The Most Innovative New Businesses in Town

1. Tri State LED / Seesmart (Seesmartled.com): This Greenwich-based company, established in 2010, is based on the simple idea that saving money is the next best thing to making money by switching regular bulbs for LED lighting instead.

“LED lighting not only saves a substantial amount of money on power bills, but the longevity of this technology significantly reduces the maintenance on current lighting systems,” explains Tri State LED founder Bob Ostrander. “LED technology is where the lighting industry is going and we are working with federal, state, and Local facilities across New England to help reduce power and save money.”

By opting for LED technology, customers save a minimum of 50 percent on their lighting costs. “We also educate our customers on all Incentive Programs and Federal Tax Deductions that make this technology even easier to switch to,” says Ostrander.

2. BestRantWins.com (BestRantWins.com): The genesis of this new website – born from a Wilton-based father-son entrepreneurial team – is that people like to complain about things they feel strongly about. As such, BestRantWins.com, which will launch in July, urges social-networking urbanites can go to speak their minds about everything that bugs them or excites them.

“Everyone’s got an opinion, everyone’s got a story, everyone wants to rant about something – and everyone wants everyone else to hear about it,” explains cofounder Stuart Bloom. But this site isn’t just a place to dump your thoughts. “While everyone's got something to rant about, our Judge Hugh Tellem, of substantial credentials, I might add, evaluates how well that rant is expressed,” Bloom explains. Translation: If Judge Tellem rates your rant the best of the month, you’ll win $25! Stay tuned, via Twitter, to @BestRantWins and become friends with Judge Hugh Tellem on Facebook.

3. Plain Mary (PlainMary.com): A few years ago years ago, a mother-to-be named Hannah Lissette received a stunning, handmade play mat as baby gift by one of her friends.

“I loved the product so much, I talked her into making it into a business,” says Lissette, who formerly worked at New York- and Greenwich-based hedge funds. In 2005, Plain Mary, a line of posh baby gear including the signature handmade keepsake mats, was born.

But unlike the vast majority of baby products you’ll find on registries, most Plain Mary baby gifts and accessories are made locally in Fairfield, and all undergo a tough quality-control check under bright photo lights (to make sure items are flawless). Every play mat and custom item is hand finished and hand checked by an in-house designer. And there’s also a personal touch: “We hand-write notes with every purchase,” says Lissette. “If you purchase one of our custom items as a gift for someone else, we send you a photo of the finished product so you know what it looks like. That's how my grandmother would have run a business and that's how we intend to carry on the tradition of standing behind our product and the quality level we preach to our customers.”

4. Rebecca Velasquez Yoga and Meditation (RebeccaVelasquezyoga.com): Many a local has taken a breather at yoga class, but sometimes stress gets so tough you can’t leave your own abode. For times like these, former social worker and yoga/meditation instructor Rebecca Velasquez is here to help.

The Norwalk resident works with clients in the comfort of their own homes, one-on-one or in small groups, tailoring her instruction to a person’s unique abilities, interests, and needs. While some clients prefer solo yoga instruction, others have opted for guidance in beginning and sustaining a home meditation practice. Velasquez has even worked with brides and their bridal parties to ease pre-wedding jitters.

“I have found that for various people, a large yoga studio class setting is not the most appropriate setting for them to learn and practice yoga,” says Velasquez. “Students have shared that their private sessions with me have given them the confidence to transition easily into a group studio class if they were to choose.” Sessions may be held outside in a natural setting.

5. Greenwich Fitness Parties LLC: Life is short. So why stick with a boring treadmill at the gym? Zumba lover Joan Stuart Pratt was moved by a tragic event (the death of her mother) to create a company inspired by mom’s motto "Have a good day, don't worry, be happy, smile and have fun.”

As such, Greenwich Fitness Parties LLC company fun wellness and athletic events, including “Zumba parties” – gatherings inspired by the Zumba dance-fitness trend – that showcase several different Zumba instructors at the same time. The idea is catching on, too: Sponsors have included Thataway Cafe, Sundown Saloon, The Beach House, Patio.com and the store Lucy. Want to ditch the gym sooner than later? The next Zumba Party, starring popular Greenwich/Stamford instructor Eddie Calle and NYC instructor Christopher Power, will be held Sat., June 25 at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, from 5-7 p.m.