29 minute read
STATUS REPORT
buzz STATUS REPORT
PERFECTLY IMPERFECT
KIM DELGADO OF MARY STUART FLOWERS DESIGNS STUNNING ARRANGEMENTS FOR WEDDINGS, GATHERINGS AND CELEBRATIONS
by julee kaplan
It was Christmas a little over one year ago when Kim Delgado created a gamechanging floral arrangement for her family’s holiday dinner table.
This May marks one official year since Delgado started her floral design business, Mary Stuart Flowers, out of her home in New Canaan. She named her business after her two daughters, 10-year-old Mary and 2-year-old Stuart (she also has two young sons, Stanley and Chappy). Over the last year Delgado has designed florals for various events both locally and more recently abroad—just having travelled to Holland to design for a wedding. There, she sourced all of her flowers from farms in The Netherlands. She admittedly has always loved playing with flowers and recalls memories of her childhood—admiring her grandmother’s talent for floral design.
“When I was a child I remember watching my grandmother working in her incredible garden at her home on Cape Cod,” she recalls. Her grandmother was also a floral designer— an award-winning one—with the arrangements she created for the Boston Flower Show many years ago. “I was always so in awe of her and how she could take something that was already so beautiful and turn it into something that was even more impactful.”
Now, Delgado aims to have the same sort of impact—with a more modern approach— with her truly stunning designs. She has her own home garden filled to the brim with flowers here in New Canaan, of which she has planned and planted herself.
“I planted them from seeds so it makes me happy to see how they grow as the seasons change. It’s amazing how so much can come from this small space,” she explains of her garden. “I am not a farmer by any means but I so love using things from my own garden. The flowers are perfectly imperfect and I absolutely love them.”
To create her designs, Delgado is committed to sustainability and using only non-toxic materials, never working with anything dyed or chemically treated. Instead of floral foam, she veers toward things like thin chicken wire to help a longer stem stand high in an arrangement. When in season,
Delgado works seasonally with only what’s available locally to create her designs.
—KIM DELGADO,
MARY STUART FLOWERS
from April until December, Delgado says she works exclusively with the Connecticut Flower Collective, an organization that connects local flower farmers with the floral industry.
Book an event with Mary Stuart Flowers at marystuartflowers.com.
CALL TO COMPASSION
FLOWER AGAIN BRINGS JOY AND CONNECTION TO THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST by julee kaplan
Jill Robey doesn’t want you to throw out those flowers.
Instead, the New Canaan resident wants to spread the joy to others. That’s why she founded Flower Again; a new nonprofit organization born from her personal love of flowers. With the help of various local volunteers, Robey is looking to align herself with local floral designers and wedding and event planners in hopes of securing post-event floral arrangements in order to repurpose them and deliver new arrangements to those who could benefit from the of joy they bring.
“With the help of my church, the Congregational Church of New Canaan, I have been doing this kind of thing for a number of years,” Robey explains. And indeed she has. Over the years, whenever the opportunity would arise, Robey would repurpose flower arrangements for the benefit of those in her own congregation, whether it meant bringing flowers to those who experienced sickness or death in their families or isolation due to aging. “I wanted to explore the idea of doing more and reaching more people who really feel lonely and isolated. This is about more than delivering them flowers, it’s about making that human connection. It’s about having the conversations with people and leaving them something beautiful like flowers.”
Here's how it works: Once alerted that a specific event is willing to donate their arrangements to Flower Again, Robey and a team of volunteers will go in, remove the arrangements, and then bring them to Robey’s home where they will work at making new arrangements. When finished, Robey’s team of volunteers will deliver the new bouquets to brighten the days of others in surrounding communities like nursing homes in Norwalk and Stamford. It’s Robey’s hope that volunteers will take a few moments with each person receiving the flowers to make that connection. When the flowers are nearing the end of their lives, volunteers will pick them back up to compost them and repurpose the vases they were in.
