If you’ve made your way here, first let me say thank you.
Whether you’ve been shopping with us for years, just discovered Nicholas Brooklyn, attended one of our events, or stumbled across us online, I’m glad you’re here.
My name is Monique Nicholas, and I’m the owner of Nicholas Brooklyn. I’m also a single mother, entrepreneur, community builder, event coordinator, buyer, marketer, customer service representative, social media manager, and about twenty other things depending on the day.
Like many of you, I wear a lot of hats.
Some days I’m helping my daughter get to gymnastics and piano lessons. Other days I’m unpacking new products, organizing events, answering customer emails, meeting with community leaders, or helping someone find the perfect herbal tea for their wellness journey.
And that’s exactly why I wanted to start this blog.
More Than Just a Store
For over 50 years, Nicholas has been a part of the community. What started with my father, Randolph Nicholas, has grown into something much bigger than retail.
Yes, we sell books.
Yes, we sell herbs.
Yes, we sell wellness products, body oils, incense, soaps, and cultural gifts.
But what we’ve really tried to create is a place where people can learn, connect, heal, grow, and feel at home.
Over the years I’ve watched complete strangers become friends inside these walls. I’ve watched small business owners launch their dreams. I’ve watched authors, healers, educators, artists, activists, and entrepreneurs share their gifts with our community.
That is what Nicholas Brooklyn means to me.
What You’ll Find Here
This blog is going to be a reflection of the same conversations we have every day inside the store.
We’ll talk about:
- Herbs and natural wellness
- Traditional remedies and their history
- Body oils and fragrance oils
- Soaps, skincare, and self-care
- Wellness trends and whether they’re worth the hype
- Books and authors we love
- Community events
- Entrepreneurship
- Small business lessons
- Family and motherhood
- Personal growth
- Culture and history
- And honestly, whatever else comes up in conversation
Because if you’ve ever visited Nicholas Brooklyn, you already know one thing: no two conversations are ever the same.
My Promise
I’m not writing this blog as a doctor.
I’m not writing it as someone who has all the answers.
I’m writing it as someone who has spent decades listening to customers, learning from elders, working alongside herbalists, entrepreneurs, healers, educators, and everyday people who are simply trying to live healthier, happier lives.
I’ll share what I’ve learned.
I’ll share what our customers ask about most.
I’ll share products that people love.
I’ll share lessons from running a family business.
And every now and then, I’ll probably share a little bit about my own journey too.
Let’s Grow Together
My hope is that this blog becomes another extension of what we’ve built at Nicholas Brooklyn — a place where people can learn something new, feel inspired, discover resources, and connect with a larger community.
So grab a cup of tea, take a look around, and come back often.
We’ll be adding new articles regularly, and I have a feeling we’re going to cover some really interesting topics together.
Thank you for being here.
Welcome to the Nicholas Brooklyn Blog.
With gratitude, Monique Nicholas Owner, Nicholas Brooklyn
Building community, sharing knowledge, and keeping the conversation going — one blog post at a time.