As part of our marketing strategy for 2022, we wanted to feature local businesses on our neighborhood market updates. We are so grateful to these businesses for letting us feature and share their story. We encourage you to shop local this season (and every season)!
Fairfield
Sound Coffee Co (formerly Buena Vista Coffee Roasters)
Jeff Roy has been home roasting his own coffee beans for over a decade. His mother-in-law gave him green coffee beans for Christmas, along with home roasting instructions she printed off the Internet. Before long, Jeff was hooked – he went from being someone who always needed a splash of milk in his coffee to drinking it black because the freshness and the flavor really are that much better. What started as a hobby for Jeff and Sarah Roy grew into a business in 2019, when Jeff began selling roasted beans to friends, then to neighbors, then at local farmers markets and beyond.
At Sound Coffee Co, our mission is to provide our fellow coffee lovers with delicious fresh-roasted coffee produced with care and love for the product, for our planet, and for the farmers and communities who grow it for us.
You can find them at soundcoffees.com, and on Instagram and Facebook at @soundcoffeecompany
Reef Shack
Reef Shack was born out of a desire to have a home base for our wonderful Fairfield community. A place where you can share a cup of coffee with an old friend, a hub where kids can ride their bikes and buy some of our store-made Lesizza’s Italian ices, or have an amazing made-to-order meal of cheesesteaks, American classics like our burgers or BLTs, fresh salads or vegetarian and vegan options.
Reef Shack is family owned and operated by Bridget and Jason Lesizza, who wanted to save the landmark which is located on the corner of Reef Road and Oldfield Road in Fairfield, and they created a place where everyone felt like family, at 257 Reef Road.
You can find them on Instagram and Facebook at @reefshackffld or online at www.reefshackffld.com
Knots on Euclid
Erika Burling is the owner of Knots on Euclid where she creates handmade macramé products using cotton fibers made from recycled materials. The name of her business comes from the street she currently resides on in Fairfield, CT “Euclid Ave” where she lives with her husband, son, and puppy. As a lifelong crafter dabbling in sewing, embroidery, and knitting, macramé was a natural next step to continue working creatively with her hands. Being trapped indoors during the pandemic learning macramé was accelerated given the
amount of time she could devote to her craft which turned into her small business. Erika describes her work as “boho chic” combining modern design with vintage vibes to create functional macramé pieces. She specializes in handmade macramé purses, earrings, and
home accessories.
You can find her in person at various local markets around Fairfield County and beyond, on Instagram at @KnotsonEuclid and online at www.knotsoneuclid.com
Trumbull
MMM…baked goodness
Mmm… baked goodness is about love for all baked goodies, a desire to share with friends and neighbors, and the joy of bringing family and friends together. Based in Trumbull, mmm…baked goodness uses the freshest ingredients in their scratch baked scones,
muffins, and so much more!
You can find them online at www.mmmbakedgoodness.com or on Instagram and Facebook at @mmmbakedgoodness
The Vintage Horse
The Vintage Horse mobile bar started as an idea and became more than we ever imagined. Covid arised and our lives changed drastically. I was let go from my career in event planning and I needed to figure something out. Thanks to Pinterest, a love for horseback riding, and a vision – The Vintage Horse was born! We are a Horse Trailer Mobile Bar – we bring the party to you! From backyard events to your big wedding day, no matter how big or small we would love to be a part of it.
– Jennifer Milano, the Vintage Horse
You can find them on Instagram at @thevintagehorse or www.thevintagehorses.com
Next Chapter Books
Created by the Trumbull Public Schools, Run by Students, Serving the Community: When the Trumbull Public Schools needed a new hub for the district’s ELITE program, which provides life and employability skills for students with developmental disabilities, the district created a student-run business which would make a meaningful contribution to the community. With the TPS core values of inclusivity and a lifelong love of literacy in mind, a bookstore cafe and “meet up” spot seemed like just the right fit. Through community collaborations, the Trumbull team learned how to create a self-funded program in the form of a pre-owned bookstore and cafe – and the idea for Next Chapter Books was born.
Employability Training Platform – The key to the success of Next Chapter Books is that the site serves as an employability training platform for students as they work in jobs highlighting their strengths alongside members of the community.
