Creative Minds

- 368 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249

For New Yorkers who value artistic expression, cultural connection, and unique, high-quality gifts, Creative Minds in Brooklyn’s vibrant Williamsburg neighborhood offers a refreshing alternative to typical retail experiences. Described by customers as "something beyond a store" and "an experience," this location expertly blends the roles of a gift shop, an Oriental goods store, an art studio, and a craft center, making it a true creative crossroads in the city. It is a hub where tradition meets innovation, and where every thread and every product tells a story.

Creative Minds is a small business built on a foundation of shared passion and cross-cultural collaboration. The establishment’s ethos celebrates local artists while honoring the rich, historical artistry of weaving and rug-making, specifically drawing on Syrian traditions. The unique blend of offerings stems from the partnership between Aldo Benavides, a Mexican creative rooted in community, and Mahmoud Abdul Khsyaem, a celebrated Syrian master weaver with a family legacy spanning over 300 years. This background ensures that whether you are purchasing a unique piece or participating in a workshop, you are engaging with deep-seated cultural authenticity and unmatched expertise.

As a gift shop, Creative Minds curates a selection of one-of-a-kind creations. The retail space showcases stunning items ranging from unique art and tapestries to rugs, paintings, and various accent decor pieces, all imbued with a character and quality that stands out in the New York market. The atmosphere itself—with its unique design and curated goods—is so immersive that one customer noted feeling like they had "stepped into another country." This commitment to atmosphere, quality, and personalized attention is what transforms a simple shopping trip into a memorable cultural encounter.

Beyond the retail side, Creative Minds functions as an active art and weaving studio, hosting classes and workshops designed to spark self-expression and cultural connection. These hands-on experiences, suitable for various skill levels and ages, are a key feature and a major draw for the Brooklyn community and visitors alike. The studio provides a welcoming, creative escape from the bustle of NYC, where participants can learn traditional crafts under the guidance of a master artisan.

Creative Minds enjoys a prime location in Williamsburg, a highly desirable and easily accessible neighborhood in Brooklyn, known for its creative community, unique shops, and bustling cultural life. This setting makes it a convenient destination for shoppers and workshop attendees from Manhattan, Queens, and across the Brooklyn area.

The exact location is:

• Address: 368 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA

Located on the famously busy Bedford Avenue, the store is easily reached via the NYC subway system, being within walking distance of the Marcy Avenue station (J, M, Z trains) or the Bedford Avenue station (L train). For those driving, its location in the heart of Williamsburg provides a central point of reference. Furthermore, the business is dedicated to comfort and inclusivity for all New Yorkers, offering important accessibility features:

• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

Creative Minds offers a diverse array of services that cater to both shoppers seeking finished goods and individuals looking for hands-on, educational experiences. The service structure reflects its unique combination of retail and studio operations:

• Weaving Workshops and Classes: Including signature hands-on sessions like "The First Thread" for beginners, children’s classes, and immersive experiences like "Surie Night," often featuring complimentary Syrian food.
• Sale of Oriental Goods and Rugs: Curated collection of high-quality, authentic Oriental rugs, tapestries, and textiles, reflecting the Syrian weaving heritage.
• Unique Gift Shop Inventory: Retail of handcrafted art, paintings, unique home decor, and accent pieces created by local and featured artists.
• Delivery: Convenient delivery options for purchased items within the New York area.
• Onsite Services: Provision of certain services directly at the client's location, which may include custom art consultation or set-up.
• Gift Certificates: Available for purchase, allowing New Yorkers to gift a hands-on creative experience.
• Artist Showcase: Opportunities for local artists to showcase and sell their work in the storefront, supporting the creative community.

This establishment’s distinct identity stems from several key features that resonate strongly with the New York community looking for authentic, experience-based shopping:

• Master Weaver Instruction: Classes are often led by Mahmoud Abdul Khsyaem, a master weaver who carries a 300-year family tradition, providing a level of authenticity and skill rarely found in modern craft stores.
• Cultural Immersion: The studio hosts culturally-themed events, such as "Surie Night," which not only teaches a craft but also includes complimentary food, fostering a deeper cultural connection and community spirit.
• Handcrafted, Unique Inventory: The retail selection focuses on art and goods that are described as "spectacular" and "unique," offering an antithesis to mass-produced gifts.
• Immersive Atmosphere: The interior design is noted for being unique and transporting, creating a welcoming and inspiring "creative escape" from the city's fast pace.
• Exceptional Customer Care: Reviews consistently highlight the staff's attention, care, and friendly demeanor, creating a highly positive and hospitable experience.
• Payment Flexibility and Amenities: Accepts all major payment types including Checks, Credit cards, and Debit cards, and provides in-store Wi-Fi for convenience.

To inquire about the current inventory, book a weaving workshop, or explore an onsite service for a local event, New York users can reach Creative Minds using the following information:

• Address: 368 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA
• Phone: (956) 521-3517
• Mobile Phone: +1 956-521-3517

Choosing Creative Minds is about opting for a truly enriching experience over a simple transaction. For New Yorkers looking for a unique activity or a meaningful gift, this establishment offers substantial value. It’s an ideal choice for: a date night or team-building exercise, as one review highlighted a weaving class as "immersive, informative, and all around fun;" for those seeking to purchase authentic Oriental rugs or home goods that carry a rich heritage and high artistic value; and for anyone who appreciates the supportive, friendly atmosphere of a passion-driven small business.

The combination of a world-class educational opportunity—learning the ancient art of weaving from a master—with a carefully curated retail selection of authentic, beautiful objects is what makes Creative Minds stand out in Brooklyn's competitive market. The consistently high praise for the staff, including "Aldo, Isabel, and the rest of the staff were so helpful and friendly," confirms that the experience is as rewarding as the products. By supporting Creative Minds, New Yorkers not only acquire a unique piece of art but also connect with a global tradition and a dedicated local creative community.

Creative Minds

368 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA