Why Small Businesses Matter
Shop small, do big things for your community
Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!
Why Small Businesses Matter in Bridgeport: Meli and Rose Art
Meet Hillary Brown founder of Meli and Rose Art - creating art to give back.
Why did you start your business?
I started my business during the pandemic. I had been creating art to process all that was odd and terrifying about a global pandemic; the overturning of Roe v. Wade; Trump as president; the world. I always wanted to be an artist and write books since I was young, so I figured what better time than what seemed like it might be the end of the world. I knew though that if I started a business, I wanted to be able to give back to non-profit organizations that were working to support the people, communities, and natural world that are at most risk. So a portion of the profits of the business go back to supporting those organizations.
How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?
I enjoy painting at night with candles burning while drinking tea. I get my candles from Ame Candle Co., a small candle business from Stamford, CT. I get a lot of my tea from a shop called "You, Me and Tea" located in Port Jefferson, NY.
It's not easy selling art. While I have some more traditionally high-priced original pieces, I'm always considering ways that I can also make my art enjoyable and accessible to an audience that might not be able to afford a more expensive piece. So be it art prints, cell phone screen savers, or thinking of ways to get my paintings on puzzles, I'm always trying to think of creative ways to expand the business.
Visit Meli and Rose Art’s website https://www.meliandrose.com/ and follow along on Instagram @meliandrose
Questions? Email meliandroseart@gmail.com
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!