Pins & Patches Pouch

Maptote by Rachel & Michael Berick

Get To Know The Maker

Where are you from/where did you grow up?

Rachel escaped the mean streets of Boca Raton, Florida for New York City to study art at New York University. Michael grew up in sunny San Diego, CA, and attended the University of Oregon, where he cultivated his love of nature and the outdoors. He moved to NYC to experience city life. They have two kids that were born and are being raised in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Park Slope.

Why did you start your business?

In 2006, they wanted to start a business making reusable cotton tote bags to limit their plastic bag use at grocery stores.

How does your work connect to Brooklyn?

It was important that the bags were made close to them to limit their carbon footprint. They work closely with two Brooklyn factories that cut, sew and screen print their products. They proudly source USA made cotton. Today, Maptote is a certified Women's Owned business.