Shopping local has never been more important if we are to maintain our beautiful, diverse, downtowns. Walking down Washington Street in Hoboken there are many wonderful stores to find almost anything your heart could desire. The shop stocked with the MOST items I desire is The Margo Market at 11th and Washington. I spent some time speaking with the owner Maggie Emma about the alchemy used to create her magical collection of classic, fresh and ethical products.

Maggie thanks so much for taking the time to speak with me! I have to admit that given the chance I would turn your shop into my personal closet. Can you tell me a bit about the decision to open The Margo Market?

Thank you Jennifer for the feature and kind words!

Having grown up around and working in family businesses, between my parents and grandparents, the idea of owning my own business has been so deeply rooted in my dreams and goals for as long as I can remember. When I was a child, I would spend hours cutting, glueing + decorating every greeting card I would give. I dreamed of having a paper store stocked full of beautiful papers and fabrics.

Clearly, that concept has evolved over time, but the enthusiasm behind it has always fueled my passion to open a store. Like many people my path leading to this point has many twists + turns, but my background is Graphic Design + Studio Art by trade and Retail Management through experience. Working in fashion opened my eyes to the positive impact it can have, in regards to, confidence and self-expression. However, the exposure to big box fashion also brought an enormous amount of awareness to the destruction it can cause, in regards to overproduction, excess waste, unfair and honestly inhumane working conditions. This awareness really began to weigh on me, so I began researching and learning.

Our mission at MARGO is to promote socially conscious consumerism through providing ethically made goods.

Your shop focuses on ethically sourced products- what criteria do you use to make your choices?

That is a great question! Our sourcing and vetting process is pretty extensive. Even once we have found a specific artisan or designer, we are incredibly thoughtful as to which pieces we would like to add to our collection. Every item in the shop has a story, has a meaning or connection that we love to share with our community. We pride ourselves our carrying a curated collection of exceptional design.

In regards to our ethical standards, we look for fair trade products that provide a voice for the artisan, high quality standards of labor conditions and 100% transparency in all aspects of production. Another area of the industry we are focused on is fabrication quality + sustainable fabrics. That is why you will only find natural fibers in our shop! Many of our designers only use the highest grade of organic fabrics and sustainable fabrics such as hemp + linen.

How did you choose Hoboken for your venture (and thank you for that!)

That is easy, we love Hoboken! We have been Hoboken residents for 6 years and absolutely love this community. We wanted to root ourselves in a town we believe in and equally wanted to provide an offering where we felt a need in this specific industry.

One of my favorite visions in dreaming up the store was picturing the store open on a busy Saturday and being a little community hub in uptown Hoboken. Some of my favorite memories in the shop thus far have been centered around specific days like that. We have never felt more a part of this community and being able to service and give back to our town.

You’re a new mum- how do you strike a balance between the demands of owning your own retail store and spending time with family?

I haven’t quite mastered this one and I think that is ok! I grew up in a family business, so I think my son will have a similar childhood. He is a part of us and a part of our day to day, making him a part of the shop. Many days you will find our whole family in the shop tinkering away Ha! I realized all too quickly that children grow up way too fast, so for now at least, we are enjoying our time popping in and out of the shop!

Joan Enger owner of J Patryce Design and I have been neighbors forever and I am so excited to share her top 5 tips for assembling your own signature home style.

1. Don’t be afraid to collect. I am constantly on the hunt, whether at tag sales, antique shops, group shows or traveling – for wonderful, interesting objects. We typically source all of the objects for our clients but welcome their additions! Etsy, eBay and Instagram are great resources as well. It is critical to mix materials and form for balance and visual interest (trays, books, sculpture; metal, wood, glass, ceramics, etc.).

2. Go dark with the trim. We have been really into painting the moldings, doors, and windows several shades darker than the walls. It makes such a difference in the overall look and feel and is much less expected than white.

3. Go big with the Rug! The number one ‘design blooper’ we find with DIY enthusiasts relates to the size of the rug. The rug should fill the space and the furniture should sit entirely on the rug (vs. partially on). There is nothing more beautiful than a room size rug and it will make the room feel larger.

4. Artwork is key! There are so many great affordable art and framing resources these days. Our favorites are: Uprise Art, Tappan, ArtStar and Framebridge. Art or sculpture on the walls changes everything! We recommend using a mix of media – works on paper, wall sculpture, paintings, drawings, etc. And you don’t have to fill every wall – but stacking or grouping is definitely the way to go! You can also look for emerging artists on Etsy, Instagram and lastly – vintage art is sometimes a steal and is typically already framed. Might just need a fresh matte.

5. We adore wallpaper at JPD. We would probably cover every surface if given the choice. Wallcoverings can add texture, pattern, color and they completely enhance and warm up a space. And don’t forget about the ‘fifth wall’ (the ceiling) which is a super fun place to add some fun (works especially well in nurseries/kids’ rooms).

I look forward to my first visit to Bay Head at the beginning of each summer and love to share what I discover. I have mentioned Noon Design in previous years which is owned by the talented Maie Webb. This year she has opened up her space to collaborate with two other female business owners to create a collaborative destination shop featuring Noon products as well as a warm and welcoming coffee shop.

Both of these female entrepreneurs already operate sucessful businesses in Spring Lake and wanted to branch out. Hive is owned by Kristina Visceglia and offers gorgeous apparel and accessories for your little ones.

Whimsicality brings a curated collection of home goods and furniture and is owned by Elka Ridge who is the face behind her Interior Design company called Skysail- see below.

Another update is that Andi’s has moved from Bridge Avenue and landed next door to Noon so Lake Avenue has become a shopping destination.

Lastly, no trip to Bay Head is complete without visiting Source and Tradition to see Alexandra Vaga Fallon’s tableware collection which includes pieces that are works of art in my opinion. If you are lucky you will see her at work with her partner. Each summer I invest in a few of her pieces that I enjoy in my home and last year I bought Christmas gifts for the women in my life from the collection which were very well received!