“There’s so much waste that comes from large events like weddings or corporate events, so I really would love to do our part in order to reduce that and bring joy to others at the same time,” Robey says.
In addition to floral arrangements, Robey says they’re in need of supply donations like vases and other flower-arranging tools. In order to assist, the New Canaan Human Services department at the Town Hall Annex is willing to take vases from anyone willing to donate.
More information about giving and volunteering can be found at floweragain.org.
buzz
THE GAMECHANGER
FUTURESTHRIVE USES AI TECHNOLOGY AS A SCREENING TOOL TO SPOT MENTAL ILLNESS MARKERS IN YOUTH
by elizabeth hole
Mental health is quite the topic of discussion these days, especially when it comes to our children. But for one local mom, it all started with one statistic. Propelled by the grim news that one in five children in the U.S. has a diagnosable mental health condition, Wendy Ward set out to discover the cause and how she could affect some real change.
While Ward—a Darien resident who grew up in town—started her career in advertising and sales, she began researching mental health and social emotional learning a decade ago to help a family member. The alarming statistic inspired her to start futuresTHRIVE with guidance from actual medical experts. The mission? To create a mental health screening tool for youth using artificial intelligence and game-based technology.
The futuresTHRIVE platform, which is in prototype testing as of press time, is slated to launch this spring. Ward used a grant from the National Science Foundation for the video game design, which engages children ages 8 to 14. Once they enter the game, they simply click through a series of questions. The game-based survey will be administered by experts such as school counselors and pediatricians.
Once the survey identifies a need, Ward explains, “mental health services are immediately available, at least for the short term. Each medical practice will have a go-to service and each school
Wendy Ward
is already set up to provide help.”
For schools, the screener is a valuable resource to serve their student populations. In The School Counselor’s Guide to Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), it states: “A company like futuresTHRIVE…can equip school teams with user-friendly universal screening tools, which offer the 167,000 plus elementary, middle and high schools in the U.S. an impactful solution to pediatric mental health.”
Aligned with the American Academy of Pediatrics Common Factors, the survey questions were developed by a team of medical experts. The organization, which collaborates with doctors at Mass General, Yale Pediatrics and Montefiore Pediatrics, also works with Texas Children’s Hospital—the nation’s largest pediatric provider.
The futuresTHRIVE advisors include Amanda Craig, Ph.D., L.M.F.T, founder, Manhattan Marriage & Family Therapy; Patricia Gail Bray, Ph.D., founding director, David and Helen Gurley Brown BridgeUp at Menninger Center at the Menninger Clinic; and Douglas Noordsy, M.D., clinical professor and director of Lifestyle Psychiatry Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Stanford University School of Medicine.
According to futuresTHRIVE advisor Amanda Craig, Ph.D., a licensed marriage and family therapist in Darien and New York City, the platform serves as a listening tool and springboard for action.
“While most screenings only tell you if a kid is at risk for a mental health diagnosis, our screening tells you if there is a root cause at home, at school or with peers that may contribute to a mental health concern,” says Craig. “This is profoundly important because it provides early intervention that will help with root cause, not just symptom intervention. This early intervention is critical since it can slow the progression of mental illness down and reduce its severity.”
While spending the past decade focusing on emotional health research and initiatives, Ward has learned how important it is to destigmatize mental healthcare for everyone.
RESOURCE FOR PARENTS
If you are curious about your own child’s mental health, but are not sure where to start, Ward suggests taking a mental health survey “to learn more about your tween and draw you closer in the process.” To access the survey, visit futuresthrive.com.
