Via Rutkowski, Author at Hoboken Girl

Jersey City Restaurant Perquín is Back and Better Than Ever

Via Rutkowski — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 02:00:10 +0000

Last fall, Jersey City resident and talented Chef Bryan Girón opened Perquín, a Honduran restaurant that instantly impressed locals and became a go-to for Taco Tuesdays, flavorful cocktails, and some of the freshest seafood dishes around. After Perquín’s first fun-filled summer, the team got news that its building was going up for sale to make way for a new development, forcing the restaurant to close on short notice in September of 2025. Less than a month later, Perquín was able to reopen its doors at 84 ½ Morris Street in Jersey City, just across the street from its old location, with a new spin on the classics first introduced at Perquín, now with a more convenient grab-and-go style for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Read on to learn more about Perquín’s story and everything its new space has to offer.

Behind The Scenes

Chef Bryan Girón grew up in Bayonne surrounded by food that acted as a love language. He recalls the dishes and juices his grandmother made in Honduras, which he says “spoiled” him, but in ways that reflect proudly in his food today. He studied Culinary Arts at Johnson + Wales University in both Miami and Providence, Rhode Island, and went on to work in several restaurants throughout his career, including popular New York City spots Stanton Social, Beauty & Essex, Barbuto, and Shukette. He even worked as a line cook at Jersey City’s own Bread + Salt.

Bryan credits his former boss and owner of Bread + Salt, Rick Easton, as part of his inspiration to open a restaurant of his own. Bryan told HG, “I always think of him when I’m cooking and know not to take any shortcuts,” as that is something Rick would be able to detect right away. Now, Bryan jokes that he always hears Rick’s voice in his head as he creates new dishes. Bryan shared that working for Rick at Bread + Salt was one of the proudest culinary experiences in his repertoire.

Even though Chef Bryan was raised on Latin food, his experience cooking it himself only began about two years ago. (Although once you taste these flavors, that fact will surprise you.) Everything about Perquín comes from Chef Bryan’s heart and creative mind. The name itself, “Perquín,” means “road to the fire,” which originates from the Lenca people, an indigenous community in Honduras and El Salvador. Every inch of Perquín pays beautiful tribute to Chef Bryan’s roots. From the artwork and music to the flavors, colors, and energy, stepping into Perquín feels like an intimate introduction to not only Chef Bryan’s world but the traditions that inspired him. An experience at Perquín feels personal because it truly IS.

The Menu

Perquín’s menu is rooted in Honduran flavors with many Latin American-inspired twists. Chef Bryan steers away from using the word “fusion” as Perquín is much more than that, going beyond simply mixing different styles of foods, but meticulously hand-picking and cross-utilizing some of the finest flavors into entirely new creations. He added, “Latin food is good enough and doesn’t need to be infused.”

Perquín has mastered the art of taking the beauty of Honduran food and elevating it as it’s never been seen before. Chef Bryan shared that there are not a lot of Honduran restaurants in the area, and he wants to show locals the best of what it can be by putting extreme detail into each component. He treated HG to a generous spread, giving us the full-on Perquín experience, with tastes of some of his favorite items on the menu while he shared stories of his deep connections to the flavors and his roots.

We tried everything from breakfast and pastries to coffee drinks, mocktails, soups, salads, and even ceviche. Our lineup consisted of: fresh Pastelitos de membrillo, a Salvadoran Quesadilla (which is gluten-free and made with rice flour), Bolivian Salteñas, a super fresh Fall Market Salad, ice-cold Ceviche, potato and chorizo Flautas, Coconut Soup, Plato Tipico (which is Chef Bryan’s take on a typical Central American breakfast), and an out-of-this-world homemade yogurt parfait made completely in-house.

Chef Bryan and his team make everything from scratch with both local and international ingredients. The care in each bite can be tasted without a doubt. Chef Bryan is inherently savvy and aims to utilize each ingredient to the max. He shared that he even collects the whey protein from his homemade yogurt to later use in smoothies, which patrons can order for breakfast.

Aside from the food, beverages are actually a huge part of Perquín’s repertoire. We sampled fresh carrot ginger juice, pomegranate lemonade, a non-alcoholic guava mojito, passionfruit juice, mulled cider, a coquito latte, and an ultra-refreshing pineapple cucumber mint juice. Being a BYOB restaurant, Perquín understood the assignment when it came to creating the perfect mixer or mocktail base. (So be sure to add this to your list of mocktail stops during Dry January this year.)

So whether you’re stopping in for a quick coffee, juice, grab-and-go breakfast, or are looking to dine in and relax over a warm bowl of soup or a freshly prepared ceviche, Perquín’s cozy and colorful restaurant space is ideal to satiate just about any craving on your mind with impressive, bold flavors to match.

Visiting Perquín

Perquín is located in the heart of the Paulus Hook neighborhood in Jersey City at 84 ½ Morris Street. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9:00 AM-8:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 9:00 AM-9:00 PM, and Sundays from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM.

Patrons can also order delivery via Toast, dine in, or take out any time. For more updates, events, and new menu items, be sure to follow along with Perquín and Chef Bryan on Instagram.

See More: Spanish Cuisine + Flamenco Dancing: MG’s Visit to Sayola in Montclair

Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.

