Born in Tel-Aviv, Israel, Gaby is a curator and cultural producer. Gaby has lead, curated and researched projects that merge interdisciplinary practical work experience with academic studies.
Read MoreMeet Cara Flaherty
Cara Flaherty is the Events & Content Manager for Urban Outfitters’ concept store, Space Ninety 8, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She has lived in the neighborhood since the early aughts, though she is originally from Columbus, Ohio.
Read MoreMeet Beata Kanter
Meet NYC passerby, Beata Kanter, co – founder / creative director of Maak Haus. Currently she’s working on the launch of Madame Maak, which will be an online magazine documenting and exploring all of the creatives involved in HMS.
Read MoreSuzzan Atala of Tuza Jewelry
Tuza is a jewelry brand designed by Suzzan Atala. We started to notice Tuza pieces popping up up in the outfits and recommendations of our passersby, so we visited the designer in her Chinatown Studio to talk about her line.
Read MoreMeet Kaye Blegvad
An illustrator and general maker-of-things, Kaye makes ceramic sculptures and homewares, a line of jewelry under the name Datter Industries, and runs Horizontal Press, a grubby small press.
Read MoreMeet Zahra Bennani
Meet NYC passerby, Zahra bennani. After 11 years in Paris, she recently moved to Rabat to launch JNOUN - a creative studio and clothing line in collaboration with her sister Meriem Bennani.
Read MoreMeet Puno Dostres
A web designer and digital entrepreneur at heart, Puno is the Founder of ilovecreatives, a platform connecting creatives working that slashie life and PeopleMap.co, an Instagram tool where you can strategically build an organic community.
Read MoreMeet Tuesday Bassen
Tuesday is an award-winning illustrator from Lincoln, Nebraska. She owns an online store as well as a sister store called Friend Mart in LA's Chinatown where she sells illustrations in the form of prints, patches, and pins.
Read MoreMeet Jenna Saraco
Jenna is a photographer and designer based in New York City. She co-founded the lifestyle website Local Creative with friend Nicole Steriovski.
Read MoreMeet J Wortham
“J moved to New York in 2009 to work for the New York Times as a technology reporter. Before that, they lived in San Francisco and worked as a waitress and fact-checker at Wired Magazine. They’re originally from Virginia, and studied biology and anthropology as an undergraduate at the University of Virginia. Having a background in science really helped them to see that they loved everything about information tech, infrastructure and thinking about how things work and evolve. Initially, J felt alienated from tech culture because they didn’t present as a stereotypical “nerd” but the more they dug into it, the more they became fascinated with the way the Internet, machines and software shape our understanding of ourselves, the world, and each other. And they’ve been doing that ever since. ”
on their Morning Routine by season
In summer, I wake up naturally. I love warm weather, and I can’t wait to be outside. In winter, it’s the complete opposite. I lie in bed and negotiate until I’m on my way into the day. No matter the season, I like to alkalize as soon as I wake up, with charcoal filtered water with a squeeze of lemon, lime or blood orange, whatever is in the fridge.
on becoming a writer
I’ve been reading since I was 2, the story goes, so it feels natural that I would work in words. My family is very working class, so it took me awhile to realize I could earn a living by writing, and once that happened, there was no going back.
I love having a job that allows me to investigate the human condition, and think about life, and explore alternate ways of being and doing things.
on what they’re working on now
My goal for the rest of the year is to expand my idea of myself as a creator. I am working on an art book with a friend, and teaching myself more about film and moving images. I love working with video. In five years, I hope to be as excited and invigorated as I am today to write and connect with new people.
“Anything that explores the interiority of black women appeals to me and I was lucky enough to get a copy of the new Zadie Smith and I haven’t been able to put it down since.”
On their personal style
I mostly shop online. Trying on clothes gives me body anxiety and so many places have free online returns, so. In general, I aim for maximum comfort and bright colors, which I get from all over. I am experimenting with more masculine styles right now because that's what is in my heart. I love ASOS and I have a few friends who sell vintage and they occasionally set pieces aside for me, which is dope.
on the perfect skin mask & their skincare routine
Raw honey is a perfect skin mask. I just buy a jar of something raw and organic and spread it on my face a few minutes and then rinse it off. I do it a few times a month, in the morning or before bed . Honey is a natural antibiotic and moisturizer. It keeps my skin clear and looking dewy and moist. It’s THE BEST!
