Small Biz Spotlight: Women-Owned Businesses in CT
If you’ve been reading our blogs regularly, you know we like to live our values by supporting small businesses — and it’s even better when those businesses are owned by people of color or other marginalized groups. That’s why this week we’re focusing on women-owned businesses we love. And it’s not just about the places we shop, but the vendors and service providers we turn to when we need help.
Our favorite photographer — Leah Morgan
Let’s be honest, having your picture taken is Capital A AWKWARD! That’s why when it came time for us to get new pictures taken for our website we turned to Leah Morgan, a good friend, but more importantly, a trained therapist. If you need someone to make you feel more comfortable in front of the lens, who better than someone who is literally trained to put you at ease?
Our designer of choice — Jill Kovalchik
When we needed a grown-up logo that we didn’t just throw together in Canva, we turned to Jill Kovalchik, another friend and a talented artist. Jill not only creates great logos that subliminally make you want a warm beverage, she’s a painter who can bring the essence of your favorite landscape (or pretty much anything else) into your living room. Follow her on Instagram @jill_communication or order prints at Fine Art America.
More girl bosses
Of course, there are lots of businesses out there that are owned by women that we haven’t actually hired for any QCC related gigs. But that doesn’t mean we don’t want to shout them out. Here are some more of the ladies we love to support:
Hartford Prints
Pratt Street in Hartford is poppin’ and it’s thanks, in part, to Hartford Prints. This “urban goods brand” is owned by three sisters and happens to be my go-to source for CT-themed gifts and cards. You should also check out the Small State Great Beer festival they put on in non-COVID-times. Shop their many wares on their website but you should also, definitely, follow them on Instagram to see their adorable message boards, parties on Pratt Street, and cute as hell display windows.
Fashionista Vintage & Variety
It is time to get your fashion on! My style tends toward “Stevie Nicks on a hike” but if you want to look more like you wandered out of a cute old movie or an obscure rock band — and less like you’ve been lost in the woods for a few days — head over to Fashionista Vintage & Variety in New Haven. “The kooky brainchild of Nancy Shea and Todd Lyon, offering fab vintage clothes and accessories for gals & guys” has everything from mermaid suits (I’m not kidding) to showgirl costumes. If you’re a fan of HBO’s “The Deuce” you may even recognize some of Fashionista’s garb. If you want the dish on the latest oddities and rarities to come into the store, follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
Sawmill Pottery
Out here in the Quiet Corner (of Connecticut) Putnam is really the beating heart of it all, and located right in downtown Putnam is Sawmill Pottery. Founded in 2003 by potter Dot Burnworth, Sawmill Pottery offers classes, workshops, and open studio time. (My neighbor has a number of very heavy bowls she’s made at Sawmill Pottery.) The convenient location also means you can walk from the studio to get a glass of wine or a bite to eat afterward (drinking before throwing pottery is probably not the best idea for beginners). Check out the website for the latest information and schedules.
Your CBD Store Simsbury
Need to chill out? Yeah, us too. Head on over to Your CBD Store, owned by Nakia Kearse and Katonya Hughey. This team of ladies opened their doors in February 2020, just in time for a global pandemic and a whole lot of stressed out people looking for help with all manner of maladies. Nakia and Katonya pride themselves on helping to guide you on your CBD journey with a personal touch, so don’t hesitate to ask questions and find the best products for you! Head on over to their site to learn more about this dynamic duo and their CBD products.
There are hundreds if not thousands of other women owned businesses out there and we’d love to hear from you. head over to our Instagram and DM us if you’d like to be featured in our Stories! We can’t wait to hear from you and learn about your business.
