Entrepreneurs

Cohoes: A CapNY City The Nation is Watching

Updated: July 2025

“One groundbreaking achievement that stands out is the floating solar array on the water reservoir, a project that makes Cohoes the first in the nation to generate 100% municipal electricity while offering 40% surplus energy to the school district. This has not only been environmentally conscious but also instrumental in promoting Cohoes on a national and global scale, attracting the attention of businesses and governmental bodies.”

In the heart of New York’s Capital Region, Joseph’s journey has been part of the driving force behind the resurgence of Cohoes. Born in Greene County of CapNY, he embarked on a path that took him from Albany to Seattle and back again, eventually leading him to become the City Planner of Cohoes in 2019.

With a background in city planning and hands-on experience in construction oversight acquired in Seattle, he wound up in CapNY with a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm.

He discovered a unique niche in working on energy-related projects, not only saving the city money but also allowing them to reinvest in critical programs such as social services and capital projects. Over the span of four years, he and his team leveraged an impressive $35 million in public funding to attract and retain private investments.

In the past two years, Cohoes has seen a remarkable transformation guided by three key pillars: infrastructure development, the restoration of historic buildings, and environmental sustainability.

Cohoes has invested heavily in infrastructure improvements, including upgrading sidewalks, planting trees, enhancing parks, and creating a stunning waterfront park complete with a dock. The emphasis on green spaces and livability has attracted new businesses, residents, and investors, marking a notable difference from seven years ago. The city has also introduced charging stations for electric vehicles, making it more attractive for environmentally-conscious individuals and businesses.

Cohoes recognized the value of preserving its historic architecture. Significant funds have been allocated to restore iconic buildings like City Hall, the library, and the music hall. What’s particularly innovative is the city’s commitment to making these buildings carbon-neutral, pioneering the removal of gas and making them the first of their kind in the state and the nation. The Cohoes Music Hall stands as the first carbon-neutral music venue in the country, showcasing Cohoes’ commitment to sustainability.

To encourage private building and homeowners in downtown Cohoes to modernize their properties while respecting their historical significance, the city has offered open tax incentives. This initiative breathes new life into the city’s architecture while preserving its rich heritage.

Cohoes is now witnessing the development of new rental and commercial units, creating a more dynamic and attractive urban landscape.

Further contributing to Cohoes’ transformation, the introduction of new recycling bins for every member of the community, combined with efforts to improve street lighting, has been instrumental in securing additional grants and enhancing the city’s appeal.

One groundbreaking achievement that stands out is the floating solar array on the water reservoir, a project that makes Cohoes the first in the nation to generate 100% municipal electricity while offering 40% surplus energy to the school district. This has not only been environmentally conscious but also instrumental in promoting Cohoes on a national and global scale, attracting the attention of businesses and governmental bodies.

Cohoes has become a magnet for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The city’s unique blend of history, compact downtown, and picturesque waterfront location, free from high-rises, sets it apart. Its strategic location near Interstate 787 and the Thruway offers untapped potential for investment and growth.

Local businesses are thriving, with establishments like Smith’s Taproom bustling with activity from afternoon to evening. Cohoes’ strong sense of community, combined with word-of-mouth recommendations from established entrepreneurs, has drawn businesses, breweries, and restaurants to the city.

The city’s downtown area is a prime example of revitalization, with a single main street boasting historic storefronts, commercial spaces, outdoor dining, and parks, all within a compact .75-mile radius.

Cohoes Falls, a hidden gem, attracts 20,000 visitors annually without any advertising, showcasing the city’s natural beauty and the potential for further growth. The beauty of spots like Cohoes Falls and Peebles Island State Park offer resons for residents and tourists to explore the area.

The Cohoes Music Hall, which hosts concerts, ghost tours, and events like the Mac and Cheese Bowl, is a cultural hub that brings the community together. The city has cultivated a strong sense of community through events like the Trunk or Treat and the Rock the Block concert series.

Cohoes is home to many people with rich histories, who deeply care about the place they call home. This is reflected in the city’s welcoming and warm atmosphere.

Cohoes also nurtures the growth of unique businesses and groups, such as The Planter, Chocolate is Self Care, Chee-Bog, and Bye-i Brewery. The city’s local art scene has also flourished, with partnerships like the one with Albany Center Gallery, leading to stunning murals and galleries that have attracted art enthusiasts.

Cohoes’ transformation is a testament to the dedication and vision of people like Joseph Seman-Graves, who has brought about significant changes in land use, development, and environmental sustainability. The city’s unique blend of history, location, and community spirit has attracted businesses and residents, breathing new life into this historic city. Cohoes stands as a shining example of urban revitalization, showcasing what can be achieved with innovation, vision, and a strong commitment to preserving its heritage.

CapNY Changemakers: Introducing J’Vanay Santos

Updated: July 2025

Being known affectionately (or maybe sardonically depending on the mood) as Smallbany, the Capital District is known for having a close-knit community with limited offerings but those of us in the know know that this is a misconception. Millennials have been working overtime to give this region a much needed reboot, bolstering niche communities rife with culture. These individuals leading the charge are changemakers– advocates of cultural, spiritual, and mental progress that are leaders in any given space.

One Changemaker is making her disruptive entrance into the maternal care space. Albany native J’Vanay Santos is forging a new path in maternal care and she’ll be sharing her gift with the tri-state area soon. Co-founded by J’Vanay, MyLÚA Health is an emerging maternal health platform that specializes in support for birthing persons and their care teams through personalized education, connection to resources, and health insights to improve quality and equitable decision-making. MyLÚA Health is an AI-powered early risk detection service that identifies & manages the risk of pregnancy-related complications.

In J’Vanay’s words, “MyLÚA Health supports allied health professionals to ensure birthing persons have access to knowledge and resources to achieve a safe and healthy pregnancy for themselves and their babies. With predictive analytics, automation tools, and a robust network or partners, the company determines needs at the individual level and matches them to localized resources. After answering a brief intake, MyLÚA will provide a personalized risk assessment; along with evidence-based, actionable education and connections to both clinical and non-clinical resources to address care needs. Additionally, MyLÚA partners with community-based organizations to enhance support systems at the local level. “The goal here,” J’Vanay says,” is to focus on missed and delayed diagnoses that stem from poor screening and lack of data, which hinders a provider’s understanding of a birthing person’s lived experience.”

