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- The Arconic Team
- Oct 14
- 18 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Arconic Presents:
THE CHESTNUT EXPERIENCE
Newton, MA - At Arco, our homes are living spaces designed to inspire connection, creativity, and conversation. The Chestnut Experience is an extension of that philosophy: a gathering series hosted within one of our newly completed and available residences, 873 Chestnut Street in Newton, where we invite local entrepreneurs, artists, and visionaries to share their stories, showcase their work, and spark meaningful dialogue, all while celebrating community and design.
This fall, we opened the doors of our newest home to a remarkable group of women-owned businesses whose creativity and purpose align with the values we build by. From fashion and art to wellness and home styling, each guest brought a distinct perspective to the table, literally, together forming a collective that reflects the multidimensional nature of modern living.
In the primary bedroom, our co-founder Carolina Trujillo sits down with fashion designer Daniela Corte, who shared pieces from her fall collection and touched on her upcoming 25th anniversary show — a milestone we are honored to sponsor.
In the kitchen, Dr. Lynn Ahn, gastroenterologist and founder of Ahn Point Wellness, speaks about gut health, mindful eating, and how to stock your home with foods that nurture both body and mind. With a background in styling and interiors, Alisa Kapinos Goldberg, founder of StyleProductions, creates a beautifully styled dining table that captured the warmth and elegance of fall, offering guests a visual centerpiece that reflected both artistry and attention to detail.
The elegant works of artist Susan Gheyssari, best known for her expressive oil portraits of the ballet, adds warmth and depth, and were available for guests to view and purchase. Amy Finegold, founder of Evolution Self and Style, shares her mission of helping women over 40 embrace confidence and style through life’s many transitions. Vivien Luo, an electronic violinist known professionally as ViolinViiv and a familiar face on stages across Boston, helped us set the tone of this project with her captivating performance. And Amy Pocsik, founder of BoldMoves, shares her insights as a professional business coach, inspiring women to lead with confidence and purpose.
THE CHAPTERS
Chapter One: A Symphony of Style with Vivien Luo
If you have ever wandered through Quincy Market or the North End and caught the sound of a violin weaving through the crowd, chances are you have met Violin Viv, the street performer and event musician who has made Boston her stage.
Classically trained yet inspired by the pulse of pop and contemporary music, Viv’s performances are a vibrant blend of elegance and energy. What began as a childhood attempt to avoid piano practice quickly became a lifelong passion.
“I ended up falling in love with the instrument,” she says. “It is just more versatile, and there is so much you can do with tone and sound.”
Music and Fashion
Viv’s creativity extends beyond her music. Her playful, expressive fashion has become part of her artistry, each look telling a story as colorful as her sound.
“I interned at Vogue when I was in New York City,” she laughs. “Fashion has always been a fun way for me to express my mood or match the theme of an event.”
Having collaborated with Arco Homes in the past, Viv was excited to be part of another project.
“The team is incredible,” she shares. “Everything they create feels modern yet cozy, and it is such a unique fusion of design aesthetics.”
Classical Technique Meets Modern Rhythm
The Arco team chose to highlight Viv for her ability to blend classical technique with modern rhythms, an artistic reflection of the homes themselves, which balance New England elegance with modern innovation.
Whether performing for weddings, corporate events, or throughout Boston’s lively streets, Viv continues to transform everyday spaces into moments of connection. You can find her performing at Quincy Market, the Aquarium, or any tourist part of Boston.
Follow Viv’s journey on Instagram @violinviiv or visit www.violinviiv.com.
Chapter Two: Table Talk with Alisa Kapinos Goldberg
Inside one of Arco’s newest homes on Chestnut Street, stylist and creative force Alisa Kapinos Goldberg, founder of STYLEPRODUCTIONS, transformed the dining space into something more than a tablescape ; she created a feeling. The table she designed was serene yet layered, combining organic textures, soft candlelight, and natural tones that seamlessly complemented the home’s architecture. For Alisa, beauty and design have always gone hand in hand with connection.
“I’ve been a stylist for over 20 years. I started in wardrobe styling and closets, then I was a writer and produced a lot of photo shoots. About 10 years ago, I switched over to interiors and the tablescape kind of took off, it’s something I really enjoy doing. I always go with my gut. And it always proves me right.”
Alisa’s story began in Boston’s fashion scene, styling for magazines, personal clients, and brands before expanding into interiors and home styling. Her work has always centered around helping people express their individuality through design. “I’ve always loved decorating tables,” Alisa shared during her sit-down with Carolina Trujillo. “In my culture, we are more prone to having people over and having all our friends over, needing a big table where you sit around and eat for hours. My mom was a great cook and she always had a lot of people over and as a kid I was the one decorating the table. I would go outside and cut dandelions and put them on the tables and ask my mom to buy candles.”
