As community-centered Realtors who love where we live, connecting and featuring local businesses is like second nature to us. We were fortunate to connect with a number of small, local businesses that service Connecticut to be featured on our neighborhood market update newsletters. Check them out!
The Blue Butterfly Art Studio | Monroe, CT
The Blue Butterfly is a colorful and inviting Art and Party Studio nestled right in the heart of Monroe! We create a unique art experience through weekly events, yearly programs, and our summer art camp! We combine art sensory and science. We use art and imagination to explore making art, craft and play fun, edible art and ultimate experiences. We are a completely out-of-the-box approach to creativity!
We specialize in kid’s parties, art parties and fun. With over 100 different party packages and activities to choose from, we customize every event and detail to make each and every event perfect. You can find us fluttering around as we travel for offsite events,
fundraisers, charity events and all kinds of community gatherings.
To find out more about The Blue Butterfly, visit www.bluebutterflycreations.net or follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@bluebutterflycreations_art) to stay up to date with all of the fun and creativity!
Paul’s Haircutters | Trumbull, CT
Paul’s Haircutters is a modern barbershop with an old school feel. The barbershop is located in Trumbull center and is a true place for locals to hang out. This full-service barbershop offers hot towel shaves, traditional cuts, and today’s trendy fades. Kids are welcome too!
Paul’s, formerly of Monroe, has been in business for over 60 years and family owned, from grandfather Paul Provenzano to now grandson, Tony Provenzano. Paul’s is proudly open 6 days a week and offers appointments for your convenience and will take walk-ins if the time permits.
Visit them at 921 White Plains Road in Trumbull, call at 203.445.1321, follow on Instagram and Facebook at @paulshaircutters or visit their website at www.paulshaircutters.com
Kristen Ambrosi Art | Fairfield, CT
Kristen Ambrosi is a contemplative artist creating contemporary art. A resident of the Stratfield neighborhood, Kristen paints both
original collections and contracted commissions. The commission process is individualized and collaborative, incorporating design elements, and inviting client feedback as layers emerge. Collections of expressive abstractions explore metaphorical themes, communicating emotional landscapes through visual language. Years of exploration and a foundational fluency in realism have inspired the evolution of Kristen’s current work – themes of fluidity and freedom characterized by color, form, and beauty.
View her work at www.kristenambrosi.com, follow her on Instagram @kristenambrosi or get in touch with her at [email protected]
Black Rock Garden Structures | Bridgeport, CT
They design, install and maintain custom enclosed cedar vegetable gardens and backyard composting devices. Conveniently located
in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Black Rock Garden Structures services Fairfield and Westchester counties.
Call them today at 203.449.0572 for a free consultation, learn more on their website at www.blackrockgardenstructures.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram @blackrockgardenstructures
Abrakadoodle | Trumbull, CT
Abrakadoodle is all about creativity for kids. Their team is passionate about providing top quality art programs for kids ages 20 months
to 12 years old. Kids use their imagination while being exposed to various art mediums, artists, techniques and world cultures.
Programs range from in-studio and mobile art classes, summer camps, birthday “arty-parties,” in-school field trips, and after school enrichment. Let them know how they can create a unique event for you!
Visit them at 2285 Reservoir Avenue in Trumbull, visit their website at www.abrakadoodle.com/ct-trumbull, call at 203.385.1010, or follow them on Facebook @abrakadoodlect
Easton Trading Co | Easton, CT
Easton Trading Co., which launched at the end of 2022, is a new local business offering apparel, housewares, and gift items, many of which can be customized. The collection is a mix of handmade goods, curated items, and exclusively designed merchandise. They also work with clients on custom product design for events and unique gifts.
Founded by former NYC fashion designer turned Eastonite, Allison Taylor, her style and content is inspired by the town she’s called home for well over a decade. She’s truly in her element when upcycling items, such as reclaimed boards that become signs, making accessories from scrap leather, and repurposing waste wood from local woodworking shops to make one-of-a kind bottle openers.
