Why Small Businesses Matter in Stamford: Gigi Barrett Fine Art

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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 Gigi Barrett Fine Art!

Four questions with Gigi Barrett, founder of Gigi Barrett Fine Art.

Why did you start your business?

Becoming an artist has been my dream my entire life.

I have been drawing and painting since I was a little girl in Brooklyn. It is a passion that I would have pursued if I had a business or not. I was lucky enough to be able to start my art business part-time while I was working. Now, I am fully committed to my art. It is the most amazing feeling to know that your creations are treasured and bring joy to others. Original art doesn’t have to be expensive. I would love everyone to own a piece of original art and have pieces in every price range.

What is your best-selling product/service?

My original commissions are by far the most popular. I work with the client to give them a unique piece that will become a treasured heirloom. Commissions are generally wedding, engagement, anniversary portraits, a memorial of a loved one, or just a statement piece for the living room. I find that most of the time clients don’t know exactly what they want. I always listen and ask questions in order to create a beautiful piece that is original and unique to the individual.

How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?

As an artist, I work with and support many local businesses. Way too many to name, but most of my referrals come from word of mouth from local businesses, former clients, non-profits, galleries, and fellow artists.

Associations such as Stamford Art Association, Carriage Barn, and Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists are extremely instrumental and supportive as they truly push me to work harder and better me. The Women’s Business Development Council has also been so supportive this past year. I try to pay it forward by purchasing and referring other female-led businesses.

- My art and office supplies are purchased from local businesses like Paperworks, Michaels, and Staples.

- Printing and framing are always done by local businesses such as Imageworks for scanning and Rockland for framing.

- And my shipping of course is provided by my local USPS as well as FedEx and UPSstore.

Paying forward is extremely important. I always try to give back by supporting local charities. Donations of artwork and at least 10% of my proceeds go to local charities.

Have you "reimagined" your small business?

Since COVID-19, I have joined Instagram and have added some additional incentives to purchase my works. I now offer free on-site consultation and delivery directly to my local clients. I also offer gift certificates and my website gigibarrett.com has a shop for non-commissioned work.

Visit Gigi Barrett Fine Art 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!

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Submitted by Stamford, CT

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