be in the workshop and during the day, I ran the store during the day.
From there, I expanded in the craft show circuit, which eventually led me to wholesaling to retail stores and mail order catalogs. During these shows, I was exposed to so many other great makers and interacting with retailers, understanding that relationship, is what inspired my expansion into retail.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There are ups and downs in life and business is no different. In the 80’s, after my first store in Quincy, I relocated to Norwell. I had a 2-story sheep barn that was perfect for production. After about 20 years of building the business, the barn was destroyed in a fire. It was a tragedy for the business and on a personal level. Obviously it was devastating from a business perspective, but really all I remember from that night is saying my daughter’s picture is in there. It was surreal. It seems like an impossible thing to start over, but I did. Eventually, I was able to reopen in Pembroke, MA. This where Hafta Havit, our retail location is today.
Shortly after Hafta Havit, I added another location in Marshfield for wholesale production. Having this extra space also gave me the opportunity to express my interest in art and music again. This space turned into Porcello Gallery, a place where I showcased my artwork, and other local artists.
Economic hardships did eventually lead to the closing of the Marshfield location, but I have to say those 7 years were a success. A lot of good came from there that Hafta Havit has absorbed. We held a bi-weekly Drum Circle in Marshfield that opened the doors to a lot of new friendships and creative experiences. Hafta Havit now encompasses that element of Porcello Gallery in terms of my artwork and Knock on Wood.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Hafta Havit story. Tell us more about the business.
All of my previous experiences, in my career and art, along with the influence of others led Hafta Havit to become a unique spot. It’s a big place and there’s a lot going on. Home decor is obviously central to Hafta Havit, but I suppose it’s a more holistic view of ‘Home’. It’s really about brining good things into your life.
To create that an environment where it’s possible to find more than what you were looking for, I try to bring in items that have value beyond what they cost. Things that inspire me personally – whether it’s an interesting book or a particularly beautiful crystal. If there is a theme to Hafta Havit, I’d say its finding what speaks to you and that bigger picture of what home is.
We have a lot of home decor items that are handmade, some by me. Reclaimed furniture, handmade furniture. Antiques here and there. There are local artists and authors, things that are one of a kind. We also have your more traditional gift items; quality bath & body like Inis, Pre de Provence, and sentimental items like Kitras Glass Ornaments. Then we have the healing side of Hafta Havit: crystals, incense, inspirational books. And there’s always something new. Women’s Accessories, percussion instruments, cement statuary – it’s all about creativity and inspiration. We want everyone to leave our store feeling inspired. The emphasis is really on value.
There are tarot and astrology readings by appointment and our readers are positive, experienced and just the nicest people. Hafta Havit also hosts classes every month on various subjects. We are always looking to make Hafta Havit a better place. We’ve been thinking of adding more classes, restarting another drum circle and expanding outside with more garden decor.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I think challenges and luck go hand in hand – there are some challenges you can handle on your own – sort of ‘make your own luck’. Then there are things that other people bring to you, and that’s real luck.
Like the old cliché, ‘it’s hard to find good help’ – that’s definitely a challenge for small businesses and it’s so important to have the right people. In that regard, I’ve been lucky. I’ve had, and still have, some the best employees. The store manager, Robin Labo has been with Hafta Havit since almost the beginning. She just walked in one day and asked if I needed help. And that turned out to be exceptionally lucky. Robin is phenomenal. She’s just a wonderful people person and very talented in many aspects of retail. She’s become an integral part of Hafta Havit and in my life too. She’s my other half.
Really, my entire staff right now is just amazing. It makes all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Address: 160 Schoosett Street
Pembroke, MA. 02359 - Website: haftahavit.com
- Phone: 7818294946
- Email: info@haftahavit.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaftaHavitPembroke/
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