In September of 1992 The Stone Temple Pilots album Core came out. Less then a year after Nirvana's Nevermind exploded into mainstream music. Alternative or Grunge had put a strangle hold on the air waves. A newly teen aged me had just come online to the sweet rockin' sounds of bands like these. I was obsessed. My friends and I were divided by...

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The Nutmeg Collective: Seasonal Spotlight: Wool: Jenny Fields Fiber It's that time of season to think and get cozy.  What better way to get in that cozy frame of mind than with a l... The Nutmeg Collective: Seasonal Spotlight: Wool: Jenny Fields Fiber It's that time of season to think and get cozy.  What better way to get in that cozy frame of...

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Some of my customers may remember a time when I sold some of my jewelry designs at a little shop in downtown Seymour, CT. It was called Mad Hatter Boutique. I loved selling in my home town. It was a great little shop. Since then Mad Hatter has regrouped. Joan Tarby, owner of Mad Hatter, has since partnered with Angie Chernovetz. She owned...

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My business tends to feel like the Little Engine That Could. Every time I think I am down and out, something in me pushes and says I think I can, I think I can, I think I can! Then, somehow, I do. My last post was how, on the verge of closing, Jillian Lyons Designs turned it around thanks to Project Storefronts and...

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Valley Vintage has begun thriving as a business. With our official one year anniversary as a business happening this month, I have no doubts that VVLLC will continue to grow and be something I will continue to love curating and running. Jillian Lyons Designs on the other hand, has had a very troublesome year. Sales had progressively gone down. On top of this...

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You know what never ceases to amaze me? The small business brands that come alive in and around New Haven. I think the area attracts the best and brightest of Connecticut to come and share their passion. It's pretty fantastic. The Haven Collective hosted a 3 hour event to welcome just such a brand, Cinder + Salt. Owner / designer Rachel DeCavage creates low...

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Have you ever just met someone and instantly liked them? Marissa Balletti-Lavoie was that person for me. I met her about a year ago at an event and her personality really made an impression. Her business name, Sassy Mouth Photography was THE most fitting name I've seen in a long time. So naturally when she contacted me and asked if she could borrow...

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