BUSHWICK POST

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Stella Sensel and Erin Calabrese moved to Bushwick in 2013, buying their first home after spending years in Harlem. Sensel and Calabrese work full-time as a professional special effects makeup artist and a journalist, respectively, and found they were frequently experiencing issues with receiving deliveries to their home, including missed shipments and lost packages. And as the partners heard from neighbors about similar experiences, they began to formulate a plan to meet this market niche.

 

The partners found an ideal spot on Wilson Avenue near the L train stop, and met with Pace SBDC Senior Business Advisor Rawle Brown to flesh out financial projections and options for financing the business launch. Rawle also provided key contacts when the partners hit a snag in securing the needed sign-offs. On January 30, 2017, Bushwick Post opened its doors, offering packing, shipping and printing services and supplies to Bushwick residents and businesses. They also offer package receiving service to customers to ensure they don’t miss key deliveries from UPS, FedEx, DHL or USPS; and are open until 8pm on weekdays to serve the diverse neighborhood.

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The partners invested $50,000 of their own funds and took out a $100,000 home equity loan with Bank of America to launch their 500 square foot location. The business has created 4 new jobs, and plans to continue to work with the Pace SBDC to build a marketing plan to expand awareness and attract new customers.