
By Shana Liebman–
A new maker-market pop-up in Irvington could provide the solution to this season’s wishlist. Make Your Mark[et]NY, which occupies the former electronics/balloon store on Irvington’s Main Street through December 24, features items from 79 local artisans, including flavored salts, stationery, puzzles, puppets, bags, pottery, jewelry, and faux-fur jackets.
The pop-up, in its fourth year (after stints in New Rochelle and Hastings), is the passion project of Melissa Panszi Riebe, a former social worker turned jewelry designer.
“As a jewelry maker, I knew exactly what I wanted when I was in a store,” she says.
“I understood that a huge part of the maker community is the stories behind each piece. But my social work training made me want to create something deeper — a place where the broader community could come in and feel truly seen and connected.”
Indeed, Riebe has created a warm, quirky, and vibrant space, with a thoughtfully curated collection of unique items. “I’m very intentional about ensuring the makers reflect the diversity of our world — various ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, levels of experience, and types of businesses from hobby ventures to full-time enterprises,” she says.
There’s an old-school Rolodex gift registry where visitors can record a wish list for friends and family. And “Priscilla,” a converted cigarette machine that dispenses mystery boxes filled with maker items and donates all proceeds to Girls Inc. of Westchester. On weekends, Riebe hosts interactive, hands-on workshops – from cookie-making to pasta-rolling to make your own room spray.

There’s also a story behind every gift. For example, Hiram Rodriguez, who makes colorful, culturally specific, canvas prints and coasters, was an orphan in Puerto Rico whose social worker encouraged him to use art to process his experiences.
Every item in the pop-up is accompanied by its origin story, which makes Make Your Mark[et]NY a fun shop for one-of-a-kind gifts. “We can even put different items together to create a gift specifically tailored to someone special,” Riebe says. “That’s the kind of personal service you just can’t get online or at big box shopping.”
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