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Featuring Local Makers
Sasha Intile and Phelps 4 Parkinson’s
(Image source: Sasha Intile)
Rowayton is filled with meaningful stories, and this one belongs to Sasha Intile, who has lived on Bell Island with her family her entire life. At just 20 years old, Sasha has already turned creativity, compassion, and community support into a powerful force for good.
In 2023, she founded Phelps 4 Parkinson’s, a nonprofit dedicated to raising funds for Parkinson’s research in support of the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
The heart of the organization is Phelps, an adopted bull terrier belonging to family friends Cindy and Eddie. Eddie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease more than a decade ago, and throughout his journey, Phelps was a constant source of comfort and joy. From a young age, Sasha drew fun birthday and holiday cards featuring Phelps in playful scenes (holding flowers, popping out of cakes, or decorating Christmas trees.) Those cards brought smiles to Eddie during even the hardest days. What began as a personal gesture of love became something bigger when Sasha decided to digitize her designs and share them with a wider audience.
Through the sale of greeting cards and fundraising efforts, Phelps 4 Parkinson’s has raised more than $25,000 to date, all benefiting Parkinson’s research.
While Eddie sadly passed away last February, Phelps continues the mission in his honor, spreading joy and hope one card at a time. With the continued support of the Rowayton community, Sasha hopes to expand the nonprofit through new products and events in the year ahead and raise even more funds to support the fight against Parkinson’s disease.
To learn more or support Phelps 4 Parkinson’s, visit their online shop and help keep this local, heartfelt mission growing.
Instagram: @phelps4parkinsons
Donate directly to Team fox page: give.michaeljfox.org/team/637338
Sally Walker: Ceda Face Oil
(Image source: Sally Walker)
After working as a freelance editor and writer for various magazines for over 20 years, during the pandemic Sally turned her attention back to what her mother taught her: how to mix her own plant-based body and face oils. Because she struggled with her own skin issues into her 40s, she focused on finding mixes that were non-clogging and fragrances that made her (and her skin) happy. She started by mixing oils for her friends and family, and expanded it into her business.
Ceda Face Oil is named after her maternal great-grandmother, grandmother, and aunt. The mixes can help with many skin concerns for women and men, such as acne/oil control, discoloration, eczema, rosacea, scarring, sunburn/after-sun, and more.
The oils can be purchased in-person at markets in Rowayton, and online at cedafaceoil.com
Q&A with Sally
What inspired you to start Ceda Face Oil?
I began making face oils early in the pandemic, in my kitchen. Stores were closed and the brand I’d been using wasn’t making face oil anymore, so I began reading about it and experimenting with different carrier oils and essential oil combinations. I started asking friends what scents and perfumes they liked, and I created custom mixes and gave them as gifts. It wasn’t my intention to turn it into a business. But this is how most of my early mixes came about. There was a lot of experimenting, and soliciting feedback from people.
As a Rowayton business owner, what are some of your favorite local spots that you visit or collaborate with?
When I first started, I sold my oils at my friend Diane’s home goods store, Browne & Co. in Darien. Diane was an early champion, and she thought they might sell well in her shop, so I made it legit: I got proper labels, insurance, became an LLC. But my one-ounce bottles got lost in her store—there’s a lot of competition for your eye in that place. I also learned that it really helps if I’m sitting there, explaining the different mixes, showing people how to use them.
Another huge help has been the nonprofit organization SCORE, which hosts a lot of free workshops for small business owners in Fairfield County, and they set me up with an incredible mentor, who I meet with over Zoom every few months. He’s a retired HBO exec; at first, I was dubious someone like him could help me with a face oil business, but I was so wrong. He’s such an interesting guy and he gives great advice.
The Rowayton Art Center has also been a tremendous resource; it has such a warm and dynamic presence in our town. I have become friends with the women who run it, and they’ve included me in their holiday market the past three years, which has led to other opportunities. The Rowayton Gardeners is another organization I’m part of. They help make Rowayton so lovely, and I have met a lot of interesting and creative people there.
For someone new to face oils, how would you describe the experience of using Ceda? What makes it different from conventional skincare products?
