Celebrating Local Heritage: Our Story
Discovering Hometown Pride
In the picturesque town of Ridgefield, Connecticut, nestled amidst the rolling hills of southern New England, a journey began back in 2017. Two family members embarked on a quest for a unique "going away" gift for a friend bidding farewell to their beloved hometown. Yet, as they scoured local shops, they found themselves coming up empty-handed. It was amidst this search that they stumbled upon an unexpected realization – there was a notable absence of gifts that truly encapsulated the essence of Ridgefield, Connecticut. Inspired by this revelation and fueled by a passion for their community, they saw an opportunity to fill this gap. Thus, The Rooted Plow was born.
Crafting Local Identity
From its humble beginnings, The Rooted Plow set out to celebrate the rich tapestry of Ridgefield and its surrounding regions. With a focus on crafting unique, locally-inspired gifts, our brand quickly gained recognition and admiration. Our journey began with a simple vision – to evoke a sense of hometown pride through meticulously curated offerings that pay homage to the landmarks, traditions, and spirit of our community.
Navigating New Horizons
However, like many businesses, we faced unforeseen challenges on our path to success. The unprecedented events of the Covid-19 pandemic brought about a halt to our operations in 2020, disrupting the momentum we had built. Yet, from adversity emerged opportunity. In March 2022, The Rooted Plow found new stewardship under the ownership of a local woman deeply inspired by the region's wonderful communities and rich history. With renewed vigor and determination, we embarked on a new chapter, committed to preserving and celebrating the essence of our beloved hometowns.
Preserving Local Essence
At the heart of The Rooted Plow lies a dedication to preserving the essence of Ridgefield, Connecticut, and its neighboring areas. Our collection of handcrafted pottery, illustrated puzzles, and carefully curated home goods serves as a testament to the beauty and charm of our towns. Each product is imbued with the spirit of our community, adorned with motifs of iconic landmarks and hidden gems that capture the imagination.
Community Collaboration
Central to our mission is a commitment to community collaboration. We believe in the power of partnership and seek to foster relationships with small-batch, USA-based makers who share our values and commitment to quality. Through these collaborations, we not only support local artisans but also promote ethical business practices and social good. For instance, our partnership with a small-batch potter in Alabama, whose employees are survivors of sex trafficking, domestic abuse, and homelessness, exemplifies our dedication to making a positive impact.
Building Stronger Communities
For us, success extends beyond profit margins. It is measured by the positive impact we make on the lives of others and the communities we serve. We strive to be a force for good, both locally and beyond, by prioritizing sustainability, ethical sourcing, and community engagement. Whether it's offering carbon-neutral shipping, sourcing materials from nearby businesses, or donating to local nonprofit organizations, we are committed to building stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities.
Celebrating our Collaborations — The Stories Behind The Rooted Plow's Collection
- Small batch makers throughout the USA - folks who create things in their garages and around their kitchen tables
- We work with several minority owned businesses — women, Latina, African American
- New England based and even some right in Ridgefield and northern Fairfield county
- Those with a great story - second chance employers who work with marginalized groups, adults and kids with special needs
- You’ll never find our stuff on amazon
- Everything created in the USA - no exceptions
Embrace The Rooted Plow
As we continue our journey, we invite you to join us in celebrating the spirit of our hometowns. Explore our extensive collection of locally-inspired gifts and take a piece of New England home with you. Whether you're a longtime resident, a visitor passing through, or someone who simply appreciates the beauty of our region, there's something for everyone at The Rooted Plow. Together, let's celebrate the wonderful communities and history that make our corner of the world truly special.
Here's to all those who have embraced The Rooted Plow since its founding. We promise to continue our legacy of paying homage to some very special hometowns by offering unique, high quality, USA-crafted products (i.e., “Not on Amazon!”), while at the same time working to cultivate and nurture stronger, healthier and more vibrant communities – one collaboration, one partnership, one initiative and one act of kindness at a time.