As Brooklyn continues to evolve through new development, shifting demographics and an ever-changing cultural landscape, two lifelong residents are working to ensure the borough’s authentic stories remain at the forefront.
Founded in 2017 by Lauren Riley and Merlyn Oliver, Brooklyn Mavens has grown into one of the borough’s leading community-driven platforms, dedicated to celebrating the people, businesses, neighborhoods and cultures that make Brooklyn unique. Through storytelling, social media, events and community engagement, the platform has become a trusted source for discovering the borough beyond the well-known hotspots often highlighted in mainstream conversations.
“The goal was to fill in the gap of what Brooklyn is outside of what people see as the norm,” said Merlyn Oliver, co-founder of Brooklyn Mavens. “People would come to Brooklyn and only know Williamsburg or Downtown Brooklyn, but they didn’t know Flatbush, Canarsie or many of the other communities that make this borough special.”
The idea for Brooklyn Mavens was born after the longtime friends returned home following college and careers outside New York. The pair, who attended Edward R. Murrow High School and later Penn State University, noticed that while Brooklyn was rapidly changing, many of the stories that defined its culture and communities were being overlooked.
“Brooklyn was evolving, but the cultural shifts, community voices and everyday moments that define the borough weren’t being captured with the depth or authenticity they deserved,” Lauren said.
As residents of Prospect Heights and Flatbush, the founders bring different perspectives to their storytelling. Their backgrounds also reflect the diversity that has long defined Brooklyn. While Lauren approaches stories through her experiences as an American-born Brooklynite, Oliver’s Caribbean heritage offers another lens for exploring the borough’s rich multicultural identity.
“It’s a testament to the fact that Brooklyn has multiple cultures that represent it,” Oliver said.
Over the past eight years, Brooklyn Mavens has spotlighted countless small businesses, entrepreneurs, artists and community organizations. Through Instagram, TikTok, newsletters and in-person events, the platform introduces audiences to local establishments and shares the stories behind the people who run them.
“Our community trusts us to share their stories,” Oliver said. “Sometimes people stop us at events or on the street just to thank us, and that reminds us of the impact the platform is having.”
The founders say their approach goes beyond simply promoting businesses. They prioritize building genuine relationships with business owners and community members, often visiting establishments long after features are published.
That community-centered approach has become increasingly important as Brooklyn faces the effects of gentrification. Rising rents and changing neighborhoods have forced some longtime establishments to close, altering the character of communities that residents have known for decades.
“There are plenty of Brooklyn staples that no longer exist,” Lauren said. “Sometimes it feels like you don’t even really know the borough anymore.”
Rather than focusing solely on what has been lost, Brooklyn Mavens seeks to document both Brooklyn’s history and its future.
“We do a good job of appreciating the Brooklyn we grew up on while also shedding light on the changes that are coming,” Lauren said.
Looking ahead, the founders hope to expand their team, strengthen their digital presence and continue growing Brooklyn Mavens into the borough’s definitive cultural platform.
“We want to be the number one platform when it comes to Brooklyn culture,” Oliver said. “Not just for Brooklyn residents, but for people across New York City and visitors who want to experience the real Brooklyn.”
As the borough continues to transform, Brooklyn Mavens remains committed to ensuring its authentic voices, diverse cultures and neighborhood stories are not forgotten.
