When Alla Ionescu wanted to open a business, she only had to look as far as her own 10-year-old daughter, Stephanie, for inspiration.
“She said, ‘Mommy, let’s do a pottery studio,’” recalls Ionescu. Thus, Happy Hands Art & Pottery studio was born, and it’s now open for business in the Stop & Shop Plaza at 5 River Rd..
Actually, it took a couple years to make that dream a reality. Not only did the Fairfield native need to learn the business inside and out, but she wanted to find the ‘perfect’ market and location for her idea. She finally found the spot here in Wilton, next door to the Toy Chest and two doors down from Sweet Pierre’s Gourmet Chocolates and Candy.
“I really wanted a family town, and once we found this spot, we worked on this space since October,” Ionescu explains.
Getting everything ready has been a complete family affair, with Alla’s husband and 12-year-old son, Matt, also lending a hand with the painting, assembling furniture and getting the studio set up. They’ve created a bright, sunny store, painted in lemon and lime hues with fun patterned chairs and plenty of table space for painting.
Ionescu says she’s looking forward to all the kids who will enjoy the paint-your-own fun.
“We opened last Friday, and Saturday this adorable 5-year-old boy came in with his dad. He was touching everything and so excited. But when he sat down to paint, he was so focused and into it for two hours. His dad said, ‘We’ll be back every weekend, I’ve never seen him sit still for so long!” she laughs.
One other thing she’s been impressed with is discovering Wilton’s friendly business community.
“Other business owners have been coming to me and introducing themselves. Everybody has been so welcoming and asking, ‘What can I do to help?’ They’re like, ‘Let’s do cross-marketing.’ It’s boutique-y and I love the surrounding businesses. It’s a nice atmosphere in Wilton,” Ionescu says.
The pottery business will be a change from her prior experience–both Alla and her husband worked in the financial industry, and Alla spent the last few years staying home with her kids. She’s eager to get back into the work force, albeit in a different way.
She says the store will be a space not only for creative kids and adults who want to come in on their own to tap into their artistic sides, they’ll also host birthday parties, private parties, school groups, ladies’ nights, mommy-and-me groups, and more. She also has plans for after school programs, summer camps and more.