Food + Drink

The post Jersey City Restaurant Perquín is Back and Better Than Ever appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

This Hoboken Local Brings Inspired Interior Design to the City

Via Rutkowski — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 16:34:47 +0000

No matter which corner of the world you live in, it’s a fact that our home environments shape the way we think and feel. With so much of our time spent within the walls of tiny North Jersey apartments that double as home offices, loving where you live, work, and play is more important than ever. Hoboken interior designer Laura Ramirez understands the deep connection between our environments and the importance of creating a space that reflects our personalities. Keep reading to learn more about CASALAU Design and the Hoboken local behind it.

How it Started

Laura at a private residence in New York City, photo provided by Pelle Waldron

Team HG met interior designer Laura Ramirez earlier this summer while capturing content for local jewelry brand Alessea by Mara (who is her neighbor and friend). Our backdrop for the shoot was Laura’s pristinely designed Hoboken apartment, where we were captivated by her clear talent and loving “live-in assistant”, Hank, her English bulldog. Laura’s space speaks clearly to who she is: elegant, warm, and welcoming with touches of personality everywhere – so naturally, we had to learn more.

Laura’s journey into interior design was kismet and, like most business owners, far from linear. Laura was born in Colombia but spent her childhood in Northern New Jersey, surrounded by inspiring locals and in proximity to the arts. She attended the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she majored in Fashion Business Management and went on to spend the next decade working in fashion merchandising and management, telling HG, “it was very business and people-focused, so my creative outlet became reimagining every apartment I lived in”. Laura humorously added that “many landlords can attest to the number of swapped fixtures and freshly painted walls we left behind (thankfully, they always kept them!).”

After living in New York City for a couple of years, she reconnected with her now-husband, who was living in Hoboken at the time. Laura started spending weekends here and quickly fell in love with the neighborhood charm and sense of community. Now, 11 years later, Laura, her husband, and Hank the English Bulldog still feel beyond lucky to call Hoboken home.

It wasn’t until the pandemic that the spark of becoming a business owner entered Laura’s mind. She was traveling through her home country of Colombia and spent time connecting with artisans and underserved communities. This sparked the fascination with sourcing handcrafted pieces and the stories behind them. As Laura shopped, something began to light up inside of her mind, telling HG, “What I thought would be a curated shop of collected goods evolved into interior design: a way to connect personal narratives with the work of artists and makers around the world.” Upon her return, Laura decided to enroll at The New York School of Interior Design and officially shift her career.

Behind the Business

During Laura’s continued studies, she was able to dive even deeper into the art form she already knew and loved. Her understanding of how spaces shape our mood and daily rituals became a driving force behind her love for interior design. Laura shared that “In our own home, my husband and I have experienced the calm of a decluttered space, the gentle prompts to uphold habits through intentional layouts, and the emotional safety and joy we feel walking through the door.”

This ultimately led to the realization that she and her husband couldn’t be the only ones craving that from their environments, and soon CASALAU Design came to be in October of 2023. CASALAU Design is a studio built to guide clients toward their own versions of intentional living, beginning with the home. The name CASALAU is rooted in heritage and personal history. Casa (Spanish for “house”) honors Laura’s South American roots and nods to her fashion background, where ‘House of’ has long symbolized legacy and craftsmanship. Lau, her mother’s nickname for her, adds an intimate layer that grounds the brand in her personal story.

Over the years, Laura has been continuously inspired by cultures, people, and travels, adding “Whenever I have the opportunity to learn about traditions, what shapes the way people live, generational stories, or explore a new city’s architecture and regional craft, I try to absorb as much as I can and bring that influence into my work.” Much of these learnings are infused into CASALAU’s design ethos.

Pandora Jewelry’s PR Salon, photo provided by Pelle Waldron

These deeply inspired experiences have landed CASALAU in the hands of happy clients throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. She even had the opportunity to design Pandora Jewelry’s PR Salon in SoHo. Whether the project is residential or commercial, Laura’s vision knows no bounds. Laura describes her style as “personal” as it shifts depending on the client or brand to create something authentic for each client with one common thread: an artisan touch. Whether it’s “bespoke millwork crafted locally, a handblown glass fixture, or studio pottery- each project carries a human element that infuses warmth and character”. She said, “Interior design is so much more than a beautiful space for show; it’s about shaping environments that positively impact how we feel, think, and experience daily life. It’s creating spaces that foster rest, joy, and ease, support our intentions, and hold our most cherished moments.”

The CASALAU Process

Laura in her apartment, photo provided by Pelle Waldron

Laura and her team at CASALAU begin every project with an in-depth consultation, where they discuss clients’ goals, walk through the space, and start shaping design solutions together. From there, they refine the vision, make selections, and guide the process through to completion. CASALAU covers services including full service design, furnishing + styling, and design direction.

One of Laura’s favorite parts of interior design is the sourcing process. She told HG, “I’m truly never not sourcing. As a designer, I want to bring unique pieces to each project, and that means I’m always on the lookout for makers with a point of view, tiny hole-in-the-wall shops, or artists I stumble upon online.” Adding how trade shows and antique stores play a big role in her process. There, Laura discovers incredible lighting fixtures, futnitues, and produce designers who “push boundaries”. Some of her local favorites include the Grand Bazaar, Chelsea Flea, and Red Bank Antiques, noting towns like Lambertville, New Jersey and Hudson, New York as “playgrounds for designers” thanks to their plethora of shops and markets. When Laura travels, she always packs an extra checked bag so she has room to bring home special pieces.

