Shop Side B and Support People Who Support People!
Good ideas don’t stop during a pandemic.
Although people told Lyn Chin that she was crazy to open a new store, Side B, during a pandemic, she never doubted the power of Astoria, saying, “You must not live in a place as cool as Astoria!”
Side B had grown out of a concept that Lyn Chin launched as half of Newtown HQ, a store that had been split between her interest in small-batch makers, local artists, and sustainability and her friend’s interest in anime in gaming. At Side B, though, she could focus on what she was passionate about: other small business owners who were passionate about what they were making.
Having worked with a lot of small production communities, most in other countries, she knew that this was the way that she could bring joy and give back to her community.
“The Queens community is amazing…there are so many things I want to do and finally have a space to do it from!” she tells us.
Side B is the place to stop on your walk for a treat, a quick chat, a socially distanced smile, something fun and new for your home, or a treat-yo-self pair of earrings. It’s a microcosm of Astoria where the impossible can happen.
When you buy from Side B, Lyn Chin wants you to know that “a lot of thought goes into the products that are in the store. They’re things that should enhance the way you feel. Most items come from small makers so when you shop at Side B, you’re more than likely supporting more than 1 small business. Most of these small businesses are too small to have only one job so they’re really hustling. Most of them created their business out of a deeper cause and also give back a portion of proceeds to other causes. I love supporting people who support- the full circle of humanity.”
Here are some ways you can support people who support:
In the tradition of The Joy of Cooking and How to Cook Everything comes Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, an ambitious new approach to cooking by a major new culinary voice. Chef and writer Samin Nosrat has taught everyone from professional chefs to middle school kids to author Michael Pollan to cook using her revolutionary, yet simple, philosophy.
Salt Fat Acid Heat from Side B’s website
Made from discarded wooden furniture and other recycled materials intercepted before they end up in the landfills of South Africa. Backside has sawtooth bracket for wall hanging.
BlocArt- Frida Kahlo V2 from Side B’s website
Four Rabbit- Radical Vision Tarot Deck $48
RADICAL VISION TAROT is a bright and bold graphic interpretation of the traditional tarot deck. It is to be deciphered though the eyes of the reader. Have a radical vision.
Four Rabbit- Radical Vision Tarot Desk from Side B’s website
Mellow Pea Necklace- Sweet Birdie Chain $39
- 2mm curb chain
- Chain length: 17 inches with 2 inches extension
- Magnet diameter: 10mm
- Hypoallergenic
Choose your pendants to attach to your necklace. Sold separately.
Made in the USA by an emerging designer.
Mellow Pea Necklace- Sweet Birdie Chain from Side B’s website