{"id":147351,"date":"2026-02-27T14:49:10","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T14:49:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/147351\/"},"modified":"2026-02-27T14:49:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T14:49:10","slug":"local-makers-tell-their-stories-qns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/147351\/","title":{"rendered":"Local makers tell their stories \u2013 QNS"},"content":{"rendered":"

These days, living and working as a maker and entrepreneur in New York City can be quite challenging, especially with a growing affordability crisis. But it\u2019s good to know that they are supported by community-minded people, who embrace a \u2018Buy one-of-a-kind, and local\u2019 mentality. So, kudos to those artisans and artists, who still dream big and are pursuing their passions!\u00a0<\/p>\n

In an era of mass production, these\u00a0ambitious\u00a0New Yorkers\u00a0take pride\u00a0in\u00a0creating with\u00a0intention and care\u00a0\u2014\u00a0in the heart of the world\u2019s most diverse borough.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This series shines a light on many innovative creatives and their success stories. The entrepreneurs behind these two women-owned and operated small businesses were eager to talk about their unique products. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Sandra Smith\u00a0LLC\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

Bespoke\u00a0bags and decor for gifting\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

Handmade in Queens\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

shopsandrasmith.com<\/a>\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

@shopsandrasmith\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

Empowering Women One Bag at a Time\u2122\u00a0
\n\"\"<\/a>Photo by Araka Walker\n<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u00a0started my business in 2012,\u00a0with a sewing machine and a deep desire to create something meaningful during a tough chapter in my life. What began as a personal outlet,\u00a0while raising my three young children,\u00a0quickly evolved into a\u00a0socially conscious\u00a0brand rooted in intentional gifting and empowerment,\u201d Smith\u00a0told QNS in a recent interview.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the process of building my business, I became a solo parent, while also earning post-secondary degrees and graduating summa cum laude. But outside of my business, motherhood remains central to my life.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s\u00a0incredible what can be achieved when women invest in themselves.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Photo courtesy of Sandra Smith LLC<\/p>\n

\u201cI am shaped by grit and purpose,\u201d said the\u00a0proud Latina and Asian,\u00a0Queens-based designer and entrepreneur.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI am one of 14 full siblings, born to the same two immigrant parents, who met in a Queens high school. Growing up in a large, multicultural family taught me resilience early on, along with the importance of building meaningful relationships.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

With her entrepreneurial spirit guiding her passion, this hardworking maker has been busy designing and handcrafting bespoke bags, d\u00e9cor and apparel from her Queens studio (with seasonal support).\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Photo by Kelli Hiser<\/p>\n

What makes\u00a0your\u00a0products\u00a0special?\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cMy mission is to create beautiful, personalized pieces that make people feel seen, while also giving back through select nonprofit partnerships that support survivors of domestic violence,\u201d Smith noted.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it\u2019s the intimacy of the process. I like to pair practicality with sentiment. My signature pieces are versatile zipper bags featuring hidden messages inside\u2026words of encouragement, sisterhood, strength, love, or faith. They offer a quiet reminder that you are valued and beloved \u2013even while casually reaching into the bag for your lip balm.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Nearly everything\u00a0is made to order in Queens, using premium textiles and durable hardware.\u00a0Bolts of fabric are hand-cut, prepared, and sewn together one at a time.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You can also find\u00a0bespoke throw pillows and personalized storage bins that bring inspiration into everyday spaces. The bins have become especially popular as teacher appreciation gifts and in professional settings.\u00a0And everything\u00a0is\u00a0giftable.\u00a0More recently, Smith expanded into apparel, including shirts and totes, and has\u00a0incorporated sport-themed designs that celebrate female athletes and coaches\u00a0into her product collections.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWatching young women develop confidence, leadership, and voice through sport continues to\u00a0inspire both my life and my work,\u201d she\u00a0said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Photo courtesy of Sandra Smith LLC<\/p>\n