J’Vanay’s inspiration for the creation of MyLÚA lies in her up-close experience with the racial gap in maternal care, “U-Leea Santos, our Chief Experience Officer, and my sister, was denied medical intervention despite establishing a code word for wanting intervention. The mental and emotional tool of such an experience was challenging and left us wondering why we could not advocate for U-Leea’s wishes. As one of 8 [children] and the glorified doula of my family after being a part of 5 prior births, I knew something was wrong. So, we decided to dive into the literature and unearthed many issues with the maternal care system.” And that she did. J’Vanay and U-Leea partnered with a group of like minded health care providers, data scientists, and engineers to bring their dream to fruition.

J’Vanay’s passion for equity in the maternal health care space lies in the desire to give voice and agency to those that have been stripped of it, “We are amplifying the voices of birthing persons/mothers that have historically been left out of the narrative. When speaking with birthing folks, we continuously hear that they feel rushed, unheard, and express concerns about their pain being ignored. Trust has been in the maternal care system as structural racism has led to outcome disparities and inequities. We provide a platform that equips birthing persons with knowledge, resources, care advocates, and risk detection so all birthing persons can access their right to a quality and safe birthing experience for themselves and their babies.” Though this is a weighty call to task, it’s one worth striving for. Per NPR the maternal death rate for Black Americans was 69.9 per 100,000 in 2021 alone, which is 2.6 times higher the rate for white women.

Bridging the gap in any way we can means increasing access to quality care, identifying diagnoses early and finding community care to help address those needs where busy hospitals and health care centers cannot. MyLÚA Health is one of the many organizations trying to push us in the right direction. They are changemakers and the community is ready to receive them with open arms. From panel opportunities to partnerships with doula and community based organizations to funding, the community at large has embraced them– and soon NY State at large will be too.

At this time MyLÚA is focused on securing further partnerships before they go live later this year. If you’d like to get involved or receive support, reach out to the team here

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2 Hot Woman-Run Startups in CapNY

Updated: July 2025

Startup formation throughout Upstate New York has been second strongest in the Capital Region, according to a Center for Economic Growth analysis of data from U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics.

Our startup economy is booming and people, we invite you to BYOB (bring your own business) here to CapNY!

From incubators and co-working spaces to funding and entrepreneurial bootcamps, there are countless opportunities for you to secure the resources you need to build your business.

The Center for Economic Growth (CEG)’s Business Growth Solutions (BGS) unit offers a menu of support s ervices for entrepreneurs. CEG is also an operational partner of Innovate518, a collaborative effort managed by the University at Albany of incubators and accelerators and co-working spaces. The Capital Region Chamber provides support services for entrepreneurs including loan programs, entrepreneur boot camps and an MWBE program. Just to name a few…

Today, we’ll focus on two booming woman-run startups in CapNY that are making waves. Read on!

Inspect Point gives you everything you need to run a fire inspection business. It helps you perform more inspections, win more contracts, and grow your inspection business to new heights.

Jennifer Doyle, CapNY native & Co-Founder/VP of Customer Success, said “after graduating from The Sage Colleges, I worked at several technology companies in the area in the marketing departments. While I learned a lot during my time with each, I did not feel fulfilled. After several years of working in the area, I quit my job and started a consulting company with my then boyfriend (now husband).

The concept of the business was inspired by a friend in the fire protection space came to us upset with their current software solution. After doing some research on the other solutions, as well as the market space, we saw an opportunity to build something that the industry needed and went all in.

Having a support system, outside of work, has been vital to our success. Since all of us (founders) have grown up and attended college in the area (Sage and RPI), our families and friends have been able to help us with babysitting, hot meals, and support throughout the years. Growing up in and starting our business in the Capital Region has also given us the opportunity to lean on resources and people we have known for many years.”

Micropolitan Matchmakers, formerly Capital Heart Connection, provides matchmaking services, dating coaching, a podcast & more to help people in CapNY and other micropolitan areas “find their big love in their micropolitan region!” They’re the only matchmaking service of their kind in the region.

Founded by two CapNY natives and current Schenectady residents, Becky Daniels and Gabby Fisher. As two young professionals living in CapNY, they wanted to get off the apps and into the real dating world by curating singles events at local businesses. “As much as apps can help extend personal networks, it’s kind of dehumanizing,” said Daniels, “People aren’t people — they’re just a picture.” Diversity and inclusiveness play a central role, too. While both Fisher and Daniels are cis-gendered white women looking for men, “we really want to make sure the community is open for love across the spectrum,” Daniels said.

You can check out their services, listen to their podcast, join the free singles database, & find upcoming CapNY-based singles events, here!

“My husband and I traveled for many years before moving back to the area and starting Inspect Point. What drew us back here was not only family, but the proximity to hiking, restaurants, travel opportunities, and a great place to build a company. I enjoy hiking with my kids at Peebles Island, grabbing a coffee with my coworkers at JACOB ALEJANDRO, grabbing a beer with my friends at The Ruck, and enjoying a date night with my husband at Browns or Nicole’s.”

Jennifer Doyle

Inspect Point

“When I moved back after graduate school, I was lucky to have a great group of friends from high school to come back to. But I still wanted to expand my professional circle, find a mentor… and maybe some potential dates. There are so many ways to build a network. I found my people through joining the Palette Cafe Community and Junior League of Albany, attending events with our awesome local chambers and young professionals groups. Volunteering with community organizations including the local St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital team, New Leaders Council, and Capital Region Sponsor a Scholar also helped.”

Becky Daniels

Micropolitan Matchmakers

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Making an Impact: 3 Black Entrepreneurs in CapNY

Updated: July 2025

Despite systemic barriers in place for marginalized communities, there are countless thriving Black-owned businesses in CapNY. Many use their resources to pay it forward, bettering the communities around them.

Whether it’s by combating poverty through transportation, supporting new business owners from marginalized groups, or creating a gym that welcomes those often left out of the fitness world, these three Black entrepreneurs have made an impact in CapNY.

Trent Griffin-Braaf is the founder and CEO of transportation companies Tech Valley Hospitality Shuttle and GB Logistics. In 2021, the 37-year-old was named one of Forbes’ Next 1,000 Entrepreneurs. GB Logistics is currently partnered with Amazon, making deliveries out of the tech giant’s Colonie base. Tech Valley Shuttle offers a variety of modes of transportation, with a special focus on the community. Their main mission is to combat poverty through transportation. According to Griffin-Braaf, “Transportation and poverty go hand in hand, and we’re trying to change that, to flip the switch.” Tech Valley Shuttle offers shuttles to aid those living in local food deserts, commuter rides to work, as well as transportation to the New York State’s correctional facilities, allowing people in the community to visit loved ones, which is found to lower recidivism rates.

