Sean Osborne, owner and founder of Regional Character, shares the story behind his remarkable new business.
STORY BY BENJAMIN LERNER
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY SEAN OSBORNE
In the heart of Downtown Manchester, Regional Character offers a care fully curated selection of home furnishings, decor, and gifts, all crafted by artisans and specialty makers from across the greater American Northeastern region. When the store first opened to the public in early 2024, it served as the culminative manifestation of owner and founder Sean Osborne’s vision for building a bright future for sustainable regional commerce. Osborne has honed a strong business acumen over the years he has spent working with high-profile American heritage brands and independent artisan makers. He currently serves as the Marketing
Director at J.K. Adams, a world-renowned Vermont home goods brand based in nearby Dorset. Through his work at J.K. Adams, and his previous employment at Hawkins New York, a luxury bedding and home décor company, Osborne has developed a deep appreciation for artisanal craftsmanship. This understanding shaped the concept of Regional Character, a boutique home goods store that fosters meaningful connections between consumers and makers.
The shop itself is a thoughtfully-curated space where every product tells a unique story of regional craftsmanship, reflecting the traditions and skills of the artisans who made them. From tabletop and serving goods to apothecary items, the offerings span a wide array of categories, all emphasizing the beauty and quality of locally made goods. For Osborne, the original idea behind Regional Character was driven by a desire to reconnect consumers with the origins of the products that they bring into their homes. “My intention here was to source within a relative radius of where I actually live and work, and get to know vendors over time that way,” explains Osborne. This approach ensures that the products in Regional Character are of the highest quality, and that they are created by talented artisans who share a commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability.
With products and goods sourced as far north as Vermont and Quebec and as far south as Pennsylvania, Osborne is building partnerships with makers while bringing their unique products to a wider audience. He adds: “I’m also developing relationships with craftspeople and artisans to come to market with new and innovative goods and designs, which will eventually be sold under my brand.” This will allow Regional Character to offer products with a lower environmental impact, all while supporting local economies and showcasing the talent of artisans from across the Northeast.
Osborne’s dedication to regional commerce is rooted in the belief that supporting local makers and businesses can have a profound impact on both the environment and the economy. By choosing to work exclusively with makers from the Northeast, Osborne is able to reduce the distance products need to travel, which in turn lessens their environmental footprint. But it’s not just about sustainability—it’s about celebrating the incredible craftsmanship throughout the region. “The real intention is to keep money as close to home as possible,” says Osborne. He aims to help strengthen local communities, creating deep connections between consumers and the people who make the products that they love. “You’re putting money in the pockets of artisans and people who are craft makers in your own communities whenever you come to shop here,” adds Osborne. He notes the importance of supporting the region’s thriving maker culture, which ties into all aspects of business, including agriculture, tourism, hospitality, and beyond.
Osborne’s careful curation of products reflects his dedication to creating a lifestyle brand through Regional Character that is firmly rooted in the traditions of New England craftsmanship. One notable highlight is a collection of hand-turned bowls by Spencer Peterman, a bowl maker from Western Massachusetts. Peterman’s use of decayed wood to create stunning, natural patterns is a perfect example of Osborne’s love for pieces that blend traditional materials with modern aesthetics, creating rustically-refined masterpieces. “The maple bowls are wonderful. I carry a spalted ambrosia pattern, which I think is particularly beautiful,” says Osborne.
Other highlights include custom-scented candles from locally-based Dorset Daughters, made using local beef tallow instead of soy wax. This speaks to Osborne’s commitment to supporting local agricultural sourcing and minimizing environmental impact. The candles capture the essence of Vermont’s woodsy outdoors and Maine’s fresh coastal air with their alluring scents. Regional Character also features a wide range of pantry items, including organic jams and preserves from Les Collines in Craryville, New York, and aged cider vinegar from Fable Farm in Barnard, Vermont. Both of these products exemplify the store’s dedication to seasonal, organic, and locally sourced ingredients. Osborne takes great pride in offering these food items, which, like his home goods, tell the story of the Northeast’s unique landscape.
Though Regional Character sources products from across the Northeast, Vermont’s artisan community holds a special place in Osborne’s heart. The state’s commitment to sustainability, local craftsmanship, and community support is wo
ven into the fabric of his store’s ethos. Vermont makers like Alicja Ceramics, based in Waitsfield, and Blackthorne Forge, a one-man ironworking operation from Marshfield, bring traditional techniques into modern contexts. Osborne is also proud to carry Golden Hill Candles from Waterbury, Vermont, which are hand-dipped using beeswax from responsibly managed Vermont aviaries. “The candles themselves are beautiful. They burn longer, they’re organic and fully natural,” Osborne explains. These products, along with others from Vermont artisans, play a significant part in Regional Character’s overall collection. For Osborne, opening Regional Character in Manchester felt like a natural choice. “What drew myself and my partner to Vermont was the sense of community here.” Over the past several years, Osborne has noticed a resurgence of local, Vermont-based businesses in the downtown Manchester area. He then saw an opportunity to contribute to the local economy through his thoughtfully curated selection of goods.
The agricultural roots of Vermont’s economy have long been a source of pride for its residents, and Osborne believes that his store is an extension of this legacy. “Vermont is known not only nationwide, but internationally, as being the place where people are connected to where they get their food.” As Regional Character continues to grow, Osborne envisions expanding his partnerships with regional makers and heritage businesses. His continuing work with J.K. Adams has given him a strong foundation in scalable artisan manufacturing and product development, and he plans to bring that experience to the table while creating a collection that reflects the values of the region.
Ultimately, Osborne hopes that Regional Character can serve as a model for other businesses that seek to highlight regional craftsmanship and contribute to their local economies. “I’m trying to put a face to the actual product that you’re bringing home,” says Osborne. Through his store, he’s doing just that—creating a space where products have meaning, stories are shared, and the regional maker community thrives.