Correspondent photo / Chris McBride Scott Dawson of Broken Essence Candle Co., based in Warren, displays his hand poured coconut wax candles Saturday during the Hearts and Hands United Spring Market at the Optimist Club of Bazetta/Cortland in Bazetta.

BAZETTA — More than 50 small businesses and community groups came out for a free spring market this weekend that doubled as the official launch of Hearts and Hands United, a new nonprofit looking to rebuild connections and hope in Trumbull County.

The event at the Optimist Club of Bazetta/Cortland on Hoagland Blackstub Road featured vendor booths, raffle baskets and 200 goodie bags filled with items from local businesses.

The proceeds benefited the Optimist Club and the fledgling organization. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the public debut of Hearts and Hands United, which organizers said will host similar free markets three times a year to help small businesses, residents and organizations regardless of their financial situation.

Jeanna Nesbith, founder of Hearts and Hands United, said the group was created to combat feelings of loneliness, isolation and economic struggle in the community.

“We want to be there in the middle of their gaps … feeling loneliness, isolation, burdens, whatever it might be,” Nesbith said. “We want to walk with them and show them that they are not alone… that they are still loved and cared about and supported.”

She described the market as a way to strengthen small businesses and remind residents of the importance of shopping locally amid the challenges they face.

“When we do this together, we only can become stronger,” Nesbith said.

She said future events include a community potluck June 13 and a fall harvest market Nov. 14.

Jon Oriakhi, owner of The Dryer Vent Guy, is based mainly out of Portage County, but attended as a shopper after meeting Nesbith at a recent Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber event.

His self described “niche business” cleans, installs and maintains dryer vents across Trumbull, Mahoning and Portage counties. He left Saturday’s event with some tea bags, Epsom salts and insurance information for classic cars.

“It’s nice to meet and build some rapport with people,” Oriakhi said. “This is a good community gathering event for small business leaders and the community in general.”

He talked about how technology and convenience have reduced personal interactions, something he believes events like this help restore.

Heather Pike, owner of Scruffy Scrubs LLC in Cortland, sold luxury handmade soaps containing shea butter and cucumber butter, along with candle melts, lip balms and car diffusers. A nurse by profession, she started the business about 10 years ago after wanting to know exactly what was in her soap.

“This is actually having to restart again” after pauses for the COVID-19 pandemic and family loss, Pike said. She called the market a blessing for networking and supporting one another.

Scott Dawson of Broken Essence Candle Co. in Warren offered hand-poured coconut wax candles, including a personal one he called “Briar Street” inspired by the east side neighborhood of Warren where he grew up. Dawson described the scent as one that blends rouge and amber to evoke positive memories.

“Days get dark around these times,” Dawson said. “So I’m trying to bring some bright lightness to the area.”