Feel Brooklyn  - December 2022 -

Sustainable Vegan Coffee House for everyone

Sustainable fashion with creativity

Sustainable Vegan Coffee House for everyone

#SUSTAINABLE #COMUNITY #LOCAL #CAFE

Dec. 29 2022

(In June 2022, Katie Bishop opened Principles GI Coffee House in Gowanus, Brooklyn.)

Are you looking for a sustainable, vegan coffee house in Brooklyn? Principles GI Coffee House is your perfect choice.

As the name suggests, Ms. Bishop’s coffee house has strong principles that reflect her own moral values and dedication to sustainability and social impact.  
To achieve an ambitious goal of eliminating coffee cup waste by 2023, Principles continuously tracks their single-use cup usage and encourages customers to use their own containers. Additionally, this shop is powered by solar energy.

(“Chatting with Katie and other folks while sipping her delicious hot coffee is my favorite time,” one of the regulars at Principles told me.)

But this unique queer-veteran-owned coffee shop offers more than you imagine. 
Located in Gowanus - the neighbourhood in which the level of class and race is deeply intergrated - Principles creates a comforting space for people marginalized in the community. 
“This place is for everyone,” as Ms. Bishop described it, this coffee house creates a comforting space for people marginalized in the community to linger in as they appreciate the delicious cup of coffee. 

What makes Principles more accessible and welcoming is a pay-what-you-wish system for their basic menu.
Customers can pay based on what they are willing to pay or what they can afford. 
“I’m happy when anyone takes advantage of it,” Ms. Bishop said. “I am as happy for someone to pay $10 as someone to pay $1 or nothing because to me it just demonstrates people are using what I’m offering and that’s what is there for.”

(Ms. Bishop tries to reach out to people underrepresented in the biking world. There is a section that offers tools for repairs at the corner of the store.)

(Principles also hosts events for everyone who wants to gather and partake in the community.)

If you are craving a nice cup of coffee or drink, stop by Principles GI Coffee House and say hi to the amazing owner - Katie Bishop - who embraces diversity and inclusion. 

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Principles GI Coffee House
139 9th Street, Gowanus, Brooklyn 11215 
Instagram:@principlesbk

Sustainable fashion with creativity

#SUSTAINABLE #CLOTHING #ENVIRONMENT #FASHION

Dec. 30 2022

 I had the honor of interviewing Rick Davy, the director and founder of BK Style Foundation (BKSF), who is deeply passionate about supporting young talents in the fashion industry.


Since its establishment in 2004, BK Style Foundation has been guiding the paths of many young individuals, assisting them in becoming great designers. Mr. Davy started BKSF even before 'sustainability' became a widely recognized term.“It was called eco-friendly back then,” he said.


BKSF hosts a semi-annual fashion show to promote local designers and provide support to young talents who may lack the resources and platforms to exhibit their work. Furthermore, BKSF collaborates with high school students, offering them opportunities to present their work.

For those seeking to engage in responsible fashion but unsure of where to begin, BKSF offers a diverse collection of upcycled clothing designed by sustainable fashion creators. 
Visit Brooklyn Beauty Fashion Labo, where a delightful selection of sustainable clothing is available just downstairs!"