All of these efforts contribute to the special CASALAU touch that comes from Laura’s hard work sourcing items. Sharing, “We love a space that feels collected rather than purchased in one click, so we almost always blend crafted pieces with vintage finds. Secondhand lighting, mirrors, furniture, art, and accessories are often more compelling than buying something mass-produced. They bring patina and personality- those small imperfections that make a room feel alive.”

Laura shares a common sentiment among thrifters and appreciators of secondhand. Saying that sourcing for her clients isnt just sustainable but also emotional. Adding “ Older pieces carry history, nostalgia, and a certain resonance you just can’t mass produce. They help ground our projects and give them that lived-in warmth clients always respond to.”

Locals can connect with CASALAU on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes looks or on the CASALAU website for more about services, inquiries, and future projects.

See More: Toni’s Closet in Montclair Has Expanded, Thanks to a Local Eagle Scout

The post This Hoboken Local Brings Inspired Interior Design to the City appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

This Jersey City Resident Upcycles Jewelry

Via Rutkowski — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 02:56:02 +0000

Talented locals are what make the Hoboken + Jersey City communities so great. One local designer, Camila Aguilar, is turning the idea of jewelry design on its head with upcycled pieces that perfect the art of giving something old a new life. Her business, Slay By Mila Shop, has been spotted at several Hudson County pop-ups over the years, and it’s about time we learned more about the woman behind it all. Keep reading to learn more about Slay By Mila Shop and a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes process.

How it Started

The “Mila” in Slay By Mila Shop comes from talented owner and designer, Camila Aguilar, whose handmade jewelry has been worn by over 500 happy customers since opening in 2019. Camila is a mom, wife, and entrepreneur whose designs have been popping up all over Hudson County + beyond. Camila has called Jersey City home for the last three years and loves being a small business here, adding, “It has been so inspiring. Jersey City is filled with small businesses that encourage me to keep going! The different fashion styles help me come up with different collections and inspirations.” Camila set down roots in New Jersey after her family migrated from Argentina when she was four years old. She spent time living in New York, Union City, and Newark, adding, “the different cultures have made me who I am.”

Like most entrepreneurial journeys, the path is never linear but often leads people exactly where they need to be. Camila’s entrepreneurial spark started back when she was pursuing her dream of becoming a makeup artist. She utilized her Instagram to put herself out there while simultaneously working as a server and bartender throughout New York City. On her off days, she would take makeup clients, do $10 oracle card readings on Instagram, telling HG with humor, “Let’s just say I could never stay still!”

In the midst of her journey, and as a multi-hyphenate creative, she started to develop a love for handmade artistry and design. As an artist in many ways, Camila loved the idea of being able to express her own form of art in wearable ways. Camila’s makeup artistry was already a form of wearable art, so she tried her hand at another form: handmade jewelry.

In November 2019, Camila and her mother opened Slay By Mila Shop. As things got rolling, Camila and her mom would spend hours hunting in the colorful shops of the Garment District in New York City just to source the perfect beads and charms for their visions. Camila was working at the bar and come right home to work on the jewelry.

As time went on, Slay By Mila Shop’s custom designs were where things started to pick up. Camila told HG, “I would create crystal bracelets that would help people with whichever interest or guidance they wanted from the properties of the crystal. I would intuitively pick out a crystal and design for my client that fits their aesthetic. That really started the ball rolling for our business.” Soon after, Camila took over Slay By Mila Shop on her own with deep gratitude for her mom’s help getting here, adding, “I’m so inspired and appreciative of my mom, because if it was not for her planting the seed and taking initiative, I would not be where I am today with my art + shop. Thanks to her, I’ve been able to sell over 500+ handmade items in the past 7 years.”

The Magic of Upcycling

The beauty of Slay By Mila Shop may be evident in the pieces themselves, but the story behind each design makes it even better. Camila’s favorite part of creating is sourcing materials. She often hits the thrift store or flea market to dig for second-hand mismatched jewelry, chains, and charms, creating designs from upcycled materials, giving them a second life, shouting out Hoboken Thrift Box and Cyn City Thrift for their support.

Camila has made rosaries, wired crystal moons, friendship bracelets, rings, earrings, bangles, necklaces, upcycled bags, keychains, phone charms, hair clips, and more, saying, “as much as I try to stick to a niche, I can’t!! I love all styles of jewelry! But it has to be handmade or Upcycled. I’ll try anything once is my motto!” She has even created bulk orders for party favors for birthdays and weddings. “I’ve dabbled in a lot over the last six years, and it’s very hard for me to say no to a new idea, so that’s what makes Slay By Mila Shop unique”, she said

Camila’s current obsession is creating upcycled accessorized handbags. From finding the perfect secondhand bag, sourcing patches, beads, charms, and funky keychains, Camila finds a way to bring it all together to become a cohesive work of art, or as she says, “slaying it up”, getting as creative as possible. Besides an affinity for upcycled bags, custom orders remain one of Camila’s favorite experiences. She told HG, “I truly levitate when clients let me freestyle and intuitively let me create a special bag for them. It’s a great feeling being trusted with your art.”

How to Shop

Slay By Mila Shop’s designs can be spotted at pop-ups throughout New Jersey and New York City, with frequent updates on Instagram (so be on the lookout). Those interested in custom designs can fill out Camila’s custom form or simply send her a DM. Camila shared with us that her new website will be finalized next year for easy online shopping and collaborations with local shops.

