Osprey Lane Boutique and owner Maria Vraniak have quickly become staples in the Somerville community. Now, Vraniak is bringing more joy to the area with the recent opening of her second store, The Osprey Nest, in downtown Somerville.
Located just down the street from Osprey Lane, The Osprey Nest offers unique home decor and gift items. Drawing inspiration from stores like Anthropologie and Pottery Barn, the boutique features both seasonal and year-round products to meet every decor need.
“At holiday time, whether it’s fall, Valentine’s Day, or Easter, customers can come in for gifts or seasonal decor,” Vraniak explains. “But we also want to be the go-to place when customers are redecorating or moving. Whether they need a picture, lamp, mirror, or something really unique to enhance their nest, we’re here for them.”
While Osprey Lane previously sold some home accessories, it lacked the space for everything Vraniak envisioned. When a new retail space opened in downtown Somerville, she saw the perfect opportunity to expand her offerings and leverage her brand.
“When that space opened up, we saw it as a great chance to bring more retail to downtown, especially with new apartments going up across the street,” she says. “We wanted to both enrich and participate in the growth in the area.”
Vraniak worked quickly with her family to launch The Osprey Nest before the holiday season. “My goal was to focus on seasonal items for the grand opening,” she notes. The store was ready in just three weeks, opening its doors on November 17.
“We hustled to get inventory, brought in carefully curated products, and moved items from Osprey Lane,” she recalls. “It was a lot of work, but our team is absolutely amazing.”
The biggest challenge Vraniak faced was managing both stores simultaneously. “The hardest part was finding the time to maintain Osprey Lane while opening The Osprey Nest,” she admits. “I wanted to make sure both businesses were running smoothly and up to the reputation of our brand that we’ve built.”
Despite the challenges, Vraniak is committed to Somerville. “I couldn’t imagine having another store elsewhere,” she shares. “It’s great being able to provide our customers an experience at both stores with just a short walk down the street.”
To help with the growing workload, Vraniak hired a merchandising manager, Lauren, who handles inventory and purchasing for The Osprey Nest. “She’s been a huge help and has taken a lot off my plate,” Vraniak says.
Since its opening in 2023, Osprey Lane has gained a strong local following, and Vraniak is focused on maintaining that positive reputation at The Osprey Nest. “People know it’s the same owner, so the vibe and passion will be the same,” she affirms. “Downtown Somerville is experiencing another growth surge, and it’s exciting to be part of it.”
Vraniak is actively working to spread the word about The Osprey Nest through social media and word-of-mouth. “We’re here for the community,” she emphasizes, adding that she is eager for feedback from local customers. “We want to know what people want to see here.”
In just over a month since its opening, Vraniak has seen her hard work pay off, with strong local support for The Osprey Nest. “It’s been a lot of work, but also incredibly satisfying,” she says. “The town has been so welcoming, and we’ve received great feedback.”
Though Vraniak is relatively new to the retail world, she brings a wealth of experience from her previous corporate career. “I’ve learned a lot along the way, and I’ve adjusted things to make sure they work for this business,” she reflects. “That’s been key to our success.”
The Osprey name, inspired by a town in Venice, Florida, carries a deeper meaning for Vraniak. “Like the Osprey, we want our brand to represent confidence, finding your way through darkness, and being a light for others,” she explains. “We want our customers to feel that Osprey within when they shop with us—whether it’s through new clothes curated for them or for their home.”
Looking ahead, Vraniak is excited for the warmer months and the growth of both Osprey Lane and The Osprey Nest. She hopes to eventually expand the Osprey brand into other New Jersey towns.
For now, Vraniak is focused on the present, grateful for the support of her family and the community. “I couldn’t have done this without my husband, kids, and our amazing customers,” she says. “It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m excited for what’s next.”
The Osprey Nest
Address: 196 W Main St, Somerville, NJ 08876
Phone: (908) 210-9888