Two women-owned businesses, a beauty salon and a clothing retailer, recently opened at Quarry Walk in Oxford.
Local officials marked the businesses’ debuts with an official joint grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony this past week.
Quarry Walk, once a stone quarry, is a mixed-use residential, retail and commercial development on Oxford Road. It now has 14Â women-owned businesses within the overall complex, which includes a variety of businesses –Â from restaurants to financial services to hardware.
One of the new businesses, ZarMi bra boutique, is an upscale women’s undergarment, clothing and accessory retailer.
Two friends, Allison Zarrelli and Jacque Mihalek, launched the business, at 316 Center Rock Green, in the fall. The pair met three decades ago while working together in the salon industry, and always wanted to have a business aimed at helping women.
The store specializes in individualized undergarment fittings. They also cater to women with special requests, such those needing prosthetic and mastectomy undergarments.
“There is a lot of need for what we do, and the right bra can really change women’s lives,” Zarrelli said.
She recalled a customer who had a mastectomy years ago, and had been struggling ever since with a heavy and uncomfortable garment. They fitted her with a specially-designed lightweight bra.
“She left crying, she was so happy,” Zarrelli said.
The store has a larger range of sizes than many bra stores too, from 30 to 48, and cup sizes of A to I. They serve customers from pre-teens to adults.
“We give people a bra so they are happy with the way they look and aren’t busting out of their clothes,” Zarrelli said.
The co-owners are also focused on helping women in need, such as those with breast cancer. They serve as a drop-off location where people can donate gently-used bras and new underwear for women who are homeless and living in shelters.
The second woman-owned business that recently opened at Quarry Walk is Coconut Beauty Studio, also at 316 Center Rock Green.
Kenia Xavier, a Brazil native, is the business’ founder. It provides an array of beauty services, such as waxing, sugaring, nail treatments and massage. The “coconut” name came to Xavier because coconut oil is used in a lot of her beauty products.
Xavier spent two decades working at salons in Fairfield County before going into business for herself.
She originally planned to open before COVID hit, but delayed until things got better, and officially opened Jan. 27.Â
“I had been looking for a location for about a year, and once I saw Quarry Walk, I really loved the area,” Xavier said. “I was a little afraid of starting my own business, but I know I can provide a good service. I wanted a place where people can relax and feel comfortable and beautiful.”
Kathy Ekstrom, development manager for Haynes Development, said Quarry Walk has roughly three dozen nationally branded businesses and “mom and pop” shops currently.
“It is extra rewarding that Quarry Walk is home to 14 women-owned businesses,” Ekstrom said.
Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.
