Haitian Immigrant Finds Door to the American Dream in JP

Boston, MA-

For many new immigrants to the United States, life can be
tough. However, Haitian immigrant Venard Veillard saw all of her past hardships as an
opportunity to chase the American Dream. After signing a lease with Boston-based real
estate company City Realty, Venard used her talents to become a successful hairdresser here in
Jamaica Plain.

We hear a lot about how the red hot real estate market has priced many people out of Jamaica
Plain and other neighborhoods, from residents whose families have lived here for generations
to small business owners unable to keep up with escalating rents for commercial real estate
space.

However, Venard is one of the inspirational success stories that go against this belief. It shows
the importance of developers being creative, to provide smaller, more affordable commercial
spaces that make sense in today’s business climate in Boston. This is no surprise to City Realty
managing partners Stephen Whalen and Fred Starikov. They say that we must get more creative
to give people opportunities to afford commercial space for their business.

For Venard Veillard, this was a door to the American Dream. And her dream is now a realty – a
thriving business on Washington Street.

Venard started 15 years ago and has not stopped since, creating a long list of devoted and
satisfied customers along the way. She has developed her business, Beauty by Venard, into a
full-service beauty salon, offering manicures, pedicures, eyebrow waxing and much more.
Venard is one of the many success stories that make our city unique. With the help of City
Realty and her own determination, she has made a great life for herself in Boston.