Valerie Duardo is the Founder of Mint Market Vintage and Contemporary in Hoboken and Jersey City. She is from North Bergen, New Jersey, and today she shared her Local Love with HipNewJersey.com!
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Hands down Leo’s in Hoboken. It was the restaurant I took my team to the night we first opened in Hoboken. There have been countless memories made at their classic bar. Feels like home every time I walk in.
What is your favorite local boutique?
We love our Jersey City women-owned neighbor Love Locked for their beautiful taste in fine jewels and home goods.
What is your favorite salon or spa?
Ashley Pak at Dream Nails in Hoboken is the dopest nail artist in town. She owns the salon with her mom.
What is your favorite local health and wellness center?
Base gym in Jersey City is definitely my go-to.
Where is your favorite local place for home decor?
Kanibal Goods in Jersey City has the best assortment of candles and home goods in town.
Where is your favorite local daytime hangout?
I love a hot summer afternoon up on the rooftop at Porta or the Ashford in Jersey City. Nothing beats pizza and a cocktail on a hot day.
What is your favorite nighttime hangout?
Ani Ramen in Jersey City is my absolute favorite late-night spot. They have the best shrimp buns ever and the beer is so good.
What is your favorite local place to do business?
Mint Market always and forever.
What is your favorite “Made in Jersey” product?
I’m a worshipper of Torico Homemade Ice Cream in Jersey City. They have made a lot of long days and nights in the store a lot sweeter.
What is your favorite New Jersey downtown district?
Jersey City because it’s the next Brooklyn. The city is just teeming with the best restaurants, vibrant culture, and a buzzing art scene.
What is your favorite New Jersey-based service business?
Dollhouse Express is my favorite service-based NJ business. It’s a women-owned operation that offers clients in-home makeup and beauty services like nails and hair.
How has COVID-19 affected your business?
Mint Market has been closed to the public since March. As a result we have restructured our business and have been moving all inventory online. We are now allowed to offer customers curbside pickup with an online purchase.
You can find Valerie Duardo on Instagram, business Instagram, and her business website.
For all things Garden State, keep checking out HipNewJersey.com.
