Why Small Businesses Matter in Westport: Vivid Cottage

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 Vivid Cottage!

Four questions with Kerstin Rao, founder of Vivid Cottage.

Vivid Cottage is your place for uplifting art, stationery, home goods, and gifts.

Why did you start your business?

I started drawing the lovely bouquets made by Kristin Burrello of Muddy Feet Farm (Ashbury, CT) when I bought them during lockdown at the Westport Farmers' Market. Drawing gave me focus, peace, and visual adventure. When I shared my work online, friends asked if I made greeting cards - so Vivid Cottage was born in May 2021. I took early retirement from my 34 years of classroom teaching and I feel vibrantly alive learning the ropes of the art and entrepreneurial world.

What is your best-selling product/service?

As a lifelong letter writer, I'm delighted to report that greeting cards are my best-seller! While I also offer tea towels, clever calendars, throw pillows, and more, the basic need to reach out to loved ones is the heart of my business. Many customers let me know the person who framed the card after they received it, and I'm so touched!

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

Vivid Cottage supports several Connecticut businesses and our mission is to provide local style and quality. My bouquets come from Muddy Feet in Ashbury, CT, and I buy them at the Westport Farmers' Market. I draw using supplies from Jerry's Artarama in Norwalk, then I get my paper artwork digitized at ImageWorks in Westport. Next, I go to Gway Print in Norwalk to select luxurious papers and exceptional printing for my stationery.

Have you "reimagined" your small business?

Any small business owner will tell you that 'reimagining' never stops - and that's part of the thrill! I'm always developing new products to serve my customers. For example, I've got a patent pending for my Closet Door Calendar - a 5-foot-tall full-year calendar that won a Gold Mom's Choice Award. I'll be sharing this locally with busy families - it literally gets everyone on the same page. I'm so grateful to support my local community with my art-based business!

Visit Vivid Cottage 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!