From Small business owner to market curator

Hi, my name is Lou — I’m a student at Columbia University, and the founder of Pop-Up Collective NYC. Like many students living in New York City, I needed to find ways to support myself. I worked as an art instructor, barista, camp counselor etc…

Two years ago, I started my small business selling press-on nails. Through that journey, I quickly learned how hard it is for small brands like me to find a sustainable place to showcase our products. Most retail spaces in the city are out of reach, extremely expensive and require long term commitment. However, that frustration turned into a vision: a space built for small businesses — by someone who truly understands what it’s like to be one.

That’s how Pop-Up Collective NYC began. It’s more than a market; it’s a community. A place where independent creators, artists, and designers can showcase their craft, meet customers face-to-face, and grow together.

A woman sitting behind a nail art booth with a colorful cloth that has neon pink, purple, and white writing. The booth displays various nail polish and jewelry items for sale, including rings and bracelets, with a Saturday sign offering a buy two get
A young woman with a backpack buys nail art stickers from a street vendor in a park with trees and a fountain in New York City.
A woman at a nail art booth with a pink furry tablecloth displaying various nail designs. There is a neon sign above her that says 'Le Nail NYC' and a pink bow decoration. The woman is using a tablet, and there is a pink sign with discounts on the le
A woman with sunglasses on her head shopping for earrings at a jewelry booth, smiling at the camera, with a saleswoman behind the table displaying various earrings in plastic trays.
A young woman with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a beige apron with a pixelated pink heart, a gray long-sleeve shirt, and sunglasses on her head, stands in an indoor room with tables, chairs, and bookshelves in the background.
A woman holding a stack of seven brown boxes, posing for the camera with a slight pout.
A woman with long dark hair and a zebra-print top stands behind a jewelry booth with rings and bracelets, with a large bear costume in the background and colorful lights in a dark setting.

We’re launching our first pop-up in December 2025 at 57 Bond Street in New York City.

If you’re a small business, we’d love to have you join us.

If you’re a local, come by, shop small, and support the makers who make this city special.