shop
by janel alexander
MOTHER’S DAY IS LOOKING GOOD
WHETHER SHE’S A COOK, A FASHIONISTA OR JUST THE ONE WHO GIVES THE BEST HUGS, MOM DESERVES TO BE TREATED WITH GIFTS SHE’S SURE TO LOVE
THE CONSUMMATE HOSTESS
Stephanie Nass studied culinary arts as a young woman in France and then staged at some of the top restaurants in Manhattan. In 2019 she launched Chefanie, a line of unique tableware and accessories. Mix and match her prints, patterns and shapes of tablecloths, cocktail napkins and unique placecard holders to shabby-chic up your next dinner party. Chintz Tablecloth, $230; Cocktail Napkins, $60; Lily of Valley Dinner Napkins, $108; chefanie.com
THE BAG LADY
This woven mint green bag is the perfect structure-meets-soft carryall for the office, lunch or simply on the go. The collection, with the signature lock and key detail, is named for Lee Radziwill, who Tory admires for being fearlessly free-spirited. Lee Radziwill Woven Petite Double Bag, $898, Tory Burch, Greenwich; toryburch.com
THE STATEMENT MAKER
For the mom who has a taste for intrigue and eye for mystery, gift her a modern pair of oversized sunnies in a soft shade that lets her check out the whole scene (and who’s doing what) discreetly. Coach sunglasses $196, Sunglass Hut in Greenwich, Stamford and Westport; sunglasshut.com
THE CULINARY ARTIST
This timeless Dutch oven moves from stovetop to table with style. Put in your order for stews, roasts and soups. The beautiful cast iron pot is among the newest additions to The Shop at Grayson De Vere— and it works as good as it looks. 5.5 Qt. Dutch Oven with lid, $500, Greenwich; graysondevere.com
MOMMY AND ME
This “Mum Is My Superhero” tee shows welldeserved appreciation for hard-working moms, and the girls adorable paisley-print dress is comfortable yet chic. Pair with accessories for a sweet mom-and-mini me moment. Mum Tee, $90; Kyze Dress, $135, Ba&sh Greenwich; ba-sh.com
THE UNDERSTATED FASHIONISTA
Get her thinking about spring with this figureflattering smocked-top dress that proves that regardless of age, you can feel youthful at heart and look fabulous. Suzanne Fleur Smocked Poplin dress, $475, Rebecca Taylor, The Westchester; rebeccataylor.com
go
by megan gagnon
left: The 14,000-square-foot property includes three buildings: an 1800s carriage house, a Georgian mansion and a Greek Revival building. right: Among the custom details in The Artist room, a hand-carved wood fireplace and a bathroom with antique limestone, Moorish tile and a clawfoot tub
Time Travel
Meet THE MAKER, a new hotel with old-world charm
Hudson, NewYork— where small-town charm meets big-city style—continues to attract creatives looking for an upstate escape. And now, among the antiques shops, galleries, boutiques and restaurants that spill onto Warren Street in the heart of downtown, sits The Maker Hotel.
Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg, cofounders of the Fresh beauty brand, partnered with hospitality expert Damien Janowicz to create an experience that marries historical design with modern amenities. Each of the eleven rooms in the three-building property were dreamed up to deliver inspiration and celebrate the work of makers (artisans, craftsmen, builders)
above left: Enjoy freshly baked goods and cozy seats at The Maker Café. above right: A welcoming patio and pool are ready for warmer weather. below: Dine under a canopy of lush greenery in The Maker Restaurant. with nods to nineteenthcentury industrial, La Belle Époque, Art Deco and midcentury design periods. The team was mindful of integrating the elements that tell the story of the building’s original 1800s architecture, preserving original fireplaces, stained-glass windows, mosaic tiles and hand-painted ceilings. Throughout the rooms and common spaces, visitors will find vintage décor and one-of-a-kind pieces, art from Glazman’s personal collection, Moroccan rugs and reproduced furniture from local Hudson Valley master craftsmen. With many of the custom creations also available for purchase (like the stunning Louis XV-style beds), guests can recreate their own Maker moments at home.
go
above: The Lounge—wrapped in leather-clad walls—is tucked away in the building’s carriage house.