My skin is so temperamental and hyper-reactive, so I can’t use too many things at once or too much makeup, or my face has a meltdown. I just try keep it clean and moisturized to prevent break-outs. I love Orgaid sheet masks because they have probiotics and witch hazel in them, which is incredible. I’ve been using a vitamin C serum too, which is working wonders for my summer complexion.
“Holistic health is very important to me! I’ve become extremely attuned to the foods that make me feel great and the ones that make me feel terrible. And now I’m learning to experiment with teas and things just for health. I bought a block of organic reishi mushrooms at the Union Square Farmer’s Market for $10! I’m going to brew it this winter as a health tonic. I just started a newsletter to document these adventures. TinyLetter.com/FermentationandFormation”
J's Favorite Books
The Black Book by Middleton A. Harris, Ernest Smith, Morris Levitt, Roger Furman, & Toni Morrison
This Bridge Called My Back by Cherríe Moraga and Gloria Anzaldúa
J's Favorite Places
Best Coffee: SuperCrown
Best Paletas: Tulcingo Deli
Best Juices at AP Cafe
Best Place for Cool Shows: Trans-Pecos
Best Discowoman Sets: TheLotRadio and Market Hotel
Best Acupuncture: TigerLily
Best Spot For A Date & Sushi: Momos
Best Place for a Movie: Syndicated
Meet Nicole Steriovski
Nicole is a creative director, producer, filmmaker, copywriter and co-founder of Local Creative, a collaborative lifestyle collective and studio.
Read MoreMeet Sam Giordano
Meet NYC passerby, Sam Giordano, a a fashion designer and owner of the womenswear label Dolores Haze.
Read MoreMeet Angie Myung
“Angie Myung is the Creative Director at Poketo and oversees all curation of the site and store. It all started as a side project with her husband, but after a life-changing release party, all of their products completely sold out. Their business has grown into what is now two brick and mortar shops in popular spots in Los Angeles, including collaborations with artists and musicians.”
on her morning routine
Get up. Make coffee. Drink Coffee. Check email. Jump in the shower. Get dressed. Eat breakfast. Put some stuff on face. Walk the dogs, and out the door.
on starting her business
Poketo began with one single product, the artist wallets back in 2003. We had an art show and as part of the show, we made something that everyone could afford, but with art on it. It was our friend's artwork made into a form of a wallet. The wallets completely sold out the night of the art show. We had so much fun that we kept making products with more artists, including apparel, housewares, and stationery.
In our early days, we worked with bands like Postal Service, The Shins, Weezer, and Arcade Fire. We got together some artists, and we designed the wallets that were sold at the bands' concerts. It was so much fun, and the musicians were totally stoked on the wallets too.
“Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro is a book that I picked up at the Copenhagen airport. It’s very emotional and heartbreaking. It’s about an older couple who started on a journey to look for their son. They come from a village where memories fade away so quickly that they don’t even remember what happened to their son and where they are. It’s about memory, loss of memory, and what’s real or made up. It’s an interesting read.”
on her style and aesthetic
I hardly ever go shopping. When I need something to wear, I get it from my own shop, Poketo. I think and breathe design and color for living. Poketo's aesthetic is all about colors that are bright and happy. My aesthetic in my personal life is really minimal. Our house is white with pops of color. I wear a lot of white and black, or the combination of two colors. I also don't own much. When you're surrounded by design all day long, the last thing you want to do is surround yourself with more colors and products when you come home.
on her beauty routine and recommendations
My beauty routine is pretty simple. I use what my mom buys for me, which is mostly Korean products. Since I'm Korean, I feel like it matches my skin better. In the morning, I just wash my face once. At night, I wash my face using two different products. First, with oil cleanser that takes off all my make up, and then with regular face wash. At morning and night, I use toner, lotion, and serum with sunblock, and I use Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion Brightening Foundation. It's like a sunblock and light foundation, but it's really light and I don't feel like I'm wearing makeup. I recommend IOPE Plant Stem Cell Skin Perfection Softener and Emulsion and IOPE Nutritious Anti-wrinkle Serum. Then I put on Laneige Eyeliner and Laneige Volume Setting Mascara.
on self-care rituals
I'm pretty lazy. I don't get my nails done and my hair is usually in a pony tail. I guess the one thing I do religiously is putting on sunblock even on a rainy day. The sun in Southern California is really strong. You need to wear sunblock even when it's cloudy.
