I'm all about finding new brands and cherishing those that I consider my go-tos. We should all celebrate and share the link if we find something we like – no gatekeeping over here. I've decided to create a list of brands that are currently in the running for a yearly UJ star. This means that they have created a product that I believe is at the top of its category. It could be for anything from exceptional storytelling, to having a retail experience worth checking out or it could be as simple as a brand that just makes cool things that I want to buy or have already purchased something from in the calendar year. Let's just say this is a list of things I’ve acquired or admire.

Western Hydrodynamic Research
Reese Cooper
Bode
Blackstock & Weber
Bricks and Wood
Bephie’s Beauty Supply
Do Better NYC
Basketcase Gallery
Human Made
Hidden NY
Girls Don’t Cry
Infinite Archives
Brother Brother
Ay El Ay En
Stray Rats
Piece & Quiet
Actual Source
Uuuuntld
CPFM
Carrots
Circulate
Bristol Studios
Iiinflux
Sean Brown/Curves
The Inconvenience Store
Tyrrel Winston
Atthemomennt
John Elliott
All-Time High (ATH)
General Admission
Total Luxury Spa
Benjamin Edgar
Beaspunge