Page 60 - Brooklyn MRKT Book

On Teenagers,

Perfectionism,

and Witching Hour

MRKT SPONSORS TALK REAL

Admit it. What motivated you to first launch your Ava and Lu: We realized that shopping was

As you stroll through the business? a nightmare for the “tween” girls who’d
Gitty Berger, Gitty Berger Makeup: I’ve
outgrown the tiny mini sizes, and didn’t
MRKT, wowed by the been a right-brain type of person from the want to look like “mini mothers.” We
explosion of creativity, a little day I was born. That’s why I was drawn to decided to fill that niche.
the creativity and transformational power
voice inside wonders: just of the cosmetics medium. What do you love most about your work?
who are these women? Zelda Volkov, Zelda Wigs: I was looking for Devorah Feder, Jay Feder Jewelers: This
sounds cliché, but I love the joy that
the perfect, natural wig!
June Aboksis, Junee: Business is in my jewelry gives people! It’s so fun to watch
Read on for an exclusive, blood. My dad owned a business, and from someone’s eyes light up over a beautiful,
behind-the-scenes the time I was 12, I’d be skipping school to exciting piece that I also love.
go help out (let’s just say I’m more street
Miriam Mandel, Papallou: That I can dream
glimpse into the lives smart than book smart!). So I already had something up and see it through, step by
of the powerhouse the skills to run a business; when I realized step, to the very end. (Yes, control freak
here!)
our community was lacking a fun, tznius
momtrepreneurs you store for young girls who don’t have oodles Simi & Chaya, The Frock NYC: Unleashing
follow (plus one awesome of cash to spend, I opened Junee. our inner Hollywood actresses on
InstaStory!
Miriam Mandel, Papallou: It was actually a
dadtrepreneur!). Brace previous business I’d launched that made Ava and Lu: Seeing both teens and their
yourself for some oh-so- me realize my true passion was fashion moms thrilled with the clothes they buy.
How often does that happen??
design. The core of our brand was organic
human wisdom and wit, plus products with clean, minimalist designs. At Leah Loksen, Salon Leah: Making people
a healthy dose of humor to some point, I noticed that I kept shifting feel beautiful.
the focus of the designs to incorporate
Devorah Kalisch, Noir Gifts: Meeting new
carry you until next year’s more fashion-oriented items. That’s when people, helping them find exactly what they
#BrooklynMRKT. I realized that fashion design was my true were looking for, and becoming friends
with many of them!
love.
Tzippy Waltner, Byrd: The idea of creating Shifra Elbogen, Shifra’s Wigs: The
something from nothing has always thrilled satisfaction of making somebody feel
me. I’m a creator by nature. Some people beautiful.
who create are called inventors; others
are called designers! I found my calling in My biggest business challenge is:
fashion design. Devorah Feder, Jay Feder Jewelers: Knowing
when to stop buying inventory. Every
time I find a new designer, I want to carry
them, and usually my husband has to put
a stop to my enthusiasm! And speaking of

MRKT BOOK 60 BROOKLYN MRKT 2017