Brooklyn Made

Stories of Brooklyn Giving

A group of people standing in a store. — The Brooklyn Made Store. Photo courtesy of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.

Our partnership with Brooklyn Org is a natural extension of our shared commitment to supporting and celebrating Brooklyn’s unique character and local businesses. Brooklyn Made was founded as part of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s ongoing efforts to uplift and empower small businesses across the borough, and Brooklyn Org has been a key partner in helping us amplify this mission. Gabrielle Napolitano, Director of Partnerships and Communications, Brooklyn Made Stores

As the borough’s go-to giving partner, Brooklyn Org is proud to collaborate with local businesses to spread love across our communities. That shared support of the brilliance found right here in our borough brought us together with our partners at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and their initiative, Brooklyn Made. We spoke with Gabrielle Napolitano, Director of Partnerships and Communications at the Brooklyn Made Stores about their mission, partnership with Brooklyn Org, and love for the borough.

Brooklyn made's logo on a purple background.

Person wearing large sunglasses and red earrings, smiling at a table with a bottle in front, inside a modern, well-lit space. — Gabrielle Napolitano, Director of Partnerships and Communications, Brooklyn Made Stores. Courtesy Brooklyn Made.

What causes and communities are close to your hearts?

At Brooklyn Made, we have a deep appreciation for every neighborhood in Brooklyn, as each one brings its own unique character, history, and charm to the borough. Rather than focusing on any one area, we celebrate the diversity and vibrancy that exists across all of Brooklyn’s communities. From the arts-driven innovation in neighborhoods like DUMBO and Bushwick to the rich cultural traditions of places like Flatbush and Sunset Park, every part of Brooklyn contributes to the dynamic energy that makes the borough so special.

We are particularly passionate about supporting communities that are home to local makers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses—no matter where they are located in Brooklyn. Each neighborhood has its own creative spirit, and we’re committed to providing a platform for the talented individuals and businesses that call these areas home. By working with a wide range of Brooklyn-based artisans, designers, and producers, we aim to reflect the borough’s diversity and showcase the best of what Brooklyn has to offer, wherever it may be.

Supporting all of Brooklyn’s communities is core to our mission because we believe in fostering an inclusive, interconnected borough where everyone’s contributions are valued and celebrated.

Why partner with Brooklyn Org?

Our partnership with Brooklyn Org is a natural extension of our shared commitment to supporting and celebrating Brooklyn’s unique character and local businesses. Brooklyn Made was founded as part of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s ongoing efforts to uplift and empower small businesses across the borough, and Brooklyn Org has been a key partner in helping us amplify this mission.

Tell us about your origin story.

Brooklyn Made was founded in 2023, with the goal of creating a one-stop destination for people to discover products that are uniquely Brooklyn. The store was born out of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s long-standing commitment to supporting local businesses and helping them thrive.

As part of this initiative, Brooklyn Made serves as both a retail space and a community hub where local makers can showcase their products, from handmade crafts and apparel to artisanal food and beauty products. The inspiration for the store came from the desire to create a space that not only celebrates the talent and creativity within Brooklyn but also brings together a community of like-minded individuals who appreciate the value of supporting local, independent businesses.

Person browsing clothing and accessories in a store. Shelves display shirts, hoodies, and backpacks. A sign reads "Brooklyn Made: Brooklyn's Best Brands & Makers. — Photo by Bob Krasner, courtesy Brooklyn Made.

How do you back the borough?

At Brooklyn Made, we are deeply committed to supporting the borough by showcasing and selling products that are exclusively made by Brooklyn-based businesses. By partnering with local artisans, entrepreneurs, and makers, we provide a platform for their work to reach a wider audience, and help fuel Brooklyn’s vibrant creative and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Supporting the community is important to us because Brooklyn’s strength lies in its diversity, its innovation, and its small businesses. We believe that by supporting Brooklyn-based creators, we’re investing in the local economy, encouraging sustainability, and preserving the unique character of the borough. Through our collaborations with organizations like Brooklyn Org and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, we’re able to amplify the work of local businesses and contribute to Brooklyn’s ongoing growth and success.

What do you love about Brooklyn?

What we love most about Brooklyn is its boundless creativity and diversity. Every neighborhood has its own unique character, but there’s an underlying sense of unity and collaboration across the borough. Brooklyn is a place where people from all walks of life come together to create, innovate, and build. Whether it’s in the arts, food, fashion, or tech, Brooklyn is constantly evolving while staying deeply rooted in its history and culture. The energy here is electric, and the spirit of community is palpable. Brooklyn’s residents are passionate about their borough, and that passion fuels everything we do at Brooklyn Made.