Think Local, Buy Local

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Local Love: Sara Zinn Photography

Meet Sara Zinn and take in her beautiful photographs.  "I opened my business, Sara Zinn Photography, a couple years ago. It started as a side business and I catered to mostly my friends and family. For many years, I had worked at a high volume portrait studio, unsure if I wanted to bite the bullet and pursue my OWN photography business.

This past January, I made the decision (with the support of my loving husband) to move on from my job at the studio and dive into my business for myself! More and more clients were finding my business (not just family and friends anymore!) which helped fuel my decision.

I am a newborn, children, and family portrait photographer! I offer a few different types of portrait sessions, but my favorite, and my specialty are styled sessions for kids! My styled sessions (I call them Whimsy sessions!) are sessions designed with the child in mind. It's built and created around their interests, personality, imagination, daydreams, favorite stories, favorite color, etc! I began offering these sessions because I realized more and more clients wanted props in their sessions. I saw other photographers offering styled sessions, which are great, but I wanted to do things a little differently, kick it up a notch! I wanted to offer my clients a truly unique, customized portrait with a theme built around their child and who they were at that age!

I offer products such as Canvas wraps (my favorite product to sell!), Custom image boxes, Albums, Framed prints, Digital files, and Gift prints. My goal is to give my clients amazing products that they can enjoy for years to come!

I knew that to run my own business I would spend more time on the "business" side of things, rather than taking portraits (which is my favorite part of the job), but I never really knew how time consuming it would really be! When you are the one and only employee, the many tasks of running a business can become daunting, especially when you first open your business (building your brand, figuring out your workflow, and promoting yourself!). What has helped me with these challenges is to talk and network with other seasoned business owners! They give the best advice because they have already encountered those challenges!

I recently began working with a designer for my styled sessions (The lovely Alonda from Designer Dwellings!) and it's been a blast brainstorming and coming up with session ideas with her! We recently styled an Alice in Wonderland session, you can check it out on the blog, http://www.sarazinnphotography.com/blog/2015/6/1/alice-in-wonderland-a-whimsy-session-connecticut-childrens-photographer

Every couple of months or so, we have mini session events, or 'mini whimsies!' These are smaller styled sessions, designed with a specific theme. The most recent session was our Superhero Themed Mini Whimsy event on July 19, 2015, at Northwest Park in Windsor!"

For more information about sessions, recent sessions, and events, 

please visit www.sarazinnphotography.com

Email: sarazinnphotography@gmail.com

Phone: 860.306.7210

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We love local businesses! 

Are you an independently-run Connecticut brick and mortar?

Get a feature by clicking here.

Know a shop that deserves a feature? Contact us at thenutmegcollective@gmail.com.

One Thing: Pinterest for Business Part One

Pinterest can be a great tool for your business. How to use it for your business may be a bit unclear, but we'll explore how to navigate Pinterest step by step (or One Thing by One Thing) with your business in mind.

The first step is to convert your personal account to a Business account, if you haven't already. Conversion is the way to keep your followers, pins and boards in tact from your personal account.  To access the business area of Pinterest, click on the right end of the Search bar for the drop down menu. Businesses link will be at the bottom.

On the page, you'll need to find the link that reads Convert now.  You'll be asked to pick a business category and enter some other information. That's it for the conversion from personal to business Pinterest account!

Once you have your business account, you can setup analytics by verifying your business website.

In upcoming posts, we'll cover how to use Pinterest for your business, as well as the different kinds of Pins (Promoted Pins, Rich Pins and Buyable Pins.)  If you want us to explore something specific, let us know in the comments. Happy Pinning!

Cyn Thomas is the illustrator, designer and pattern maker of RiverDog Prints. Her paper goods and gifts are guided by earth, animals, function, food and cocktails. You can also find Cyn canning in her kitchen, walking her dog, being outnumbered by her boys and husband or reading herself to sleep.
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | woof@riverdogprints.com

Best Connecticut Ice Cream Shops

Ice cream season is upon us, and we asked our members to give us their favorite local spots for the best ice cream in the state.  Here's our top 8 spots you need to hit this summer.

