Peace and Riot
Achuziam Maha-Sanchez, co-owner of gift and home design haven Peace & Riot, believes her neighborhood deserves certain amenities. “I think you should be able to buy a New York Times, healthy produce, a slamming outfit and a gift all within walking distance of your house,” says the longtime Bed-Stuy resident, who runs the shop with husband Lionel Sanchez. “If you're a host, you should be able to get all your serveware and decor too.”
The absence of proximate home and gift offerings prompted her to open an earlier business, Ibo Landing, in 2003. That store closed after five years, but nobody else emerged to fill the gap — so in 2013 she came back as Peace & Riot.
The name Peace & Riot comes from an alternative soul band that Maha-Sanchez and her husband had a few years back (they were already paying for the domain name, after all). It also reflects the eclectic mix of items they sell: elegant, tranquil options including cushy ottomans, candles, leather bags and natural bath products juxtaposed with colorful, quirky novelties like illuminated globes, kitchen gadgets, funky clocks and pop art prints.
“No one should feel intimidated to come through our doors,” says Maha-Sanchez, an interior designer. “I work in different styles and budgets. I always try to give guidance to anyone who needs design intervention.”
“I think you should be able to buy a New York Times, healthy produce, a slamming outfit and a gift all within walking distance of your house.”
Though it has everything you need to hook up your apartment, Peace & Riot is more than a home and gift store. Maha-Sanchez sees her team as cultural ambassadors. “We’re always looking to educate our customers about all the talent here in Bed-Stuy,” she says. “Whether by hosting a Maker’s Open Call twice a year or throwing live performances in front of the shop, we let the people know.”
Peace & Riot also rents out part of its space to two other Black women-owned boutiques, Mary’s Hands Jewelry and IndigoStyle Vintage, lending a small department store feel. (Stay tuned, fam — to be continued...)
401-403 Tompkins Avenue, 347-663-6100, peaceandriot.com
