Monica Martinez, founder of Black Kat Krochet, has turned her love for cats and crocheting into a business – one that’s not only a source of income but also a way to connect with her roots and her community.

Monica’s journey began when she crocheted a sweater for her cat during a cold winter. Encouraged by friends, she started selling her creations, and in 2017, Black Kat Krochet was born. Her work is deeply connected to her Mexican roots, using threads sourced from women in Mexico, and it’s been a way for her to reconnect with her heritage.

In this episode, we sit down with Monica to learn more about how she got into crocheting, how she turned a passion into a business, and what’s in store for the future.

Read our full story: https://epicenter-nyc.com/crochet-clothes-for-your-cat-the-bronx-biz-specializing-in-quirky-cat-outfits/

Follow Black Kat Krochet on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/black_kat_krochet/

Monica Martinez, founder of Black Kat Krochet, has turned her love for cats and crocheting into a business – one that’s not only a source of income but also a way to connect with her roots and her community.
Monica’s journey began when she crocheted a sweater for her cat during a cold winter. Encouraged by friends, she started selling her creations, and in 2017, Black Kat Krochet was born. Her work is deeply connected to her Mexican roots, using threads sourced from women in Mexico, and it’s been a way for her to reconnect with her heritage.
In this episode, we sit down with Monica to learn more about how she got into crocheting, how she turned a passion into a business, and what’s in store for the future.
<hr>
Read our full story: <a href="https://epicenter-nyc.com/crochet-clothes-for-your-cat-the-bronx-biz-specializing-in-quirky-cat-outfits/">https://epicenter-nyc.com/crochet-clothes-for-your-cat-the-bronx-biz-specializing-in-quirky-cat-outfits/</a> 
Follow Black Kat Krochet on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/black_kat_krochet/">https://www.instagram.com/black_kat_krochet/</a>

Welcome to the Epicenter NYC podcast. Every week we share an in-depth look at one of our top stories. We'll also take a moment to share a story from one our neighbors - someone like you! For more visit us at epicenter-nyc.com and subscribe to our newsletter.

Intro music: http://karavikamusic.com/

Production: https://www.pirateaudio.co/

Welcome to the Epicenter NYC podcast. Every week we share an in-depth look at one of our top stories. We'll also take a moment to share a story from one our neighbors - someone like you! For more visit us at <a href="https://epicenter-nyc.com/">epicenter-nyc.com</a> and subscribe to our newsletter.
Intro music: <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://karavikamusic.com/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1620801442290000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2BA7tOmAA5pmyU6HLQXTLH" data-rawhref="http://karavikamusic.com/">http://karavikamusic.com/</a>
Production: <a href="https://www.pirateaudio.co/">https://www.pirateaudio.co/</a>

Epicenter NYC

Crochet clothes for your cat? The Bronx biz specializing in quirky cat outfits

Introduction

Leah Goodridge

How to stay informed

With the incoming Trump administration, a lot of uncertainty looms for New Yorkers who rely on federal housing assistance, like Section 8. Potential changes to affordable housing policy could significantly impact many families, particularly in a city as diverse and dependent on federal support as New York. So, how can tenants prepare themselves for the challenges ahead?

Today, we sit down with Leah Goodridge to learn more about the implications of HUD's proposed changes, including controversial ideas from Project 2025 that could reshape housing support in New York City and nationwide. Leah brings years of experience as a tenants' rights attorney and a deep understanding of how these policies impact the everyday lives of New Yorkers.

