Queens Made, Queens Raised.

Our Story: Where It All Began

Started In Queens is more than a brand—it’s a tribute to the people, the grit, and the spirit that define New York’s largest, most diverse borough. The brand was born out of a desire to put Queens on the map—not just as a borough of NYC, but as the borough that shapes the identity and hustle of everyone who calls it home. While other parts of New York may get the spotlight, Queens has always been where cultures collide, styles evolve, and legends are made.

Founded by a Queens Native, Started In Queens began as a local initiative to connect and promote small businesses in the area, highlighting the rich cultural melting pot of the borough. However, the pandemic hit, and what started as a networking idea evolved into something bigger—a way to bring people together through fashion and storytelling when in-person connections became impossible.

Started In Queens was created to give the borough the recognition it deserves. Using streetwear as the vehicle, we wanted to create something that not only looked good but felt true to what Queens is: authentic, diverse, and resilient. It’s about repping your roots, wherever you are. We are here to make sure that Queens natives can carry a piece of home with them, from the streets of Flushing to the avenues of Astoria, and from the elevated tracks of Woodside to the heart of Jamaica.

What We Stand For:

Authenticity

The foundation of Started In Queens is authenticity—staying true to our roots and the experiences that shaped us. Every design, every stitch, and every drop is created with the real Queens in mind. We focus on representing the borough’s raw, unfiltered character, using elements that locals will recognize immediately. Whether it’s a subway stop, an iconic street sign, or a hidden gem only known to neighborhood insiders, our designs reflect a piece of real Queens.

Queens Culture

We don’t just borrow from Queens culture—we live it. Queens is the most culturally diverse place in the world, where over 800 languages are spoken, and no single neighborhood is the same. From the art and graffiti on the streets to the local businesses that keep our communities thriving, Queens is a place where hustle meets heritage. That’s why our brand is built around celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures and stories that shape this borough. We’re about championing the Queens that raised us: the people, the food, the music, and the unapologetic pride of being from a place that embodies the world.

Respect

Respect is at the core of everything we do. We respect the history of our borough, the struggles and triumphs of the people who live here, and the hustle it takes to make it. Respect means honoring the past while paving the way for the future. It’s showing love to our neighbors and creating a brand that the community can be proud to stand behind. We want our designs to feel like a badge of honor, a visual shout-out to the hard work, perseverance, and relentless energy that define Queens.

Our Commitment: Representing Queens, One Drop at a Time

Started In Queens is committed to creating high-quality, locally-produced apparel that’s more than just clothing—it’s a statement. We’re not about chasing trends or appealing to the masses. Our focus is on keeping the designs and narratives authentic, grounded in the spirit of the borough. Each piece is designed, made, and shipped right here in Queens by Queens Natives. From concept to creation, we’re hands-on with every detail, making sure it stays true to the culture and stories that inspired it.

But it’s not just about the product. It’s about representing where we’re from in a way that’s genuine. We want every person who wears Started In Queens to feel a sense of pride. Pride in the borough, pride in their roots, and pride in being part of something bigger than themselves. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a native who’s moved away, or just someone who loves what Queens stands for, we want you to wear your borough with the same pride and passion that drives us.

What Makes Us Different?

Most streetwear brands claim to be “from NYC” or “representing New York culture,” but too often, they fall into stereotypes that don’t reflect the real lived experience of the people they claim to represent. Started In Queens is not NYC—it’s Queens. We’re here to represent our borough and tell our stories, in our way. That means keeping it local, staying authentic, and celebrating the unique essence of Queens without ever watering it down.

Every collection is infused with subtle nods to the places and symbols that are distinctly Queens—from the 7 train that cuts through the heart of our neighborhoods to the mom-and-pop shops that define our communities. We pay homage to the things that make Queens a place like no other. Our designs aren’t just about wearing a cool shirt; they’re about telling a story, starting a conversation, and repping your borough with pride.

The Future of Started In Queens:

As we grow, our goal is to keep pushing the boundaries of what it means to represent a place. We’re expanding our collections, introducing more iconic symbols and themes from different parts of the borough, and collaborating with other Queens-based artists, creators, and businesses. The ultimate aim? To build a movement that transcends fashion—a movement that amplifies the voices of the people of Queens and reminds the world of the impact this borough has made, and continues to make, on the culture at large.