HARTFORD, Conn. — With Women’s History Month still in full swing, FOX 61 is highlighting women-owned businesses in Hartford, which are all on the same street.
Nestled in the middle of Pratt Street, you’ll find a shop that looks like it’s straight out of a movie, Bloom Bake Shop.
“This building kind of just carried the vibe and the style that we were looking for so we were really excited,” said owner, Monica Baudoin.
Two sisters own the floral and bake shop. A dream Baudoin said came true.
“It’s my sister and I. She’s the florist and I am the baker so we found that the two really work together with celebrations and just bringing joy to people in general so we wanted to spread that downtown,” said Baudoin.
They spread joy through cups of joe and highlighting other women-owned businesses in their store.
“We work with a lot of great women-owned businesses. We sell some jewelry and other local goods as well,” said Baudoin.
They are one of the many women-owned businesses located on Pratt Street.
The next stop is Gentle Bull Shop. This business has been open since November offering you a variety of things. They have gifts. They have clothes, even plants. More than likely if you want it they have it. Even better, they are right next door to another woman-owned business — Hartford Prints.
This business is the candy store version for stationary and gifts, being one of the first women-owned businesses to make Pratt Street home almost 10 years ago.
“Since 2013 when we opened, there's been about 90 percent vacancy here on Pratt Street and throughout downtown. So now that retail is coming back, that small businesses are coming it’s really exciting to be able to be here and help guide the new businesses as they open,” said owner, Rory Gale.
According to the Department of Economic and Community Development Connecticut’s women-owned businesses have grown by 56% over the last 20 years. Together, they now contribute more than $16 billion each year to the state’s gross state product.
“It feels so powerful that we are women-owned businesses that can support each other, that can collaborate and lift each other up and be friends and neighbors,” said Gale.
Women-owned businesses are continuing to grow on Pratt Street. Two more are set to open soon.
DeAndria Turner is a multi-media journalist at FOX61 News. She can be reached at dturner@fox61.com.
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