Meet Gabrielle Piskorz

We recently connected with Gabrielle Piskorz and have shared our conversation below.

Gabrielle, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?

We often heard the phrase “risk vs. reward,” but I’ve never connected with the idea that every risk has to end in some type of reward. For me, risk doesn’t need a transactional outcome to justify it. Instead, I’ve come to view risk as an experience in itself—a way to step into the unknown, embrace uncertainty, and learn, regardless of the outcome.

As kids, we naturally take risks all the time as part of exploring the world and developing our sense of self. We:
* Try new sports or activities, not knowing if we’ll succeed.
* Share our artwork with classmates or teachers, risking judgment.
* Tell our best friends our deepest secrets, unsure of how they’ll respond.

These risks might seem small in hindsight, but they play a huge role in shaping confidence, resilience, and independence. Kids don’t think of risks as calculated decisions; they take them because they’re curious, open, and eager to grow. That foundation helped me develop my own ability to take risks later in life.

As adults, the risks evolve:
* Trying a new food or taking on a personal challenge.
* Dying our hair a bold color, knowing it might not turn out as planned.
* Starting a business, not knowing if it will succeed.

Developing my ability to take risks has been about tapping into childlike curiosity and embracing uncertainty. I’ve learned to see risks not as something to fear but as opportunities to test my boundaries, discover possibilities, and grow.

The shift happened gradually, starting with manageable risks like coloring my hair, then reflecting on those experiences to build confidence. Over time, I realized the act of taking a risk is often more meaningful than the outcome.

Today, I see risk as a natural part of growth. Whether big, small, weird, or scary, I feel compelled to take the leap and see where it leads.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Hi! I’m Gab (Gabrielle or Gabby works too). I am New York Born & Raised. I am the owner of Sunnyside Scrapt, a vintage store in Queens, NY, and a full-time Product Designer.

I’ve always believed in creating things that truly matter. Both as a vintage curator and a product designer. Over the past eight years, I’ve worked in the digital world—designing websites, apps, and brands. But my true inspiration lies in the tangible: objects you can feel and connect with, like a beautifully designed book or a timeless piece of furniture. This passion for the tactile world inspired me to open Sunnyside Scrapt while continuing my work as a product designer.

What started as a love for thrifting & collecting for myself… and admiring the treasures of my great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents has grown into Sunnyside Scrapt—a creative space where design, art, and community intersect.

From the start, I envisioned Sunnyside Scrapt as more than just a retail space. I wanted it to be a place where creativity thrives and people feel at home. The shop is a hybrid—both a showroom for vintage treasures and a versatile space available for photographers and videographers to rent for their creative projects.

The shopping experience is designed to feel cozy and personal, like walking into your own home. Customers can take their time, explore every drawer, and immerse themselves in the unique finds. For creatives, the space offers carefully curated setups and nooks, each with its own vibe, providing endless backdrops and inspiration. One of my favorite features is that props and extras for shoots are already part of the store, making the process seamless and inspiring for clients.

Building out this space has been a labor of love over the past five months, and I’m thrilled to have just launched the showroom’s rental aspect for creative projects.

The most rewarding part of Scrapt is someone walking into the space and saying, “Wow.” Those moments make all the hard work worthwhile. Knowing the effort I’ve poured into building and evolving the space resonates with others and creates a sense of excitement is what I’m most proud of.

I feel incredibly lucky to work in a space that constantly inspires me. Scrapt has taught me that it’s about staying true to your vision and creating something that truly matters to you.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: curiosity, adaptability, and intentionality.

Curiosity sparked my love for all things vintage, and each day brings new discoveries that keep that passion alive. It also drives my growth as a designer, keeping me open to learning new trends, tools, and skills.

Adaptability has been essential in navigating challenges, embracing change, and finding creative solutions when things don’t go as planned. Embracing change has never been something I feared—it’s something I enjoy. I find meaning and even fun in the unexpected.

Intentionality has guided me to make thoughtful decisions aligned with my values, from curating unique pieces to creating meaningful experiences for others. My advice for anyone starting out is to stay curious, embrace change as an opportunity, and stay true to your vision—it’s the foundation for building something truly rewarding.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

My parents have done so many impactful things for me that it’s hard to choose just one. If I had to, though, I’d say the most impactful thing they did was encourage my creativity and allow me to make my own decisions—even at a young age, like choosing to pursue Jiu-Jitsu at 7.

Growing up, being artistic wasn’t exactly “cool,” and it was something I often felt shy about. But my parents never let me feel like I had to hide that part of myself. Instead, they nurtured it. My mom, a graphic designer, and my dad, a jeweler, showed me that creativity wasn’t just valued in our family—it was celebrated.

They supported my photography interest early on, buying me cameras to experiment with and even giving me my mom’s 35mm camera in high school so I could develop my own film. When I decided I wanted to pursue graphic design as a career, they never questioned it. They helped me find ways to chase that dream and believed in me every step of the way.

My dad used to joke, “I’d rather you be a rockstar than a jeweler.” Ironically, I now sell vintage jewelry! He’s been an enormous help, teaching me about jewelry, fixing pieces, and even showing me how to change watch batteries. It showed me that even if my path wasn’t what they envisioned, they’d always support me as long as it made me happy.

At 7, they let me decide whether to continue dance or start Jiu-Jitsu, and without hesitation, I chose Jiu-Jitsu. Looking back, I’m so proud of that decision and grateful they gave me the freedom to make it. That choice shaped who I am today, giving me lifelong skills, knowledge, and memories.

When people say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, I can’t help but think of my parents. Their encouragement, trust, and support have shaped so much of who I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sunnysidescrapt.com
• Instagram: @sunnysidescrapt