If you’re interested in venturing outside your room, there is plenty to explore at The Maker. Executive Chef Michael Poirkoff, formerly of Brooklyn-favorite Vinegar Hill House, oversees the culinary direction for all three dining spaces on-site. Early risers can choose from a variety of daily-made pastries and viennoiseries at The Maker Café, which is also open for lunch. Staying for dinner?
Create your own in-room spa experience with towels and slippers by Frette, Fresh and Malin+Goetz beauty products and linen robes by Society Limonta. Make a reservation at The Maker Restaurant and sample the contemporary American menu under the glass ceiling of the building’s conservatory. In continuing with their commitment to the community, Poirkoff works with local farmers to offer seasonal fare. A nightcap in the The Maker Lounge is a must, especially when you can find a seat in front of the Belgian Neoclassical fireplace.
The adjoining gymnasium, outfitted with an aesthete’s selection of vintage equipment and machines made for modern exercise enthusiasts, is available to hotel guests. If you’re more interested in Pilates than the pommel horse, check out the curated fitness offerings led by notable instructors and coaches. A unique Circus Physique program sounds especially intriguing, delivering a full-body workout using ground and aerial movements. Don’t leave without ordering a drink from the gorgeous juice bar, awash in the same saturated shades as the hotel.
And if you’re just looking to relax, the intimate common rooms on the ground floor are the perfect places to unwind. Arm yourself with a book from the library or discover your own signature fragrance from The Maker collection (six eau de parfums). There are candles to take home, too— chic souvenirs that will remind you to book a return visit to Hudson and The Maker Hotel.
The Maker Hotel, 302 Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534, 518-509-2620; themaker.com
GET A ROOM
Choose from eleven distinct spaces, each with its own design personality
THE ARTIST Live out your bohemian loft dreams in a room with art from Francisco Zuniga, a plaster sculpture by Frederick Weinberg and a vintage painting easel.
THE GARDENER An 1870s restored Eastlake gas-lit cast-iron chandelier throws a soft glow on this studio space. Wrought-iron details appear throughout, including on the custom Maker bed.
THE CORNER STUDIO Share a room with Joan Crawford and her world of 1940s Hollywood glamour.
do
by liz barron
Going Strong
Restoring your pelvic floor could mean BIG CHANGES IN OVERALL WELLNESS
If we’ve learned anything over the past couple of years, it’s that health really is wealth. And, in this case, we are talking about pelvic health, something that can affect both women and men, can be the reason why you pee a little when you sneeze or why you can’t take a deep cleansing breath. So many issues can arise when your pelvis isn’t in tip-top shape and Indigo Wellness wants to help with that.
The practice, with offices in Stamford and Westport, is owned and operated by Sarah Swanberg, doctor of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. In addition to an array of other services, Indigo offers pelvic floor therapy to help achieve and maintain optimal pelvic health. The misconception, Swanberg says, is that pelvic issues are only something women who have had difficult childbirth experiences need to pay attention to. That theory was debunked when we chatted with Swanberg and two of the experts on her team to learn more. Kara Fanelli, PT, DPT, board-certified clinical specialist in women's health physical therapy, and Jodie Lippman PT, DPT, work with patients—both female and male—on pelvic rehab for a variety of ailments. Pelvic physical therapy focuses on all musculoskeletal and behavioral aspects of the abdomen and pelvis. Pelvic floor muscles aid in everything from bladder, bowel and sexual function to postural stability and organ support.
How does one know if they might benefit from pelvic floor therapy? If you are aware of your pelvic region when you shouldn’t be, there’s a problem. It’s a part of your body but think of it like your nose…you know you it’s there but you don’t feel it all day, says Fanelli. An initial appointment at Indigo includes an exam, comprehensive history, and a look at the patient’s posture, understanding strength throughout the body and the way muscles feel and fire are all crucial in developing a treatment plan.