angie's favorite books
The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro, South of the Border, West of the Sun by Haruki Murakami, Winkreative Design Stories: A Global View on Branding, Design and Publishing by Camilla Belton, Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
angie's favorite movies
When Harry Met Sally, Sweet Bean, Chungking Express, Eat Drink Man Woman
angie's favorite places
Civil Coffee is a new coffee shop and they serve really good coffee with some brunch options
Huarache Azteca in Highland Park is the best Mexican restaurant in this area
For shopping, Poketo Flagship in the Arts District, of course
─ Photography By Claire Donoghue
Meet Julia Sherman
Julia Sherman was born and bred in New York City. Sherman runs "Salad for President," an evolving publishing project that draws a meaningful connection between food, art, and everyday obsessions.
Read MoreMeet Arpana Rayamajhi
Born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal. She received her BFA from The Cooper Union School of Art, focusing primarily on Painting and Sculpture. She founded her jewelry brand in 2014, where she brings her Nepali heritage and craftsmanship to each of her pieces whilst drawing inspiration from tribal/ethnic, pop cultures, Rock & Roll and Death. In addition she is also the co-founder of DISPOSE, an online magazine collection of disposable photographs that narrate the day of an individual.
Read More
Meet Charlotte Doherty
Meet NYC passerby, Charlotte Doherty. She went to college for writing in NC and moved here to further that pursuit, but ended up transitioning into the fashion industry. Currently, she is the general manager of Courtshop Denim and does art on the side.
Read MoreMeet Peisin Yang Lazo
Meet NYC passerby, Peisin Yang Lazo. Half Ecuadorian, half Taiwanese, Peisin grew up in Ecuador as well as Nicaragua, before moving to the States by herself to go to Boston University and study Film/TV. Now she’s a producer at ad agency Johannes Leonardo.
Read MoreMeet Rachael Yaeger
“Born outside of the Adirondacks, upstate NY, Rachael is the creator and editor of The Working Pair—an online editorial that showcases couples; their lives, love, work and the balance of it all. She went to Flagler College for Communication with a minor in Journalism and got her MA in Marketing from Regent’s College in London. She is also the founder of Human NYC, LLC. a front-end focused development shop for thoughtful design and has worked with clients such as Saturdays NYC, Coming Soon, Basic Rights, Tanya Taylor, Sandy Liang, Sight Unseen, Know-Wave radio.”
on her morning routine
I like to get up around 7:30 AM, Hugh and I snooze the alarm a couple of times. Shower, fight with my closet a bit. The walk through Chinatown and seeing all of the cheap, colorful fruits makes my day. Coffee from Happy Bones. They're family. Human NYC shares a studio space with RoAndCo. We do team morning stand-ups at 10 AM, and then get building websites and working on projects.
on her career path
I grew up with the lucky mentality that the sky's the limit. My parents always did the best that they could do to enable me to fulfill my goals, from playing sports to studying abroad, to going on scuba diving trips, to going to graduate school in London. I knew I wanted to work with people and talk; I also have a certificate in mediation. I graduated in 2009 with my MA and went home to upstate NY, I was substitute teaching and called my friends to see what they were up to, they graciously set me up in the city. I landed with a sublet on E. 7th and Ave. A, a bartending job and an interview at Gin Lane.
on creating her projects
I started The Working Pair as I couldn’t believe there were people in solid relationships in New York. I felt like there was a stigma that if you were in a relationship you were lame and not working hard enough on your own career path. I wanted to prove the opposite. You know when you meet two cool people and you’re inspired by them, and then you realize they're actually a couple and it blows your mind, that’s what I wanted to find. I started with Archie Coates (pluspool.org) and Emily Coates, from there the site has really been an extension of that friend group. I’m super grateful to work mainly with photographer Meredith Jenks, and started out by shooting with Ryan Patterson. The Working Pair is truly a labour of love.