We asked, why are you passionate about what you do?

“Two things. I think the biggest thing is that I’ve had times in my life when I wasn’t able to drive, so I understand the barriers. And then I was someone who was previously incarcerated in my youth. So I lived all of these things, from not being able to get a job, to having to utilize public transportation, which minimized my work opportunities, to being in prison. I lived in food insecure areas, I grew up on Hamilton Hill, in Schenectady, and the Heights in Troy, where there are no grocery stores nearby. So, I’ve actually had to deal with these same issues. And now being able to help others in the Capital Region get past those barriers, I feel good. I feel like I have a mission every day. I know my purpose. I know I’m helping change lives, and that allows me to keep going.”

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

“The best advice that I would give to anybody who wants to be an entrepreneur is one, to believe in yourself. I believe that so many times people don’t have the true belief in themselves that they can accomplish what it is they set out to do, or that they can make the kind of money they say they want to make. I say belief starts with belief, and knowing that you really can accomplish anything. We all have greatness within us. It’s just identifying that greatness, and pulling it out and working on it. You have to make the time to work on yourself. No one can be successful without being the best version of themselves. And if they do, it’s just luck and then that would be squandered. But for anything that’s sustainable, and for the long term, it takes education and in the know how. Take courses, or if you’re not the best in school, utilize YouTube and read books. Take advantage of networks that help small businesses entrepreneurs.”

Cori Rodriguez is the owner of Cussin’s Nails in Downtown Schenectady. The 34-year-old moved to the Capital Region in 1997, and has lived in the hamlet of Delmar ever since. Cussin’s Nails focuses on keeping nails healthy, and clients safe, as well as being an inclusive space where all feel welcome. Rodriguez opened the nail salon in 2018, and now hosts the space “for six micro-businesses,” as Rodriguez likes to call it, that operate independently inside of her salon. The six micro-businesses currently working out of her salon are all women-owned, and include minority and disabled owners as well. The salon has a popular following on social media, and Rodriguez herself has a waiting list for future clients.

We asked, why are you passionate about what you do?

“I like that I have the freedom to make my business the space that I want it to be. I’m also able to help my renters out, by mentoring them as they create their businesses, get their licensing and insurance, just overall mentorship. Being nail technicians, most of my renters came to me straight from school, so they’re starting from scratch, with no clientele, and that can be very jarring and alarming. You kind of just jump in, and hope that you can swim. I create a lifeboat, where any question they have, I can hopefully provide an answer. What is also really important to me, is that a lot of Black women spend money on beauty services, and while the hair industry and waxing industry are very diverse, the nail industry is a bit less so. While there are nail salons that are owned by other marginalized community members, many are not Black-owned, so Black women can often find themselves being mistreated in another environment. So I wanted to make a space that’s safe for everybody.”

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

“The best advice that I could give, and what I give my new renters as they’re coming in, is that we are capable. We are programmed to think that there is one way to do everything, and one way to live. You go to high school, you get your diploma, you go to college, you get your diploma, you get the job, and you work, and then you retire. But that doesn’t work for a lot of people. Instead of struggling for years to live happy later, what can I do now? Realize that you do have the potential, and the resources available, where anybody has the ability to start something new today.”

Trinel Mcdermott is the owner of Synergy Albany, located on Everett Road. The 29-year-old Long Island-native opened Synergy Albany in 2018. Mcdermott says he chose Albany as Synergy’s location because of its diverse demographic, and affordability compared to the pricier Long Island, allowing him to start his business with less initial overhead. Whereas many gyms operate as a one-size-fits-all model, Synergy provides a personalized fitness experience at a group value. Mcdermott’s approach allows patrons to “get that community feel, but also get a personalized experience that caters to [them], and whatever [their] goals are.”

We asked, why are you passionate about what you do?

“I’m passionate about what I do because I get to help people on a consistent basis. I think oftentimes, a lot of people get caught up or consumed with the everyday hustle and bustle, and you get pulled into just making money and just surviving for the most part. For me to be able to do what I love in terms of helping people, and help someone who may be struggling with hypertension, or struggling with fibromyalgia, is super fulfilling. When someone is struggling with their weight loss journey, and they’ve tried everything, it’s fulfilling to see them get from point A to point B, when things finally click. The feeling you get, knowing that you’ve helped someone, and it doesn’t have to be a ton of people, it always starts small, but before you know it, the compounding effect of just helping people and being able to bring a smile every day keeps me passionate about what I do.”

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

“Make sure you have a plan of action, and you execute that plan. A lot of times, we will create a plan, but we won’t execute it for a lot of different reasons. And we’ll always tell ourselves, “Well, I need to do this before I can do that.” Sometimes it’s just about finding a way to execute your dream, knowing it’s okay to fail. And if you fail, fail fast and move on fast. If you’re passionate and genuine about what you do, in the long run, it will always pay off, because it’s more so about relationships. And from those relationships, you can cultivate better success. When I was starting Synergy, I was knocking on doors, and saying, “My name is Trinel, and I’m opening up a gym not too far from here. I’d love for you to come down and check it out.” Just creating some sort of rapport, so that I’m able to know them on a first name basis, and create some type of relationship. It doesn’t always work, of course, but if you do that consistently, you’ll get maybe five people that will come down and check out your business or give you a call back. And before you know it, they have a friend and you can start to create a community just simply off of one or two meaningful connections.”

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4 Millennial Changemakers in CapNY Housing

Updated: July 2025

If you’ve spent time in Albany, there’s a chance that you’ve noticed a bright red ‘X’ on multiple buildings. Albany has a lot of homes that are currently vacant, dilapidated, and not up to safety codes. Seeing all of those properties that have great potential, you can’t help but to dream of all the possibilities, to think of it’s potential to be transformed into adequate housing or become multi-purpose centers for our community…

Outside of the possibility you’re also faced with what is: that the presence of those abandoned homes indicate that there are more unhoused neighbors than you think. Furthermore it begs the question what does affordable housing actually look like in CapNY.