“I have a lot of clients that have old pieces of china or vases that they want to use, so I incorporate new pieces with their old pieces and then everything comes together with the flowers."
For her Chestnut Street design, Alisa drew inspiration from the home itself.
“When you asked me to come do a tablescape, I thought Arco Homes, it’s probably going to be open, beautiful, light-filled on the modern side. And I just came up with, you know, maybe I’ll do these kind of old Italian olive jars. And I just kind of pick one piece and base everything else around it.”
The result was a table layered in texture and tone. Stone bowls filled with figs and pears sat over softly ruched fabric, with blue florals adding vibrancy against the neutral palette.
“I think what makes my tablescape stand out is that I love incorporating fruits and vegetables or live plants in my creations. It makes you feel better. Like I said, it’s so homey and cozy to have real nature in your home.”
“Sometimes people just want a beautiful table for that wow moment when their guests arrive. If no one’s actually sitting at it, in that case, I’ll do like the big arrangements. It's what’s conducive to the person’s party. I want it to be elegant, but I want it to be functional for the hostess.”
Alisa’s approach mirrors Arco’s belief that thoughtful design shapes the way we live and connect.
“I just think people really love to walk into a house and have the vibe extend everywhere. I do Halloween, I do Christmas. I like to do it upscale, a little bit more classy, that’s the way I do the holidays.”
Her tables tell a story of warmth, creativity, and belonging. To learn more about Alisa Kapinos and STYLEPRODUCTIONS, visit styleproductions.co.
Chapter Three: Trust Your Gut: The Key to Living Well with Dr. Lynn Ahn
In today’s fast-paced world, feeling our best often feels like a luxury. Stress, hormonal changes, and modern lifestyle habits can take a toll on our energy, mood, and overall health. I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Lynn Ahn, a board-certified gastroenterologist and founder of Ahn Point Wellness, whose holistic yet scientific approach is changing the way we think about health and longevity.
A Journey to the Gut
Dr. Ahn’s path to medicine began with an interest in orthopedic surgery, fueled by a lifelong love of running and fitness. But medical school opened her eyes to the profound impact of the gut on overall health.
“Seventy percent of our immune system is in the gut. It influences digestion, hormones, vitamin levels, and even brain function."
Fascinated, Dr. Ahn pursued gastroenterology, blending procedural skill with deep clinical insight. Her career took an innovative turn when she realized that traditional gastroenterology sometimes left patients without answers. "I would tell patients their labs were normal, procedures were normal, and I had nothing else to offer. I got discouraged."
This led her to pursue additional training in functional and regenerative medicine, allowing her to address the root causes of illness rather than just symptoms.
Personalized Care at Its Best
At Ahn Point Wellness, Dr. Ahn takes a detective-like approach to every patient. Every first visit lasts 90 minutes, allowing her to uncover the full picture of a patient’s health.
“I like to spend time listening to my patients’ stories. That’s where the real clues are.”
From stool tests to hormone analysis, she integrates Western medical practices with functional medicine techniques to optimize gut health, hormonal balance, and overall wellbeing. What sets her apart is her ability to help patients navigate the broader medical system.
"Doctors often don’t have time to listen fully or integrate information from different specialists. I act as a bridge, helping patients communicate with their other doctors and ensuring nothing gets overlooked."
Who Can Benefit
Patients of all ages come to Dr. Ahn, ranging from 17 to over 90, for support through hormonal changes, digestive concerns, and longevity-focused care. “I see patients who are just entering adulthood and others who are well into retirement. It’s never too early or too late to start optimizing your health."
Stress is a common underlying factor affecting both gut health and overall wellbeing. High stress can disrupt the gut microbiome, reducing production of vital neurotransmitters and hormones.
“Even small adjustments, like taking a few minutes to breathe deeply, having a glass of water, or choosing foods that nourish your body, can make a huge difference."
Science Meets Lifestyle
Dr. Ahn emphasizes the importance of movement, sleep, and nutrient-dense foods in maintaining hormonal balance and gut health.
“My goal is to help people not just live longer, but live better."
From optimizing micronutrients to addressing hormonal imbalances, managing stress, and preventing disease before it arises, her approach demonstrates that longevity is not just about adding years to life; it’s about adding life to years.
Takeaways for Vibrant Health
For those interested in learning more, Dr. Ahn hosts seminars, speaks at conferences, and shares insights via her website and social media. Whether you are navigating hormonal changes, seeking preventative care, or simply striving to feel your best at any age, her practice offers a holistic, science-backed path toward vibrant health.
