As team members of a small business like Keap, we understand the importance of supporting other small businesses whenever possible. I asked the team what businesses they’ve been loving lately, and here’s what they said!
IXV Coffee
“I'll give a shoutout to IXV Coffee - a coffee shop that opened on my street a few months ago. Despite being tiny it feels like a hotbed of local community and they are doing some cool work around the idea of Zero Waste. Helps that they're a super friendly duo and that their coffee is delicious!” — Harry
IXV currently offers takeaway coffee, espresso drinks, and baked treats on weekends from 10am-3pm at their Boerum Hill location. Plus they offer Nourish Market Haul boxes: you choose items from their curated list of local vendors (think produce, pasta, meal kits), and stop by the shop for contactless pick up on Saturdays.
Shop IXV Coffee
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Simple Syrup Wine and Spirits
“Love this woman of color managed liquor shop that is always a delight to walk into on my way home from work (back when). The owner is a white cis male who owns several Brooklyn businesses that center on community. The manager, though, is usually there and always happy to engage or give you the respectful space to read all the handwritten detailed notes on every single bottle in there. They spend time with each product so anyone who works there can give you a review with substance. Sometimes a neighbor will walk in and share some family news and then just as quickly leave. You can sense that she cares about the community and everyone feels safe there. They managed to make something that would seemingly be a sign of gentrification to be inviting togetherness instead, for neighbors new and old.” — Soo
Simple Syrup Wine and Spirits is currently open Wednesday-Sunday 3-8 pm for curbside pickup or free local delivery for orders more than $50 and within 0.5 miles of their Crown Heights store.
Shop Simple Syrup Wine and Spirits
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Automic Gold
“Automic Gold is an all inclusive, queer owned, minimalist, fine jewelry brand based in NYC whose campaign truly reflect their ethos. I love what this brand stands for and as a customer, I can attest that the quality of their jewelry is top-notch.” — Yasmine
Their jewelry is handmade in their NYC studio with 100% reclaimed 14K solid gold. While their store in SoHo is temporarily closed, they offer free shipping and free returns for online orders in the U.S.
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Ristorante Rafele
“Rafele — it’s the local restaurant in my neighborhood where I’ve spent so many evenings I’ve lost count. I feel like so many New Yorkers have their equivalent of this — a local place to drink and dine that’s part of the fabric of their neighborhood. Many of the staff have been at Rafele for years, and it’s frequented by a familiar crowd of West Village regulars. It’s these sorts of cozy neighborhood spots that I most hope make it out ok from COVID-19.” — Steve
Although Rafele’s NYC location remains temporarily closed, Rafele’s Rye location currently offers items from their menu as well as dinner specials available for pick up.
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The Consistency Project
“The Consistency Project is my go-to for secondhand and vintage clothing. Natasha, the founder and owner, is so sweet and knowledgeable. As a fellow Asian-American woman, it’s been inspiring for me to watch her business grow, from her pop-up days at Artists and Fleas to the opening of her own store in Williamsburg. I’ve loved all my pieces from The Consistency Project.” — Jess
The Consistency Project’s online store is frequently updated with new items, and they offer free domestic shipping for orders over $50. The store is temporarily closed due to COVID-19.
Shop The Consistency Project
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Undiscovered Realm
“I am a big fan of the collectibles store 'Undiscovered Realm' in White Plains. They're incredibly friendly and have really built a community of young people interested in comics, collectibles, cards, etc. They do events all the time and have really built something special within their niche. They've grown popular largely by word of mouth rather than through extensive advertising, so it feels very genuine.” — Philip
Undiscovered Realm’s retail store is temporarily closed due to COVID-19, but their online store remains open with shipping on Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays.
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Let’s spread the love! Tag your favorite local business in the comments of our instagram post, and we'll be choosing one winner: we'll send you, and the business owner a candle when we re-open. Thank you for sharing!
Keep the fire burning,
