Brooklyn, and more specifically Park Slope, is a treasure trove of creativity, welcoming artists and designers into the fabric of our community. Nowadays, with the continual onslaught of chain stores reaching all corners of our city, it has become increasingly important to support the local bevy of artists and craftsman. Luckily, finding and appreciating the talent in our borough is as easy as walking out your front door. You may have walked by (or in!) these shops before and wondered about the story behind them. So let me introduce you to two women whose designing ways can be experienced in the shops that bear their names.

Alice Cheng, a clothing designer, moved to Brooklyn several years ago, and quickly realized that her brand of goods and services would be a perfect fit for the fashionista neighborhood of Park Slope. Having formerly owned a shop in the East Village, she had become used to living and working in the same neighborhood and was eager to recreate that experience in her adopted borough. A. Cheng opened its doors and has quickly become a local favorite for must-have wardrobe essentials and indulgences.

Growing up, Alice was interested in drawing and illustrating - skills which evolved into fashion and design and, as a matter of course, led her to create her own clothing line, A. Cheng, which she describes as a fashion collection for the modern woman. With a simple - and yet quirky - line of clothing, Alice has created a boutique filled with uniquely sophisticated dresses, tops and sweaters, to name a few.

Alice found the transition from the East Village to Park Slope easier than she would have thought, particularly since many long-time customers "moved" with her. Happily, she has found new fans as well. One of her favorite stories comes from a client talking about her A. Cheng branded sleeveless red sheath dress: "A. Cheng designs are comfortable and cheery;" says Alice, "so much so that the client wore it to her wedding in lieu of her reception dress!" Ava, her adorably precocious daughter, seems comfortable amidst the styles in A. Cheng, modeling a stylish cape that her mom designed as part her upcoming children's clothing line. In addition to her personal designs, the store showcases clothing and accessories by other labels that inspire and complement the A. Cheng vibe. Plans are in the works for e-commerce in addition to her children's clothing line (including the stylish poncho that Ava is seen wearing).

Another name you may recognize is Diana Kane. Diana sells her custom made jewelry, as well as those of local designers, out of her eponymous Park Slope boutique. Having lived in Park Slope since 1996, her daily life in the neighborhood provides a unique view of the changing landscape and needs - of the community. So when searching for space seven years ago, Diana turned to Fifth Avenue, which she felt was like a "new frontier," where the enthusiasm among merchants towards one another seemed palpable. The neighborhood that had long inspired her life and designs officially became the place to showcase them (and it didn't hurt that she could "walk to work").

Although she has created and sold her jewelry designs since junior high school, it wasn't until 1993 when she moved to New York City that her hobby developed into a career, apprenticing with a jewelry designer before branching out on her own with the store. Today, her jewelry line includes earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces of varying metals and semi-precious stones. Her designs, like the fabulous Open-Circle ring I am currently coveting, are simple yet edgy, prompting some customers to remark that the designs are what would be expected of a "Manhattan-type" store. Diana, of course, laughs at the comparison, particularly since some of her clientele are from that other borough.

The success of her store, which is filled with her work as well as a selection of clothing, accessories and items by fellow local designers and artists, has been spurred on by the relationships Diana has built over time. "It is so much fun for me to have people come in who have bought, say, their wedding jewelry from us, and they come in toting a couple of kids, say hi and pick up something lovely." It is her wish to stay an integral part of the Park Slope community, providing a platform for local designers and an outlet for sustainable designs, including her own. Based on her success so far, I would say the feeling is mutual.

If you haven't already, take an afternoon to discover some of the Park Slope shops such as the ones whose stories I have described. Stroll to A. Cheng, which is located at 152 Fifth Avenue in Park Slope (718.783.2826) and meander down to Diana Kane, which is further down the street at 229b Fifth Avenue (718.638.6520). In between stop at Pink Olive, where you can find things like the vintage blocks pictured, at 167 5th Ave,(718.398.2016) And, while you are at it, stop in for brunch or dinner at the French bistro, Belleville, (330-332 Fifth Street, 718.832.9777), a delicious spot that also served as the backdrop for the photographs seen accompanying this article.