While no one person has all the answers, we do have a bevy of individuals of all ages and groups committed to finding solutions. Leadership is not a one-size fits all endeavor, it does not have a particular look and feel. There are more and more young people in CapNY who are taking up the mantle to be actors of change. It’s important to believe in the power of younger generations. These millennials are changing the landscape of homeownership and what it means to have housing in our region.

Meet Virginia Rawlins, President and CEO of Building Blocks Together (BBT), an organization dedicated to the education of Black and Brown potential homeowners. The 31-year-old Bronx native started out as a Housing Services Counselor at the Albany County Land Bank but then realized that members of the community had a lot of misconceptions about the home buying process.

“Working at the Land Bank I realized that people didn’t know the basic home buying process. They were excited [to receive grants] for the $5,000 houses, but they didn’t know which legal documents to submit to the bank had they gone the traditional route.” Seeing that disconnect, Rawlins founded Building Blocks Together as a way to bridge that gap. Founded in 2018, BBT is equal parts a consulting and advocacy group which holds workshops and helps connect members of the community with funding opportunities. In addition to the creation of BBT, Rawlins works with the Touhey Foundation and their Restorative Justice fund, which gives African-American homebuyers up to $10,000 to purchase a home in CapNY.

“I wanted to be a connector. I think everyone can agree that the opportunities for affordable home ownership for minorities are present with entities like the Land Bank and the Land Trust in the area. However some of these organizations that are not Black-led don’t have the resources or have the same sense of care to do community outreach in the way that Black people would.”

Working for the community and being of the community is a distinction that Virginia is keenly aware of. It can mean the difference between feeling seen, heard and understood and condescension. It can also be a barrier to beginning the endeavor of home ownership. It is due to this understanding that various housing groups have welcomed Virginia’s presence with open arms. Virginia has been lifted up by Albany’s housing community and has created long lasting connections.

Ultimately Virginia Rawlins is passionate about the work she does because she believes that everyone is entitled to own a home and build a deeper connection to the community around them.

Meet Josh Koss, General Counsel for The Vecino Group, a multidimensional collective dedicated to creating “lasting and socially-impactful” work. Before relocating to Troy, Josh practiced law at a real estate law firm in NY helping close $3 billion worth of deals while there but he wanted something a bit more “hands on.” After gaining his broker’s license, he fell in love with the area and began his journey with the Vecino Group. The 29-year-old lawyer’s work is centered on affordable housing within the region.

The Vecino Group works in tandem with social programs such as Asteri, a supportive community for persons with developmental and physical challenges based in Utica, to provide housing. The Vecino Group owns and operates over $700 million dollars of affordable housing development across this country, and owns 4 properties in Upstate NY.

Josh believes that there is more to housing than availability and affordability, “The supportive housing aspect is important to what we do. We’ve partnered with daycares, CVS to distribute vaccines, among other things in the community. It’s based on this notion that it’s important to deliver not just affordable housing but high quality affordable housing to people of all different income levels and social statuses. We believe that if we can help people capitalize on the benefits that come with that– better education, better support for mental and physical health– then we’re doing a small part in the world to make our communities a better place.”

Being housed is a basic need that drastically alters our course in life. It is the foundation from which our faculties grow. Josh understands that people not only have a right to shelter but a right to quality of life. To even begin to approach social equity, we need well rounded responses to the inequalities that plague our communities.

Josh is ultimately passionate about this work because it simply feels good. “I think that human beings were meant to feel good about doing good work. I look for work that makes me feel good. If I’m doing that and I’m helping the people around me, then it’s a good day.” Being able to achieve goals with like-minded individuals is what keeps Josh going. Upon moving here he knew one person, now he knows 100. Josh feels that there are great people in this area dedicated to this work.

Last but certainly not least are the founding partners of the Wallace Turner Law Firm, Ray Turner and Kim Wallace. Their main areas of practice are real estate, business and personal injury, and estate planning.

Ray Turner initially went to undergrad for theater and dance but when personal tragedy struck she wanted to figure out what she could do to take control of her life, so she enrolled in law school. A move that proved to be life changing. Ray worked in the public defender’s office for a while but still felt that she wasn’t creating the change that she had hoped in her community, “I had an epiphany. I was helping people but it wasn’t long lasting. I thought, ‘How can I make an impact and help people?’ I need to open up a law firm. CapNY needs to see a law firm that looks like them. What services do we need to offer? We need to offer home ownership because that’s going to create generational wealth. It was about how I can help people establish themselves further.”

Ray’s approach to community building moves beyond the initial moment of gaining housing, instead figuring out ways for Black and Brown communities to retain their homes and businesses and turn them into assets that can be passed down to their children. Having a law firm that reflects the community and a firm that the community trusts is an invaluable asset. Ray and Kim find that more often than not clients come to them because of who they are and how they can relate to them. People find comfort in seeing people like them.

What motivates Ray and Kim most is knowing that they are presenting members of our community that often don’t get the representation they deserve. Moving forward they aim to expand their business to become a full service law firm, hire from inside the community, and to grow as a practice.

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5 CapNY Creative Side Hustlers You Need to Know About

Updated: July 2025

COVID-19 has drastically altered the way we approach life and the ways in which we inhabit the world. For some it has made them more cautious, feeling the precarity of each passing moment. Others have become more appreciative of the present, embracing the opportunity to take an extended pause. Living in a space of ambiguity provided the chance for some to reconnect with their passions and pursue them as a side hustle. If this is you, you’re not alone!

All over CapNY, Upstate New Yorkers have been rethinking their career paths, choosing to maintain their 9-5’s while pursuing their passions on the side. With COVID giving them more downtime, these five individuals have been able to maintain their creative side hustles while putting in a 40 work week. These “hustles” have been both a re-connection to self and an outlet for creative expression. The world around us remains as uncertain as ever. From fashion, to screenwriting and directing, and music, these creatives shared what has given them courage to choose both.

Meet Antonette Lewis from Albany, the Creator-Director of AKL Studios. By day Antonette works at a lobbying firm, but by night she runs a beautiful luxury sunglass line. ”Since I was little I’ve been in love with fashion,” Antonette said. “One thing I always remembered was when my mom drew a wedding dress on a napkin. It was the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen. I was like ‘I want to make that!’” She eventually wants to develop a clothing line, but for now, sunglasses are a good start.

