BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — A multicultural variety store is bringing its natural soaps, detoxes, books, and accessories to Bedford-Stuyvesant’s Fulton Street.
Nicholas Brooklyn, a shop specializing in organic bath and body products, aromatherapy items, and more, is opening its third location at 1396 Fulton St. by the summer, according to owner Monique Benjamin.
Benjamin’s father, Randolph Nicholas, started the business in 1974 when he was a UPS driver, selling merchandise to stores that were along his route.
He saw a need for cultural and specialized items that weren’t available at the time, she said, such as Caribbean goods, Bob Marley T-shirts, incenses and oils.
Nicholas opened a booth at a Queens flea market, then a storefront in Union Square, and finally relocated to Harlem where the brand still operates a branch.
Now, Nicholas Brooklyn serves customers uptown on 125th Street, at 570 Fulton St. in Fort Greene, and will expand to Restoration Plaza, between New York and Brooklyn avenues.
“With the natural products, we’re trying to get everybody on the same page of eating healthy and living healthy, and taking care of their bodies,” Benjamin said.
“We’re not just a shop, we’re educating people. We’re not doctors, but we help steer them along the right path."
In addition to picking up items like tonics, supplements, hair care, blessing waters and candles, visitors can attend open mic events and seminars, store manager Kwesi Amissah said.
“A part of it is distributing and fostering our culture, a sense of identity, and fostering our raw talent,” he said. “It’s produced to make people think critically and is vital part to learning, empowerment, health and wellness, and enhancing your spiritual well being.”
At their current Brooklyn location, staff members host a weekly “healing circle” with body massages, numerology and tarot card readings, and reiki, among other services.
Benjamin said she looks forward to holding events like book signings, fashion shows and more at the new Bed-Stuy spot.
“It’s your one-stop stop,” she added.
The third Nicholas Brooklyn location is expected to open by June. For more information, visit the store’s website here.