Chapter Four: Confidence, Curated: The Art of Dressing with Daniela Corte
Boston designer Daniela Corte has spent twenty five years defining what it means to get dressed with confidence. Her work, both timeless and practical, is built on the belief that clothing should be an extension of self-expression, something that moves with you, fits beautifully, and endures.
“I wanted my clothes to be your favorite clothes, for my dress to be your favorite dress, something you can reach for without thinking and always feel like the best version of yourself.”
Her love for fashion began in Argentina, where she grew up surrounded by tailoring and textiles. Her father, a menswear designer, introduced her to craftsmanship early on. “My formal training is in menswear - That is where my love for outerwear and jackets comes from. A beautifully made blazer reminds me of my dad. Getting dressed is how you present yourself to the world.”
That foundation of precision and care continues to shape her approach today. Daniela’s studio, based in Boston, creates ready-to-wear collections that blend elegance with ease. Each piece is sketched in her notebook before being cut, sewn, and pressed by hand. Her team is small, intentional, and deeply skilled. Every fabric, from Italian wool to soft European silk, is chosen for comfort and longevity.
“Quality is everything- If you invest in good pieces, they should last. I want my clients to look at a photo ten years later and still feel proud of how they looked that day.”
Daniela’s designs have earned her multiple Best of Boston titles and a Modern Luxury cover, but what matters most to her is the community she has built. Her clients return year after year, drawn not only to her craftsmanship but to the sense of confidence her clothes inspire.
“When a woman puts on one of my pieces and suddenly owns the room, that moment means everything,” she says. “It is not just about clothes. It is about how you feel when you wear them.”
Her collections are wearable and adaptable, made for work, travel, and everything in between. “Clothes should make life easier, not harder." You wake up in the morning and you choose how you are going to present yourself. I am just here to help.” She believes in building wardrobes that evolve, not replace. “The pieces you bought years ago should mix with the new. It is about creating an essential wardrobe that speaks to itself.”
Each design tells a story through thoughtful detail: an army green blazer lined with lavender silk, a cropped cashmere hoodie for Boston’s cold months, an ivory bow blouse that falls just right on the shoulder.
“I love pairing color and texture. A jacket can be chic but still practical. You can wear it to a meeting or to the market. Everything should move with you.”
Daniela’s inspiration comes from travel, art, and everyday life. “Traveling is where I see women in motion, how they carry themselves, how they live. I take those ideas and translate them into something wearable for every day. We do not just get dressed for special occasions. We get dressed every day, and we should feel great every day.”
Her philosophy reflects the same values that guide Arco Homes: craftsmanship, quality, and the belief that design should serve daily life. Both share a commitment to intentional beauty, creating things that last and feel personal.
25 Years of Daniela Corte
This season, Daniela is preparing for one of the most meaningful moments of her career, a show celebrating twenty five years of design. The event will bring together artists and collaborators who have shaped her journey.
“It will be a night to honor everyone who has been part of this story,” she says. “It is about gratitude and about celebrating the creative spirit that keeps us moving forward.”
The collection will revisit signature silhouettes and introduce new designs that reflect her evolution as both an artist and a woman. “It feels emotional,” she adds. “To see how far we have come, and to still be creating with the same love I had when I started.”
As Daniela reflects on her path, she speaks with certainty. “Clothes should help you celebrate who you are and where you are in life,” she says. “They should make you feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful, no matter your age or size.”
Her legacy is not measured in seasons but in timeless pieces that make women feel strong and seen. And much like the architecture she admires, Daniela’s work proves that good design never demands attention, it earns it quietly, through detail, craftsmanship, and purpose.
To learn more about Daniela and explore her latest collections, visit www.danielacorte.com.
Chapter Five: Living Boldly with Amy Pocsik
When Amy Pocsik walks into a room, the energy changes. It is not loud or commanding but steady, confident, and deeply genuine. As the founder and CEO of Bold Moves, Amy has made it her life’s mission to help women step fully into their power and build businesses that reflect who they truly are.
“I get to come alongside smart, ambitious women with big dreams and help them step into their power and create the life, the career, and the business that they really want,” she says. “That is the best job in the world.”
Amy’s own story began in the corporate world. “I started as an accountant, a CPA, and I was just climbing that corporate ladder,” she says. “I was determined, I was hungry for success, and I was willing to work hard. But deep in my soul, I felt that I was meant to do something so much more than working behind the scenes with numbers.”
That realization sparked her journey to create Bold Moves. “I saw other people who loved what they did and I thought, if it’s possible for them, why can’t it be possible for me?” she says. “Along the way, I met amazing women who were experts at what they did, but they were really struggling with the business side of things. That had been my whole career, sitting across from big executives and helping them with leadership and structure and systems. I thought, I can help these women.”