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1. J. Foster's (Avon and Simsbury): Thick and creamy, J. Foster's ice cream is not to be missed.  "We begin with the finest dairy products available: pure bourbon and tahitian vanillas, imported cocoas, fresh roasted nuts and premium in season fruits to create ice cream that is unequaled in quality and taste.  Unlike most others, we minimize the amount of air whipped into our ice cream. As a result our ice cream is denser, creamier, richer in taste, and full of flavor."  http://www.jfostericecream.com/index.html

2. Tulmeadow Farm (Simsbury):  Set in West Simsbury, you can visit the cows that produce the milk across the street from the farm store.  "In August of 1994, we began making ice cream at the farm.  Our goal was to make really great ice cream, so that our customers would want to come back again and again.  We make over 50 different flavors of very rich 16% butterfat gourmet ice cream.  Our top selling flavor is Red Raspberry with Chocolate Chips." http://www.tulmeadowfarmstore.com/our-ice-cream/

3. The UCONN Dairy Bar (Storrs): Located on the beautiful campus of the University of Connecticut, the Dairy Bar is a staple for students and visitors alike.  Visit the cows and other animals in the bars out back.  "The UConn Dairy Bar opened in 1953 to sell dairy products that were made by the Creamery. The Creamery was established in the early 1900s and operated all the way up until 1991. Today, the Dairy Bar makes ice cream according to its original recipe and sells this ice cream through the Dairy Bar retail establishment, along with a variety of cheeses.  The Dairy Bar still manufactures ice cream according to its original recipe from the early 1900’s.  Today, over 200,000 customers visit the Dairy Bar every year to enjoy 24 different flavors of freshly prepared ice cream treats."  http://dining.uconn.edu/uconn-dairy-bar/

4. Salem Valley Farms (Salem): Tie dye is in fashion at Salem Valley Farms!  "We produce everything on premises, with about 80 flavor selections at our peak in summer.  Spring and Fall seasons may have less, but there is always plenty to choose from, including premium ice cream, sherbet, sorbet, low fat ice cream, low fat frozen yogurt and even dairy-free/vegan choices.  All our ice cream is handmade on premises just two tubs at a time. This is how we’ve done it since 1988, and will continue to do so. We use the best ingredients we can find for the flavors we offer, and all candies, nuts, and such are added by hand AFTER the ice cream comes out of the machine. What this means to you is lots of large chunks, not ground up tiny bits."   http://www.salemvalleyfarmsicecream.com/index.htm

5. Ferris Acres Creamery (Newtown): "Come and relax in the heart of our picturesque farm. While you leisurely eat your ice cream, you can watch the cows grazing nearby.  We serve premium ice cream made fresh daily in our shop. Many of the flavors are our own family recipes."  http://www.ferrisacrescreamery.com/

6. Michael's Dairy (New London): "Michael's Dairy has been in operation for over sixty years and has been located adjacent to Mitchell College since the founding of the institution in 1938. The Buscetto family acquired the dairy and the property from the Mitchell family in 1943 and renamed the Mitchell Dairy to the present name. Michael's Dairy was the last milk processing dairy in New London and continued that tradition into the 1970s. In May 2006, Mitchell College acquired Michael's Dairy which has been managed by the Department of Hospitality & Tourism and operated by Mitchell College students."  http://michaelsdairynl.com/index.php

7. Grass Roots Creamery (Granby): Located right in the center of Granby, this spot is known for its friendly servers and eclectic, ever-revolving selection of flavors.  The ice cream is supposed to be one of the creamiest around, with completely all-natural ingredients- no artificial flavors or colors allowed (and that goes for the toppings, too).  https://www.facebook.com/GrassRootsCreamery

8. Walnut Beach Creamery (Milford): "Your local ice cream shop, the Walnut Beach Creamery, operates in what used to be the old Walnut Beach Post Office in Milford, CT.  Having opened in 2007, we are happy to share in our 8th season of ice cream with you! Our mission is to make every batch of ice cream by hand with a single batch freezer, using the best and freshest ingredients we can find. We are always changing flavors and finding fun twists.  Located only one block from the beach, we’re also a community here in Milford." http://www.walnutbeachcreamery.com/

Did we miss any?  Tell us who your favorite Connecticut ice cream maker is!

All photos are credited to the individual shops' webpage or Facebook.

Local Love: Neatly Noted

Meet Ariel of Neatly Noted out of Avon, Connecticut.

"Neatly Noted launched in February of 2015 [this baby is new!!] However, I had been dreaming up this business for a while. My goal for Neatly Noted is to help people see the brightness in every day by enjoying the tasks they have to accomplish. I wanted my simple, chic collection to match any work space, desk or kitchen. I hope these desk accessories will help motivate people to work on their big picture dreams in day-to-day life.

Neatly Noted - a lifestyle brand for life's chicest go-getters! From desk accessories to home goods – the collection features a line of matching, simple and functional tools to help you be the most productive and passionate person possible. Each product was created to help organize your day-day-to-day in the most positive way, leaving more time for you to chase your dreams and dance in the rain! The current line includes two mugs, a notepad, engraved pencils, post it flags, and a to-go tumbler!

