Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gabrielle Piskorz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Gabrielle, thanks for joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

Creating something that matters with intention is, in my view, the essence of success. It’s about pouring thought and heart into everything you do—whether it’s a business, a project, or a relationship—so that it carries meaning not just for you, but for the people it touches.

When I was starting out in my design career, I used to say, “Even if it’s just one person, I want to make someone feel something through my work—the way other artists have made me feel through theirs.” That idea has stayed with me, shaping how I approach everything I create.

Success isn’t about reaching the biggest audience, achieving the highest numbers, following trends, or catering to market demands. It’s about ensuring what you create makes a difference, no matter the scale. It’s about asking yourself, What feels right? And trust me, you can feel it in your gut.

When you create with intention, every decision becomes deliberate, every detail purposeful. Building trust, connection, and value—ingredients that make not only your work successful but also your journey deeply fulfilling.

The most magical and rewarding part? You get to enjoy the process, and those around you will see and feel that authenticity. Even on the days when you ask yourself, ‘What in the world am I doing?’ others will remind you that you know exactly what you’re doing. While it may feel like chaos to you, it looks easy and seamless to them because you are staying true to your vision—and, most importantly, to yourself.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi! I’m Gab (Gabrielle or Gabby works too), owner of Sunnyside Scrapt, a vintage showroom in Queens, NY.

What started as a love for thrift shopping and admiring the clothes and household treasures of my great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents has grown into Sunnyside Scrapt—a creative space where design, art, and community intersect.

I’ve always believed in creating things that truly matter, and this philosophy shapes everything I do, both as a vintage curator/reseller and as a product designer. Over the past eight years, I’ve immersed myself in the digital world, working on websites, apps, branding, and more. While I love the innovation of the digital space, I’m most inspired by the tangible—objects you can feel and touch, like a beautiful book. This love for the tactile world led me to open Sunnyside Scrapt while continuing to work full-time as a product designer.

From the start, I knew Sunnyside Scrapt had to be more than a retail space. I wanted to create an environment where creativity could thrive and people could really make themselves feel at home. The shop is both a showroom for vintage treasures and a versatile space that photographers and videographers can rent for their creative projects.

The vibe of the store is intentionally niche, blending various design styles and time periods to appeal to a wide audience.

The Shopping experience of the showroom is meant to feel like you are in your own home, a cozy place, where you can relax, take your time, try things on, go through the drawers and immerse yourself in the goodies.

The Creative rental aspect of the showroom has been carefully designed with unique nooks and setups throughout the space, offering diverse scenes, backdrops, and environments to meet different creative needs.

One of my favorite ‘features’ is that the props and extras for shoots are already part of the store. And while clients are welcome to bring their own items, they’re encouraged to make use of what’s available, adding ease and inspiration to their projects.

Building out this space has been a labor of love over the last five months, and I’m beyond excited to officially launch the ability to rent it out for creative projects soon.

What sets me apart is my focus on intention. I believe in creating with purpose—whether it’s curating a perfect piece for a customer or designing a space that sparks creativity and joy. I very often ask myself questions like, What feels right? What makes me smile? How much would I spend on this item? This commitment to authenticity allows me to craft meaningful experiences and collections.

The most rewarding part of Scrapt is someone walking into the space and saying, “Wow.” Those moments make all the hard work worthwhile. Knowing the effort I’ve poured into building and evolving the space resonates with others and creates a sense of excitement is what I’m most proud of.

I feel incredibly lucky to work in a space that constantly inspires me. Scrapt has taught me that it’s about staying true to your vision and creating something that truly matters to you.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The main channels I use to grow Sunnyside Scrapt are Instagram, Facebook, flea markets, and word of mouth.

Instagram is where it all began and remains essential for connecting with like-minded individuals and showcasing the store’s unique vibe. Through curated posts, behind-the-scenes content, and interactive features like polls and Q&A sessions, I’ve built a strong online presence. It’s especially important for reaching customers who can’t visit the physical store due to distance or busy schedules. Plus, I ship items, making it easy for people near and far to shop Sunnyside Scrapt.

Facebook helps expand my audience through cross-posting on Facebook Marketplace and promoting the store, reaching a broader and more diverse clientele.

Flea markets have been an incredible way to meet clients face-to-face. While I bring plenty of items to sell, it’s also about creating a vibe that matches the showroom, allowing people to engage with the brand in a tangible way. Flea markets have also connected me with a supportive reseller community, both in person and online, which has been invaluable.

Word of mouth is the cornerstone of my growth. When people have a great experience at Sunnyside Scrapt, they naturally share it with others or bring friends and family along. This organic promotion has brought in some of my most loyal and enthusiastic clients.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Funding Sunnyside Scrapt required a mix of resourcefulness, determination, and adaptability. I didn’t have endless savings or investors, but I was fortunate to have set aside money from years of working as a product designer. While starting this business wasn’t fully planned, I’d been saving for my future in general, and that foundation gave me the ability to take the leap.

In the beginning, I kept things simple. I sold exclusively through Instagram and stored my inventory in the cheapest storage unit I could find to minimize overhead. This lean approach allowed me to focus on growing my audience without the added pressure of high expenses.

Flea markets also played a key role in building the business. I sought out affordable markets and focused on the ones where I saw the most success. Once I found my rhythm, I began participating in 2-3 markets a month, which helped me connect with clients face-to-face and gain invaluable insights.

The journey has involved a lot of trial and error, especially in sourcing inventory. I had to learn what pieces resonated with people and how to price them so they remained accessible while still covering my costs. It’s a balancing act, but one of my core values is making vintage affordable—I don’t believe anyone should have to break the bank to own something unique and meaningful.

Start small. Think big. Trial & Error.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sunnysidescrapt.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sunnysidescrapt