Apr 14, 2009

Closings Aside, Branford Merchants Stay UpbeatBy Diana StrickerNewHavenIndependent.org

Branford entrepreneur Daniela Fenton has no qualms about the economy, despite some nearby stores closing in the Town Center.

“I haven’t even thought about the economy,” said Fenton, the owner of Blend at 1120 Main St. “I would prefer to be hopeful.”

Fenton opened Blend, a creative center, about a year ago and recently doubled the size of her business by expanding into an adjacent building when the occupant moved to another location in town. “When I opened, I had a much bigger vision than my space allowed for,” she explained. “When this additional space became available, I thought it was too good to pass up.”

Blend offers creative classes for youngsters, and play sessions for toddlers. Over the past few months, Fenton began offering theater classes for middle school students, guitar lessons for pre-school through high school students, and Yoga classes for teen-agers and adults. She added the services of several teachers who specialize in various creative activities. The website is www.blendforkids.com

Fenton said that finding a specialty niche and networking with the Branford Center Merchants Association and the Chamber of Commerce has helped grow her business. “I couldn’t be more happy,” she said. “Branford has so much potential.” Branford business leaders agree, saying that networking and creativity are the keys to surviving the economic crisis.

Although three Branford stores have closed their doors due to the economy, others have expanded and a few new ones have opened. That gives the business community reason to be cautiously optimistic.

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