Danbury Fair is celebrating the opening of three new woman-owned stores as it adds to its eclectic mix of offerings for shoppers.
Gorjana and Rowan are two jewelry stores that have opened at the mall joined by Zen Juju Boutique, a family-run specialty shop that offers Dubai-inspired fragrance oils.
Gorjana
Founded in 2004 by a husband-and-wife team, gorjana is a California-based jewelry brand inspired by the relaxed style of the Southern California coast. It’s known for its laid-back yet refined aesthetic that offers accessible luxury. The brand features modern designs and quality materials, including diamonds and opals, along with versatile gold-plated and solid gold pieces for everyday wear and effortless layering.
“We’re thrilled by the momentum and look forward to continue bringing fresh, meaningful brands to Danbury Fair,” said Nicole Ruotolo, marketing manager for the entire Danbury Fair.
Eric Bunyan, senior vice president of leasing for the mall operator and owner Macerich, likes what gorjana brings to the mall.
“gorjana adds a fresh, contemporary jewelry offering to Danbury Fair’s retail mix, and we’re confident guests will love both the product and the beautiful in-store experience” he said.
Rowan
Rowan, a mom-founded and women-led ear piercing and hypoallergenic jewelry brand, opened its 101st studio at the Danbury Fair, also on Level 2. Rowan was founded to set new industry standards in ear piercing by centering safety, medical expertise, and thoughtful care. All piercings are performed by nurses and backed by a medical advisory board, following the Rowan Clinical Piercing Standard – a rigorous protocol designed to ensure the safest, most precise experience for all ages.
In addition, Rowan offers hypoallergenic jewelry with an emphasis on premium materials, comfort, and long-term wear.
“Rowan is the perfect addition to our retail lineup,” Fontaine said. “Their specialized approach and strong connection with families make them a meaningful addition to our center. We’re thrilled to welcome a brand that brings both heart and expertise to our community.”
Bunyan added, “Rowan is the type of dynamic, growth-oriented brand we’re focused on expanding throughout our portfolio. Adding Rowan to Danbury Fair further strengthens the center’s merchandising mix and underscores our commitment to introducing compelling new concepts to the market.”
Zen JuJu Boutique
The third new store is Zen Juju Boutique, a family-run specialty shop that offers Dubai-inspired fragrance oils, niche perfumes, personalized scent experiences, a mobil perfumed oil bar, jewelry, accessories, handbags, and gift sets curated by founder Annamaria Jones-George.
“My shop is inspired by trends and culture,” Jones-George said. “We curate unique, one-of-a-kind items and empower our customers to let their authentic selves shine through fashion and aromas. We stay true to our mission of creating a welcoming space, offering unique products, and building strong relationships with our customers through engaging customer service.”
Zen JuJu began as a small kiosk with accessories and fragrance. “Annamaria’s journey at Danbury Fair speaks to her entrepreneurial spirit. As her customer base grew and she saw the demand firsthand, she knew she wanted to expand at Danbury Fair. When a space became available, she jumped on it,” Ruotolo said.
Jones-George feels empowered facing challenges, such as competing with larger retailers, while growing her boutique.
“Being a female-based entrepreneur is both challenging and fulfilling,” she said. “I wear many hats, but I also have the opportunity to inspire others and create a business that reflects my values, creativity, and commitment to community.
“Retail has become very competitive, but our focus on community engagement, unique curated products, and personalized shopping experiences has helped us grow and build strong customer loyalty in a retail culture that’s shifting away from costumer service,” she said.
According to Ruotolo, these three recent additions represent a clear theme of female entrepreneurship and family-driven businesses.
“The brands bring a strong sense of identity and purpose to Danbury Fair and complement the retail mix we have here. We’re proud to support them,” she said. “The retail momentum continues.”