See More: There’s a New Sewing Studio Coming to Montclair

People

The post This Jersey City Resident Upcycles Jewelry appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

Meet Molly Craig, the Jersey City Artist Behind Anomolly Shop

Via Rutkowski — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:30:33 +0000

Jersey City residents are both resourceful and creative, to say the least. We also love a rare find. The locals here never cease to amaze us, and when it comes to creating sustainably, it’s even more exciting. Local artist Molly Craig is bringing the magic of upcycling to life with bolo ties, jewelry, and more, all sourced from materials being given a second life. Keep reading to learn more about Anomolly Shop and the Jersey City resident behind it all.

How It Started

Molly Craig grew up in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and has been a Jersey City resident since 2021. Back in Molly’s household, creativity was always encouraged. Her mom ran a beaded jewelry business and made heartfelt greeting cards for every occasion, utilizing her crafty talents and unknowingly inspiring her daughter along the way. From an early age, Molly found herself drawn to crafting, beading, and working with her hands, all of which shaped the path she’s on today.

Later, Molly went on to study marketing at Hofstra University before moving into the world of graphic design. She saw this as a way to blend her creativity with strategy. Molly’s talents led her to work at HOLST + LEE, a handmade jewelry company based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where she played a role in the creation of bold, statement pieces. After three years, Molly transitioned into freelance life to take her graphic design skills a step further. Since 2014, Molly has been working as a freelance graphic designer and has had clients such as her previous employer, HOLST + LEE, and other small businesses and corporate clients.

While Molly loves her graphic design work, she was itching to have an element of non-digital creation in her life. Back in 2020, she started Anomolly Shop, a play on the word “anomaly” as in something that is unusual or unexpected. The goal was showcase her handmade designs that deserve to be shared with the world. As time went on, she began to find her niche. After finding a vintage cowboy hat brooch that caught her eye, she decided to turn it into a bolo tie as a gift for her boyfriend, which ignited a new wave of inspiration. Molly told us, “It was so much fun bringing new life to something old and forgotten. After that first bolo tie, I was hooked”.

Behind The Bling

Now, Anomolly Shop sells a variety of handcrafted designs. One of the most fascinating elements of Molly’s work has to be her eye for upcycling and turning what some may consider “trash” into treasure. Her particular fascination with bolo ties and cowboy aesthetic is reminiscent of times past and is reflected in all of her work. From vintage upcycled bolo ties, scarf slides, vintage rings, and beaded jewelry, every item from Anomolly Shop is crafted with care.

Molly shared, “ I’ve spent countless hours hunting through vintage and antique shops for brooches, clip-on earrings, and broken treasures that can be reimagined as bolo tie centerpieces. I’ve always been drawn to Western wear and the cowboy motif. I even have a tattoo of a cowgirl riding a horse on my arm. To me, cowboy culture represents a wilder time when life wasn’t so predictable. It embodies a spirit of freedom, resilience, and self-reliance that feels rare today.”

See More: Hudson County Artists to Know + Collect

Molly’s travels have played a big role in her design inspiration. She loves adventuring around new cities and exploring different second-hand and vintage shops to see what the locals wear. Sharing with HG, “I have found a lot of my vintage parts in Utah, Arizona (In the 1970s, the Bolo was declared the official neckwear of Arizona), and recently found a bunch on a trip abroad to Turkey!”

Aside from Molly’s jewelry and accessories, she loves to design intricate beaded Mosaics. Right now, she has a piece on display in the DS Special Projects show, Down the Block, a group show located below Andco North at 222 Ninth Street in Jersey City.

How to Shop

Locals have likely caught Molly at one of the many pop-ups around town. Next up, she will be at the Deep Space Miniature Shop and Riverview Holiday Market on December 6th. For those shopping around town, Anomolly Shop also holds a space inside Cranky Angel at 333 Newark Avenue in Jersey City. To follow along with where Molly will be popping up next, or to order a custom, follow @anomollyshop on Instagram or check out www.anomollyshop.com.

From Rutgers to Jersey City: Meet the Two Friends Who Started Spins Laundromat

Via Rutkowski — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 02:00:26 +0000

When it comes to city living, one thing remains constant for many locals: the importance of a trusted laundromat. As an essential piece of apartment life, these wash-and-fold hubs are often pillars in their own designated neighborhoods. Whether you love laundry day or dread it, Spins Laundromat, located at 580 Montgomery Street in Jersey City, makes the entire experience a breeze. Read on to learn more about Spins Laundromat and the friends who brought the Chilltown spot to life.

How it Started

College friends Danish Shaik and Maunish Patel purchased Spins Laundromat in November of 2023 when they were on the hunt for their next endeavor. The space had previously been home to another laundromat for over 25 years, which was run down and up for sale. The two met at Rutgers Business School in Newark, where they were already dabbling in the entrepreneurial life. They were co-presidents of the Rutgers Student Managed Fund, where they taught underclassmen how to invest in securities of public companies, diving into the depths of research, pitching, and more.

Maunish graduated in 2020 and Danish graduated in 2021. In 2023, they took their commitment to entrepreneurship to the next level by purchasing Spins Laudromat. Both were still working full-time on Wall Street at the time. Danish, who grew up in South Brunswick, and Maunish, who grew up in Malawi, told HG, “We both were fortunate enough to grow up with families who have their own businesses in the States and abroad, so we had naturally garnered that spark early on, actually trying our hand at a few entrepreneurial endeavors before acquiring Spins Laundromat.”

