CT BUSINESSES

2 Women-Owned Businesses Open in Downtown New Haven

28 October 2020

A cafe and a boutique are new additions in Downtown New Haven.

By Chris Rhatigan

Oct 28, 2020

NEW HAVEN, CT —Yale University Properties has announced two recent women-owned business openings in downtown New Haven: a cafe and a boutique.

One is SoBol New Haven, a healthy cafe at 320 Congress Ave., specializing in acai, pitaya (also known as dragon fruit), sunshine and super green bowls and fruit smoothies. All of these are blended fresh daily with premium ingredients delivered each morning.

Owner Patti Ochsendorf works alongside her daughter Rebecca, who is the full-time manager. Patti Ochsendorf resides in Connecticut with her husband and two children.

Ochsendorf said in a statement: "I chose New Haven to open my business because of the variety of businesses, vibrancy and high foot traffic. This particular location was a perfect fit for SoBol New Haven, which fills a gap for healthy food offerings in this area...I plan to be very involved in the community."

For more information, go to SoBol.com.

More Amour Boutique is described as a "fashion forward black-owned woman-owned small business." The shop is located at 43 Whalley Ave. and focused on unique women's apparel and accessories that are edgy and retro chic.

All pieces are sourced by owner Kimberly Sewell-Poole, who resides in Connecticut with her husband. She gained her interest in fashion at a young age from her uncle, a fashion designer for Beyoncé and House of Deréon, who would give her prototypes and pre-production sample pieces regularly.

Before opening her dream boutique, Kimberly worked for Neiman Marcus & Saks Fifth Avenue.

"I have been in the fashion industry for more than 10 years and love everything about it. During visits to New Haven to see my in-laws, I would frequently stop downtown. I immediately fell in love with the area. The moment I saw my storefront for lease, I knew it was a dream come true," said Sewell-Poole in a statement.

More information can be found at MoreAmourBoutique.com.

"We are delighted to continue to see the expansion of local, women-owned businesses in New Haven," Lauren Zucker, Yale University Associate Vice President for New Haven Affairs and University Properties, said in a statement. "Yale University's community investment program supports independently-owned businesses, bringing jobs to New Haven residents and expanding the city's tax base."

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Cynergy Capital Partners Rebrands as Pierce Ridge Capital

19 May 2025

Cynergy Capital Partners, a Connecticut based boutique M&A advisory firm known for its hands-on approach to helping business owners buy, sell, and grow companies, has officially rebranded as Pierce Ridge Capital .

A large building with a roof that has icicles hanging from it.

Three Connecticut Businesses Honored for Remarkable Disaster Recoveries

19 May 2025

In a testament to resilience and determination, three Connecticut-based businesses have been recognized among the world's most inspiring comebacks following significant disasters. These companies overcame substantial challenges to rebuild and thrive, serving as exemplary models of perseverance in the face of adversity.

A group of people are standing around a table holding a plaque.

Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Matt Bloom Continues Tradition of Success in Norwich, CT & Joins President’s Club

13 May 2025

Minuteman Press franchisee Matt Bloom has officially joined the President’s Club after just one year of ownership in Norwich, Connecticut. Here’s how the former venture capitalist made a seamless transition and built on a 31-year legacy to grow the business past $1 million in gross sales.

Three loaves of bread are sitting on a wooden table covered in flour.

Bell Bakeshop Set to Open in Milford, CT This June

2 May 2025

Milford, Connecticut, is welcoming a new addition to its local business scene: Bell Bakeshop, an artisan bakery slated to open in early June at 191 Rock Lane.

Deportations Are Surging in Connecticut — and Local Businesses Are Feeling the Impact

29 April 2025

Connecticut is facing a sharp increase in deportations, and the impact is being felt across industries that rely on immigrant labor. Local businesses in construction, landscaping, agriculture, hospitality, and other service-based sectors are experiencing severe workforce shortages as immigration enforcement actions accelerate across the state.

Voted #1: Why Everyone Wants to Be a Member at Guilford Racquet & Swim Club in 2025

9 April 2025

If you’ve been searching for the best tennis and swim club in Connecticut, the answer is clear: Guilford Racquet & Swim Club has officially been named the #1 Tennis and Swim Club in Connecticut for 2025 by CT Businesses — and it’s easy to see why. Located at 420 Church Street in Guilford, CT , this private club has become a year-round hub for families, athletes, and community members who value high-quality facilities, friendly competition, and an unbeatable social atmosphere.

CT Cannabis Entrepreneurs Seek Flexibility in Selling Equity Stakes

8 April 2025

Connecticut’s cannabis industry, originally built with a focus on social equity, is facing growing pressure to revise some of its early restrictions. Social equity license holders are now asking lawmakers to shorten the required ownership holding period, arguing that current rules are limiting growth and hurting long-term success.