If you're thinking about participating in National Small Business Week by shopping local, don't forget about local online retailers!
Dozens of enterprising Fairfield county women are among the 875,000 mostly women entrepreneurs worldwide who operate retail stores at Etsy.com, an online marketplace for sellers of handicrafts and vintage goods. The virtual shopping platform, established 7 years ago, was recently valued by investors at $600 million. For some proprietors who have storefronts in the market, running an Etsy shop is a great way to bring in a little extra cash. For others, it’s a full-time job and a profitable business.
HamletHub’s own Wilton editor Jennifer Angerame operates the Etsy shop Southern Yankee, which offers a delightful and sweet assortment of handmade aprons, bags, clothing, pillows, and more.
And Westport HamletHub's haiku and photography contributor Scarlet Deford operates the Etsy shop Made By Scarlet, selling ultrahip sewn and crocheted circle scarves, up-cycled vintage denim jackets, and unique handmade jewelry, including faux gems that she molds from fimo clay.
In honor of National Small Business Week, which ends May 26, HamletHub provides this roundup of some interesting Fairfield County Etsy shops. To find more Etsy retailers in our area, use Etsy’s “shop local” feature.
Bethel:
The Birdi, vintage finds.
Got Milk Glass and More, vintage glassware.
Sweetwater Art, handpainted original watercolors and needlepoint.
Abbey Road Photography, floral, food, vintage, and other prints.
Georgia Mars Art & Design, handspun yarn, painted fabric art, and other original designs.
Itty Bitty Bag Company, burlap, wool, and floral handmade handbags.
Easton:
Easton Place Designs, fine paper lovelies.
The Madd Tatters House of Awesome, handcrafted fine silver jewelry.
Made By Scarlet, unique faux gems, upcycled vintage denim, sewn and crocheted scarves.
Marcel & Margolis, vintage treasures.
Mrs Angelo, antique and vintage finds.
Fairfield:
Creations de Florence, handpainted glass and ceramic pieces.
Rooster River Antiques, painted cottage furniture.
Social Circle Cards, handmade “social networking cards” to expand your social circle.
The Knitting Niche, knitting patterns.
Soul Friendly Owls, eco-friendly owl crafts and toys.
The Preppy Owl Boutique, custom made whimsical accessories.
Monroe:
Around the Corner Farm, art-carved decoys and other Americana.
Carissa Black, handmade whimsical bags.
Sherry’s House, handmade quilts.
Newtown:
Doublemuse, pottery, crochet, jewelry.
Poverty Hollow Primitives, 18 and 19 century reproduction furniture and home décor.
Rich Booth Studio, fine artist’s original acrylic and oil paintings.
Word Couture, personalized wine bottle hurricane lanterns and wall monograms.
Norwalk:
Feathers and Treasures, wearable art.
Rowayton Textiles, original textile designs and handcrafted cloth products.
TParty Antiques, antiques, vintage, and handmade homegoods.
Redding:
ArtAkimbo, functional art and eyeglass stands.
FunkyTulip, handmade glass bead and gemstone jewelry.
Honey Bee Farmer, couture beekeeping hats and veils.
Leda and Belle, hats, scarves, cowls, and gloves handmade from alpaca wool and other natural fibers.
Ridgefield:
Laurel Ryan Designs, customized embroidered towels, bags, pillowcases.
Westport:
By Hand By Jean, handknitted socks and mitts.
Love & Cherish, hair accessories and jewelry.
Once Upon China Cabinet, upcycled home décor.
Sea Shell Finery, marine curiosities and shell art.
Wilton:
Potliwrap, unique mufflace jewelry.
Saltbox Press, letter press and watercolor.
Southern Yankee, handmade aprons, bags, clothing, pillows and more.
Have an Etsy shop in our area? Tell us about it in the comments section!