Five Questions for Brooklyn Collective

This post will be the first in a series of Columbia Waterfront local business profiles in which we ask five probing questions. Here is an interview with Brooklyn Collective co-founder Tessa Phillips. Brooklyn Collective, on Columbia Street between Union and Sackett, is a beautifully curated shop of art, jewelry, clothing and home goods, all made locally. I scored my favorite black blouse there last year, and every time I visit I see something new. More than just a shop, all the members share the rent and keep 100% percent of their profits. Here's what Tessa had to say about Brooklyn Collective and our fabulous neighborhood.

1. How did Brooklyn Collective come to be in the Columbia Waterfront District?
Rachel & I both live in the neighborhood. We met when I began selling my clothes to her other shop, Union Max in 2000. We became friends, often discussing how we loathe selling to boutiques as they tend to edit out all the good stuff! After several brainstorming sessions we came up with the Brooklyn Collective as an outlet for our work and other artists and designers in the same boat. We both love the neighborhood and really only considered Columbia Street for it's convenience (for us) knowing that the neighborhood was evolving and that we really liked the other small businesses around us.

2. What's one thing locals might not know about Brooklyn Collective?

We have grown considerably in our seven years of business, beginning with just ten artists to the current 35+ we currently house... and we plan to expand the work studio space considerably in the next couple of years offering the public a school of sorts for all types of design and art.

3. What is your favorite spot in the Columbia Waterfront?

Jalopy Theater! It's such a treasure & a very affordable place to hear incredible music!

4. What's your favorite meal in the Columbia Waterfront?

Anything & everything at Mazzat. The food is so fresh and delicious and good for you! Not to mention it is run by wonderful people.

5. Anything to add?
We feel fortunate to part of such a great community...and plan to be around a long time!

Brooklyn Collective is hosting a holiday party this Friday December 9 from 6-9pm with loads of new work plus live music, and wine. They make some nice-looking movies of their events, too! Here's a movie of Brooklyn Collective's seven year anniversary party: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzI9DbNjqNE&feature=player_embedded.

Make a visit to Brooklyn Collective for your holiday gift shopping, and you'll probably find a few gifts for yourself, too.