Visit them at 2 Daniels Farm Road in Trumbull, on their website at www.nextchapterbooksCT.com or on Instagram at @nextchapterbooksCT
Monroe
Mercier Mercantile
Mercier Mercantile began in January of 2021. Sandy Mercier is an elementary school teacher, mom, wife, and now small business owner. She started making candles as a hobby, and after a few people received her candles as gifts, they encouraged her to begin selling them on Etsy. With orders coming in, she needed to expand, so her sister Susan joined the team.
Candles make the perfect accent to any home! Mercier Mercantile offers a variety of scents for every season. Fill the air with crisp fresh linen, relaxing lavender, or rosemary and thyme. Mercier Mercier offers a variety of scents, vessels, gift baskets, favors, and farmhouse beads.
You can find them on Instagram at @merciermercantile
Fiery Magnolia
Fiery Magnolia is a no till micro flower farm. Their passion is flowers, helping people to embrace the slow flower movement and doing what they can to practice healthy and kind farming. They do not use pesticides or chemicals, everything is grown from seed. No till means they help preserve soil health by not drilling and keeping the soil structure in tact.
Fiery Magnolia grows multiple varieties of flowers including dahlias, sunflowers, snapdragons, zinnias, sweet peas, bachelor buttons, rocket larkspur and many more! They also have a flower cart and are available to make arrangements for special occasions.
You can find them at the Monroe Farmer’s Market, on Facebook at Fiery Magnolia Flower Farm and on Instagram @fierymagnolia_flowerfarm
Last Drop Coffee Shop
Last Drop Coffee Shop is a hidden gem in the heart of Monroe. It is a place that feels like home to so many, but especially me. I started my journey at Last Drop in 2009 as a barista and today, 13 years later, I am proud to say I am the owner! We are a women-owned and operated business that prides itself on great tasting coffee, specialty lattes, and delicious meals! We strive to grow our business with the same honesty and integrity we use to create our menu, with sustainability and great taste for all. The best is yet to come!
– Alaina, owner of Last Drop Coffee Shop
Visit them at 435 Main Street, on their website at www.lastdropcoffeeshop.com or on Instagram and Facebook at @LastDropCoffeeShop
Fairfield County
Kelly Breheny Organzier
Kelly Breheny brings 25 years of organizing experience as a Personal Assistant to the late Nina Griscom in New York City. Kelly applies her simplistic approach with her clients in an open-minded and simple way, while enhancing open space. She assists with move in/move out preparation, which includes the process of decluttering, purging, and organization of closets, pantries, cabinets, and basements to create a mindful balance of possessions, as well as unpacking boxes and supervising movers. Additional services include dissolution of estates, creating informal inventory lists and distributing belongings to family and friends. Kelly’s team consists of 1-4 women depending on the project and works one on one with the client, or independently.
You can find her on Instagram at @Simplyorganizedwithkelly or get in touch with her via e-mail or cell phone: Kellyherin@aol.com | 917-519-1537
The Finish Co
The Finish is a unique offering that provides the services of a professional interior designer, one hour at a time. Unlike traditional design services, there are no budget minimums, and they love small projects (like styling a bookcase, accessorizing new furniture, or choosing window treatments) as much as the big ones (hello, floor plans and moodboards). And, unlike e-design, the projects are personal and offer a one-on-one experience to clients. Clients will work with the designer in their home to solve specific problems in the space, whether it’s a floor plan that’s not working, or a blank wall needing art, a fall porch in need of decorating or a holiday mantle in need of garland.
To schedule your initial consultation or learn more, visit https://thefinish.co/, follow them on Instagram at @TheFinish.Co or visit their Southport store at 293 Pequot Ave, open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Nori Studios
Beth Nori founded Nori Studios LLC in 2005 as an integrated communications, branding, and packaging design firm. She is an award-winning graphic designer and artist with a focus on trends, strategic branding, and packaging design for both local and multi-national brands. Most recently, she has enjoyed working for local not-for-profits and change agents.
During 2020, with more time at home, she rediscovered her love of fine art and the happiness it brought. Her goal is to bring the joy of art into your home, in an economical way. With options ranging from large-canvas original art to fine art giclée prints and products, there is something for everyone. Art is like breathing, and anything involving making a beautiful mess is her happy place.
To see more of her work or get in touch, visit www.noristudios.com or on Instagram @nori_studios