To begin with, I love face oils. They just make your skin look and feel great. My oils are entirely plant-based with very few ingredients, all of them pronounceable, like Michael Pollan advises with food. The essential oils I use offer a lot of benefits to the skin, and they smell divine. Using natural, homemade skincare like this has been a revelation for me and a lot of people who use it. It’s simple and healthy, and putting it on always feels like a treat. There are no chemicals or preservatives in my oils, so their shelf life is only about a year. I have 12 different mixes, for women and men, and I make them in small batches, so whatever people buy are always freshly made. My bottles and droppers are glass because I want to keep plastic out of the equation as much as possible. And they cost a lot less than most of the face oils you see in cosmetics stores.
Can you share a behind-the-scenes moment in crafting one of your blends?
Each face oil has a little story behind it. “Sweater Girl” was my very first mix, and is an homage to my grandmother, whose name was Ceda. My grandfather called my grandmother his “sweater girl” because he liked how she looked in her cashmere twin sets. I think of this one as my most classic mix—geranium, tangerine, lavender, and lemongrass essential oils. I call it the “Chanel No. 5” of my oils because so many women love it. It’s my most popular mix.
How do you like to spend your time when you’re not mixing face oils?
I’m really into working on projects in my house, like sewing and rehabbing furniture, and I have a never-ending job in my garden, which is always a little out of control. I’m also a freelance book editor for Macmillan, and twice a week I teach a spin class at the Darien YMCA. My husband and I have dogs, so we’re always looking for places to take them. We love to hike at the Leon Levy Preserve in South Salem and then have lunch at Luc’s in Ridgefield. I’m a big cook, so when we go out to eat the bar is high. Our favorite places right now are Sally’s Apizza in Stamford; Bar Bushido, Knot Norm’s, and Taco Guy in Norwalk; and, of course, Kawa Ni and The Whelk in Westport. And we’re excited to try the new Italian place, Massi Co., also in Westport.
What message would you send to someone who’s thinking about starting a business or moving to Rowayton?
Rowayton is wonderful, my husband and I are so happy living here, and we have fantastic friends. What I’d say to anyone thinking of moving here is, come and be part of the community. This is such a special place we get to live, with interesting people and fun things to do, and there are a lot of ways to contribute. Get involved!
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Rowayton Real Estate Market Update
Rowayton isn’t just a charming coastal village — it’s one of the most sought-after micro-markets in Fairfield County. Its mix of waterfront lifestyle, strong schools, and tight-knit community consistently fuels demand, making it a unique and competitive environment for both buyers and sellers.
High Demand, Low Inventory
Homes in Rowayton rarely stay on the market long. Well-priced properties often receive multiple offers within days, especially those with desirable features like water views, proximity to the beach, or walking access to Pinkney Park and the Rowayton train station. Buyers should be prepared to move quickly and strategically when the right home appears.
Strong Appreciation & Resale Power
Rowayton homes have historically appreciated ahead of the Fairfield County average. Its coastal location, limited buildable land, and community amenities create a “supply and demand” imbalance that protects property values even in fluctuating markets. Well-maintained and thoughtfully updated properties tend to command premium pricing and hold their value longer.
What Drives Value in Rowayton
Certain features consistently stand out to buyers and drive up sale prices:
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Waterfront or Water Access — direct frontage or deeded rights to Long Island Sound or the Five Mile River.
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Level Lots & Outdoor Living — space for patios, pools, fire pits, and entertaining.
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Modern Updates — renovated kitchens and baths, open floor plans, and energy-efficient systems.
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Walkability — easy access to village shops, restaurants, schools, and commuter options.
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Turn-Key Condition — move-in ready homes save buyers time and money, and often generate multiple bids.
Insight for Buyers & Sellers
Rowayton isn’t a “list it and see” market — it’s a strategy market.
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For Buyers: Understanding micro-neighborhood trends, upcoming inventory, and the nuances of Rowayton zoning and water rights can give you an edge in negotiations. Having an agent who knows off-market opportunities is key.
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For Sellers: Strategic pricing, pre-listing prep (from staging to repairs), and marketing that highlights the “Rowayton lifestyle” can make the difference between a fast, high-priced sale and a languishing listing.
Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, relocating, or investing, success in Rowayton depends on hyperlocal knowledge — and that’s exactly what I provide.
Why Work With Me in Rowayton?
I don’t just sell homes — I live the community and understand the micro-neighborhoods, school lines, and hidden gems. When you work with me, you get:
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Neighborhood-first strategy — not generic tactics
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A network of trusted contractors, stagers, and local vendors
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Hyperlocal market insight that larger agents don’t always have
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Handcrafted marketing and buyer-sourcing specific to Rowayton’s buyer base
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