More than a Business

The natural entrepreneurs saw Spins Laundromat as an opportunity for long-term potential. Danish shared, “Our investment thesis has been to acquire an essential, local business, understand the market dynamics and the community it serves – and then bring our own flavor and unique touch to grow and serve our customers. We have both always loved the idea of a very ‘boots on the ground’ approach, and small business ownership is the perfect way to engrain yourself in the communities we have spent years around.”

Aside from their entrepreneurial instincts, they understood the real-life struggles that come with city living. Maunish was living in a walk-up apartment in Jersey City Heights, and Danish was living in a closet-sized apartment in NYC, neither of which had in-unit laundry. They both experienced the dreaded lugging of laundry bags for blocks at a time, waiting around for hours, and wasting weekends doing a few basic loads of laundry. Danish shared, “We both came to the realization of how important cleanliness, a warm atmosphere, and affordability are when you’re investing so much of your time at laundromats. From that, the idea to find the right laundromat, our way, was born!”

Spins Laundromat stands on the founding principles of community, affordability, and cleanliness, with a goal to create a welcoming and convenient environment for customers. Since opening in November 2023, Spins Laundromat has served customers all over Hudson County and has even partnered with numerous businesses that outsource their laundry to Spins.

Both Danish and Maunish are proud to be part of the Jersey City community and admire the legacy that exists within the neighborhood, right between Grove Street + Journal Square, adding, “The community here is unmatched – passionate people, local pride, and endless opportunities to build something meaningful together.” Now, almost two years in, the familiar faces and repeat customers feel like family. The two often visit the laundromat and are constantly in touch with customers via email and Instagram.

When team HG asked Danish + Maunish what has been the most rewarding part of this journey, they said “Being able to bring our families, especially those visiting from India, Malawi, and across the U.S., to Spins and show them our operation was a very full circle moment, and something we’ll never forget. We are a product of our roots, so the opportunity to be on the other side of it now is really special.”

How it Works

Spins handles a long list of services to ensure customers’ clothing, linens, and beyond are all thoroughly cleaned, dried, and pressed. The laundromat offers wash, fold, and dry services to do yourself or drop off for pick up or delivery in Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, and Newark. These services apply to all kinds of clothes, bedding (sheets, comforters, pillows), curtains, carpets, towels, uniforms (construction, fire, restaurants, etc.), and even restaurant linens. Our writer from team HG dropped off an oversized comforter for delivery, and it was delivered less than 24 hours later, as fresh as can be, right to her door. Customers can also drop off their laundry to be washed, dried, and folded for $1 per pound.

In addition to the usual wash and fold, Spins Laundromat also provides dry cleaning services. The team can cover everything from dresses (wedding gowns, cocktail dresses, etc.), business wear, outerwear, and specialty fabrics. Danish added that the team also handles South Asian wear such as sarees, lehengas, Indo-Western items, anarkalis, blouses, dresses, cholis, kurtas, and sherwanis. Special bulk commercial laundry for businesses (big and small) is also available.

Customers access Spins on a convenient debit card system. As customers arrive, they can simply pick up a personal Spins card and load it with funds using cash or credit. There are zero quarters needed, which makes life a lot easier and your pockets a lot lighter. Customers washing and drying in person can use the e modern machines in a variety of sizes with experienced staff to support the process. Plus, an added bonus for customers has to be the large parking space available right out front for easy access.

While a typical self-serve wash and dry cycle varies depending on the type of machines the customer uses, Spins has washing machines ranging from $3.50 – $11. Additionally, dryers are around 25-50 cents per round. The Spins website is also a great tool for easy access to pick up and delivery, with promotions for new customers.

Going The Extra Mile

The owners told HG, “I think the beauty of Spins is that when we say we want to serve the community, we mean this holistically, from commercial businesses across Hudson County, to the local family who makes their weekly visits. I think we actively try to seek an edge from a retail to commercial client perspective, making it a one-stop shop for whatever your needs might be. We have met with many businesses to discuss how to best scale and streamline their operations, and at the same time have our ear to the ground with local customers to tailor our services to their feedback.”

And when the Spins team says they listen to feedback, they mean it. Danish shared that after chatting with several repeat customers, they decided to launch a rewards program for customers who order pick-up and drop-off services online. Now, loyal customers can earn money back on each purchase. Danish added, “Our ability to adapt and keep a dynamic business model to stay current is something we are proud to say Spins excels at.”

In the future, Maunish and Danish hope to expand into other areas of Jersey City, Hoboken, and throughout Northern New Jersey. Spins is open Monday through Friday from 8AM – 9:30PM and weekends from 7AM – 10PM. To keep up with Spins Laundromat, be sure to follow along on Instagram.

See More: Michelle Ward: The Montclair Performer Turned Business Coach Behind RecRoom

People

The post From Rutgers to Jersey City: Meet the Two Friends Who Started Spins Laundromat appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

First-Ever Hoboken Docs Film Festival Happening on 11/15

Via Rutkowski — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 19:32:31 +0000

Hoboken’s first-ever documentary film festival has arrived and is happening soon on November 15th, 2025. The festival created by two local filmmakers is bringing a new wave of storytelling to the Mile Square and welcomes creators of all kinds to participate. The submission deadline is quickly approaching on November 1st, so keep reading to learn more about how to enter, what to expect, and the story behind the filmmaking magic.

About The Hoboken Docs Film Festival

The Hoboken Docs Film Festival team describes Hoboken as “a city of firsts” as it announces its first-ever celebration of documentary filmmaking that honors Hoboken’s camera-worthy setting, community, and character.