So how exactly does Antonette balance it all? “I have a special routine I do. I wake up at 5 in the morning, I draft my social media posts for AKL Studios and send those drafts to my team. Then, I get ready to go to my day job. Once work is over I start working again with AKL. That’s the time I reach out to my manufacturers and my team. I prep a lot of emails.”

Since launching the line during COVID, Antonette feels she’s learned a lot about herself. “I’ve learned to trust myself more, to have more confidence. You don’t need to go to fashion school to run your own line. The only difference is that they have more money and access. You can do it on your own.” Since building that confidence, Antonette has expanded her line and plans to do more fashion shows, more photo shoots, more collaborations, and pop up shops in the future.

Fashion is booming here

Above all, Antonette believes that, despite popular belief, the fashion community is booming here. “There’s always so much going on. Watch Spectrum News! There’s always a gala, a fashion show, an event. There are a lot of unique people here!” Albany’s creative economy is growing and it’s here to stay.

Click here to check out the AKL Studios IG.

Meet Nneka Morgini, Creator-Director of Tall Luxé fashion line and Niskayuna native. When Nneka is not working on Tall Luxé, she works in Human Resources for a community college. She took advantage of the extra time the pandemic created and launched Tall Luxé this year. “It’s always been something I’ve been thinking about. I want to make clothes for taller women. It’s always a struggle because I’m 6’1 myself; it’s hard to find clothes that fit me well. Amid the pandemic I had more time to do what I needed to do to start my clothing line.”

Through the creation of Tall Luxé, Nneka feels that she’s learned a lot about herself, “I never thought I was capable of doing something like this, to be honest. I’ve never taken that leap of faith to start this idea I have. I’ve always been shy and low key. I didn’t think about becoming an entrepreneur. When the pandemic happened, I thought to myself, this is the time to start. This line will be mine and I’ll be able to do something I’m actually passionate about. I’ve learned that I’m much stronger and resilient than I give myself credit for and that I need to get out of my own way. It takes believing in yourself to make things happen.”

A rich creative community in Albany

Nneka feels there is a rich creative community in Albany, and that there’s so much to discover here as opportunities pop up each day. As her business grows, her goal for the next year is to network more and to be immersed in the Upstate fashion community. Nneka, similar to Antonette, wants to participate in more pop up shops and fashion shows. Until then if you’re a taller woman and you’re looking for some luxe looks, check out her site! Click for IG and FB.

Meet Kenna Hynes, a director-screenwriter from Chicago who has found her stride with music video direction. When she’s not creating rich narratives with indie rock star Nandi Rose, she works at a recruitment agency. “I’ve always been interested in music. Before I got into film, I was a musician. I started out as a Camera Operator, Director of Photography, and then started making documentaries of artists on tour. From there I began to direct music videos. My job at the recruitment agency gives me the flexibility to continue my work in film.”

Kenna has been active in the film and music scene since 2012. But when COVID hit, she had to go back to the drawing board, because she wasn’t able to shoot film. “Having such a close relationship with Nandi Rose really got me through a big chunk of COVID. We started thinking of big ideas, and when it was safe to meet up, we started planning for future videos. It really gave us an outlet to be able to work on those projects together. Planning our next steps gave us something to look forward to and carried us mentally.”

Outside of building upon her personal-professional relationship with Half Waif, Kenna took the extended pause to reorient herself in her goals, “The biggest takeaway I’ve had is that you need goals. You need to have a mission for yourself while still trying to be present and deliberate. I was getting into ‘good old days’ syndrome, where I was thinking ‘should I go back to Chicago? I’m not making movies.’ But I needed to see what’s in front of me. Being present here and focusing on who you’re with something magical will happen.”

You do not need to be in big city to make great art

Experiencing film in both a big city and upstate Kenna feels that Upstate NY still has so much to offer. “There’s less ego here. The Upstate community is forming and you’re a part of something here, creating a creative community together. You do not need to be in a big city to make great art.” There is a wealth of community here, if you find it. If you’re interested in seeing Kenna’s work, click here!

Meet Spencer Sherry of Saratoga Springs, landscaper by day, actor-screenwriter by night. Both his traditional job and his filmmaking are done in collaboration with his friend-business partner, which gives him the flexibility to shift gears.

Currently (and always) Spencer is writing. He has a very exciting Stephen King-inspired short film on the way, which he began writing for a student scholarship. It was initially rejected because it wasn’t on King’s approved short list, but “I wound up reaching out to his agent with nothing to lose, asking for a commercial contract to option it. He responded saying that I wasn’t a big enough name. I went back again for a non-commercial contract because I really believed in the story and then he said okay, and gave me a special contract. I’m psyched! Now I’m trying to put a crew together to take a swing at this.”

COVID has given Spencer the chance to dig in and develop projects to shoot in the fall. “We’ve been really fortunate because business on the landscaping side didn’t slow down at all, and we’ve been able to push each other to work on film projects. I’ve written more than I ever wrote in a year. The pandemic made me get the confidence to write for the sake of writing. For me personally, I’ve had this trepidation of wanting to save a project when I have the technology, funds, and the means to make a film. Now I just want to crank out stories with very little fear of it being made. The nebulousness of Covid helped with my trepidation.”

The Upstate community is invaluable

Outside of honing his craft and leaning into exploring writing, Spencer has been delving more into the local film community. To Spencer, the Upstate community is invaluable. “It’s so much tighter here than it is in bigger cities. No one in New York wants to help a lowly PA on their passion projects. But here people are willing to help, getting locations is easier, people are so much more accommodating. It outweighs the potential money that can be made.”

If you want to see Spencer’s work check out his IMDB here, otherwise stay tuned for his projects to be filmed this fall!

Last but certainly not least, meet Symone Noelle a singer-songwriter who has used the pandemic to fully launch her creative path. Formerly an interior designer, Symone is no stranger to a creative career, but music has always been her passion. “Covid provided a big push for me to follow my music. It was a challenging time for my mental health but it encouraged me to not sit around and let things happen. With my music it was a now or never kind of thing.”

That encouragement pushed Symone right into the studio. She’s releasing her new single and video entitled “All for You” in August, and is preparing for her EP’s release in spring of 2022. She describes her music as New Wave R&B in the same vein as Kehlani, SZA, and 6LACK, but doesn’t limit herself to one genre. “My EP will be more than just R&B. It will have a little bit of everything. Neo-soul, Alternative, Rock and New Wave R&B. I don’t want to be just one thing.”

