The History of Brooklyn Collective

Brooklyn Collective opened in 2004 on Columbia Street in Brooklyn, New York with a mission to offer emerging artists and designers an affordable place to display and sell their creations. For over 20 years, owner and co-founder Tessa Williams connected artists with shoppers, offering intimate shopping experiences for those seeking something extraordinary. From bizarre artful objects to elegant vintage fashions and hand-forged fine jewelry, Brooklyn Collective was a destination for shoppers with a discerning eye and eclectic taste.

The legacy lives on. After relocating her family to Upstate New York, Tessa was committed to carrying on the spirit of Brooklyn Collective into the digital realm. Featuring both the art and the artist, and the product and the designer, Brooklyn Collective remains a destination for those wanting something other than mass market no-name stores and brands.

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Travel back in time...

  • The year was 2004.

    Brooklyn Collective opened its doors at 212 Columbia Street in the Columbia Waterfront District of Brooklyn, New York. With just a few local artists and blank walls in an ancient old bank-turned-shop, Tessa transformed the space into an eclectic, exciting paradise for artists and art lovers.

  • The year was 2014.

    Shop artists and patrons celebrated the 10 year anniversary of Brooklyn Collective in the best way they could: with a party! Friends of Tessa know, an event at the shop was always a good time - featuring live music from local musicians and conversations with the artists. Parties were always a hit!

  • The year was 2024.

    With 20 years under her belt, plus a pandemic, recession, and boom of Amazon and big box shopping, patrons of Brooklyn Collective came out in droves to celebrate the anniversary of Tessa's "little shop that could" — and the shindig spilled out into the streets, connecting neighbors, customers, artists, friends, and family.

Supporting Local Artists is our Mission.

We support artists by promoting their work to shoppers, fans, and followers both online and through in-person shopping and pop-up events. Thank you for choosing to shop small and shop local.

Every purchase at Brooklyn Collective supports a small business, an artist, and a community of creatives.

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