In 2015, Katrina Parris established NiLu in Harlem, a boutique with a mission to create an inclusive environment for creators to collaborate and provide shoppers with access to distinctive and culturally rich products.
“Harlem was a gift desert,” she said in a press release. “Raising a young family, and finding a place for gifts for birthdays or housewarmings outside the drug stores was hard. We needed a place that was local and had quality merchandise but represented the culture.”
In the eight years since the doors of the boutique opened, Parris had built a community and a following. Parris parlayed the features her boutique flower shop gained in O Magazine and New York Wedding to change her business’ focus from flowers to a flagship community store. Parris and her husband also changed the name of her business to reflect their children’s names. From Nigel and Luke, the pair came up with NiLu
.“We love representing Harlem through international gifts, many from local makers in the community and beyond,” Parris said.
NiLu has morphed into a brick-and-mortar location located in the middle of Harlem, selling everything from accessories and gifts to home goods. NiLu contains an extensive collection of merchandise from Black woman-owned brands, including Sheila Bridges, Adjourn Teahouse, and Harlem Candle Company.
The store will host a number of events during the holiday
season, including a self-care session featuring Harlem Chi, which is composed of alternative healing and acupuncture, on Nov. 10. On Nov 16, Harlem Candle Company will hold a new fragrance trunk show at the store.The store will observe National Monopoly Day through an event hosted by the creator of Harlem-opoly, a board game celebrating Harlem and the Harlem Renaissance, on Nov. 19. On Nov. 21, the store will be hosting a shop-n-sip event in addition to promoting Folkus Wrapping Paper, a Black-owned business specializing in gift wrapping needs.
Finally, on Dec. 5, the store will host a Kwanzaa shopping and educational event.
RELATED CONTENT: AT&T Partners With Silicon Harlem To Open A Unique New Digital Learning Lab