21/09/2026
The South Boston Chamber of Commerce and South Boston NDC honored local business owners Nikki McCart and Lisa Walsh of MW Hair Studio Boston with the 2026 Thomas J. Butler South Boston Small Business Leadership Award during the 26th South Boston Street Fest on Saturday.
The annual award recognizes small business owners who go above and beyond for the South Boston community, carrying on the spirit of the late Tommy Butler, a longtime community leader known for his generosity, humor, and dedication to his neighbors.
Donna Brown, Executive Director of the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation, said McCart and Walsh “really exemplify the spirit that Tommy Butler brought to this community.”
“They were born and raised here in South Boston, but in addition to running their small business, they give back to this community on a regular basis,” Brown said. “They are just the perfect example of small businesspeople who understand how important community is, and who donate to causes, who show up at meetings, who are generous with their time and their talents.”
Chamber Director Jenni McNeill also praised the two business owners for their commitment to the neighborhood, noting that MW Hair Studio will celebrate its fifth anniversary in October.
“Beyond being amazing community members, showing up at every single one of the meetings asking me if I need anything, they are two of the funniest people I’ve ever met,” McNeill said. “And if they don’t bring anything else to everything, they bring the laughs.”
For Walsh and McCart, receiving the award was especially meaningful because of their longtime connection to South Boston.
“It’s just such an honor, you know, being from here and still being able to have a business here in South Boston,” Walsh said.
“We’re proud, and we feel very privileged that we can be a part of our community and actually have opportunities to give something back.”
Mayor Michelle Wu, Representative David Biele, City Councilors Ed Flynn, Erin Murphy, and Ruthzee Louijeune were also on hand to honor McCart and Walsh.
The Street Fest also included a special recognition for Don Wilson, who was honored for his 26 years of dedication to the event. Wilson helped establish the Street Fest alongside Karen Stanley and has continued to play a behind-the-scenes role in making the annual tradition happen.
McNeill presented Wilson with an award recognizing him as “the man behind the curtain.”
“He’s the heart behind the Street Festival,” McNeill said, bestowing the honor for his 26 years of dedication to South Boston Street Fest, from helping build a neighborhood tradition alongside Karen to continuing to guide, support, and quietly make it all happen.
“I honestly cannot do it without Don.”
Both recognitions reflected the spirit of the Street Fest itself: celebrating the people and small businesses that help make South Boston a strong and connected community.