My biggest challenge is work like balance. I could spend my entire day packaging orders, drafting emails, designing artwork, scheduling posts and it is all fun and great until I realize it is 1 AM and I have been sitting in my office for 6 hours and forgot to eat dinner [hehe this happened last week!] I get so wrapped up in my daily goals that I forget to take a break! I have found that keeping a planner is so helpful to this challenge - physically writing something down helps me hold myself accountable for time management, goals and daily routines!"

In April, Neatly Noted had a DIY night.  It was flowers, gals, guys gabbing, and DIY - OH MY! at Azalea Floral Design Studio. Shannon [owner and florist at Azalea Floral Design] taught how to create the perfect floral arrangement and Ariel taught how to wrap, and gift the gorgeous bouquet. The DIY Night included a flower arrangement, a Neatly Noted mug, gift wrapping, wine & spirits, appetizers & dessert, a preview of the Neatly Noted spring collection and exclusive promotions on florist services and desk accessories, gifts and more!

Neatly Noted's next event is part of a very popular Craft Series at the Avon Public Library. You can sign up for the event here:  http://www.neatlynoted.com/events/

Neatly Noted

 

Neatly Noted LLC

PO Box 143 

Avon, CT 06001

Find Neatly Noted on

Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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We love local businesses! 

Are you an independently-run Connecticut brick and mortar?

Get a feature by clicking here.

Know a shop that deserves a feature? Contact us at thenutmegcollective@gmail.com.

Connecticut Home Office Finds.

We have rounded up some office must haves for you go-getting Nutmeggers! Shop local with these Connecticut items to keep your daily grind that much more stylish.

Do what you love - our mantra! Hang this up to remind yourself everyday. Grab this print from Patty Murphy Boutique.

What better way to write down your to-do lists than with these lovely arrow embellished pencils from Letter C Design.

Need some excitement on your walls? Try a pattern stencil from Stencilease.

Marketing and branding is a beautifully styled breeze when working with Easton Place Designs.

However you caffeinate, do it in style with a Glitter & Bold mug.

 Stay organized and stylish with a city map notebook from Hartford Prints!

Give yourself a beautiful New England view with these beauties from Hockman Photography. 

All day every day! Pure Joy Paperie offers this hustling print.

Keep your inbox organized and rustic with an Unpolished Barn rack. 

 Know what day it is? Of course you do with a Queenvanna Creations calendar.

Written by Alonda Baird-Juhasz, owner of Designer Dwellings, who believes in adding color to life. An avid DIYer, sparkle-loving, all things fabulous addict, her shop features bright and fun home decor accessories and gifts. When not in the shop you can find her interior decorating or visual styling events and photo shoots.

One Thing: Add a Photo.

What is one thing can you do today that's quick and easy to accomplish that can help run your business in a better way?  One very simple suggestion is to add a photo to your social media postings.

People are visual- they like to see what it is you're talking about, or want an image to guide their mind along with your words- and they're more likely to click if you include an image:

Infographic via Socially Sorted

Instagram and Pinterest are built-in visual platforms, but for Facebook and Twitter, it does help if you add an image to you post.  If you are on your smartphone, emailing yourself an image from your blog or other source makes for easy posting, as does taking a screenshot with your phone.  (Just make sure to credit any borrowed images.)  This will help you make the most of your posts!

What's one quick thing you can do to help your business?

See more here!

Written by Kristen of Milo and Molly.  Kristen runs her business while staying at home with her two small children. Fueled by an endless supply of tea, she sews late into the night when the house is quiet, most often accompanied by her faithful poodle, Casey.

Maple Syrup Season in Connecticut.

Maple syrup season is here in Connecticut!  The state ranks tenth in maple syrup production.  The season, where trees are tapped, and sap is collected and then boiled down by sugarmakers, runs from early February to late March, when the nights are still cold but the days are sunny and warmer.  Making syrup is an intensive process requiring strict standards of heating and filtering to maintain purity.  Find out more about maple syrup production, or how to learn how to make your own on the Maple Syrup Producers Association of Connecticut website.

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This coming weekend is the Hebron Maple Festival, celebrating it's 25th anniversary!  Learn how maple syrup is made, take a tour, see some demonstrations, and stock up on a variety of maple-related products, all produced here in the state.  There will be activities for the kids, treats to taste, crafts, and other fun activities.  The Hope Valley, Wenzel, Woody Acres, and Winding Brook Sugar Houses will all be participating.

Connecticut has sugar houses in all of its counties.  For more information, and to find a sugar house near you, click here, or check out the Maple Syrup section on the CT Department of Agriculture website

Written by Kristen of Milo and Molly.  Kristen runs her business while staying at home with her two small children. Fueled by an endless supply of tea, she sews late into the night when the house is quiet, most often accompanied by her faithful poodle, Casey.

