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!
You're IT Bella Accenti!
Three questions with Elsa and Jay Zerrusen, owners of Bella Accenti.
Why did we start our business?
My wife and I were traveling in the midwest last year and we came across a small shop that was selling rustic farmhouse style signs. We purchased a couple of signs, brought them back to Connecticut and decided to re-create similar signs with a higher standard of quality for our own use. Our intent was to decorate our own home with signs we built and that is exactly what we did. We were content with keeping our work "in-house" until a friend visited and offered to pay for us to make a sign. That was our lightbulb moment. If we use our manufacturing and quality backgrounds, we should be able to produce better quality signs at a fairer price than what the big box stores are offering from overseas manufacturers. That is exactly what we did and are very happy with our decision. With a few shows and craft fairs under our belts, along with a little social media advertising, we have created some great custom signs for some great people. The look on someone's face says it all when they see their idea come to reality and that is something we really enjoy.
Finish this sentence in regard to your business: "I wish I could..."
I wish I could garner enough clients and orders to be able to open a small manufacturing and storefront space. Currently, our business is run out of our home. While utilizing our space for manufacturing, we also use our home as a showcase for some of our products. But that comes with obvious drawbacks, not enough space to show off the product for potential customers along with a limited manufacturing area. We rely heavily on social media for showcasing our products but to be able to "touch and feel" a product, gives a customer a better understanding of what they are purchasing. Additionally, having that retail space allows for the actual communication between the store and customer. This is something that is going away at an alarming rate. While the online shopping option is good, having that conversation between store and customer allows for a better shopping experience. We communicate heavily with customers to ensure they are getting exactly what they want in the creation of their custom sign. So, having a retail space allows for that "touch and feel" along with proper communication between store and customer.
Simply put...signs! Our signs are produced using reclaimed wood for that rustic look and feel or from standard common wood for a more contemporary look. We work closely with our customers to ensure that their sign is our best work yet. While we offer some standard signs, our main focus is on our custom side of the business. Specifically, family name signs. We have created numerous family name signs for customers that recently gave them as gifts for the holidays. All signs received great positive feedback which of course is music to our ears. Currently, our focus is on signs but as our name implies, beautiful accents are not limited to just signs. In the coming year, we will be venturing into new areas of decor to compliment the signs we produce.
View photos of Bella Accenti products on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/bellaaccenti230 or on Instagram at bella_accenti.
Visit Bella Accenti online here.
I would like to tag Ching's Table. I know this establishment has received so many accolades from much higher authorities, but I wanted to send them my good wishes. You have to have the Fire Wok! Outstanding!
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!