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The new LI Boutique and Art Gallery, a business that puts the spotlight on black entrepreneurs, artists and craftsmen, opened in Mastic on Monday.
“We have quite a lot of different things – it’s not just clothing. We have some unique pieces,” said the photographer who owns Phenomenal Reflections, a selfie and portrait studio in Patchig. says entrepreneur Philana Aiken.
Noting that many black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs are either alone or sometimes in competition with each other, Aiken aims to create a space to bring creators and communities together.
Filana Aiken, owner and entrepreneur of LI boutique and art gallery.
Credit: Darryl Brooks
“This is what this business is really about. I’m just trying to bring other business owners together to support each other and hopefully lead by example that someone might want to help someone else.” ‘ she says.
local brands to shop
The boutique features clothing lines from black-owned clothing designers, including LIRClothing and Natural Born.
Owned by Simon brothers David, Terry and Michael, Bayshore-based Natural Born features lines of hoodies, sweatsuits and tracksuits, with plans to add womenswear, denim and sweater lines soon.
David Simon says he met Aiken when he started his business and is eager to collaborate with her.
“It feels great to be a part of something that’s becoming more and more prevalent in the Black community,” he says. It’s great to be able to make it all come full circle and help represent and influence where you come from.”
LI Boutique and Art Gallery is a business that shines a spotlight on black entrepreneurs, artists and artisans in mastic.
Credit: Philana Aiken
Sold in Long Island shopping malls and small boutiques, LIRClothing is a line of everyday comfort sweatshirts, t-shirts and hoodies that attracts a loyal following of celebrities, NFL and NBA players. Owner Anthony Harris, who started his business in Riverhead, says: Ten years ago.
Harris’ belief in loyalty (LIR stands for ‘Loyalty is Royalty’) is evident in his dedication to his hometown of Riverhead. Every year, we give out backpacks full of school supplies, turkeys on Thanksgiving, and toys on Christmas.
Having known Aiken for 10 years, Harris is honored to be one of the first brands in her store.
“She approached me 10 years ago and said, ‘I want to be a part of what you’re doing.’ And now it’s a blessing to be a part of what she’s doing. .”
Products that promote health and wellness
Health and wellness products also feature prominently in the store, from Xblendz blenders for making healthy smoothies on the go, to Melanin Savage waist trainers and other fitness equipment.
Founded in Franklin Square in September 2020, Xblendz sells portable battery-operated blenders in pink, green or black, says owner Jamall Lynch.
Lynch, which operates exclusively online and at trade shows, is excited to expand into brick and mortar with this partnership with Aiken.
“The biggest lesson I learned from her is that she is very passionate about helping other people take their businesses to the next level,” says Lynch. “Even if you don’t have a business, just bring your community together and spread the word of knowledge and unity.”
LI Boutique is also the first retail experience for Coram-based Melanin Savage, said owner Kenya Crump, which offers waist trainers, workout wear and more.
“We are very excited to expand our business,” says Crump. “There is nothing here. [Aiken] It’s very exciting to want to do this. ”
inspirational art
This art gallery features rotating artists working in a variety of media, but has one common theme: inspiration.
It currently houses the work of Virginia-based artist Quincy D. Quincy D has created oil and pastel paintings for famous names including hip hop his artists like Martin Luther King Jr., Michael Jordan, Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur.
Also on display is Connecticut-based multimedia artist Amanda “Cemente” Caroline de Oliveira Pereira. His work includes a painting of Black His Panther, a multimedia piece featuring two black mermaids, and other mood-uplifting works.
The LI boutique and art gallery is a family business, and Aiken expects all four children, ages 16 to 23, to tend the store.
Creating a relaxed retail atmosphere, Aiken has added a coffee bar inside the store where people can sit, relax and enjoy the music playing in the background.
There is also a separate space in the back for birthday parties and special events.
“It’s like a little private venue for a little private gathering,” says Aiken.
The LI Boutique and Art Gallery is located at 272 Moriches-Middle Island Rd., Mastic. Shop hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10am-7pm and Sunday 10am-5pm. 631-578-0097.
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