““Modoc” is the best book ever written! “Plein Air” is designed well and visually beautiful. “Riposte” is the epitome of my zine obsession. I have to limit my trips to McNally Jackson and Bouwerie Iconic.”
on creating opportunities
I left Gin Lane in 2013. I felt a surge of entrepreneurial spirit and wanted to go for it. I started theworkingpair.com and opened a gallery on Meserole and Manhattan Avenues in Greenpoint with my dear friend Jill. We curated female focused shows and printed two zines, one with Akila Berjaoui solely of her work and the other entitled, “The Babe Show” highlighting creative women around us. In 2014 my now technical partner Michael, left Code & Theory where he had been after Gin Lane (where we met originally) and we started working together again on websites. The gallery allowed me to work in a more tangible way, but with both curating shows and building websites I get to work with people by providing a platform to showcase their work and grow their business. I realized at Gin Lane how meaningful it is to work with friends. Once you’ve been in the trenches together, you establish this trust that makes it so easy and fun to do work as a team.
on her favorite job
My favorite job was at an Ace Hardware store called Coakley's. I like working, I started working at a young age babysitting, I also like painting walls and garage doors. I did an internship with my Aunt's company in DC and learned a lot about production! I went into Gin Lane on a Friday and kind of jumped in on a Monday. I had a Blackberry and a PC, and Gin Lane's founder Emmett immediately took me to the Apple store. We built websites for clients so I quickly realized that designers and developers were my keys to success. I enjoyed working with our internal team and managing our external clients. I also got to shoot content and help to build @adidasWomen with social media and digital strategy.
““Apartmento” is my favorite magazine on this planet. When I left Gin Lane, I wanted to move to Barcelona to work for them, their aesthetic is perfect. Cass Bird is one of my favorite photographers.”
on her beauty routine
We recently launched theklog.co so I got into Korean skincare. I really like sheet masks! I use Glossier tinted moisturizer for that dewy look end-goal. I like to stay hydrated and listen to my skin. It looks best when I have been outdoors, not showered for a couple of days. As for tips, never wax your eyebrows, wear sunscreen (hi mom, I'm 29 and now realize this), DRINK WATER, smile, try to get rest, a little oil on the ends of your hair. I think confidence is everything, which comes from within.
I also recommend Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, Lucas Papaw Ointment, Glossier Priming Moisturizer, MISSHA Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator, MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence, and Glossier Balm Dotcom.
on her shopping habits
I like to rep the brands that we work with! And I want to work with people that have brands we believe in. I wear Negative Underwear, Datura, Sandy Liang + pieces picked up from travels like my long black skirt from Berlin or red Kimono from Toronto, high waisted mom jeans, t-shirts from friends like Laferrera.pizza and acid.camp. I also wear all of my dad's old jackets, a white cable knit soft Woolrich sweater from my mom, a Timex from my brother and my Grandad's Pendleton's. My style is cozy. In an ideal world I am wearing all Rachel Comey, Apiece Apart, Acne Studios, The Row.
“I like brainstorming, art, reading, interacting with people, conveying messaging, marketing for me was like building a fire for ideas. ”
rachael's favorite books and magazines
Riposte Magazine, Apartamento Magazine, Plein Air Magazine, Modoc by Ralph Helfer, Cass Bird: Rewilding by Cass Bird
rachael's favorite places in nyc
Happy Bones for coffee
Mr Fong's for a bar
Rintintin for dinner
Madhufalla Organic Juice & Smoothie Bar
Meet Yousra Elbagir
“Sudanese-born, British-educated journalist currently working in Khartoum, Sudan as a writer for the Guardian, CNN Africa, Reuters Africa and Content manager for Elephant Media.”
on her morning routine
I usually spend quite a bit of time checking my phone with one-eye open for the first 30 minutes I'm awake. Once I drag myself out of bed, I brush my teeth, shower and wash my face with an all-natural Tumeric soap from India. It's amazing - exfoliates and purifies - I also use it as a body wash. Then I use the Pixi Glow tonic and moisturise with Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentré. I usually put on a thin layer of Clinique Moisture surge tinted moisturiser with SPF 15 if I'm heading out for the day. I have a lot of allergies and really sensitive skin so I avoid any other skin make-up or sun protection.
on her family and childhood
My dad is a Sudanese journalist and politician, and my mum is his business partner and publisher. His newspaper - Al-Khartoum - was printing in Khartoum, London, Cairo, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Before I was born, my dad was exiled for being government opposition. He hopped over to the University of Exeter in the UK to get his PHD in political science and that's where I grew up until I was 8. We then moved to Khartoum and I studied high school there for the next 7 years. When I first arrived it was really difficult assimilating, I remember getting teased quite a bit. But by the time I left for London at 16, I had a strong group of close friends and became fluent in Arabic. I did my A Levels (SAT equivalent) in London and read Social Anthropology at the University of St Andrews, graduating last summer. I made the big decision to move back home for field experience as a journalist, where I now work at our family production company Elephant Media and have been there ever since.