Why does the pelvis affect so many other parts of the body? “If you picture your body as an actual house, your pelvic floor would be the ground, the foundation, your abdominals and core would be the walls, helping to stabilize and your diaphragm would be the roof, some people even think of as high up as the glottis in the throat as the top,” says Lippman. With this structure in mind, “you can’t breathe properly unless your diaphragm and pelvic floor are working together. Upper chest breathing can be caused by a lack of movement in the diaphragm, which can contribute to pelvic floor muscle tension . We’ll often hear patients say things like ‘I can’t talk and walk without getting out of breath’ and it’s because their diaphragm isn’t moving the way that it’s supposed to,” says Fanelli.
What are some signs of pelvic issues that might be blamed on something else? “The inability to take a deep breath, symptoms that feel like a yeast or urinary tract infection (that test negative), back pain and diastasis recti (abdominal wall separation) can all be due to pelvic dysfunction,” says Lippman.
Are women, pregnant and postpartum, the most susceptible to urinary issues? “Yes. Pregnant women, postpartum women, and menopausal women are prone to urinary issues. However, people who have a lot of stress and anxiety can also be susceptible to pelvic floor dysfunctions. Our pelvic floor gets tight and reacts to tension just like our shoulders do. Also female athletes that have repetitive highintensity and high-impact activities with improper technique and poor breathing, like lifting weights, kicking balls and jumping and shooting are also particularly susceptible to pelvic floor dysfunction and bladder problems,” says Lippman.
Leakage is normal after having a baby, right? “After childbirth, many women assume that leakage is normal, it isn’t. While it’s initially common right after childbirth, it can be dramatically improved with pelvic physical therapy and shouldn’t be a lifelong issue,” says Fanelli. For women who have had C-sections, bladder issues seem surprising but not to the experts. “The scar lives right on top of the bladder, if it doesn’t move well it can cause issues for the bladder. Leakage can also arise from pressure management problems. When picking up something heavy, if the abdominal wall doesn’t contract and fire while also allowing the pelvic floor to lift, this is where issues with leakage will occur ,” says Fanelli. “The pressure always goes to the weakest point. If there is weakness in the abdominal wall’s connective tissue or in the pelvic floor muscles then all the pressure will follow that weakness,” adds Lippman.
INDIGO WELLNESS
In addition to Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, Indigo offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, nutrition counseling and group programs. Their abundant toolbox of services are all interwoven to help their patients achieve optimum mind/body health. “The end goal is to create a robust support system. We believe that the best patient care happens when everyone involved is talking—the more eyes on the patient to help with their journey of wellness, the better,” says Swanberg.
home
by megan gagnon
2
1
FOR MIX IN BLOCK PRINTS FOR A SEASONAL REFRESH pattern maker
4
i’ve always loved the organic geometry of block prints. it’s the best of both worlds: a pleasing, rhythmic design with the touch of a human hand.
—peter dunham, peter dunham textiles 5
3
1 LAND OF BELLE
Green jardin dinnerware collection; starting at $48. landofbelle.com
2 BUNNY WILLIAMS HOME
Wild ginger throw; $225. bunnywilliamshome.com
3 MORRIS & CO.
Archive Meadow Sweet wallpaper; $208 per roll. perigold.com
4 HOLLYWOOD AT HOME BY PETER DUNHAM
Griffith sofa; $5,200. hollywoodathome.com
5 MITCHELL GOLD + BOB WILLIAMS
Disha rug; starting at $660. Greenwich; mgbwhome.com
6 FERMOIE
Lampshade in Green Marden; starting at $175. Trovare Home Design, Greenwich; trovarehomedesign.com
6
eat
by liz barron
Kathleen Ashmore began her TikTok career—cooking up delicious meals—in her Rowayton kitchen.
