September 13, 2022, Hartford, CT–reSET, the non-profit entrepreneur support organization, in partnership with Breakfast Lunch & Dinner, a community venture building studio, announces the start of its fall Floor–Plan Retail Incubator program with 14 businesses participating.

The businesses were selected from a competitive application process and focus on a variety of retail sectors, from fashion and apparel, to art and design, food, cosmetics and homegoods. Participants are at the early stages of developing their ventures and will learn business model design, customer acquisition, startup financing, and retail market preparation over the 10-week program.

Participants will be showcased as Retail Incubator Vendors at a Pop-Up during Know Good Market, organized by Breakfast Lunch & Dinner, on Thursday November 10, and will also be ready to participate in Winterfair Hartford and other pop-up marketplaces.

“In an age when buyers can get anything via a click, and retail is dominated by national brands, unique home-grown retail experiences contribute to the vibrancy of the Hartford region,” said Sarah Bodley, reSET’s Executive Director. “Strengthening local entrepreneurs is core to reSET’s mission, and we’re thrilled about the range of offerings from this cohort who are developing retail solutions that address local needs in their community.”

“The Retail Incubator is a component of Breakfast Lunch & Dinner’s Floor–Plan retail activation initiative, and we’re excited to welcome this cohort of entrepreneurs to contribute to the vitality of Hartford’s retail and small businesses,” said Joshua Jenkins, Breakfast Lunch & Dinner Partner. “Through their participation in this program, these entrepreneurs will be well-positioned to access additional resources through BL&D’s pop-up events such as the Know Good Market, The CAF by Cafeteria retail storefront, and e-commerce platform.”

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.

Participating entrepreneurs are:

3rd Eye FC LLC: founded by James Black, 3rd Eye FC creates safe spaces for creatives and athletes to leverage their skills and talents.

Airis LLC: founded by Lindaluz Carrillo, Airis is creating a space where people can explore their creativity outside what they imagine.

Amparo Merced: founded by Veronica Brown, Amparo Merced is a loungewear company providing comfort for plus size bodies, via sustainable and comfortable collections so you can live an opulent lifestyle.

Cool Bri’s Smoothies: founded by Brianna Gervickas, Cool Bri’s Smoothies creates awesome smoothies with organic fruit and fun ingredients, at your event or in your fridge!

Desde Almagro con Amor: founded by Colleen Fitzgerald and Pablo Werner, Desde Almagro con Amor sells a curated collection of artisanal, handcrafted and vintage pieces that support indigenous artists, who create beautiful objects using the finest materials.

The D.N.A. Shop: founded by Jose Arroyo, the D.N.A. Shop is a modern print shop and online marketplace, specializing in printing custom apparel.

Glossy Diva Cosmetics & Supplies, LLC: founded by Sharla Weaver, Glossy Diva Cosmetics & Supplies is a 100% vegan/organically based cosmetic product and service company, promoting safe, healthy, natural ingredients and regimens for sensitive skin clients, hands on education and training to beautify the basic natural beauties to the full diva glamour.

Good Vibez: founded by Akilah Christina Hill, Good Vibez believes in spreading positivity by removing the negative energy from our hearts and minds, uplifting ourselves and others, being free, and inhaling the freshness of life.

Hecho by Helena: founded by Helena Martinez, Hecho by Helena is a Latina-owned business with a mission to empower all Latine generations through sassy Spanish and English phrased creations and eye-catching art. 

Kobéy Enterprises LLC: founded by Kobéy Smith, Kobéy Enterprises is a merchandise company that sells mindfulness-themed merchandise as a way to inform people about meditation and mental health awareness. 

Risarranged by LMB: founded by Larissa Boni, risarranged by LMB is a photographic art and design business that creates items made to appreciate, celebrate, and decorate the everyday. 

SweetHouse Creations LLC: founded by Deirdre Brickhouse, SweetHouse Creations is a licensed home bakery that specializes in vegan and gluten-free desserts and food items.

By Dani Simone Studio: founded by Dani Simone, the By Dani Simone Studio is a luxury custom corset wedding dress brand with a mission to train BIPOC in sewing and fashion tech with the goal of creating employee owned small batch manufacturing businesses for the community. 

Xarea LLC: founded by Xarea Lockhart, Xarea is a clothing and accessories label that aims to create sweet, simple and responsibly-made accessible luxuries.

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