The team is seeking emerging voices who are ready to make their mark through powerful storytelling that knows how to move an audience. With authentic perspectives, judges will seek creators who show them something new and fearless that doesn’t shy away from difficult truths within the Hoboken community. Whether “intimate portraits or sweeping social examinations,” each film will be carefully reviewed as Hoboken’s next wave of filmmakers are discovered. The festival will take place on November 15th, 2025, from 5PM to 10PM at Antique Loft at Riverview, located at 33 Newark Street. All are welcome, and tickets can be bought here.

The Hoboken Docs Film Festival is open to all emerging documentary filmmakers who are ready to showcase their voices. The team is seeking honest, compelling documentaries that capture “the human experience in all its complexity,” revealing truth, sparking conversations, and ultimately reminding viewers of our deeply connected shared humanity.

All submissions must be documentary films of any genre or style. Creators can film from a variety of perspectives, such as historical, observational, personal, experimental, or any other non-fiction approach that suits their vision. Each film can run for a maximum of 15 minutes and cannot contain AI-generated content. For a closer look at all rules, requirements, and terms, click here.

The final submission deadline for creators is November 1st, 2025. Then, on November 10th, all winners will be notified before the main event on November 15th. All participants have a chance to win one of three prizes. First place takes home $5,000 cash, second place is $2,000 cash, and third place receives a $500 B&H Photo gift card.

Behind The Scenes

Behind all of the creative magic that is the Hoboken Docs Film Festival are two locals, Founder, Parker Foster + Co-Partner, Joe Castelo. Parker is a film director based right here in Hoboken who primarily directs commercials, documentaries, and films. He also runs a community-based filmmaker group called Filmmaker Friday that runs out of both New York City and Chicago. The group exists to bring filmmakers and creatives together each month to connect, grow, and continue to learn. Parker and his team host mixers, panel discussions, and screenings, to name a few. Last year, when he moved to the Mile Square, he knew it was an opportunity to expand the community he had already built in NYC to the streets of Hoboken. Originally from Dallas, Parker has lived all over other major U.S. cities, including Chicago, LA, NYC, and now Hoboken. Parker expressed his love for our little city, telling HG, “Hoboken feels like this underdog city in the shadow of NYC, and I love feeling like I have found this hidden oasis. Living here has inspired my creativity a lot.”

Parker shared that the filmmaker journey can be lonely, adding that the only other filmmaker he knew in Hoboken was a friend and co-partner, Joe Castelo, who owns a co-working space, Sweven. Parker had spent some time working out of Sweven when he finally connected with Joe and told him about his dreams to build a filmmaking community here in Hoboken. Serendipitously, Joe had been envisioning the same thing. The two met for a meeting and came up with the idea of the Hoboken Doc Film Festival, which will be the first of many more to come.

Joe is a master-entrepreneur whose creative mind is also behind The Station, Antique Bar and Bakery, and more. When Parker told us about Joe’s accomplishments, he warmly added, “Dude does everything, but what I love most about him is his heart. He’s an award-winning writer/director and really is the reason this festival is happening. He’s the push I needed to make this happen. He’s really one of a kind.” Parker is beyond grateful to be collaborating with Joe to bring Hoboken’s first film festival to life.

Since this endeavor was rooted in passion and dreams of community and creativity, team HG asked Parker what the creation of the Hoboken Docs Film Festival meant to him. He told us with heart: “For me, it’s simply to show the beautiful documentaries that are made every year and to share those with the community. We have a lot of films being shot here, but filmmakers don’t make up a lot of the city like Brooklyn does. I wanted to change that by bringing the NYC crowd over the Hudson and showing them how beautiful this place is while also showcasing some incredible filmmakers. Hopefully, this will inspire those to come visit and even move here.”

Parker added that he would love for locals of all kinds to come to the festival, not just filmmakers and creatives. Sharing, “Documentary is a beautiful medium because it’s a reflection of real life and real stories. Something we all have and can all share. I think now more than ever we need more empathy and love in this world, and how wonderful it is that we can celebrate these amazing filmmakers and their stories. I feel like a lot of people will leave this festival feeling very inspired.”

See More: The 14th Annual Montclair Film Festival Kicks Off on 10/17

The post First-Ever Hoboken Docs Film Festival Happening on 11/15 appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

Meet Jersey City Crochet Artist, Eden Created That

Via Rutkowski — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 01:00:20 +0000

Hudson County locals never cease to amaze us with their talent. Recently, we came across the stunning designs of local crochet artist, Eden Jusma, who is taking the nostalgic art form and turning it into something beyond a fashionista’s wildest dreams. With its vintage charm, crochet may be best thought of in the form of sweaters, doilies, and blankets, but this local designer’s crochet pieces have been worn down runways and continue to slay on the streets of Jersey City. Keep reading to learn more about Jersey City resident Eden and her crochet design hub, Eden Created That.

Photo Credit: Eden Jusma

How it Started

Eden Jusma was born and raised in Jersey City. For the last 22 years, she’s called Chilltown home and has been continuously inspired by life around her, whether it’s here in the city or out in nature. She draws inspiration from the beauty of everyday life. Eden’s love for crochet began in the third grade. She was part of an after-school club where she first got her hands on some crochet hooks and learned the basics of the design style. As the years went on, Eden had a lull in her crocheting as she went through elementary and middle school, but soon enough crocheting found her once again.

