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business

Thrift 2 Death: Two Weekend Pop-Up Event Happening at Slope Vintage

August 18, 2021 By Sofia Pipolo Filed Under: Community Tagged With: business, sofia pipolo, summer

For the next 2 Saturdays, Thrift2Death will be hosting their End of Summer Pop-Up Event. Visit Slope Vintage on 5th Ave for amazing vendors with one-of-a-kind vintage clothes, fantastic thrift finds, and fresh streetwear. Treysaun McGeachy and his cofounder Christain Neils are hosting the free event on August 21st and 28th from 1 PM to 7 PM at Slope Vintage. 

“I’m excited for all of them really,” Treysaun says enthusiastically about the weekend’s vendors.

There will be a variety of vendors at the pop-up from vintage curators, custom clothing, graphic tees, and accessories. You’ll be able to meet the creators of new independent brands, those who are making one-of-one pieces and reworked fashion. They’ll also have handmade jewelry, bags, and crystal sellers. All the brands put an emphasis on creating sustainable fashion options; bringing a second life to clothes while remaining stylish and trendy. Thrift2Death also guarantees quality products at affordable prices for everyone, shopping options ranging from $10 to $200. And rest assured all the artists, designers, and curators will be bringing out their best pieces for the weekend event!

Visitors are welcome to come and go as they please. There will be drinks, food, and music. Of course, Slope Vintage will also be open with some great summer sales. And you’ll even have the chance to enter the giveaways for a Thrift2Death tote bag.

Treysaun McGeachy

Trey and Christain’s mission with Thrift2Death is to connect the next generations of buyers and sellers at fashion events. As many small brands and clothing curators continue to emerge, they saw that these young business owners needed a physical place to connect with their customers directly. And then had the idea for a pop-up shop event that would not only allow business owners a place to sell but the ability to meet other creators in a positive collective space.

Christain Neils

Trey, a 23-year-old recent graduate from Manhattan College, gained his following through TikTok as he began making thrift store review videos. He would showcase the best thrift and second-hand vintage stores in New York. He then began working at Slope Vintage and taking over their social media. The owner helped make Trey’s idea possible by allowing him to host Thrift2Death’s first event outside the store in July. With the combination of 5th Avenue street closure, increased foot traffic, and top-tier vendors the event was a huge success.

“It gave me a lot of confidence in our idea. It made me believe we could do this more and more,” says Trey. They were able to target their key audiences of Gen Z and Millenial shoppers, bringing a good profit and new followers for the businesses and brands, and learned how to make the next event even better.

Trey believes that Park Slope is a somewhat untapped neighborhood for young people. While everyone tends to go to the trendy areas of Williamsburg, Bushwick, and the Lower East Side; he sees Park Slope 5th Ave as a centralized location in Brooklyn that is easy for people to connect to all around New York. He hopes with the success of Thrift2Death more business and storefront owners in Park Slope will begin to see the potential in connecting and serving the next generation of brand owners and their customers. That young people have successful ideas, achievable ambitions, and have money to spend.

In the future, Trey and Christian plan to make Thrift2Death greater, with new vendors, larger spaces, and collaborating with more stores and venue spaces. They would even like to expand outside of NYC, hosting events in other cities like Philadelphia and Los Angeles.

You can follow Trift2Death on Instagram for more updates and previews on the vendors this weekend. We will see you at the End of Summer Pop-Up on August 21sh and 28th! 

Filed Under: Community Tagged With: business, sofia pipolo, summer

Slope Survey: Olivia Williamson

March 28, 2018 By Olivia Williamson Filed Under: Olivia’s Kitchen, Slope Survey Tagged With: Brooklyn, business, community, growth, interview, olivia williamson, Park Slope, Survey

The Slope Survey returns for its 7th installment with Olivia Williamson, owner of Olivia Cooks For You, Personal Chef and Catering Services as well as Olivia’s Kitchen, a regular column in the Park Slope Reader. 

