HARTFORD, CT – (Thursday, September 21, 2023) – reSET, the Hartford-based entrepreneur support organization committed to nurturing businesses with a social mission, is proud to announce the thirteen participating entrepreneurs in the third Floor–Plan Retail Business Incubator cohort. This exciting initiative is a partnership between reSET and Hartford-based Breakfast Lunch & Dinner, the community venture building studio, and aims to empower entrepreneurs who are passionate about making a positive impact on their communities through innovative retail pop-up opportunities and markets.

Sarah Bodley, Executive Director of reSET, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, saying, "At reSET, our mission is to provide entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to build businesses that create meaningful social impact. We are incredibly proud to support and develop this diverse and dynamic group of entrepreneurs who share our commitment to driving positive change through their retail ventures."

The Retail Business Incubator provides mentorship, resources, and education to help these entrepreneurs refine their business strategies and bring their retail concepts to life. Over the course of the program, business owners work closely with experienced mentors and industry experts to develop sustainable and impactful retail businesses.

Program partner Breakfast Lunch & Dinner offers cohort members training on how to wholesale or consign products and how to effectively build their business at pop-up markets and vendor fairs. Through this partnership, cohort members have an exclusive opportunity to sell their products at the launch of the 2023 Winterfair Market on Black Friday, November 24 at Union Station in Hartford from 3-8pm, giving these retail entrepreneurs valuable exposure and sales opportunities.

Josh Jenkins, BL&D Partner, commented on the collaboration, saying, "We're thrilled to work with reSET and provide a platform for these emerging entrepreneurs to reach a wider audience during the holiday season and beyond, through the Floor–Plan initiative. The retail industry plays a significant role in shaping our communities, and by supporting these emerging businesses, we look to contribute to a brighter future for greater Hartford."

For the second year in a row, the program will be facilitated by Typhanie Winfield-Alexander, a Certified Life Coach, trainer, and Owner of Momentum Life Mastery Coaching. She is a proud reSET Impact Accelerator Alumna and a Class of 2022 recipient of the 100 Women of Color Awards.

This year’s Retail Business Incubator entrepreneurs each have  a unique vision for retail success with a social impact:

Brittany Beans, a natural self-care enthusiast, is on a mission to teach sustainable self-care practices and provide health conscious products for busy women through her company Whipped Shea Nature's Moisturizer. Her passion lies in catering to the holistic needs of the community.

The Chenet brothers (Dimitri, Ronald, and Stanley) are up-and-coming entrepreneurs focusing on innovative toy cars that come equipped with built-in Bluetooth speakers. These cars offer a truly interactive experience that combines classic toy fun with modern audio technology.

Cocco is a talented wood artisan from New Britain, CT. During the pandemic he crafted a coffee table for himself and quickly fell in love with the beauty of wood, especially locally sourced hardwoods. From coffee tables to cutting boards, Cocco has turned his passion into a thriving custom furniture and home decor business. 

Brandi Dawson, founder of Organic Essentials By Bee, turned her severe eczema into a passion for natural skincare. She creates all-natural, vegan-friendly body products one organic essential at a time. 

Taylor Dennin, the creative force behind Crafted to a T, creates functional handmade ceramic wares that are as practical as they are stunning. From plates and cups to dresser knobs and jewelry, Taylor's work is a testament to the endless possibilities of this medium.

Justin Heriot is a lifelong collector of movies and music, and a fixture in the New England punk scene. He brings that knowledge, as well as several years working for a record store to his own venture, Unapproachable A/V. Heriot specializes in physical media and merchandise, offering new and used CDs, vinyl, cassettes, VHS, DVDs, Blu-Rays, books, comics, and games, as well as streetwear and other merchandise.

Alison Kennedy, a travel enthusiast, knows what travelers need and has created The Alison Kennedy Collection of vacation-inspired luxury woven handbags and sun-hats.

Sade Nicole started sewing in her late teens with just a machine and YouTube. Today, her women’s ready-to-wear line is known for its vibrancy and femininity. With each garment, Sade Nicole brings sophistication and style to any wardrobe.

Oddette Staple-Brown, founded Oh D'Luxe Candle Company during the pandemic, when she had the time to pursue her passion for candle making. Oh D'Luxe offers eco-friendly, vegan, non-toxic, cruelty-free, and sustainable candles and room sprays, made with unique, in-house blended fragrances.

Ally Switzgable is the fashion guru behind Ally Bea, an online and pop-up women's boutique. With a lifelong passion for fashion, Ally curates outfits that make you feel great. From unique finds to closet staples, Ally Bea has got you covered.

Terri-Ann Williams is a skilled farmer in the local area and founded Natura Sol Medisun to promote balance in mind, body, and soul. Her extensive experience with natural products inspired her to use various herbal modalities and teachings that encourage a healthy lifestyle that is deeply rooted in our connection to mother nature. 

Sarah Wollman founded Eunoia Uncommon - a mobile handmade goods retail shop. Eunoia, meaning beautiful thinking, connects local artists and makers with the community, providing an avenue to showcase their talents. Sarah's vision reminds us of the importance of supporting our neighbors, especially in a time when global connections dominate our attention. 

Dakotah Zaskey, founder of Glass House, draws on his graphic design background and screen printing skills to create eco-friendly clothing that's inspired by the natural world. With a fun and professional approach, Dakotah is redefining sustainable fashion for a new generation.

About reSET

reSET is a nonprofit organization in Hartford, CT, whose mission is advancing the social enterprise sector. reSET specializes in social enterprise ― impact-driven business with a double or triple bottom line. In addition to providing coworking space, accelerator, and mentoring programs, reSET aims to inspire innovation and community collaboration and to support entrepreneurs in creating market-based solutions to community challenges. reSET’s goal is to meet entrepreneurs wherever they are in their trajectory and to help them take their businesses to the next level. Visit reSET | Where Great Companies Grow (resetco.org).

About Breakfast Lunch & Dinner

Winterfair: Hartford’s Holiday Market is hosted by Hartford based community venture building studio, Breakfast Lunch & Dinner. The studio’s vision is to bring about collective culture in the region. The studio has worked on projects and events including KNOW GOOD Market, KNOW GOOD Nights, and First Night Hartford. Winterfair is part of the studio’s Floor–Plan retail activation initiative which aims to develop a local, modern, and robust retail community in Hartford through supporting local, small businesses. This multifaceted project is a collective effort between various Hartford based community partners to transform the vitality of our city’s retail and small businesses, including a technical assistance retail incubator program with reSET Social Enterprise Trust, an incubator store in store at Semilla Cafe + Studio, and an e-commerce platform in partnership with Cafeteria Media. The program beneficiaries are largely Hartford based, small, local business owners with an emphasis on Hartford residents, minority owned businesses, as well as businesses owned by low to moderate income individuals. The retail community the program seeks to support aims to reflect the diverse demographics of Hartford by supporting Black, and Hispanic business owners.

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