SPOTLIGHT: REGIONAL CHARACTER
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..."
