From left: Almonte Studio. Photo: Sara Konradi; Lit Brooklyn. Photo: Al J. Thompson; Only NY. Photo: Sara Konradi

Makers of NYC

Spotlighting creative entrepreneurs whose personal stories and products represent NYC

MEET THE MAKERS

A Brooklyn-based candle company, a Queens-based visual design studio, a pet portraitist working out of a Manhattan store, an apparel company that represents for all five boroughs—these brands are made in NYC but loved all over the globe.

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Meet Lagoon's Design Duo

A Brooklyn design duo bring nature’s textures to life at their sustainable-fashion shop in Bed-Stuy.

Ben Lenovitz stands in his studio holding a dog portrait. The walls behind him are covered with colorful, framed dog paintings, each labeled with a different name. Art supplies are on a desk in front of him.
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Ben Lenovitz Interview

Lenovitz evokes emotions with his pet portraits, which he’s been painting for years out of Flatiron shop Fishs Eddy.

A person with long, braided hair sits on a red stool, wearing a black outfit. They are in front of a dark blue backdrop in a bright room. Nearby is a dresser with a torso mannequin and a framed text that reads, "A BLACK WOMAN CREATED THIS.
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Lit Brooklyn Interview

Williams-Clarke puts wellness and community at the forefront of her buzzy candle and fragrance brand, Lit Brooklyn.

Talisa Almonte kneels on a vibrantly painted mural with swirling yellow, orange, pink, and blue patterns. She wears a floral outfit and a dark jacket, smiling up at the camera.
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Almonte Studio Interview

Artist Talisa Almonte celebrates her Latin heritage and love of Queens in her prints and products.

Julian and Micah wearing casual clothes stand in front of the OnlyNY storefront with a glass display window, mannequins, and street art graffiti on the adjacent wall.
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Only NY Interview

Meet the co-founders of Only NY, who have turned their inspiration from everyday NYC into a thriving apparel brand.