You can sign up for emails and check out the current collection at www.eastontradingco.com. New arrivals and pop-up-shop info can be found on Instagram @eastontradingco
Pink Moon by Brooke | Fairfield, CT
“Inspired by nature’s color palette, all Pink Moon earring designs are made with upcycled materials such as scrap leather or re-purposed suede. Each pair is designed, cut and painted by me, Brooke. As such, each pair carries subtle differences and is unique in its own way.
Seasonal gemstone bracelets are a newer addition as well as Beading Parties. Gather your tribe and let’s get creative and each person will leave with their own unique stack. The selection of materials are constantly evolving with the change of seasons, and as I stumble across new sources of inspiration. Follow along on Instagram at @thepinkmoonbybrooke and my website at www.pinkmoonbybrooke.com to see my latest offerings!”
– Brooke
Turning the Page Books | Monroe, CT
Turning the Page is Monroe’s (mostly) children’s indie bookshop, nestled in the corner of Clock Tower Square at 477 Main Street. A day exploring their extensive collection of children’s books, educational games, puzzles, unique gifts, and their small but mighty selection of grown-up titles is absolutely a day well spent! Just step inside, and you’re at home…
Turning The Page is powered by certified school library media specialist Pia Ledina, and also hosts numerous events including author events, book clubs, and summer programs.
Find out more about this Monroe gem via Facebook
Goodpoint Needlepoint
Founded in 2022 by Amanda Silva, Goodpoint Needlepoint offers hand-painted needlepoint canvases for the beginner and experienced stitcher alike. After years of appreciating the meditative, anxiety-calming nature of stitching and the satisfaction of creating an heirloom object, Amanda turned her love of needlepoint into a line of locally designed canvases and stitching accessories. Her canvases, many of which are inspired by favorite travels and beloved hobbies, combine classic design with an element of whimsy and can be finished as ornaments, glasses cases, bookmarks and more.
With Goodpoint Needlepoint, Amanda’s goal is for this lifelong hobby to be accessible to as many new stitchers as possible. She would love to connect with anyone interested in getting started with needlepoint, either via Instagram (@goodpointneedlepoint) or on Facebook (Goodpoint Needlepoint). Her canvas collection is available to shop online at www.goodpointneedlepoint.com, with new designs launching throughout the year.
Kat the Welder
Kathryn Mica is the fire-wielding metalsmith behind Kat The Welder. With a foundation in art education, she began her welding journey in 2018. Once striking her first arc, she fell in love with the trade and wanted to explore every avenue that was available to her. With nature and art always close to her heart, and after discovering her newfound passion in welding, she wanted to meld the two together into her metal sculptures.
Currently residing in central Connecticut, she attends local craft fairs and art shows, and you can also find her digitally at katthewelder.com and @katthewelder on all social media platforms. You can also email her at [email protected] for any custom projects or general welding needs!
Row House | Monroe, CT
Monroe should be spelled Mon-ROW since our house is your house. Come join Monroe’s newest and best fitness studio for your new favorite workout. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned athlete, there’s a rowing workout for everyone. Our high-energy, music-driven group classes combine rowing intervals with floor-based strength exercises for the ultimate all-in-one, low-impact, cardio-enhancing, full-body strength workout for all fitness levels. Build strength, endurance, and confidence with our complete class offering. We know you’ll love being immersed in our inclusive and extraordinary community of Row House Crew members, we are the change you want to see and we can’t wait to meet you!
Take a class at their studio at 535 Monroe Turnpike in Monroe, give them a call at 203.590.2164, learn more on their website at https://www.therowhouse.com/location/monroe or follow them on Instagram and Facebook at @rowhousemonroe
Alexis Seabrook Art
Alexis Seabrook is a widely published illustrator whose work has appeared in the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, magazines, calendars, and ads. She has illustrated 90 books, most notably the New York Times best-selling Daring Book for Girls series. She studied painting and illustration at Syracuse University and Parsons School of Design, and abroad in France and Italy. She offers a range of custom work for clients including watercolor house and pet portraits, landscapes, wedding mementos, and wall art for kids’ rooms. In addition, she sells her notecards and prints on Etsy, and her fabric designs on Spoonflower.com.
To inquire about custom house portraits, pet portraits or landscapes, get in touch with her at www.alexisseabrook.com. You can also find her products at her Spoonflower shop, and on Instagram at @alexisseabrook