LET’S GET COOKING
KATHLEEN ASHMORE MAKES HEALTHY EATING FUN ON TIKTOK WITH RECIPES, KITCHEN TIPS AND THE BEST SENSE OF HUMOR EVER
When it comes to mom friends, Kathleen Ashmore is one fab local mama to know. Better recognized to most as Katcancook on TikTok or @Kat_can_ cook on Instagram, the professionally trained chef gained social media fame just about two years ago when she recorded her first TikTok video in her Rowayton kitchen. Raising two young children (William, now 5 and Caroline, 3) during a pandemic left her feeling like she needed a new outlet, so to reach fellow moms looking for healthy recipe ideas, she introduced herself on TikTok in May 2020.
“When you’re in a hard place, you either get kicked up the stairs or down the stairs,” says Ashmore. Life had been turned upside down amidst the pandemic and “people, me included, were hungry for positive change. There had been a huge shift from aspirational to relatable content on social media and that’s what people were craving.”
Having attended culinary school in her late 20's before working as part of the food production team for Martha Stewart’s television show, cooking has always been her thing.
After gaining 200,000 followers in just 36 hours, Ashmore knew her mission was about so much more than food; it was about being vulnerable and connecting with people. “I wanted them to trust me at a deeper level, not to just see me as someone teaching them how to chop an onion.”
At press time, Ashmore had grown her online following to over 1.8 million on TikTok and over 200,000 on Instagram.
We see loads of healthy eating tips on your TikTok but what are your thoughts on diets? All the restrictions of the past few years have left many people feeling exceedingly challenged when it comes to following diets. The last thing anyone wants at this point is to have less options and more things taken away. My philosophy focuses on what I can add to a plate versus what’s being taken away. I’m always thinking about what colors, textures and flavors that I can add to my family’s dinner plates while focusing on nutrition and abundance.
What’s the easiest way for someone who doesn’t love to cook to start small? Cook once, eat twice. When you can, make a large batch of whatever you’re cooking and save some. If I make pesto, I’ll make enough so that I can freeze half in ice cube trays so I can use it again later that week, it’s an investment in future meals. Also, always have a secret weapon—a sauce, a salad dressing—one thing you make each week. You could take something like a homemade teriyaki sauce and pair it with a few different proteins for the week. It’s also a great marinade for salmon and steak. If you’ve got that sauce already made, you’ll feel more inspired to put dinners together.
What are some staples everyone should have in their weekly shopping cart? Fresh vegetables. Choose a variety that is both interesting and colorful. I have 16 different salad recipes in my series and most of them can last you for the entire week. If you make a big batch on Sunday then you’ve got lunch for the next four or five days. I always have lentils and legumes in my pantry for a quick dinner. Also, don’t discount eggs. They are a nutritional powerhouse and most kids love them.
Sometimes after a super busy day, I’ll make eggs with kimchi and lentils for a fast and nutritious dinner. The ingredients that I use the most and always have on hand are mustard, lemon, garlic, salt, pepper and olive oil. Mustard adds incredible flavor to everything from sauces to salad dressings. You can even use it to dress salmon with some salt and pepper. What tips do you have for those of us with picky little eaters? Involve your kids in what goes on in the kitchen. We got our kids these little knives for children that aren’t very sharp. They also have their own cutting boards and aprons; you can be as elaborate or as minimal as you want but anything that gets them involved in prepping food helps. My son loves tomato sauce because he’s the one who makes it now. He never used to touch it until he started cooking with me. He even now knows to add salt to the water when you’re making pasta because it flavors it from the inside while it cooks. When kids are involved in preparing meals, they are so much more invested than if you were to just hand them a plate. So much of picky eating habits in kids stems from them wanting to have control and when they’d had a hand in making the food their sense of control is restored even when they are trying something new. My kids couldn’t care less that I attended culinary school and having them push food back at me has been a very humbling experience. Managing my own expectations and anxiety about them “needing” to always have balanced meals has been a game changer and I now aim for a balanced day instead. I’ll put salmon (which they might not eat) on a plate with one or