Why Small Businesses Matter in Ridgefield: Five and Nine Designs
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!
Meet Laura Verses founder of Five and Nine Designs
Why did you start your business?
In the fall of 2021, I decided to explore my longstanding aspiration of starting my own business. It was a pivotal moment to leverage my years of expertise in fine jewelry and prioritize my personal ambitions. I have a genuine passion for pairing individuals with jewelry pieces they will love and wear proudly. Going beyond traditional jewelry services, I provide a personalized shopping experience where I meticulously curate, craft, and deliver custom-designed jewelry tailored to each person’s distinct style.
What is your best-selling product/service?
Determining my top-selling item is challenging as I prioritize keeping my inventory dynamic, aside from essential pieces like hoops and studs. I strive to maintain freshness and rarely retain back stock. However, the bulk of my sales revolve around bridal and custom (re)design pieces. Playing a role in customers’ sentimental purchases is immensely gratifying and fosters an intimate connection. Establishing personal rapport with my clientele is something I cherish. Additionally, there’s a surge in popularity for permanent jewelry.
How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?
I want to extend a massive thank you to Danielle at Audrey Road for graciously hosting my pop-up inside her store. Without her support, I would still be running my business from my home office or the local coffee shop. Danielle's forward-thinking approach is truly inspiring. By offering space for other female-owned businesses to pop up inside her store, she's fostering a supportive community. One example is her latest addition, Wild Blueberry, which showcases a to-die-for curated collection of pre-loved baby and toddler clothing along with sustainable brands.
Have you reimagined your small business?
Initially, I operated my business from home. I scheduled meetings with clients at mutually convenient times and primarily focused on custom work and special orders. However, since launching my studio, my business model has evolved. With dedicated shelf space for displaying merchandise, it's transitioning into a blend of retail, repair services, and custom work. Looking ahead, I envision diversifying my offerings by including a selection of men's jewelry and potentially organizing monthly trunk shows.
Visit Five and Nine Designs online https://www.fiveandninedesigns.com/ inside Audrey Road on Bailey Ave., and on social media @fiveandninedesigns/
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!