Photo credit: Eden Jusma

Eden attended County Prep High School in Jersey City, where she majored in Clothing + Textiles, getting a deeper understanding of fabric and design. As she was immersed in the arts, her former love for crochet was reignited after a long hiatus. She picked the hobby back up and began gathering inspiration from Instagram and Pinterest while she watched YouTube videos to deepen her knowledge of the art of crochet. As she dipped her toe back in, she couldn’t be stopped and is still an avid crocheter to this day. Enter, Eden Created That, Eden’s designer alias, which is a play on the wonders of the Garden of Eden, a place where she can create freely with endless inspiration.

The Designs

Eden’s designs know no bounds. After starting with just-for-fun designs for herself, Edenwas motivated to create her dream wardrobe with her own two hands. Soon, she found herself with a growing portfolio of designs and created the Instagram page @edencreatedthat. Her goal was simply to have a place to showcase her work, but over time, it began to grow and reach others who were passionate about crochet. Through this, she has been able to find a community of other creators, supporters, and even clients. Now, Eden does custom orders and sells designs she has already made to eager locals.

Photo Credit: Eden Jusma

Eden has created dresses, bags, hats, tops, skirts, dresses, shorts, masks, sweaters, chokers, dog bandanas, and just about every design you can think of. She has even crafted custom outfits for children, and spoiler alert… they are adorable. Over the years, Eden has showcased her designs in fashion shows at Saint Peter’s University and New York Fashion Week, leaving a mark on other young designers. Lately, she has been working on a process called Pattern Testing, where she collaborates with other designers to bring their patterns to life and then provides feedback to help improve the design.

Photo Credit: Eden Jusma

Eden shared with HG that her favorite thing about creating here in Hudson County is easily the community, saying, “New Jersey is such a diverse community that even if somebody doesn’t like something somewhere, somebody will like it somewhere else! You are free to just do you and be you.” Those interested in custom crochet orders can reach out to Eden via Instagram DM.

See More: 10 Items Made by New Jersey Locals

The post Meet Jersey City Crochet Artist, Eden Created That appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

Mothership: A New Community Art Store + Arcade in Hoboken

Via Rutkowski — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 13:00:59 +0000

Earlier this year, team HG caught wind of a new business moving into 257 1st Street in Hoboken. As the year went on, residents watched as the inner workings of Mothership began to unfold. Now, this weekend on October 11th from 11AM – 6PM, the community arts center and physical media hub, Mothership, will open its doors to the Mile Square, and celebrate its official grand opening. Read on to learn more about Mothership and what to expect at the opening.

How it Started

Once upon a time, five local creatives came together to build Mothership, a community arts center and third space for lovers of games, music, and nostalgia of all kinds. Mothership will be a real-life manifestation of the team’s passion for community, art, and more, coming together as one physical hub for locals to gather, learn, and explore.

The Mothership team consists of…

Jaiden Dalbello: Manager, Curator + Co-Founder
Co-Founder, Kaya Balugo: Creative Director + Co-Founder
Emma Jean Shuemake: Event Coordinator + Social Media Manager
Sabrina Williams: Team Member + Multidisciplinary Creative
Aaron Soliz Washington: Future Coffee Shop Owner + Programmer

HG spoke with Jaiden to get the scoop on what to expect when visiting Mothership and how the clever business all began. Jaiden explained that “Mothership was born from a desire to rebuild real-world connection in an increasingly digital era. The overlapping rise of technology and the isolation of COVID highlighted how disconnected people had become from in-person community.” He said, “we wanted to create a space that reintroduces intention, optimism, creativity, and human connection”.

Friends and co-founders Kaya Balugo and Jaiden Dalbello have been creative collaborators since their time at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. The concept of Mothership developed as the brain-child of the two after years of conversations about community, technology, and shared cultural passions. Jaiden told HG, “After a year of traveling across the U.S., visiting influential art and media spaces (like Central Arts in Dallas to Vinegar Syndrome in Boston), I was especially inspired by seeing Parliament-Funkadelic’s iconic Mothership at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.” She took this as a call to action to begin bringing this inspiration to life alongside Kaya right then and there. Now in 2025, the Mothership has fully materialized into a real-life physical space right here in Hoboken that fuses all of their loves, aka the Mothership.

Sneak Peek: What to Expect Now + In The Future

Mothership can best be described to locals as a community arts center and physical media hub. The future-forward arts hub blends creativity, technology, and nostalgia for lovers of all things culture. The space features a curated retail space with vinyl stalls, comics, collectibles, trading card games, claw machines, gaming experiences, interactive installations, and special after-hours events designed for gathering. Jaiden told us, “At its core, it’s a hybrid: part store, part lounge, part immersive experience. Our model combines merchandise, memberships, events, and creative services, with the goal of building a sustainable third space that bridges online culture and real-world connection.” Adding, “In 3 months, we’re building a sustainable multifunctional lab for creatives that we hope will not just grow locally, but scale globally.”

At Mothership, locals can experience DJ nights, movie screenings, interactive audiovisual art, Q+A sessions, and creative workshops for young adults and kids. The team also plans to host movie and trivia nights, the first of its kind, led by Kor Skeete, known for his appearance on HBO’s The Rehearsal with Nathan Fielder, happening later this month on October 23rd.

In the coming months, the Mothership team plans to have STEM and animation classes, as well as an analog lab with computers and a coffee shop featuring specialty teas and more. These works in progress are some of the many things Mothership plans to infuse into its space within the next several months.

