The Big Move (Round Two)

It's been a whole year since I've come on to this platform to share what's been going on in my life, and as I write this looking out the window of my Brooklyn apartment, I realize how far I've come as the version of myself I've always wanted to be. 2023 was the year that I gave myself a new name, that I got top surgery, that my business started to take off, and that pushed me to take a leap of faith and go back to the place that I called home for four years.

toby and i otw back home

Dad and I lugged all of my things up two flights of stairs, sweating as we took turns watching the car and tossing bags into the living room. I remember taking a shower that night and laying in bed, thinking how this is where I'm supposed to be, a 24-year-old trans and queer individual turning the page in his book, embracing the changes inevitably on the way. I've still yet to even adorn the walls of my bedroom with art and knick-knacks for the fear that everything in front of me will disappear at a moment's notice. And to be honest, life is so short, and sometimes things do disappear in ways that we don't expect.

warhol x basquiat exhibit

Dating has been a completely new ballgame here, and you will quickly find out that in the city, people are no strangers to putting on a mask and getting you to see the version of them that they use to hide their true selves. It's a dog-eat-dog world, and there are people in the queer community even here that have tried to tear me down and make me feel lesser about the person that I am and the kindness that I bring to the table. It's taken years of losing people to realize the right ones really do stick around in unexpected ways.

some of the best pasta @ public records

Moving here has also allowed me to reflect on the time that I spent in Rochester immediately after graduation - the amazing times Alex and I had raising Yuko at his house, the concerts and nights out at Vertex, the Sundays spent in the hot sun at the Lucky Flea, talking to all the cool alt people that came into my booth. And of course, I'll always be thinking about my time at at Trillium Health Harm Reduction and the knowledge and support that I received from my whole team there (you know who you are!). The days I was able to connect with clients on a deeper level and hear their stories will be days I keep in my mind for the rest of my life. They showed me so much about strength, vulnerability, perseverance, and community.

found my dream lamp!!! i will buy her someday

Candi Closet is still my big passion project, and I'm always on the hunt for markets in Brooklyn and Manhattan with other queer vintage sellers. Settling into a new city and figuring out how I am going to transform and mold my business into the environment here has been overwhelming, to say the least - but I have faith that with more time and more collaborations, Candi Closet will continue to grow. You can currently find a curated selection of my pieces at AuH2O in the East Village, and I'm aiming to consistently update Instagram with new finds and market details.

candi closet denim at AuH2O

so there's my little life update - I plan on writing more about good eats, thrifting, and experiences in Brooklyn as a whole, so keep your eyes open for future posts :)

Until Next Time,

Andi xxx