two other things that I know they’ll like and I’ve learned to zoom out and consider the balance of the whole day instead of that one meal and things just go more smoothly for everyone. Get creative, you can add something like cauliflower rice to almost anything, including boxed mac and cheese! It takes on whatever flavors it’s paired with and it looks like small pieces of pasta. You can even mix it into eggs, pancakes or smoothies; it’s just a great way of adding some extra nutrients to whatever you’re having. CAULIFLOWER ALFREDO PASTA Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 small to medium cauliflower, cut into 2-or-3- inch pieces ½ cup parmesan, grated, plus additional for serving ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 garlic cloves, minced ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard ¼ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
Zest and juice from 1 lemon
1 package of linguine or fettuccine, I use Banza or Jovial Foods chickpea and brown rice pasta
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Fresh parsley
chopped, for serving
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 2. Add the cauliflower and boil until the cauliflower is easily pierced with a fork, about 10 minutes. 3. Drain cauliflower in a colander and add to the blender. 4. Meanwhile, boil your pasta in a separate large pot of salted water according to package directions. Drain pasta and reserve at least 2 cups of the pasta water. 5. Place the cauliflower in a high-powered blender or food processor and add the parmesan, olive oil, garlic, mustard, butter, lemon zest and juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and several grinds of pepper. 6. Blend to combine for about 20 seconds. 7. Add some of the pasta water, 1⁄2 cup at a time, and blend until the sauce is very creamy and the consistency is to your liking. I usually use between 1 1⁄2 cups of water. 8. Taste and add salt if needed. 9. Toss the cooked pasta with the alfredo sauce and top with extra parmesan, chopped parsley, and cracked pepper Enjoy!
above: Ashmore's Hungry Lady Salads videos are one of her most popular on TikTok.
above, left: The ultimate unicorn cake with rainbow ruffles above right: An elegant ivory-and-gold cake; Cookie Monster
So Sweet!
SPREADING LOVE through baked goods by elenor vail
Upon entering Forever Sweet Bakery, the impossible is deemed probable. With towering cakes of various colors and cupcakes of unimaginable quantities and varieties, owners Frances and Sky Mercede make customers’ sweet dreams come true. This Norwalk bakery is rooted in family ties with Frances following in her parents’ path of being a baker and her husband, Sky, helping with customer service, coordinating orders and marketing. It is Frances’ recipes that have been the foundation for their many cakes for decades and have won the shop “Best Cupcakes” in Moffly Media’s (this magazine’s) Best Of readers’ poll eight years in a row.
Sky describes himself as the “supporting husband,” which undercuts the amount of work he actually does, including running their extensive number of social media platforms, directing their outreach programs and encouraging community involvement. The bakery’s community involvement is a big part of what they do, year-round. For example, during the cold winter, the bakery held a clothing drive of hats, gloves and scarves for a local homeless shelter. They frequently raise money for homeless shelters nearby in addition to surprising newly opened businesses with cupcakes on their launch day. Sky describes their bakery as “community oriented,” with much more to come in terms of giving back to the area.
Customer service is also a priority. Sky says the goal of Forever Sweet Bakery is to “treat customers like kings and queens.” The bakery is able to customize their cakes, and frequently do so, according to customers’ requests with references to pictures online or even just ideas in their head. When asked what limit this customization has, Sky proclaims confidently that the bakery can create anything. With cakes of cars, ships and castles of multiple tiers, it appears the limit of this customization is sky high.
Frances and Sky present the idea of a family-owned business on a larger scale with community-focused values and customer service at the core of their success—call them their secret ingredients.
“We’re just here to put smiles on people’s faces,” Sky says, “and celebrate with them.”
Delivering peace of mind. For the “What If” in life.TM
Family owned, Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agency providing tailored insurance solutions for your personal and business needs.
We would love to hear from you. 203-834-5900
1-203-834-5900 • www.toofer.com • #risksynergy
Connecticut: The Kent Building 43 Danbury Road • Wilton, CT 06897 New York City: 845 Third Avenue, 6th Floor • New York NY 10017