One Thing: Use Social Media Tags.

What is one thing can you do today that's quick and easy to accomplish that can help run your business in a better way?  We already suggested some ways to tweet smart to connect with your followers, so now it's time to reach out to others in your community that you wish to interact with.  The easiest way to do this is through social media tags.

There are two main types of tags:  a hashtag and an "at" tag.  

A hastag, initiated with a number sign (#) is an unspaced phrase used to identify a group of similar comments.  Hashtags are searchable, so if you click on one, you can see who else is tagging the same thing.  Many groups and businesses online use branded hashtags to connect with followers and reach out to their community.

At "at" tag, using the @ symbol and the person's or business's username will usually trigger a notification to a person's account that someone is tagging them and commenting about them.  It's a great way to give a quick shout-out to someone whose product you like, whose blog post is a good read, or whose an awesome member of the community.  Many times, you'll get a comment back, and if you do, you can start a dialogue.

By using tags, you are putting yourself out there to connect with others, plus it makes your social media posts searchable.  Others may find you through a common hashtag or a trending topic.  A few words to the wise: just make sure not to overdo it.  Too many or excessively long hashtags can be an annoyance to followers, as can persistent spammy tagging.  Make sure you are genuinely tagging someone to give kudos, and keep the amount of hashtags to the most important ones for the best results.

What's one quick thing you can do to help your business?

See more here!

Written by Kristen of Milo and Molly.  Kristen runs her business while staying at home with her two small children. Fueled by an endless supply of tea, she sews late into the night when the house is quiet, most often accompanied by her faithful poodle, Casey.

One Thing: Tweet Smart

Welcome to our new series called One Thing.  What is one thing can you do today to help run your business in a better way?  This one thing should be quick and fairly easy to accomplish.

Our first suggestion is to Tweet Smart.  Twitter is a great business tool when used in a way that highlights the positive aspects of your business, and just as importantly, the positive way you conduct business.  In general, there is an 80/20 rule for tweeting.  The rule is that 80% of your tweets should be about helping your community and/or your target audience, and 20% should be about promoting yourself.

One way to think about the 80/20 rule and what you're tweeting is to think of every tweet as your turn in a conversation.  You want to engage your followers to listen. "Hey, I've got this great new piece of jewelry that I designed!"  While you might talk about that necklace for a bit, you probably wouldn't talk about your nine other pieces without first listening to the other side of the exchange.  Tweeting link after link of your own work, or retweeting a ton of posts unrelated to you, is a sure way to lose your listeners.  (Ditto for auto-tweeting all the things you pin on Pinterest.  Unlink those accounts!)

One Thing to do today is to think about using Twitter as a way to engage your community of followers with what interests them.  And, of course, you and your work interests them!  Just remember the idea that it is a conversation and a great way to reach out to a vibrant and valuable group.  Respond to them and give them an opportunity to talk back.

For more information on using Twitter for business, check out our post here.

Cyn Thomas is the illustrator, designer and pattern maker of RiverDog Prints. Her paper goods and gifts are guided by earth, animals, function, food and cocktails. You can also find Cyn canning in her kitchen, walking her dog, being outnumbered by her boys and husband or reading herself to sleep.

Local Love: The Funky Hippie

Have a peek into Nicole's shop, The Funky Hippie.

"We have been open since May 2014. What inspired me is my love of all things handmade and the fact that there was nowhere that I could buy products except online or at craft fairs, which are great but I wanted a permanent place to offer organic, natural and handmade while supporting local art.

We carry jewelry, body care, clothing, candles, gifts for men, women, children and pets. The best sellers seem to be our Mala bracelets and candles. I select items that I find on Etsy and at markets that appeal to me and that I think will fit with the store vibe. I like to take a mix of things because I think everyone deserves a chance for exposure and then we go from there.

One of the challenges is getting customers to come into the store. I do trunk shows promoting the store and we have great sales, but getting the word out there is somewhat of a hurdle.

As of right now, we have a few trunk shows in the works for Valentines Day.

I just truly love being a business owner. I want to be successful so that we can all be successful. I treat all of my products (which are most all on consignment) as if they were my very own."

The Funky Hippie

Gift & Art Shop 

101 Glenbrook Road

2nd floor in back

Stamford CT 06902

203 722 5585

The Funky Hippie online

Find The Funky Hippie on Instagram

We love local businesses! 

Are you an independently-run Connecticut brick and mortar?

Get a feature by clicking here.

Know a shop that deserves a feature? Contact us at thenutmegcollective@gmail.com.