Stockist Spotlight: smallhome / Greenpoint Reading Room // Brooklyn, New York
What's the name of your shop? Where are you located? Tell us about y'all!
smallhome moved from its East Williamsburg location to its Greenpoint, Brooklyn home almost a year ago. It remains a one-woman show run by New York City native Julia Small. Handmade housewares are built right here out of her in-house studio. Since expanding to a brick-in-mortar in 2014, smallhome has gone beyond showcasing solely its own brand of goods, to representing dozens of other American makers. Being a perfect place for special things remains the focus, however, the new larger space has allowed smallhome to expand its small-batch boutique, to become a bigger part of the community.
What made you decide to open? How long have you been around?
This week they're launching Greenpoint Reading Room, a book club + literary share that in addition to book club assignments and curated field trips, each month members receive a stack of literature focusing on small batch presses, local zines and avant-garde subscriptions. Reading Room aims to create community around art and literature to elevate us in these weird-ass times. Small quoted Williamsburg resident and fashion designer Mara Hoffman [on WNYC last month] stating that, "'Artists are the keepers of culture and joy.' It is our job," Small continued, "as creative people, to gather, converse and indulge in the luxuries of our city's culture."
What's your favorite thing about being a small biz owner?
Besides showcasing her own work and curating the work of others, Small enjoys facilitating discussion and perpetuating a small town feel within this grand metropolis. Being a business owner in the greatest city in the world, (she, of course, is bias) means you have a responsibility to your customers to provide the whole experience. The entire transaction, she describes, from when they walk through the door to when they leave, bag in hand, should leave them feeling their money couldn't have been better spent. Shopping at small businesses support the people who live doing what they love. Finding objects that provide joy and function while the shop owner herself provides gift wrapping and restaurant recommendations - is worth every penny.
What's your favorite thing to buy for your store? How has the shop allowed you to discover new artists/product?
Smallhome continues to line its shelves and walls with new unique work every month. They receive submissions every day from artists hoping to become a part of the shop family of makers. "This is what keeps it all going", Small says, "creating new work, showcasing new talent and bringing people together."