Her passion quickly turned into purpose. “I’ll never forget my first client,” Amy recalls. “She wanted to take her business over the million-dollar mark but she felt like she already wasn’t seeing her daughter and her team was a mess. We worked together for a couple of months and she called me up and said, Amy, I don’t know what to do. I have so much time on my hands. We’re making more money, my team is finally happy and engaged.
I thought, oh my gosh, whatever this is, I want to make this impact on women’s lives for the rest of my life.”
For Amy, success is not about doing more but about doing what matters. “Time, money, and energy are the currencies of our life as women,” she says. “We have to define success on our terms. We have to know what it is we’re creating because otherwise, we just keep moving the goalpost. How often have we hit a milestone but not even stopped to celebrate?”
Her approach blends strategy with mindset and emotional awareness. “We do the energetic work, the mindset, the time, all of that,” Amy explains. “But we also couple it with the right strategies. Sales, marketing, operations, systems, it all has to align with who you are as a person. The right plan for you will look completely different from somebody else’s.”
At the heart of Bold Moves is Amy’s belief that women do not need empowerment, they need upliftment. “Our power is never in question, but when we uplift each other by shining our light, we reflect that brilliance back to one another, and it’s through that that we all rise together.”
That spirit of community has grown into something far beyond coaching. For the past two years, Amy has brought hundreds of women together for her signature event, the Boston Women’s Leadership Summit, a full-day experience designed to inspire, connect, and restore. “The intention for this day is to take a day out for you,” she says. “To be in a beautiful hotel, to be inspired, to meet other amazing women, and to be poured into. It’s a day to be fueled, to reset your energy, and to go back to your life refreshed and excited.”
The next summit will take place on February 26, 2026, at the Mandarin Oriental in Boston. “It’s going to be our biggest year yet,” Amy shares. “We’re bringing together women from all different industries, ages, and backgrounds to elevate and uplift each other. My job as the leader is to plan the experience, hold the intention, and create the space, and then trust the magic to unfold.”
Her community has become a global network, with women joining from cities around the world. “When we show up in our full power, we inspire each other just by being who we are,” Amy says.
“When you create success, you’re showing others what’s possible for them.”
Amy’s message is both simple and powerful. “When we’re young, we dream a lot,” she says. “As we get older, we don’t. I want women to imagine again, to think about every area of their life as if it were a blank page. If anything were possible, what would you choose? That question can change everything.”
Her work, much like the homes we design at Arco, begins with vision. Before any structure can take form, you must first imagine the life that will unfold within it. Amy helps women build that foundation, one rooted in authenticity, purpose, and courage.
“It’s the passion of my heart to help women really live a life that they can’t wait to wake up to. Don’t settle. This is your one and only life, and you absolutely have what it takes to create it.”
To learn more about Amy Pocsik and Bold Moves, visit www.boldmoves.co
Chapter Six: From Stage to Studio: The Art of Ballet with Susan Gheyssari
Inside 873 Chestnut Street, surrounded by soft light and quiet elegance, artist Susan (Susie) Gheyssari spoke with us about the passion, patience, and poetry behind her art, which hangs proudly at 873 Chestnut. An oil painter inspired by the beauty and discipline of ballet, Susie’s work captures not just the image of a dancer, but the spirit that lives within the costume, the motion, the memory, and the emotion of performance.
“Most of my work is about the ballet and the dance world,” she shared. “I have a gallery in the South End, right on Harrison Avenue. Before this, I was represented by Boston galleries on Newbury Street, but now I really enjoy having my own space. It’s both my gallery and my studio.”
Susie’s connection to ballet runs deep. Before she ever picked up a brush, she was a dedicated dance student herself, a serious ballet student who once dreamed of joining a company. That dream never left her; it simply transformed.
“In my youth, I attended serious ballet schools and aimed to be a professional dancer. It was a big dream, and it stayed a dream. When the time came that I combined these two, the old dream and the painting, I felt I could finally bring it to life.”
Where Movement Meets Brushstroke
For Susie, art and ballet are intertwined expressions of emotion. She studied classical and contemporary art in France before continuing her training in Boston with renowned realist painters. Her signature works, ethereal tutus suspended in shadow, evoke both presence and absence. The dancer herself is unseen, yet entirely there. Through oil and light, she captures not just fabric and form, but devotion, elegance, and human endurance.
“I want to bring the soul of the dancer,” she explained. You don’t see her, but she’s present. It’s her dream, her role, and she owns it. And now I can own it with painting it and putting my feeling of what I saw.”