Upstate is like a family

As Symone is exploring her sound and making her mark in the music world, she has also been exploring the music scene both Upstate and in New York City. “I think that New York and Upstate have a lot to offer, but what sets Upstate apart from the hustle and competitiveness of New York is the network here. It’s almost like a family, people help each other out on projects and work together.” She is happy to get her start here.

You can check out Symone’s music on Spotify. Click here for her IG.

creativeeconomy sidehustle

Anthony D’Argenzio: Hudson Valley Entrepreneur

Updated: July 2025

Anthony D’Argenzio was named one of The 100 Most Creative People in the U.S. by Country Living Magazine. His work has been featured in Condé Nast Traveler, Domino, and Architectural Digest.

“I’ve always been interested in upstate New York and the Hudson Valley,” says Anthony D’Argenzio. “It has an old-world sensibility behind it, and I feel like I’m an old soul at heart.” The designer is founder and CEO of two New York-based companies; design consultancy firm Zio & Sons, and real estate company This Old Hudson.

Photo by: Winnie Au

D’Argenzio’s brands are known for his unique combination of concepts, countries, and centuries. His fascination with old-world interiors leads D’Argenzio toward Second Empire gilded mirrors and Chesterfield sofas. Decor that would’ve satisfied the most discerning of The Four Hundred, many of whom had mansions here in the Hudson Valley. Skipping backwards about 100 years, D’Argenzio often pulls influences from the French countryside. Rustic whitewashed floors, reclaimed tile, and weathered finishes abound. He infuses these with twenty-first century hygge minimalism and, of course, modern appliances and amenities.

“I gravitate towards timeless materials; wood, brick, tile, stone, bronze. I love Venetian plaster. I actually taught myself how to do it,” says D’Argenzio, who likes to work with his hands. It’s no surprise that his father was a cabinet maker and his mother an interior design and renovation enthusiast.

Anthony D’Argenzio was born and raised in Sonoma, California. He moved to New York after getting a business degree from Arizona State. In 2012 he founded Zio & Sons, his design production firm. Initially, he focused on providing prop styling, vignettes and backdrops for big brands like West Elm and Anthropologie. Over the course of the next few years, D’Argenzio grew into the role of creative director and producer for his clients’ content, and his own.

His first renovation project was his 450-square-foot East Village apartment. He did most of the work himself, documenting it on social media throughout 2012 and 2013. D’Argenzio acknowledge that this was what ‘put him on the map’ and showed his aesthetic and interior design talents.

“I would often take the Amtrak upstate to explore and to escape the city. I first discovered Hudson in 2014, when I would come up for antique sourcing, and really fell in love with the architecture of the town.” D’Argenzio would end up buying property in Hudson; a deteriorating two-family house built in 1915. Originally, the two-year renovation project was intended as an investment. Instead, he had manifested not only his home, but his first rental property. This became The Studios, a permanent photo-staging site for clients. Today, The Studios remain a highly sought-after venue, available exclusively for photography production, film bookings, and other staging projects.

In 2015, D’Argenzio founded This Old Hudson, providing rentals and renovation services. “It was kind of a natural evolution [into real estate]. I just love old homes, I love renovation, I love working with people,” he says. He sold the East Village apartment that catapulted his brand to social media stardom. Then he quickly purchased another investment property, effectively making Hudson his full-time home.

His second property was a beautifully neglected four-unit, built around 1910. He’d had his eye on, as it sat next door to his current two-family. After a fastidious renovation, the building opened in 2019. It featured four turnkey rentals called The Residences. Each has its own bespoke architecture and furnishings selected by Zio & Sons. This Old Hudson manages the rental side of the business. The properties cater to budding creative entrepreneurs in the Hudson Valley.

The latest showplace is a short-term Airbnb rental that opened its doors this summer. Crowned The Maison, the space is an homage to old-world French style. D’Argenzio documented the renovation in his column with Domino Magazine, as well as on social media accounts. Each of D’Argenzio’s rental spaces lets the turn-of-the-century architecture shine through – a hallmark of the This Old Hudson brand.

“It definitely takes more work to save some of the architectural elements. If something can be saved, I try to save it. There’s so much waste in this world. I like to find salvaged wood, materials, or accents that can add character to a space in unique ways, even if I’m doing something more contemporary.” says D’Argenzio.

A natural extension of his vision, D’Argenzio obtained his real estate license in 2020, selling under luxury brokerage Houlihan Lawrence.

“COVID really sped up my real estate business. I was fortunate my brand was perfectly set up for it. We already have this buyer community, people who love the upstate lifestyle and loved to visit. I had a built-in clientele,” D’Argenzio says.

“The Hudson Valley draws a creative type that loves history, culture, design. The entrepreneurial activity is going to continue growing,” says D’Argenzio. “We’re also in a really great location. We have closeness to the city and amazing old homes. With an emerging economy, and low cost of living. Now with technology changing, being able to work from anywhere, there’s just so much opportunity.”

Although it’s difficult to name to his signature style, for now D’Argenzio is calling it ‘Vintage Modern.’ His style combines gilded age, rustic countryside, art deco, mid-century modern, and minimalism. This is also the chosen aesthetic of the East Coast Millennial generation. The Maker Hotel, Stewart House, Green House Mansion, and The Morgan Statehouse are thriving, drawing tourists from all over the world. Brands like Hammertown Barn, Kabinett & Kammer, and The Modern Exchange are rising to national prominence. To D’Argenzio, it’s no surprise that upstate New York, rich with American history and antiques, would be the nucleus of this trend.

And, it’s no surprise that D’Argenzio’s brands are leading the way.

To learn more about his businesses, visit https://zioandsons.com or https://thisoldhudson.com. Follow his Instagram accounts @zioandsons and @thisoldhudson.

Special thank you to Anthony for taking the time to speak with us about his journey as an entrepreneur in the Hudson Valley.

Interview transplant Upstate New York

CapNY Entrepreneur Resources

The Capital Region is rich with resources for today’s budding entrepreneurs and business owners.

There are so many potential resources that it can feel tricky knowing where to start. As an ever-growing millennial business owner, I am interested and search for the same value you are. When I put together this list, I wanted to ensure that each and every one of the resources I’ve put together was responsive and actionable.

Whether you’re looking to join the local community of business owners or kickstart your own project, these CapNY entrepreneur resources are a perfect way to start. Each organization included on this list responded to inquiries in a timely and friendly manner. You should have a similar experience.

