Brooklyn Gold: A Story of Inspiration, Wellness, and Community at NYBG Farmers Market

BRONX, NY — Brooklyn Gold, a health and wellness brand out of NYC, stands out as one of the distinctive vendors at the NYBG Farmers Market, showcasing the Garden’s dual nature as a place of natural beauty and community vitality.

The vibrant NYBG Farmers Market featured 25+ vendors and delighted visitors with beautiful weather, delicious local products, and live violin music. The market, a sensory paradise, set the stage for a delightful journey into The Botanical Garden. We met with amazing vendors, such as Boogie Down Bronx Honey and Fino Farms, who were offering excellent fresh produce. Of course, I had to get three varieties of apples and broccolini. (you could also add a sentence here and show pictures of your dinner), I was also able to try tasty products from DoughCo Bagels, and PB Hot Sauce, who had an actual holster for his hot sauce.

But of course, we came to NYBG Farmers Market in the Bronx with one goal in mind. To meet and speak with April Gopie, Founder of Brooklyn Gold and learn more about how effective she felt participating in Pop-ups as a way to build her brand. April has been a good friend of mine since childhood and has encouraged me all summer to pick a Wednesday to support her vendor booth. But this could not be put off any longer as this was the last day of the NYBG Farmers Market. The final NYBG Farmers Market of the season was scheduled for Wednesday, October 18th, 2023 and the date was quickly approaching.

A few weeks before the planned trip to the farmers market, while I was recovering from a cold, I briefly exchanged text messages with April. She was enthusiastic and suggested, “This is the perfect reason for you to try some of my wellness products!”

So excuses aside, Pop-Up Connects Co-founder, Esmeralda Cruz (Es) , and I made our way to meet with April.

We hoped a mid-morning Metro-North Harlem Line train to Botanical Gardens, careful to meet at the “third car from the rear” given we were departing from 2 different starting points – Es from Grand Central and me from 125th Street. The train ride only lasted about 20 minutes, allowing us to enjoy our coffee and talk shop on the way.

When we arrived, we found April surrounded by loyal and new customers inquiring about her products. As Es and I stood back and watched, we could overhear the enthusiastic conversations she and her customers were having about her products (Name her Products here) and the amazing effects they saw immediately from taking her elderberry syrup.

April’s journey to wellness began in 2018, when she started taking elderberry syrup to boost her immune system. She was so impressed with the results that she decided to make her own elderberry syrup in 2020. Eager to share the benefits of what she has experienced from her elderberry syrup, she packed her ‘ homemade syrup into small jars and sent them as gifts to her family and friends. Fast forward to 2023, April decided to launch Brooklyn Gold, a wellness brand that would share her love of elderberry syrup and other wellness products with the world. Her goal is to provide people with high-quality, handcrafted products that will help them live healthier and happier lives.

April discovered the NYBG Farmers Market while visiting the New York Botanical Garden. She was impressed by the variety of vendors and the overall vibe of the market. She reached out to a beekeeper she met at the market who suggested she apply to be a vendor. The application process is managed by Morning Glory Markets, a consultancy specializing in the marketing and operations of farmers’ markets. They oversee approximately half a dozen farmers’ markets in the Bronx and Upstate New York. April was selected to be a vendor and began selling her elderberry syrup at the market in 2023.

“I spotted the beekeeper, and I was genuinely enthusiastic about the wide array of offerings available at the farmers market. I thought to myself, ‘I would love to be part of this space someday!’”

April Gopie, Founder of Brooklyn Gold

When you approach the Brooklyn Gold booth at the NYBG Farmers Market, you are greeted with a warm and welcoming smile from April herself. She takes the time to talk to each customer and learn about their individual needs. She is also happy to answer any questions about her products and provide information about the health benefits of elderberry syrup and other wellness products.

Brooklyn Gold strives to create a sense of connection and belonging for its customers. April wants customers to feel welcome and appreciated at her booth, regardless of whether or not they make a purchase. She also wants to educate customers about the wellness products she sells and help them make informed choices about their health. When interacting with event attendees at the NYBG Farmers Market, April Gopie has three goals:

1. To make customers feel welcomed and appreciated.
2. To educate customers about the wellness products she sells.
3. To motivate customers to learn more about their health and make informed choices.

April, the star of the day, exhibited confidence and deep knowledge about her brand and products. She adeptly managed interview questions and assisted interested shoppers without missing a beat. I realized that this visit wasn’t just a long-overdue excursion but an opportunity to connect with an inspiring entrepreneur, showcase her story and celebrate the thriving spirit of local markets. It was a day well spent, and PopUp Connects discovered a new source of inspiration to fuel our mission of bringing unique brands and their compelling stories to the world.

After incorporating the elderberry syrup into my daily routine for a few days, I can affirm that it has noticeably improved my well-being. Brooklyn Gold has undoubtedly gained a new satisfied customer.

Pop-Up Connects spoke with April Gopie, Founder of Brooklyn Gold, at NYBG Farmers Market on October 18, 2023. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Charles (Pop-up Connects): I’m here with April Gopie at the New York Botanical Garden, specifically at the NYBG Farmers Market. We’re here to discuss April’s brand, Brooklyn Gold. April, could you please share how Brooklyn Gold initially came across this seasonal event organized by Morning Glory Markets, and tell us about your journey in becoming a vendor at the NYBG Farmers Market?

