Joseph Celli, downtown development coordinator for the City of New London, announced that five new businesses have opened or leased in the Downtown Historic Waterfront District of New London.
Celli stated, “In spite of the national economic downturn, there has been an increased interest and optimism and investment in downtown New London. These new businesses indicated that the location, low rents, ambiance, and cultural environment of New London helped to convince them that this was a good place to start a business.”
The businesses range from exotic imported clothing from India and Tibet to cutting edge Web site development and prize-winning photography among others. Businesses include regionally known photographer Sam Chinigo’s photo studio, the home and body boutique POSH, East India Gift Shop, and the TseTse Gallery, as well as the re-opening of the Alva Gallery.
Gellek Jimpa, who is originally from East Tibet but now lives in New York, runs East India Gift Shop, located at the corner of State and Bank streets. He and his wife, who just gave birth, plan to move to New London with their daughter and newborn child. The shop offers hand-made dresses, Indian dyed fabrics, handbags, oriental clothing, jewelry, sunglasses, pashminas, hats, and other specialties items.
Photographer Sam Chinigo is a multi-award-winning Connecticut wedding photographer who specializes in creative, artistic wedding photography captured in a candid, photojournalistic, and cinematic style. Chinigo says his work is, "Not your mother's wedding photography!" Chinigo's photojournalistic approach, artistic style, and creative vision combined with his "dare to be different" attitude caters to the contemporary bride looking for unique wedding imagery. He was recently named CT Wedding Photographer of the Year and is the Top Pick Photographer through The Wedding Photography Directory. He also was selected to the Best USA Photographers Dream Team for Connecticut wedding photographers. This honor was bestowed on only five wedding photographers in Connecticut for exceptional wedding photography.
The photo studio is at 170 State Street and includes an exhibit of his photos.
The TseTse Gallery will open in the Crocker House at 190 State Street, with the first exhibit entitled, The Power of Art to Heal. The exhibit is inspired by art created by cancer survivors and others who have been touched by cancer. The opening of the exhibit and gallery is on Saturday, June 21, at 3 pm. This non- profit organization, with headquarters in Rhode Island, has been in operation since 1995. The gallery works to provide a pathway to cultural understanding and promote healing to allow people to reach their fullest potential.
Media Lantern is a full-service Web site and e-commerce company located at 236 State Street. President Chad Robinson stated, “We chose New London for its central location, its moderate cost of living, and its proximity to key clients. Ready access to public transportation and major highways allows us to reach out to companies throughout New England while minimizing our travel costs. This is a competitive edge given today's oil prices.”
Media Lantern works with domain registration, managing servers, and support for various management aspects including billing, applications, and support requests. Web site design and content management for Web sites is one of the specialty areas of the company.
POSH is a home and body boutique with “something for everyone.” The shop will have handbags, accessories, spa items, children’s toys and accessories, and home décor items. Co-owners Sherry Heading, Melissa Carrier, and Crissa Heading are setting up shop as an extension of their Web sites, bluebarnacles.com and snugglebugpillows.com. The shop will feature items from these sites as well. POSH plans to open July 1 at 184 State Street.
ALVA Gallery is reopening as an outlet for art and fashion with the intention of presenting New York style at New London prices. The gallery promotes unique and interesting fashions to wear and to display. There are cases of jewelry from far and near as well as uniquely designed clothing, handbags, and other accessories. In addition, the gallery will offer decorative pieces in blown glass and ceramic and a whole new range of affordable artists. ALVA Gallery aims to be a creative emporium for men and women. ALVA will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.