What do they do?

The national organization of One Million Cups is based on the idea that support, encouragement, and feedback over a cup of coffee is what most young entrepreneurs need. There are chapters that host these events all over the country. The Albany chapter hosts networking events on Wednesdays at 9am with meetings including a presentation by a selected speaker, a discussion and Q&A.

How can you work with them?

There are two ways to work with the local chapter. Besides attending the local meeting, the chapter also offers coaching to its presenters.

What free and paid services do they offer?

All of the services offered by One Million Cups are free. These include the meetings and coaching participants might see.

Do they work with Millennials and Gen Z? What do they do to help?

Yes, and the organization is looking to include more millennials. There are a couple of millennials currently in the organization.

Examples of companies/entrepreneurs they’ve worked with

Richard Lin is a millennial who is part of the local 1 Million Cups leadership team. He also recruits and coaches presenters, runs the weekly meetings, provides feedback and connects individuals within the meetup.

Visit their website for more.

What do they do?

Business improvement districts are organizations that aid businesses by offering a variety of support services. While the original idea of BIDs was likely centered on brick and mortar business, today’s BIDs are integrated with incubators, coworking spaces, mentoring and more for today’s HQ-less solopreneurs.

During the events of 2020, the ways these organizations aided businesses changed in many ways. For example, the Central Ave BID repaired over 30 storefronts on Central Ave after more than 40 storefronts were damaged in June.

How can someone work with them?

If you’re looking for extra support for either a brick and mortar business, or another business, try your local BID. They are loaded with support mechanisms and community connections to help young entrepreneurs get what they need.

What free and paid services do they offer?

When I asked one board member what services the BID offered, he told me, “Whatever is necessary.” Here some of the resources offered by the local BIDs:

7 day a week cleaning services for properties in that area
Designated ServSafe training
Accounting and booking lessons
Mentor pool
Cohorts
Customized training for main street businesses
Trade training
Scholarships
University incubator programs

Do they work with Millennials and Gen Z? What do they do to help?

Yes! Local BIDs work with all generations, including those that come from local colleges and universities. I reached out to most of the Capital Region’s BIDs when working on this article and I found most highly responsive and helpful.

Director of the Central Ave BID Anthony Capece says the organizations want to “help entrepreneurs before they get in over their head.” We all know that can happen fast, so don’t wait to reach out.

Who is the main contact for entrepreneurs? What is the best way to reach them?

It depends on which BID you’re attempting to reach. Here are some of the local BIDs that were responsive to my inquiries:

In addition, here are the links to the Downtown Troy BID (Rensselaer County) and Downtown Glens Falls BID (Warren County)

What do they do?

The Capital Region Chamber provides leadership and resources to help grow member businesses and the local economy. They also encourage a strong community by connecting members to people, businesses, and issues important for business success.

What free and paid services do they offer?

There’s a membership fee associated with joining. The organization’s rates aren’t listed on its website, so I asked about them and staff resounded: “We don’t publish rates on our website because there are multiple variables in determining one’s membership investment (i.e. if it’s a restaurant it’s based upon the number of seats).” You can fill out this form to learn more.

There are a number of complementary and paid programs for members. There are also some programs for non-members. Some of the programs include:

Entrepreneur Boot Camp
BusinessU professional development programs
Tech Valley Young Professionals Network
Webinars

Do they work with Millennials and Gen Z? What do they do to help?

Yes. Anyone is welcome to join the Capital Region Chamber.

The Entrepreneur Boot Camp program is designed to assist younger entrepreneurs on the path toward running their own businesses.

More than 50 different instructors teach in this program. Students a have the opportunity to win more than $3k in grants for their business.

Interested? Click here to learn more.

entrepreneur Resources

5 Companies With Unique Social Missions: CapNY

Throughout CapNY, you’ll find all different kinds of innovative businesses that impact their communities in various ways. In this article, we’ll focus on five CapNY businesses which have unique social missions and play an important part to the wellbeing of this region and its people.

CapNY Community-centric Businesses

These 5 CapNY companies have integrated social missions and community commitment directly into their business plans. Their work supports and lifts the people around them, and their leaders are actively contributing to causes that reach far beyond the bottom line.

Collectiveffort is a co-working, media and marketing firm based in Troy. “We tell real stories and create spaces that actually help people,” says Patrick Harris Jr., President of Collectiveffort. This mission is woven through the organization: a “creative agency turned social enterprise.” Collectiveffort provides creatives and companies with projects, resources and community, including:

#DoSomething, bringing creatives together to share and connect.
CollectiveffortTV (CETV) features a range of co-hosts and spotlights independent artists, while providing donation information.
Coworking space that facilitates organic and fluid interaction. They offer 1-on-1 micromeetings and access to in-house media production equipment to their members.
Ongoing film project, “Let’s Talk About Life,” addressing the gap between local residents and organizations.

Collectiveffort’s influence extends beyond its walls. Their deep engagement with the local community helps them broker conversations with stakeholders about development’s impact, particularly the impact on communities of color. CE is committed to innovative, supportive strategies for creative and community growth.

Content Director DeSean Moore adds, “We also work with large companies, who really want to see Black business entrepreneurs succeed. Collectiveffort helps these businesses transition into the digital age.”

Collectiveffort has established a trusted voice at decision making tables. They cultivate their own physical and digital infrastructure. They show the region how creative self determination can translate into meaningful change.

Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen is a Korean restaurant, local family farm and immigrant resource powerhouse all in one.

The restaurant is located in downtown Troy and focuses on wholesome food, supplied in part by their farm located in Cambridge. Thankfully, it has introduced Capital Region diners to Korean cuisine and culture. Take out services, event catering and kimchi workshops provide opportunities for customer interaction and education.

Sunhee’s empowers local immigrant communities, individuals and families in many ways. Sunhee’s non-profit arm gives local immigrants access to services, including three levels of free English language classes and a laptop grant program. Owner Jinah Kim, who recently began attending law school, and plans on adding legal services to the mix.

The restaurant provides both employment and professional development. As Jinah explains, “We provide jobs… in a space that’s not only safe for immigrants but also a great training platform. It’s great for transition.” Her experience in refugee resettlement and immigrant services helps her understand the needs and wants of the immigrant community. Sunhee’s is a fantastic restaurant and critical resource hub, both inside and outside the immigrant community.