How QEDC\u00a0(Queens Economic Development Corp.)\u00a0helped my business\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cQEDC has been a steady source of education, exposure, and meaningful connections within the Queens small business community, and I\u2019m\u00a0grateful for their support,\u201d Smith explained.\u00a0\u201cTheir\u00a0abundance of resources, like legal help with incorporation and guidance on marketing, paired with their unique opportunities for exposure, like the\u00a0MiQ\u00a0Pop-Up Shop in Long Island City,\u00a0helped me to continue my work.\u00a0Most recently, I\u00a0was connected with\u00a0LaGuardia Airport\u00a0for their holiday pop-ups, which has been a fantastic partnership.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Smith said she also collaborates with local artists, mission-driven partners, and cultural institutions on limited-run collections: \u201cMy favorite current collaborations include the August Tree Gift Shop at the Queens Museum and Brooklyn-based henna and tattoo artist Natalia Zamparini. Together, we create pieces that blend art, culture, and craftsmanship in a way that feels distinctly New York.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

She added:\u00a0\u201cI find it deeply satisfying to create products that become part of someone\u2019s story\u2026and it brings me joy.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Products are available on the website and on Etsy at\u00a0shopsandrasmith.etsy.com<\/a>, where the business first began. Smith also connects with customers through Instagram,\u00a0where clients can reach out\u00a0with\u00a0custom ideas.\u00a0Locally, select pieces are available at the Queens Museum gift shop, including limited-run collections.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Photo courtesy of Sandra Smith LLC<\/p>\n

Mil\u00e8ne Jardine Chocolatier\u00a0<\/p>\n

Mil\u00e8ne Jardine\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Founder &\u00a0Chocolatier\u00a0<\/p>\n

milenejardine.com<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Instagram<\/a>\u00a0\/\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Mil\u00e8ne Jardine. Photo courtesy of Brake Through Media<\/p>\n

What\u00a0makes\u00a0your products\u00a0special?\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cAll our chocolates are infused with the finest herbs, fruits, nuts, and spices and made by hand in New York City, as we strive to keep the art and authenticity of food local,\u201d Jardine told QNS. \u201cOur chocolate bars are naturally vegan, dark (70%), shelf stable and rich in cocoa butter to ensure each piece melts just as fast as a milk chocolate bar. Chocolate truffles are created with fresh cream and butter for a more creamy, indulgent option.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

She added: \u201cWe work with B-Corp certified cacao partners that implement sustainable practices, add economic value to local farmers, and promote gender equality.\u00a0Our virtual tastings all\u00a0include a donation to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Photo courtesy of Brake Through Media<\/p>\n

\u201cCelebrating diversity through chocolate.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

This\u00a0Astoria<\/a>\/Long Island City<\/a>-based\u00a0maker\u00a0had a vision when she launched her\u00a0brand\u00a0in 2016.\u00a0Her\u00a0ethically sourced, artisanal offerings are inspired by her travels, and each diverse flavor tells a story about a different country. \u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Photo courtesy of Brake Through Media<\/p>\n

After college, Jardine grew her love of desserts into a side gig by creating chocolate favors, platters, and centerpieces for weddings, parties and art exhibitions. At the same time, her business skills were developed through her extensive international travel and intense training at Macy\u2019s renowned Private Label Design House. After 12 years, Jardine left Macy\u2019s as Product Director, due to the company\u2019s 2016 consolidation. Soon, she would find the courage to return to her childhood passion and build her own brand.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Photo courtesy of Brake Through Media<\/p>\n

Each creation is paired\u00a0with spirits and cheeses at\u00a0special\u00a0events.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t only constantly do research and development for new types of chocolate, but we also partner with other women-owned businesses, like Virginia Distillery and Cheese Grotto,\u201d Jardine shared.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Photo courtesy of Brake Through Media<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re also listening to our spirit\u00a0clients and\u00a0saw a void\u00a0in\u00a0the market for a partner, so,\u00a0we created Sweet Spirits.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jardine used her chocolate expertise to collaborate with different liquor, wine and beer companies to find chocolates she made that would pair nicely with their products, or to develop new chocolates and confections to highlight their products.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Photo courtesy of Brake Through Media<\/p>\n