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What brought you to Park Slope? 

No surprises here.  We were starting to think about a starting a family and the 6th floor tenement studio in the East Village felt like not a great spot for it.  Plus, after  almost 25 years, I was wearing a little thin on the Manhattan pace and was excited to move to a more leafy and slower paced place.

 

What is your most memorable Park Slope moment?  

I don’t have just one, but I will say the group of friends and support I found after the birth of my first child I will never forget.

 

Describe your community superpower.  

I keep a close eye on new openings, restaurants and events so I’m great at making recommendations on these type of things.

 

If you could change one thing about the neighborhood, what would it be?  

I wish the commercial rents would come down so that more people have the opportunity to open small businesses.

 

What do you think Park Slope will look like in 10 years?

I think it will be pretty much the same.  It’s so well established now as the wonderful place for families that it is, and so close to the best park ever, I can’t see it changing too much.

 

What are you reading, would you recommend it?  

Ugh.  I haven’t read that much since the arrival of our very high energy 6 year old, but I did recently read Lincoln in the Bardo and loved it.

 

What is your greatest extravagance?  

Hah!  Restaurants, of course!

 

If you couldn’t live in Park Slope or in Brooklyn, where would you go?  

New Orleans.  I love the architecture and the energy.

 

Who is your hero, real or fictional?

Right now, it Jose Andres.  The work he is doing in Puerto Rico is nothing short of amazing.

 

Last Word, What’s is turning you on these days?

I’m going through a bit of a growing period with my business, which is exciting.

Filed Under: Olivia’s Kitchen, Slope Survey Tagged With: Brooklyn, business, community, growth, interview, olivia williamson, Park Slope, Survey

Aiming for Adventure: Get Your Skills On

February 14, 2018 By Meghan Cook Filed Under: Park Slope Life Tagged With: activities, adventure, business, community, family, friendly, hobbies, local, neighborhood, Park Slope

In a neighborhood rich with leaders ready to help children grow, athletically as well as creatively, wintertime activities do not have to be confined to the walls of your home. With a variety of sports, hobbies, and live shows at its disposal, Park Slope has plenty to offer every kind of family in the cold stretch between fall and spring. By Meghan Cook


Rolando Balboa, Head Coach at the Brooklyn Fencing Center, is just one of many talented instructors in the neighborhood. Balboa stated that their mission is “to make the fun and excitement of fencing accessible to Brooklynites of all ages.” Like many of the activities listed, fencing is more than a sport. When it comes to educating children, a larger part of engaging their minds is offering them “shine on their own merits.”

John Finn of Birdman Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, who recently opened a new Brooklyn location just north of Park Slope, advocated for his business by emphasizing the importance of bolstering confidence in young students. Finn maintained that defensive martial arts provide great tools to combat bullying by helping students “develop a strong sense of flow through timing and technique, not speed and strength.”

Similarly, Gordon Wormser of Aikido of Park Slope spoke on the importance of teaching young children the art of self-defense through gentle measures with “smiles and safety.” Wormser went on to say that the atmosphere of their center is disciplined, yet fun. “It offers an environment in which your child can grow physically, intellectually, and emotionally,” explained Wormser.

Ora Fruchter of Yellow Sneaker, a local group that entertains young minds with music and puppetry, also focused on the importance of building a light, comfortable environment where kids can be themselves. “At our weekly Yellow Sneaker sing-alongs you’ll find a community of people and puppets who can’t wait to have some fun, make some friends and dance it out,” said Fruchter. “We create a cozy and welcoming space that is fun and laid back for kids and their caregivers.”

This winter, consider looking into the following children’s programs local to Park Slope and enjoy the dual benefits of supporting community businesses while encouraging your kids to take on new skills.

