Connecting Local Businesses via Trumbull

Massage Therapist Carissa Algeri-Gulyas wants to help the state's producers of homemade goods.

Her website, buylocallyCT.com, features wares from farmer's markets to homemade skin products.

"I'm still trying to find places where things are made in Connecticut," said Algeri-Gulyas, 32, of Trumbull, who also makes her own massage oils.

When she's not working, she's traveling all over the state, mainly to farmer's markets right now. But she's optimistic because her site's only about a month old.

The businessowner said her goal is to eventually charge a small fee, but less than traditional advertising.

"The idea is to generate traffic for these local businesses," she said, adding, "I want people to start buying more locally."

One business featured on the site is Lisa Kennally's lisaannskincare.com, located in Madison. While she has her own website, Kennally said the site offered another opportunity for more exposure in the state.

Deborah Cox, Trumbull's Economic Development director, praised the site. "What a nice website. I think it’s a great thing to write about – gives people an idea of where to go for fresh produce in Trumbull and the surrounding areas," she said.

"I love the concept and what Carissa is trying to do.  Connecticut has hundreds of state-made goods, from cheeses to candles to soaps that many don’t know about or have access to. Buylocally.com will provide the very unique service of making all these products available under one virtual roof. I think it will be a great!", said Jennifer Spaide, editor and publisher of Simplicious Magazine.

The site solves problems created by competition outside of the United States, according to its creator. "Because of the Internet, we have definitely gotten away from supporting small businesses within our community. By buying internationally, you're using more energy as well as adding to our pollution problem," Algeri-Gulyas said.      

She added, "I feel like people would buy locally if they knew what was available to them.  There are incredible products being produced right here in Connecticut."

Farmers markets are just one way, but are limited because of their hours. "You won't find what products Bethlehem has to offer at a Westport Farmers' Market," she said.  

She urged all companies producing homemade edibles, clothing, wine or anything else to visit the site and contact her.

"It's a win-win situation. I get to help consumers find a local farm or fabulous product near them, while helping local businesses get their information and products out to a much larger group of people.  It's a great feeling," the entrepreneur said.

Algeri-Gulyas is a licensed clinical massage therapist in Connecticut and owns an in-home massage business called Organic Massage Therapy. In her quest to create a raw and orgnic massage cream, she said she wanted her ingredients to come from local businesses as much as possible. But she found it difficult, and the website was born.

Algeri-Gulyas can be reached on the website or by phone at 203-223-0127.