The Grand Opening

The official grand opening of Mothership will unfold at 257 1st Street in Hoboken from 11AM to 6PM. Attendees can look forward to imported snacks and drinks from Japan and Korea, a TV installation, popcorn, and a live DJ set. The Mothership team let us know that arcade games will be free to play for the first two weeks post-opening, and claw machine tokens will be available for purchase at the front counter.

Mothership will be open to the public on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 11AM – 5PM, and from 10AM – 5PM on Fridays and Saturdays. The space will also host pop-ups and collabs on select Mondays and Tuesdays, along with select after-hours events from 6PM – 11PM Wednesday through Sunday.

See More: All About Bloomfield’s Hometown Arcade, a Family-Friendly Gaming Spot

To keep up with all of Mothership’s latest events and announcements, be sure to follow along with them on Instagram.

The post Mothership: A New Community Art Store + Arcade in Hoboken appeared first on Hoboken Girl.

The Best Thrift Stores in Hoboken + Jersey City for DIY Halloween Costumes

Via Rutkowski — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:00:58 +0000

Spooky season is in full swing which means it’s time to get our Halloween looks in order. Whether you leave plenty of time to prepare or are more of a day-of shopper, Hoboken and Jersey City’s thrift and vintage stores are here to save the day. This season, consider thrifting a Halloween costume rather than overspending on a one-time-wear. Second-hand shoppers get a double benefit from the exercise: supporting the planet by consuming less, and supporting local businesses. Read on for a list of thrift and vintage stores to buy pieces in Hoboken and Jersey City for this year’s Halloween costume.

Hoboken Thrift Stores

2nd Street USA | 200 Washington Street

It’s safe to say that 2nd Street USA is two stories of vintage heaven. This highly-curated shop has been combed through and organized to perfection with items of only the highest quality. 2nd Street USA is a great pick when looking for something specific without getting overwhelmed.

Revival Vintage Boutique | 86 Park Avenue

Revival Vintage Boutique in Hoboken is home to some pretty fantastic clothing, vinyl records, and accessories. Stepping into the store will have customers feeling instantly inspired. The curated selection here has timeless staples perfect for Halloween or everyday wear.

St. Mary Advocates | 536 Garden Street

Shopping at St. Mary’s is much more than just thrifting. The non-profit thrift shop is on a mission to fund efforts in health care and health education through the sales made at the store. All items have been previously donated and are considered very affordable by shoppers.

Thrift Box | 522 Jefferson Street

Thrift Box is ready to welcome Halloween lovers. The store shares some top-notch Halloween costume inspo on Instagram created from the merchandise. Kids’ costumes are usually available as well.

Thrifted by J + D | 526 Adams Street

In 2023, Thrifted by J+D became one of Hoboken’s newest thrift stores. Now residents love and trust the local favorite. Thrifted by J+D is full of surprises and fun finds for the whole family. The store’s wide selection of treasures is met with affordable prices to complete any costume.

Jersey City Thrift Stores

Another Man’s Treasure | 195 Montgomery Street

Another Man’s Treasure has been a vintage go-to in downtown Jersey City since 2006. The shop was even listed in both USA Today and Elle.com’s best place to shop vintage in America. This thoughtfully sourced collection of floor-to-ceiling vintage will make finding an era-specific Halloween costume a breeze.

Conshinement | 910 Bergen Avenue

Conshinement is Jersey City’s largest consignment and vintage store where customers can buy and sell clothing. Located in Journal Square, the store has a massive selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories. A trip to Conshinement will cover Halloween needs to the max.

Cranky Angel | 304 Newark Avenue

Cranky Angel’s three pillars are: playful, mesmerizing, and ultra-femme. This says it all about the Y2K-focused vintage thrift shop. The talented owner, Montana Fucci, also provides clothing customization services such as rhinestoning, painting, embroidery, and airbrushing which can make Halloween finds ultra-personal. HG tip: Be sure to check out the store’s Halloween-specific rack and $5 rack outside.

Mint Market | 339 Grove Street, Jersey City + 303 1st Street, Hoboken

Mint Market has vintage and contemporary pieces dating from the 1930s to the present day, covering nearly 100 years of fashion. The store also consigns unique designer bags. Be sure to check out both of Mint Market’s locations in Hoboken and Jersey City.

Phantasm | 379 Monmouth Street

Phantasm is the funky brainchild of two Jersey City residents, Alessandra Canario and Marco Vidal. The vintage co-op houses the finds of several vintage dealers making the diversity amongst the finds a 10/10. Putting together a costume from the most iconic movies would be so much fun here. The interior of the lively space is enough to start to transport customers to another time.

Twilight Thrift Shop | 2845 John F. Kennedy Boulevard

Photo Credit: Twilight Thrift Shop

Twilight Thrift Shop was practically made for this. The giant secondhand specialty shop in Jersey City is run by the queen of Jersey City Oddities, Brittany Graziosi. With a special eye for all things weird and wonderful, Twilight Thrift Shop is stacked with spooky finds.

See More: A Guide to Thrift Stores + Antique Shops in Montclair

ZeroKid NJ | 381 Monmouth Street

ZeroKid NJ’s approach to vintage streetwear is what makes the store so unique. With fantastic choices for everyone, ZeroKid is a great option for 90s-inspired men’s pieces. The shoes and accessories are also hard to beat. HG tip: We noticed that ZeroKid NJ had a fantastic selection of merchandise for men!

The post The Best Thrift Stores in Hoboken + Jersey City for DIY Halloween Costumes appeared first on Hoboken Girl.