\u201cWith stronger spirits, the chocolate helps to balance the\u00a0intensity of the liquor and pull forward subtle tasting notes,\u201d she\u00a0noted.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Last year, for\u00a0International Women\u2019s month,\u00a0Mil\u00e8ne Jardine\u00a0Chocolates\u00a0collaborated with whiskey distributor Diageo,\u00a0to co-host a chocolate and whiskey fundraiser for Planned Parenthood.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Photo courtesy of Brake Through Media<\/p>\n

\u201cChocolate and cheese is clearly the most unsung flavor combination ever. To respond, we are now expanding with Jessica Sennett from Cheese Grotto,\u201d Jardine said, adding, \u201cWe blended raclette cheese into a chocolate truffle, that Forbes just called \u2018Out of this world!\u2019\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Photo courtesy of Brake Through Media<\/p>\n

\u201cWomen\u00a0represent\u00a072% of the market for chocolate, but the cacao\u00a0industry is run by men.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe plan on changing that. Bras were designed by men for a century before they decided to ask 100% of the market what women wanted,\u201d Jardine noted.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Photo courtesy of Brake Through Media<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t\u00a0get me wrong, I liked the old chocolate or I\u00a0wouldn\u2019t\u00a0be here, but\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0time to redesign the ultimate delight by those who\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0just eat it but love it.\u00a0Our Signature Series Whiskey\u00a0Infused Truffle Collection with Virginia Distillery is called\u00a0\u2018Courage & Conviction\u2019\u00a0\u2014\u00a0to encourage women to be confident and\u00a0take action\u00a0on their ideas.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Photo courtesy of Brake Through Media<\/p>\n

How QEDC helped my\u00a0business\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cOur product is made in the incubator kitchen at the QEDC-funded Entrepreneur Space in Long Island City, whose mission is to support Queens businesses and help keep the art of food local. QEDC has also helped me by providing valuable coaching, business mentoring, sales support, and funding,\u201d Jardine noted.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Photo courtesy of Brake Through Media<\/p>\n

Last year,\u00a0the proud\u00a0chocolatier\u00a0won\u00a0the\u00a0Queens\u00a0Tech &\u00a0Innovation Challenge and received a $20,000 grant from QEDC.\u00a0The program is designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs grow their businesses with five up-to $20K grants\u00a0and\u00a0access to industry experts.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Photo courtesy of Brake Through Media<\/p>\n

Jardine\u00a0said she\u00a0strongly\u00a0believes in giving back to the community and sharing her experience as a female entrepreneur\u00a0with others.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Photo courtesy of Brake Through Media<\/p>\n

Heaven on earth\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cOur chocolates encourage our\u00a0(main)\u00a0customers\u00a0\u2013 women who can afford to treat themselves\u00a0\u2014\u00a0to take a break from their hectic schedules to\u00a0indulge\u00a0in\u00a0a sweet treat and take time for self-care,\u201d Jardine\u00a0explained.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Photo courtesy of Brake Through Media<\/p>\n

Mil\u00e8ne Jardine Chocolatier is thrilled to service elite businesses, such as Roger Vivier and Google. Their decadent sweets are enjoyed by celebs, like Sting and Warren Buffett, and their chocolates have been featured at Le Cirque events and even enjoyed by the Serbian royal family. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Photo courtesy of Brake Through Media<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen paired with spirits, our clients have said,\u00a0\u2018I\u2019m\u00a0telling you,\u00a0if they\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0have this\u00a0in\u00a0heaven,\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0not dying.\u2019\u00a0That\u2019s\u00a0what\u00a0we\u2019re\u00a0making right now\u2026\u00a0heaven on earth.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

For the full assortment, you can order products online. Some of the retail locations that Mil\u00e8ne Jardine Chocolatier is in, include Soho House, Union Market, and JFK Airport:\u00a0milenejardine.com\/pages\/retaillocations<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Stay tuned for more Queens makers\u2019 stories.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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