 

Brooklyn Boulders

Arm your kids with the bravery and self-assurance to tackle obstacles and climb new heights at Brooklyn Boulders. With a ratio of one belayer paired to five kids, children are always given the consideration and care they need to ensure their safety while rock climbing. Kids Academy is available daily, while Brooklyn Boulders Adventures offer full-week programs. Both are open to children aged 5-12. Prices range from $49-$709.

Website: https://brooklynboulders.com/brooklyn/youth/

 

Gotham Archery

Located just north of Park Slope in Gowanus is Gotham Archery, a recently renovated archery facility. Gotham Archery boasts 43 lanes, equipment rentals, and introductory classes for new beginners. This activity is mostly reserved for older children as only ten and up are allowed access to equipment, per safety concerns, though children as young as 8 can participate in the Junior Olympic Archery Development program.

Website: https://www.got-archery.com

 

Birdman Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Birdman Brazilian Jiu Jitsu boasts a brand new, state of the art facility just a few blocks up from Union St subway station. While they just opened their newest location in Park Slope on January 1st, instructor John “Birdman” Finn has been practicing and teaching the art form for many years, and offers experienced black belt instruction. Jiu Jitsu promotes team building, confidence, and dedication to technique. Open to children from ages seven and up.

Website: http://birdmanbjj.com

 

Pure Energy Martial Arts

Toronto native Tessa Gordon owns and operates Pure Energy Martial Arts, now a staple in the Park Slope Community. With a 6th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, Master Gordon exhibits full command and knowledge of the Korean art form, and uses her school to share and teach that ability to her students. Gordon hosts kids programs for children as young as three and for teens/adults of all belts. Programs include: Juniors, Cage Fitness, Demo Team, and Birdman Brazilian Ju Jitsu. Free trial classes available.

Website: http://www.pureenergymartialarts.com

 

Brooklyn Fencing

Right at the top of Park Slope is Brooklyn Fencing Center. Fencing is a unique skill that fosters coordination and poise. For kids with a competitive streak, Brooklyn Fencing also hosts tournaments throughout the year. The center offers child classes for kids aged 7-9, junior classes for 10-17. Levels are inclusive to fencers new to the sport as well as for the more advanced: “New Beginners,” “Intermediate & Competitive Fencers,” and “Bouting.” Private lessons are also available. Beginner group rates start at $199 a month.

Website: http://www.brooklynfencing.com

 

Ice Skating

Can’t get enough of the cold? Consider taking the kids ice-skating in the LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park. Lakeside offers two outdoor winter rinks to skate circles around your neighbors or hug the wall to your heart’s content. If you’d prefer a warmer activity, scurry inside for a hot apple cider at the Bluestone Cafe and pop on some rollerblades to skate indoors. Check back in the spring to explore Lakeside in new ways on boats and bikes. Admission to ice-skate is $7 on weekdays, $10 on weekends. Rollerblading: $6 on weekdays/$9 on weekends. Respective ice-skates and rollerblades are priced separately.

Website: http://lakesidebrooklyn.com/activities/

 

Aikido of Park Slope

Park Slope is also host to Brooklyn’s largest aikido dojo. Aikido is a Japanese martial art created in the 1900s that is protective, disciplined, and disarming; its aim is not to fight, but to neutralize opponents. Aikido’s children’s program is open to kids from ages five and over, for lessons which inspire problem solving and peaceful combat. Available at a monthly rate of $100.

Website: http://www.aikidoofparkslope.com

 

Puppet Show

For little ones with a creative spark, catch the Yellow Sneaker Puppet Sing-Alongs every Thursday at 10:30am at Sir D’s Lounge on Union Street. The musical group and their silly puppet friends join in song (both original and traditional) as they encourage children to clap and sing along. $10 for kids, $5 for each additional sibling.

Website: http://www.yellowsneakerpuppets.com

Filed Under: Park Slope Life Tagged With: activities, adventure, business, community, family, friendly, hobbies, local, neighborhood, Park Slope

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