Root3d is a project borne out of deep love for community wholeness. The mission statement says it all: “Root3d is devoted to making wellness accessible for Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Healing ourselves is our birthright and we all deserve safe space to heal.”

Program offerings include workshops, yoga, group therapy, therapeutic theater, reiki and sound healing. Co-Founders Jamel Mosely and Rachelle Pean opened their storefront in Albany’s South End. They chose to create an inclusive healing space in an area where many services are not readily available. This thoughtful approach has blossomed into Root3d’s collective atmosphere. Root3d’s healers and facilitators have found a welcoming home for their work within Root3d’s warm embrace. The space is an incubator for local BIPOC healers to develop their skills and move toward launching their own projects.

Root3d is a supportive starting point for residents beginning their own healing journeys. In response to Covid-19, the center has moved most of its sessions online. And, it has adopted an entirely “pay what you can if you can” model, ensuring attendee’s continued access to services. Root3d’s personal investment is palpable. Jamel says, “We are thankful for people who have continuously supported both our teachers and facilitators of healing, as well as our community.”

Hudson River Exchange “activates spaces to bring together creativity and commerce” within the larger Hudson Valley. The company offers its members — local makers of various disciplines — support and commercial visibility.

Established in 2013, HRE has morphed through a variety of formats over time, including its annual makers market, a brick-and-mortar retail and rental work space, and more recently, an online store. Co-Founder / Director Stella Yoon explains, “Our programming is inspired by listening to emerging needs. We’re always asking what [makers] need and how we can do this better.” To that end, the company recently developed an innovative micro-lending program. 2.5% of online sales go toward a makers’ microloan fund with another 2.5% matched by HRE, coming to a contribution total of 5%. Loan are offered to network participants with 0% interest rate. They plan to expand upon this model over time, while also trying to demystifying money for participants.

HRE enables and inspires makers to invest in their work. Members past and present have opened their own storefronts and opened makers markets in and around Hudson. Above all, HRE helped members feel that their creative vision can flourish wherever they go.

Rock Hill Bakehouse is dedicated to the art of hearth baked bread and plant based cuisine. Owner, President and General Manager Matt Funiciello explains, “our mission is to make real food for real people.”

The company’s recipes are inspired by early to mid 20th century European immigrant communities in New York City. Rock Hill’s understanding of bread’s historical socioeconomic significance translates to its organizational values as well. The bakery pays a sustainable living wage, and includes employees in decision making. Staff unanimously supported management when they proposed the creation of a free community bread rack. Now Rock Hill offers approximately 100 loaves per day for locals in need, Tuesday through Saturday, no questions asked.

Rock Hill has a newly veganized menu, collaborating with local produce farmers and up-and-coming restaurants. A crowd favorite is the vegan pizza, made with their handcrafted dough, fresh veggies and delicious dairy-free cheeses.

Rock Hill contribute to a wide array of fundraising efforts. They provide free bread to Capital Region soup kitchens, food pantries and animal sanctuaries. The Bakehouse is looking forward to reviving their full calendar of community events, including Glens F alls’ longest running open mic series, once conditions allow.

Rio Riera Arbogast is a freelance writer focused on how creative entrepreneurship impacts the Capital Region’s cultural landscape. You can follow them on Instagram and Twitter at @riorawrites.

Community Creativity social mission

Jay Zhang Photography: CapNY LGBTQIA+ Entrepreneur

Updated: July 2025

Jay Zhang is committed to both outstanding visual representation, as well as community care. As a self identified queer person of color, Jay’s photography celebrates a wide spectrum of people and couples.

And, his investment and love of the Capital Region is evident throughout his work.

Jay’s engagement and wedding photography cleverly infuses each client’s personality into the documentation of their big day. Just one glance at the “Wedding Blogs” portion of his website shows how he celebrates each couples’ unique chemistry. My favorite examples show elated partners snuggling amidst a backdrop of sun dappled mountain ranges, or blanketed in surrealist fog on the Brooklyn Bridge. Wide smiled nieces affix glistening jewelry onto their auntie’s ready neck; husbands fasten each other’s ties while sharing in an excited kiss. Stop what you’re doing, and take a look at his amazing work!

Jay is also drawn to local events and projects with a favorable community impact. He has worked for a number of local organizations, including My Brother’s Keeper, Alliance for Positive Health and GLSEN, Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network.

Since 2007, he has documented and celebrated National Coming Out Day (NCOD) through his photos. His 2014 NCOD work, “Color Splash,” features queer community members in animated layered images, their bodies and faces awash in rainbow paint, along with their words of wisdom to fellow queers. His 2015 iteration, “Light The Way,” includes portraits of locals holding sparklers, their faces framed by the text, “You don’t have to come out, but you don’t have to be in the dark alone.”

Jay’s projects celebrate people who embrace being “quirky, weird and full of interesting personality traits.” He believes “everyone is multifaceted, it just depends on how much you want to present.” LGBTQIA+, BIPOC and people of all body types are welcome in front of his camera. “I love the community,” he said, “and I want to provide for it.”

Originally from Ridgewood, Queens, Jay arrived in the Capital Region to study architecture at RPI in Troy. School prepared him with strong design skills, which later helped him become a professional photographer. He was first drawn to photography as a financially sustainable career. And, he also enjoyed its potential to show and support people, environments and situations. He draws much inspiration from CapNY’s rich creative ecosystem of fellow artists.

Community based projects, including public statement artwork and grassroots outreach initiatives, have contributed to his ongoing inspiration and experimentation. “There’s a lot of fight here,” he shares. “And a lot of energy for people to do things and participate.” CapNY’s relatively small size and central location also provide opportunity for professional and casual travel. Jay’s leadership extends into local athletics as well. He proudly participates in the city’s LGBTQIA+ soccer organization, Albany Empire Soccer Club, as both player and board member.

As an entrepreneur, Jay encourages others to “keep going, because the hardest part is hitting that wall of doubt.” As for his company’s future plans, Jay sees himself continuing with wedding and event work. He remains especially committed to taking on queer couples as clients. Jay’s passion for nurturing a culture of mutual queer creative support is undeniable. “I can offer a rewarding experience (and) other queer entrepreneurs want to do the same,” he says. “We’re in a similar mindset. We want to build each other up and create community while also offering services for the community.” Jay’s sincere and purposeful application of both skill and talent are a shining example of the creatives who call CapNY their home.

LGBTQIA Love Photography wedding

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