The Poetry of Detail
Susie’s process is as intricate as the performances she paints. Her attention to light, fabric, and texture comes from years of studying realism and a respect for the craft.
“You imagine it, And so it has to become exactly what is in my head. Some paintings take more time, some take less. It’s my satisfaction of saying, okay, I think you’re there. You’re done.”
Her pieces reveal a quiet drama, deep backgrounds, silken textures, feathers glowing under stage light. What began with tutus has expanded into pointe shoes, dancers’ bodies, and the fleeting moments between performances.
“Everything happens on the toe. These satin handmade shoes hurt them a lot, but they’re smiling and dancing on top of it. I love the used ones; they have more character. They’re a piece of art, just like the costumes.”
A Gallery of Grace
Susie’s South End gallery is now both her creative haven and a place of connection. Visitors can see her paintings, ask questions, and feel the atmosphere of her process.
“It’s a very arty neighborhood,” she said. “We have the first Friday of the month — people come, visit, and it’s such a nice place to show.”
Her current collection includes pieces inspired by The Seasons’ Canon, choreographed by Crystal Pite, a work that merges imagination and reality in a sweeping tree of human forms.
“It had such a strong choreography,” she said. “I wanted to take those movements and build a tree, a tree of emotion. It’s imagination and reality together.”
Where Art and Life Intersect
Just as Arco designs homes that inspire creativity and connection, Susie paints moments that remind us how deeply beauty lives within discipline and devotion. Her art invites us to pause, to feel, and to imagine.
“It takes time,” she reflected. “The painting has to stay with you. It has to do what I want it to do to the viewer, to create a feeling.”
To see more of Susan Gheyssari’s work, visit her South End gallery at 460 Harrison Avenue, Boston, or explore her collections online at susangheyssari.com. Both pieces from Susie on display at 873 Chestnut are for sale.
Chapter Seven: A Life in Balance: Amy Finegold’s Journey Through Wellness and Wardrobe
There is a quiet power in the way Amy Finegold speaks about transformation. It is not about trends or quick fixes but about rediscovering a sense of self that has been buried under the weight of routine, stress, and endless to-do lists. Through her business, Evolution Self and Style, Amy helps women reconnect with the parts of themselves they may have forgotten, blending nutrition, movement, mindset, and personal style into one seamless approach to well-being.
“For me, it is about helping women feel amazing,” she says. “I approach it from the inside out through nutrition and wellness, and also from the outside in through style, because we all know the transformative power of clothing.”
For Amy, wellness begins with awareness. She believes that the foundation of confidence is built through nourishment, rest, and movement that energizes rather than depletes. Her clients often come to her overwhelmed by information, unsure of what to follow or where to start. “People know what they should do,” she says, “but they have trouble implementing. My goal is to take it back to the basics, to make wellness manageable.”
She does not believe in dieting or deprivation. “I don’t ask people to diet or count calories. I think those things can be really triggering,” Amy explains. “Instead, I teach women how to create what I call the magic plate, how to fill it with protein, fiber-focused carbs, and vegetables. When you fuel your body the right way, you have more energy and less stress about food.”
But her philosophy goes far beyond what is on the plate.
“Food is emotional, it is part of our social life. When we’re craving comfort or distraction, food fills those needs. So I like to help clients uncover what they’re really looking for, whether it’s connection, rest, or joy, and find healthier ways to meet those needs.”
That same sense of self-awareness carries into her work with style. “When you look good and feel confident, you start to make choices that align with that version of yourself,” she says. Through her styling work, Amy helps women rediscover the joy of self-expression. “The beauty of clothing is that it can change how you feel instantly. You see someone stand taller, smile bigger, and you know something shifted inside them.”
Her process is both emotional and practical. She begins with what clients already own, helping them edit, refine, and rediscover. “You try on everything,” she says. “I watch your face when you put something on. If you do not light up, it is not staying. I want every piece in your closet to make you feel like your best self.”
Amy also believes that true confidence comes from authenticity.
"You are never done growing. At any age, you can start a new chapter, try something different, and evolve.”
She reminds her clients that self-care is not selfish, it is foundational. “We have to fill our cups first so she can give to others,” she says.
Her story mirrors the homes we design at Arco. Just as spaces evolve with the people who live in them, Amy helps women create lives that reflect who they have become, not just who they were. Both journeys are rooted in care, confidence, and the understanding that beauty and balance are most powerful when they come from within.
“Dress and eat not because you think you should, but because you are the kind of person who does those things. Step into that version of yourself. Step into your power.”
To learn more about Amy Finegold, visit www.evolutionselfandstyle.com.
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