The Two Oh Three is such a fabric of our community. What was the impetus for starting it?
Our mission to celebrate Connecticut began about seven years ago while in college out of state. After not being able to find any gear to rep our pride, we were determined to create our own. One shirt led to two— and before we knew it, an entire line of 203 products was born.
The 203 officially launched in the summer of 2014. At the time, we didn’t know the effect the company would have on the community. What originally started as a hobby quickly took on a life of its own and has since transformed into a lifestyle brand for the entire community.
How often do you drop new merchandise?
We have two formal launches per year—Fall/Winter & Spring/Summer and are always adding new products to the mix. We’re constantly inspired by our customers, new trends, and other local brands that want to collaborate!
Congrats on your first retail store! What made you expand from e-commerce to brick-and-mortar?
With “local” at the heart of our business, it was always a goal to have a physical presence in the community. We enjoy being able to connect online, but at the end of the day, nothing beats being able to build relationships with our customers face to face.
The town of Fairfield has played a colossal role in our brand's story, and we are so thrilled to have our first store right here in town. From day one, the Fairfield community embraced our brand’s mission and continues to be some of our most loyal and consistent customers. (Thank you, guys!)
What are some ways you embed The Two Oh Three into the community?
Fairfield has a powerful small business community, and we feel very lucky to be a part of it. Working with other businesses is really at the core of The 203. We lean on others, and others lean on us; it’s what our community is all about.
Our gear is locally designed, printed and embroidered right here in Connecticut. We work with several local artists to design and create specialty products for us every season.
Beyond material things, we like to enhance our customers' lives with unique local experiences. Our brand comes to life on social media, where we visually foster the essence of a CT lifestyle. We use platforms to constantly connect and communicate with our followers.
How important is the customer to the design process?
Our customers are everything to us and they are at the core of our design process.
We love getting their feedback—both good and bad! We appreciate their ideas and are constantly asking for suggestions.
Our Fall ‘22 collection includes a diverse mix of 203 products that are perfect for adventures in Connecticut! Flannel picnic blankets, cozy loungewear, camper mugs, hostess gifts and trendy home accessories to name a few!
What are some of your best sellers?
Our baseball caps! They make the perfect gift and last for years. This season we are adding even more options to the mix!
What inspires you?
I find it hard to separate The 203 from my personal life. However, I’ve learned how necessary it is to force myself to take that separation and reboot. Spending time with my closest friends and family gets my creative juices flowing again. Making time to refill my cup is essential in helping me to discover new ways to make our brand come to life.
And last, but not least, can you share your Fairfield favs…
Can’t live without coffee? Harbor View is my all-time love!
Go-to lunch? It's embarrassing how many times a week we order Sushi! Finn lunch special on repeat!
Delicious dinner? Tough to pick just one—I'm a big fan of Molto Mondays (it's hard to pass up 1/2 priced bottles of wine). Centro's back bar is also one of my favs!
Best beach: Jennings all the way!!! Especially for sunrise!
Your perfect day off in Fairfield? What days off? Ha! Just kidding, definitely a boat day.
Favorite Fairfield childhood memory? Spending time on Fairfield Beach with my cousins
Favorite thing about living and working in Fairfield? Recently, my commute! I love being able to ride my bike to work. Living so close to the beach has also been a dream!