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 Sammy + Nat Ridgefield!
Three questions with Samantha Benson, founder of Sammy + Nat Ridgefield.
Why did you start your business?
Sammy + Nat, the brand, I started 8 years ago in my NYC apartment. I was working in Women’s Fashion at the time. I left my job at the Michael Kors corporate office job, which I loved and taught me so much, but had the itch to start a brand of my own. With all my friends having babies (I was shopping for them) and always wanted to give a gift that was quality, with (of course) chic gift wrap.
I also wanted a baby/child brand I could relate to - working in fashion and being a 20-something (at the time) the whimsical and sweet layette baby brands didn’t do anything for me. I did some research and looked into manufacturers in Peru to find the finest Pima Cotton. I started small, built a website, and began going to trade shows and putting on trunk shows with friends and family. Truly from the ground up.
Fast forward 4 years and the brand is in children's and gift boutiques all over the country. We’ve opened two stores (Ridgefield being the second), had a Holiday Pop Up Store at the Westchester Mall last year, and growing the sammyandnat.com business. I have a great team of women working with me - all strong, smart women, from all walks of life. If you come to visit our stores, you will be sure to meet one of us!
What is your best-selling product/service?
We are known for our Luxe Pima Pajamas! As well as our baby layette, a perfect go-to gift. Last year we launched our Play Collection, a branch from our luxe layette and PJs to everyday clothes - dresses, separates, and rompers for boys and girls 0-8 years.
How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?
We try to carry as many local businesses as possible! Some of the brands we carry are Pink Chicken (Woman-owned - out of NYC) and Sail to Sable (Women run, based out of Darien), we also cater to local entrepreneurs and partner with other seasonal businesses for events and trunk shows.
We also partner with Bundles of Joy, an organization that originated in Bronxville NY that benefits babies, children, and their mothers in need in the area. For every pair of pajamas, we sell we give back a onesie to a child in need and we also have drop boxes at both locations where you can drop off gently loved items or any new items you wish to donate to BOJ. You can visit our website for more info.
Visit Sammy + Nat Ridgefield online here, and make sure to check out their Facebook, and Instagram pages as well!
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!
