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!
Meet Marina Boccarossa, the founder of Sacrament.
Step inside Sacrament.
Why did you start your business?
I started Sacrament as a community venture to have a fun, safe, comfortable place for people of all ages to relax and embrace their physical and spiritual well-being. As a teenager growing up in Redding, I noticed our cute little town was seriously lacking in the “cool place to hang out” department. As an adult, I wanted to provide a space where younger people can get some work done, focus on themselves, unwind and create a network of like-minded individuals. I also enjoy sourcing vintage items as a way to shop sustainably and reduce waste, so my store is the perfect outlet to showcase my affinity for unique, useful items to be shared and cherished forever. In addition to vintage womenswear, home goods, and publications, I was determined to stock plenty of high-quality healing supplies such as incense, candles, herbal sprays, body tools & products, and tinctures. I’m big on aromatherapy and other tools that can amplify your meditative or healing practice you can easily implement for yourself.
How many local businesses do you use to support your small business and can you name them?
First things first- I need a delicious cappuccino to get my morning motivation. I take a short walk from my shop down the street to Pausa Cafe, an adorable family-run coffee shop. In addition to great espresso, they also have plenty of fresh Italian pastries and imported snacks to fuel your day.
I also have to thank Daniella of Daniella Toth Design in Norwalk for the many beautifully reimagined vintage furniture pieces that live in my store. If you love the bones of a vintage piece you’ve thrifted or flea’d, she will help breathe new life into them with a vibrant paint job of your choosing. I have to thank Natalie, of Noya Jewelry in Westport.
After venturing into her gorgeous shop (curious about renting half of the space), she allowed me the opportunity to host a weekend pop-up shop in the rental spot. This allowed me to get a taste of what I was missing as a business solely operating online. Another business local to the area is my close friend Philip Post’s clothing brand, dertbag. His atelier in Bridgeport is an ever-evolving hub of art & culture shaping the landscape of Connecticut for more than a decade. I have always been inspired by his drive and dedication to his craft. I have several paintings of his hanging in my space currently.
Last but not least, my store lives right below our family’s business, Boccarossa Insurance. After working there for years I couldn’t have imagined being able to have a space to call my own downstairs. I am so incredibly grateful and blessed for the opportunity given to me by my father, Pete, who is responsible for the reconstruction of the store. This wouldn’t have happened without his big imagination and lifelong experience in renovating properties.
Have you reimagined your small business?
The evolution of Sacrament was a natural one; I had to earn my rites of passage. After a little more than a year of selling online, lugging my items to all sorts of conventions, and attending & hosting pop-up shops with friends, I was longing for a space to call my own. Now, that dream has come to fruition with the opening of my first brick-and-mortar store. After months of renovation, I now have a beautiful space to reflect all I have to offer my community. As a reiki master healer, it was important for me to have a quiet, safe space for my healing practice. In addition to that, I was blessed with enough space to bring in a brand new Sunlighten infrared sauna as an additional healing modality. In the future I hope to provide more services such as massage, semi-private yoga, talks and classes. Sacrament’s winter hours are posted on the website, www.sacrament.us. Walk-in sauna appointments are subject to availability. To book a sauna session ahead, please visit the website. Hope to see you soon!
Sacrament is located at 95 Main St., Norwalk CT 06851. The entrance is located in the back parking lot, downstairs.
Learn more about Sacrament online www.sacrament.us and on Instagram: @sacrament.us
Questions? Email: sacramenthealing@gmail.com
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!