Twice a year, once in winter and once in the spring, the individuals of Brooklyn Day Hab 5 on Elmwood Avenue put together a pop-up market to sell and display the products of their skill and creativity. This January, the first pop-up of 2023 took place in the Elmwood Day Program lobby, appearing as a burst of color, the moment one walked in the door.
The mini market featured four tables of vastly different wares. The first two displaying signs reading “Kiki’s Baked Goods” and “Vernita’s Secret Jewelry”. Kiki’s Baked Goods, staffed by Kiki (whose full name is Markia Carter) featured a spread of decadent cupcakes and cookies. Markia greeted customers with a smile and offered them a choice between chocolate and vanilla.
This year was Markia’s first time participating in the pop-up. She had always wanted to run a bake sale, so this was the perfect opportunity to try it out. With the help of staff, Markia used the program’s kitchen to bake dozens of cupcakes and cookies. “I wanted to make something different” she said.
By the end of the day, Markia had earned an envelope full of cash and the admiration of the Elmwood staff and people supported.
“They liked the cupcakes, and they loved the cookies,” she said proudly.
Vernita, owner of “Vernita’s Secret Jewelry”, also had an elaborate spread of goods, displaying her homemade necklaces, bracelets, and key chains on a pink tri-fold poster board. She sold a wide variety of jewelry, for both kids and adults, using a mix of materials: glass beads, wood, and colorful pony beads.
Vernita first became interested in the craft when she saw her aunt making jewelry. She strategically models her designs after what she sees people wearing outside every day and aims to make pieces that people will wear often. The best part of jewelry making for Vernita is seeing other people wearing her jewelry. “It makes me feel good,” she said. “It makes me want to continue”.
The pop-up shops are a tradition for Brooklyn Day Hab 5, and Vernita said this was her fourth or fifth time participating. An active participant in ADAPT’s Day Program, she told us what inspires her to take advantage of the events and opportunities available to her. “It inspires me to put myself out there” she said. “I can show people what I have and what I can offer”.
A third table put together by Tomasina, another Elmwood attendee, featured a variety of trinkets, from pens and pencils to notebooks to scented stuffed animals. Though she wasn’t able to attend the day of the pop-up, a meticulously decorated posterboard displayed the prices for customers to view.
Finally, the last table held seven colorful canvas paintings by Louis, an avid artist who also attends Day Hab 5. His paintings were a combination of landscapes and figures. A particularly vivid one featured a lighthouse next to a turbulent blue sea. Passersby stopped to admire the intricate works of art, one of which had already been sold by noon.
The pop-ups are open to the public, so keep an eye out for the upcoming spring pop-up date and location by following ADAPT Community Network on social media (@adaptwechange on most platforms). We hope to see you there!
