West Hartford Business Buzz July 21: Openings, Closings and Other News

People in West Hartford love to be "in the know" about happenings in town, especially the openings — and closings — of local businesses. We hear things all the time, and some of them turn into big stories. But sometimes we don't have enough news to write an entire story, even though the information is definitely newsworthy. For a while we ran a "Visions for Vacancies" feature on Sundays, but it was getting to be difficult to find vacancies every week.

Every Sunday we'll highlight the business stories you may have missed during the past week, and give you the scoop on the other news you may not have heard about. And if you have tips about businesses opening or closing, please include them in the comments or send an email to ronni.newton@patch.com.

• It appears that several new businesses are now bookending Cafe Louise in Elmwood. Bristle Blade Barber Supplies and Fusion Hair Lounge have both recently opened in the strip shopping center. According to its Facebook page, Fusion had its grand opening on June 29.
• Speaking of Café Louise, owner Louise Albin has recently starting blogging on West Hartford Patch. Click here to see some tips and recipes that she has posted.
• Four West Hartford women – Tracey George, Julie Jones, Jennifer O'Connell, and Katie Wickham – have opened up a new showroom for their "vintage and repurposed" furniture business, after spending the past two years selling at Brimfield and through special events. Blaze and Bloom will hold its first event at the Dirt Salon, 50 Bartholomew Rd. in Hartford, on Friday and Saturday, July 26 and 27. See the flyer above for more details. "We would love to spread the word and help our business and community blossom!" said the owners in a news release.
  
• A West Hartford company has had its work showcased during this week's British Open Championship in Muirfield. See the spectacular video essays and other work that Bluefoot Entertainment has produced in collaboration with ESPN for coverage of the only major golf tournament held outside of the United States.
• Lux Boutique opened earlier in July on Farmington Ave. in West Hartford Center. The women's clothing boutique offers fun, one-of-a-kind pieces as well as designer denim at moderate prices.