Read our full story

Read more housing stories

With the incoming Trump administration, a lot of uncertainty looms for New Yorkers who rely on federal housing assistance, like Section 8. Potential changes to affordable housing policy could significantly impact many families, particularly in a city as diverse and dependent on federal support as New York. So, how can tenants prepare themselves for the challenges ahead?
Today, we sit down with Leah Goodridge to learn more about the implications of HUD's proposed changes, including controversial ideas from Project 2025 that could reshape housing support in New York City and nationwide. Leah brings years of experience as a tenants' rights attorney and a deep understanding of how these policies impact the everyday lives of New Yorkers.
<hr>
<a href="https://epicenter-nyc.com/how-to-prepare-for-trumps-impact-on-nycha-section-8-and-affordable-housing/">Read our full story</a>
<a href="https://epicenter-nyc.com/category/housing/">Read more housing stories</a>

Preparing for Trump’s  impact on NYCHA, Section 8 and affordable housing

Good Form Studios is a boutique gym in Rockaway Beach that's redefining what fitness means for beginners. Founder, Monice Small, has built a community-focused space where people of all fitness levels come to feel stronger, more confident, and more connected—to themselves and each other.

Today, I sit down with Monice to learn more about her journey from running track in high school to becoming a Pilates instructor and personal trainer, and ultimately, starting her own gym. She talks about the challenges she faced—like crowdfunding for her first 400-square-foot space during the pandemic and navigating the complexities of starting a business as an undocumented immigrant with DACA status. 

https://www.goodformny.com/

https://www.goodformny.com/contact-goodform

Good Form Studios is a boutique gym in Rockaway Beach that's redefining what fitness means for beginners. Founder, Monice Small, has built a community-focused space where people of all fitness levels come to feel stronger, more confident, and more connected—to themselves and each other.
Today, I sit down with Monice to learn more about her journey from running track in high school to becoming a Pilates instructor and personal trainer, and ultimately, starting her own gym. She talks about the challenges she faced—like crowdfunding for her first 400-square-foot space during the pandemic and navigating the complexities of starting a business as an undocumented immigrant with DACA status. 
<a href="https://www.goodformny.com/">https://www.goodformny.com/</a>
<a href="https://www.goodformny.com/contact-goodform">https://www.goodformny.com/contact-goodform</a>

How one Rockaway Beach gym is redefining fitness

In the heart of Sugar Hill, Manhattan’s only Black-owned comedy club, Comedy in Harlem, is entertaining and empowering the community. Founded by comedians Nicky Sunshine and Jamie Roberts, Comedy in Harlem isn’t only about the punchlines; it’s about creating a space for free expression and community connection – especially in turbulent times.

The club is also a tribute to Harlem’s cultural legacy and a platform for diverse voices to speak their truths. The club brings together locals and visitors alike, from young artists testing their skills at open mics to audience members looking for an escape through humor.

Today – we’re talking with Nicky about how Comedy in Harlem came to be, the challenges of running a small business in New York, and the deep responsibility she feels in amplifying marginalized voices. 

https://epicenter-nyc.com/manhattans-only-black-owned-comedy-club-offers-laughter-to-ease-election-stress/

https://www.comedyinharlem.com/

https://www.instagram.com/comedyinharlem/

In the heart of Sugar Hill, Manhattan’s only Black-owned comedy club, Comedy in Harlem, is entertaining and empowering the community. Founded by comedians Nicky Sunshine and Jamie Roberts, Comedy in Harlem isn’t only about the punchlines; it’s about creating a space for free expression and community connection – especially in turbulent times.
The club is also a tribute to Harlem’s cultural legacy and a platform for diverse voices to speak their truths. The club brings together locals and visitors alike, from young artists testing their skills at open mics to audience members looking for an escape through humor.
Today – we’re talking with Nicky about how Comedy in Harlem came to be, the challenges of running a small business in New York, and the deep responsibility she feels in amplifying marginalized voices. 
<a href="https://epicenter-nyc.com/manhattans-only-black-owned-comedy-club-offers-laughter-to-ease-election-stress/">https://epicenter-nyc.com/manhattans-only-black-owned-comedy-club-offers-laughter-to-ease-election-stress/</a>
<a href="https://www.comedyinharlem.com/">https://www.comedyinharlem.com/</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/comedyinharlem/">https://www.instagram.com/comedyinharlem/</a>

Crochet clothes for your cat? The Bronx biz specializing in quirky cat outfits

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