Business

‘We Really Want to be Part of the Community’: Friends Open Nail Salon on Vitti Street

By |

Longtime friends Silvia Narvaez and Maggie San had already worked for six years in nail salons before they decided a few months ago to open their own business. The pair found a place to realize their shared vision in New Canaan. “About two months ago we found this space” Narvaez said from the floor of ‘Studio 3 Spa & Nails.’

Located on the street-level floor of a single-story building at 36 Vitti St., the newly renovated space features five spa pedicure chairs, numerous manicure stations, a wall rack with color options and a facial room in the back. Much of the labor to make the space ready was done by the women themselves and Narvaez’s brother, they said. “The painting, the decorations, we all did ourselves,” Narvaez said, pointing out the different jobs.

Business

‘Design Solutions’ on Elm Street To Close

By |

Specialty home goods shop ‘design solutions’ on Elm Street is closing after 24 years and will move to new location in Scott’s Corners, N.Y., its owner said. According to Pauline Dora, design solutions and other local businesses have suffered in recent years as more chains have opened in New Canaan. Since she opened her business, Dora said, “the world has changed dramatically.”

“It was a lot simpler,” she said. Dora added: “When we opened 24 years ago, there were two chain stores, today there are 15.” Dora said such stores can afford to pay higher rents. “It is very difficult to stay in business with the likes of Citibank and J Crew,” she said.

Around Town

Merchants at Odds Over Now-Uncertain Pop Up Park

By |

The recent news that the Chamber of Commerce is no longer sponsoring the Pop Up Park has left its future uncertain. While volunteer organizers are scrambling to obtain permits, insurance and town approval, a 2015 debate of how the park affects local business has been reignited. We spoke to several businesses in the area to hear their thoughts. Helen Richards of Odesmith & Richards Boutique on South Avenue describes the park as a “pleasant idea” but in the “completely wrong place.” Her concerns revolve around how the park affects nearby businesses, saying “it blocks traffic and impedes commerce where it is.”

She referred to a letter written by area merchants a few years ago. “The merchants have been complaining about it for a long time,” she said.

News

New Canaan Police Honor 11 at Awards Ceremony

By |

The New Canaan Police Department on Tuesday honored six officers, four sergeants and one lieutenant in an awards ceremony in New Canaan High School’s Wagner Room. NCPD honored 11 members of the police force at an awards ceremony Tuesday night. Pictured is Capt. Andrew Walsh with Sgt. Brian Mitchell, who received the Meritorious Police Duty Award.Police Chief Leon Krolikowski presented the Lt. Stephen W Wood Officer of the Year Award to Officer Thomas Callinan. Krolikowski cited Callinan’s “self-initiative, service to the New Canaan Community, integrity and selfless service to our Department and Town” in presenting the award.

News

Reflections on Freshman Year: 5 Tips to New High School Graduates

By |

Spring is a blur of exciting events, one after another, for high school seniors: college decisions, prom, internships, and graduation. The possibilities for your future seem almost endless, and it is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind. But before you pack your car with all the things your parents insist are necessary for you to have (although you still don’t know how to iron and are quite certain you won’t touch that vacuum) and leave your hometown in the past, here are five tips for maximizing your college experience and making a smooth transition out of this stressful and exciting time. Don’t Trust Social Media

During the first few weeks or months, it is inevitable that you will become homesick or disillusioned by popular media’s portrayal of college life where you meet a group of 10 close friends and transform into the best version of yourself overnight. In reality, branching out is hard and almost no one loves college right away; however, everyone wants to make it seem that they do.