Awake NY this week opened its first retail store located in the vibrant Lower East Side of New York. The store’s interior was meticulously crafted by acclaimed architect Rafael De Cardenas, featuring captivating artwork by Alvin Armstrong. This venture marks a significant milestone for the 11-year-old brand, as it embarks on its first permanent brick-and-mortar establishment.
In a recent interview with Complex, founder Angelo Baque addressed speculations surrounding the brand’s ownership, clarifying that he still owns the brand. However, he acknowledged taking on investment from Light Work Capital, which is also an investor in Melody Ehsani.
“Last year, I decided to take on an investor as I envisioned growth for the brand,” said Baque. “From the very beginning, I have been independently driving this enterprise without any trust funds or angel investors. Although I received numerous investment offers right from the start, I respectfully declined them because I sought more than just a recognizable name or a mere financial injection. I needed the support of a robust infrastructure.”
Awake New York is located on 62 Orchard Street in Manhattan.
