Local Roots: Building a business from the ground (up)

Neviana Zhgaba, Founder and Co-owner of Aquila’s Nest Vineyards

Location: Newtown, CT

Follow along @aquilasnestvineyards

The connection between community and winemaking was ingrained in Neviana’s Albanian upbringing. Her path to owning a vineyard, however, was anything but linear.

After moving to Connecticut to study at Fairfield University, Neviana built a successful career in technology including ten years at General Electric and ongoing work with BNY Melon in data analytics. As she and her husband grew their family, they tapped into their heritage following the desire to embrace a farming lifestyle and the scenery around them. Together in 2020, they opened Aquila’s Nest Vineyards, an experience-focused winery providing visitors with experiences that excite the five senses. With the strong support of her team, town and family she owns the winery while balancing multiple careers.

Neviana’s passion for community engagement and women’s empowerment has strongly influenced the vineyard’s brand identity. Not only are the wines named after women from ancient mythology and history, but Aquila’s Nest Vineyards actively partners with over 70 women-owned local businesses fueling a network of strong female leaders.

The more we support each other, the more successful we become. – Neviana Zhgaba

Tamra Franch & David Buck, Co-owners of Guardians Farm

Location: Southbury, CT

Follow along @guardiansfarm

It’s a love for animals that led couple Tamra and David to start Guardians Farm. Neither of the Connecticut natives was raised in farming, yet the full-time police officers and K-9 handlers found themselves drawn to the comforts and companionship of animals throughout their lives.

The pair started farming as a passion project in 2014 adding animals to the mix including a beloved police dog turned farm dog. Their cheese and soaps were embraced by customers and soon it was time to grow. Tamra and David’s modest business greatly expanded in 2020 when they purchased historic farmland in the rolling hills of Southbury, creating what is now known as Guardians Farm. Today the farm is home to cows, ducks, mini-horses, mini-pigs, chickens, and goats producing beauty items, as well as beeswax and dairy products.

Tamra and David find balance in their law enforcement and farming careers, as well as ongoing support from the town, local businesses, and neighbors. David credits the community proximity of Guardians Farm to the success and dedication of its customer base. It’s allowed them to form meaningful relationships where they truly get to know and understand the people they serve.

The community here is one that loves its farmers and wants to support the growth of this industry. – David Buck

Katie Hughes-Nelson, Founder and CEO of Pedals Smoothie and Juice Bar

Locations: Durham, CT and New Haven, CT

Follow along @drinkpedals

A Durham local, Katie has always cared deeply about the world around her. After earning an Executive MBA in Sustainability from Yale School of Management she went on to create Pedals Smoothie and Juice Bar with her husband Patrick.

The business is committed to using only organic and locally sourced ingredients, many from farms just a few miles away. Pedals sells a plant-based menu of smoothies, bowls, cold-pressed juices, and other drinks, almost all of which are gluten-free and vegan and Katie strives to keep its carbon footprint to a minimum. No produce goes to waste — food scraps either go to animal feed at the local farm or get picked up for compost, along with biodegradable cups, straws, bowls, and utensils. All tableware for dining in is sanitized and reused.

Opening Pedals in New Haven has been a dream come true for Katie. She loves the city and its people and feels strongly that wherever you operate a business built on sustainable practices, you attract good people as both team members and customers.

There is a connection between how good food tastes and the ethical environment in which it’s been produced. – Katie Hughes-Nelson

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Local Roots: Building a business from the ground (up)

Neviana Zhgaba, Founder and Co-owner of Aquila’s Nest Vineyards

Tamra Franch & David Buck, Co-owners of Guardians Farm

Katie Hughes-Nelson, Founder and CEO of Pedals Smoothie and Juice Bar

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