April (Brooklyn Gold): Sure! So, two years ago, I obtained a membership for the New York Botanical Garden. One day, as I strolled through the garden, it happened to be a Wednesday, and I noticed multiple farmers market booths set up. Among them, I came across a beekeeper representing Boogie Down Bronx Honey. I was instantly drawn to the setup and purchased some honey, feeling genuinely excited about the entire experience. I spotted the beekeeper and I was genuinely enthusiastic about the wide array of offerings available at the farmers market. I thought to myself, ‘I would love to be part of this space someday!’ Fast forward to this year, the beekeeper came across my information on Instagram and reached out to me, suggesting that I should apply to this farmers market. I decided to apply [via Morning Glory Markets] and offered my elderberry products for sampling, though I was a bit nervous. Fortunately, the feedback came back positive, with them describing it as ‘yummy,’ and that’s how I found myself here today.

Charles (Pop-up Connects): Awesome! We briefly spoke with another vendor at this farmers market, and they mentioned that being a vendor here requires insurance and other requirements. Can you shed some light on the process? I assume it involves filling out a form and having your brand assessed to determine its suitability, but could you provide more details on the steps involved in securing a booth here?

April (Brooklyn Gold): Yeah, it seems to vary depending on the type of product you’re selling. In many cases, vendors do need insurance, especially if the product is edible and not a simple, single ingredient like honey. For instance, if you’re selling something like elderberry syrup, there are additional licenses and requirements you must navigate to participate in certain markets. I’m still in the process of learning all the ins and outs of this business since I’m relatively new to it. But yes, various farmers markets have their specific requirements, so my advice would be to visit each market’s website to understand what’s needed for vendor participation.

Charles (Pop-up Connects): My next question is about the inspiration behind the establishment of Brooklyn Gold. How does this inspiration impact the selection of wellness products you offer, such as dried sea moss, unique tea blends, and, I must say, the outstanding elderberry syrup?

April (Brooklyn Gold): Thank you! Well, my journey with elderberry syrup began in 2018. I had just started a job in an environment with poor ventilation. Since I was new, I couldn’t take any time off, and I was buying tea online when the seller mentioned the benefits of elderberry syrup for the immune system. It’s high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and packed with other essential nutrients. Given the circumstances at my job – no windows and everyone around me getting sick – I didn’t want to fall ill. So, I decided to try elderberry syrup.

I ordered it, loved it, and most importantly, I stayed healthy. I didn’t get sick the entire time I was at that job, which made me think there was something truly beneficial about elderberry syrup. I even had coworkers coming up to my cubicle, asking about different wellness methods.”

In 2020, when we were all staying at home due to the pandemic, I thought, ‘Can I make this syrup myself?’ Shipping and mail were quite chaotic back then. So, I started making it, and I loved the result. In December 2020, I decided to give it to my family as gifts, packaging it in small jars. I wanted to express my love through action, and giving them something I believed would contribute to their wellness seemed like a meaningful gesture.

That’s how it all began. My godmother expressed her interest in ordering some after I sent her a gift, even though I had initially intended it as a gift. Fast forward to today, I offer a range of products, from sea moss (which I’ve been using since about 2017) to the teas – all of which I use myself. When people visit my booth, I tell them that if they don’t use it, I will because these products have played a significant role in keeping me healthy. I’ve experienced positive results from some of these items, or I’ve simply felt a general sense of well-being because they’ve become integral to my lifestyle.

On my Instagram page, I frequently share things for free, just aspects of my daily life. Since I’m now making and selling the elderberry syrup, I thought, ‘Why not offer the products I already share with the public to the public?’

Charles (PopUp Connects): And for our final question, when you interact with event attendees at the NYBG Farmers Market, what impression does Brooklyn Gold strive to create for them, and what key elements of your brand and mission do you hope they will take away from the experience? Your vibrant and effective presentation of your brand is quite evident, by the way; I’ve noticed how engaging you are with everyone who visits your booth.

April (Brooklyn Gold): It’s interesting; I’ve heard that from many people, and thank you so much for the compliment! Well, I aim for a few things when interacting with event attendees. First and foremost, I want them to feel a sense of connection and belonging. I hope that when they visit our booth, they feel genuinely welcomed and appreciated, whether or not they make a purchase. I believe it’s essential to acknowledge and value the customer experience. We don’t always know what someone might be going through, so let’s make an effort to appreciate each person who comes to our table. That’s one of my primary goals.

Additionally, I want them to leave with new information and knowledge that they might not have had before, especially regarding the items we have on display. For instance, while elderberry is familiar to some, it’s still relatively new to many people. I hope they depart feeling well-informed and motivated to do their own research. I often recommend to people, ‘I’d really like you to look it up.’ I even bring a book with me that contains valuable information to show them that I’m not making things up; this information is real.

So, in summary, my intentions are threefold: I want them to feel welcomed, informed, and, of course, I hope they leave with something, whether it’s a physical product or, as you witnessed earlier with the young ladies, an ignited interest that brings them back to make purchases.

Charles (PopUp Connects): Ah, yes! The students from Fordham University were quite impressed with your products! And the mother who brought her toddler – they were regular customers who spoke highly of the brand.

April (Brooklyn Gold): That toddler in the stroller, right? Kids and elders, they’re pretty straightforward about their tastes. If they don’t like something, they’re going to make it known with a face scrunch or a firm ‘no.’ I’ve had parents attempt to offer my products to their little ones, only to be met with that unmistakable toddler rejection. Kids and elders, they are who they are.

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