Hazel Daze: The Gift Shop That Gives Back

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058Lib DeNure didn’t set out to create a boutique dedicated to showcasing local artisans and fair trade products. It just kind of…happened.

About a year and a half ago, Lib and her son were on a Metro-North train returning from a trip to the New York Gift Fair, where they were enamored by the colorful and richly textured items they discovered there. Inspired, she had an idea to open a shop chock full of whimsical items for the home. Like an apparition, the perfect space appeared in a cloud of smoke – in a former hookah bar in an up-and-coming section of Fairfield. After an extensive renovation, it became the charming boutique known as Hazel Daze – Hazel for her grandmother, and Daze added for a memorable, poetic rhyme.

As she was sourcing items for the store, a pattern emerged. She found herself gravitating to products with meaning – necklaces created by Maasai craftspeople, brilliantly colored pillows from India, up-cycled items made with vinyl records and recycled seat belts, and practical household goods carved from sustainable mango wood. Eventually, as she became established, she reached out to Fairfield County-based painters, photographers, and jewelry designers and began showcasing their work. A good portion of the items in the shop are from local crafters, and many also give back to the local or global community.

“There’s so much need globally, both locally and globally,” explained DeNure. “I want to give back. Why not help a good cause,” she reasoned.

Her ever-changing stock is supplemented with items sourced by her globe-trotting son (he’s currently in China), who is always on the lookout for the latest trends from Japan (you must see the super-cute backpacks for kids that he found!) and other trendy hot spots.

The bustling shop carries items for the home, jewelry, handbags and wallets, art, lighting, and children’s toys, décor, and clothing. It’s a special place with a groovy aura and a kind heart, “I like to think of it as paying it forward,” says Lib. She’s setting off a vibe starting in her community and resonating throughout the world.

Below find a few of the unique items that Hazel Daze has in store!

Hazel Daze, “A Funky Home Boutique,” 86 Post Road, Fairfield, CT 203-292-9662 www.hazeldaze.com

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Fairfieldista
Ann Quasarano, a Fairfield County based mom and writer is Fairfieldista. After working in public relations and special events in New York City for more than 15 years, I gave up the glamorous life (and hour-long commute) to work closer to my Fairfield County home. For the past 10 years, as a regular contributor to local websites, blogs and magazines, I’ve beaten a path (or sat in traffic) along I-95 covering all that is new and noteworthy in Fairfield County. In doing so, I’ve become the go-to person for friends and colleagues who are looking for the latest new boutique, event planner for fun nights out, and kid activity guru. Now I’m sharing this information with you! This year, I founded Fairfieldista.com, a local resource for women who don’t have the time to scour every local blog and website looking for the latest local happenings. One stop shopping – don’t you just love that!

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