In what is likely NYC’s most diverse borough, there are people creating everywhere. We gave you Bespoke Brooklyn Part 1 last week, showcasing five local artisans who have started their companies with heart and soul at the base. And these four are just as incredible. Read on to be inspired.
What could be better than riding a custom-made bicycle? Riding a custom-made bicycle crafted entirely from scratch. And at Thomas Callahan’s Williamsburg bike shop Horse Cycles, bespoke is the name of the game. Each piece is created using steel because it loses little or none of its mechanical properties over time, meaning each bike maintains its stability for thousands of miles. And with the choice of three different frame constructions, you can choose which perfectly fits your riding lifestyle.
It’s no secret the food world is experiencing a revolution in how we source quality provisions. But Adina Grigore, founder of S.W. Basics, wondered why it had to stop there. Each product in her truly all-natural skincare line contains no more than five ingredients, either certified organic, Fair Trade or sourced from small family farms. What started as a homemade alternative to chemical-laden skincare has turned into a company that makes products to benefit not just the health of customers, but contributes to the happiness of its community and well-being of the planet. We’ll scrub to that!
Peter Raho founded Gowanus Furniture Co. on a principle all New Yorkers can appreciate: to solve some of the space issues incidental to small apartments. And his cleverly designed home accessories are the type of pieces you actually want to live with, rather than cheap, disposable organizational solutions. Cutting boards are made to fit over the sink and mount on the wall to utilized unused space. But don’t forget to have one monogrammed via Morse code, starting conversations and bringing people together for almost 170 years.
In 2007 while living in San Francisco, Avery and Janet Glasser wanted to create an extract of a traditional Mexican cooking sauce, the prototype recipe for their Xocolatl Mole Bitters. Now all of their products are being made by hand in Brooklyn using primarily organic ingredients. Bittermans consults with restaurants and bars to develop signature formulas. And luckily for all of us, these small batch bitters can be purchased to bring the Bittermens taste to our very own liquor cabinets.