““Asmarani is the chap-book of an incredible Sudanese-American poet, and very good friend of mine, Safia Elhillo (@safiamafia). This girl plucks poetry from the heavens. She’s got a book coming out called The January Children and I feel like my autographed copy of Asmarani is going to be priceless very, very soon.””
on her love for Sudanese culture
I fell so deeply in love with Sudanese culture as soon as I moved back. Studying anthropology really made me look at things in a different light - things I'd taken for granted before. The music, the food, the perfumed oils and heavenly sandalwood incense (bakhoor). At Elephant Media, we focus a lot on uncovering Sudanese culture. Through those projects, I've been introduced to an incredible community of contemporary artists - people who are constantly producing beautiful work regardless of socio-economic circumstance and lack of exposure. My room in Sudan is full of Sudanese art. I had to physically stop myself from bringing it all with me to NYC for the month.
on her writing
Someone asked me once if we burn newspapers as incense at home. It was one of the most spot-on metaphors I've ever heard. My family is very media-oriented and our newspaper was around long before I even came into existence. My sister Safia is the only one who managed to escape the madness - she's a doctor. My eldest sister Nima is a senior foreign correspondent for CNN and my brother used to run our printing press and has now evolved the family trade into new media by founding Elephant Media. When I first moved to Sudan at the end of last summer, I started writing for the CNN Africa website. My first article was on Nuba wrestling, a thousand year-old tradition hailing from the south of Sudan that had meant displaced and persecuted Nuba were competing in the Khartoum and were being trained by the Japanese embassy for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. I'll never forget how I felt when it was published, I was just elated. I had been published by CNN and Reuters News before but never on Sudan or anything Sudanese. That really set the tone for everything I've gone on to write the last year - a blend of culture, human interest and news. I started writing for the Guardian in February, mostly on stories we work on at Elephant Media. I was recently able to combine my two worlds more seamlessly with Elephant Media becoming a partner of the Guardian Africa Network.
““As a black, Muslim, African, Arab woman, Ive always known that I relate to some of the most underrepresented groups in the world. At home in Sudan, I’m the majority and growing up in the UK, I was a minority. Shifting between those binaries has really shaped who I am. I’ve always looked at it as a strength, access to a unique perspective that I can try and share with the world through connecting with people and telling their stories in a compelling way. I still have a long way to go but the aim of my entire body of work is to push the developing world narrative to the forefront of the media.””
on her sensitive skin
When I found out I was allergic to fragrances, I started using some of my mums perfumed oils because it's applied without a spray getting it everywhere. Now my mum mixes a special little bottle for me. I've had people stop me in the street and ask me where they can buy it. She's not selling! I think it's really important to monitor how your skin reacts to the elements and different products. My allergies have meant that I pay really close attention to that. There was a period of two years where my skin was breaking out constantly and what I thought was acne turned out to be a rash from my long list of unknown food intolerances. Listen to your skin, it'll always tell you when something shouldn't be in your system.
I also generously lather on moisturizer before I sleep - it's the best time for your skin to rehydrate. Additionally, I would recommend: Clinique Moisture Surge, Embryolisse, Pixi Glow Tonic Toner, and Mixed Chicks conditioner.
Yousra’s favorite food in nyc
I tried Senegalese food recently at Africa Kine restaurant in Harlem. It was absolutely incredible - best grilled fish I've ever had.
Boulevard on Malcolm X boulevard has the most amazing soul food.
Champs vegan diner in Brooklyn kept me going back there every weekend! Was so great to indulge in some mac & cheese and not worry about my face swelling up.
yousra’s favorite shops in nyc
As for shops: I love Sincerely Tommy in Brooklyn - fell in love with their Perspex sunglasses.
I'm also obsessed with this Senegalese shop in Harlem called Kilimanjaro fashions. It's on 116th and Malcolm X boulevard and just full to the brim with these colourful African prints. They have an in-store tailor that can alter any purchases and make custom designs using their printed fabric.
yousra’s favorite books
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
What is the What by Dave Eggars
Asmarani by Safia Elhillo
Meet Carrie Schaff
Meet NYC passerby, Carrie Schaff. A native Seattleite, Carrie moved to NYC three years ago while working for the esoteric non-fiction publisher Feral House. Carrie has since gone freelance in publishing, and does what she can to help subversive art and music book publishers do their thing.
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