Welcome to Court Street Journal, a Brooklyn blog dedicated to exploring the vibrant people, places and culture of Carroll Gardens.

I’m Alexa Tietjen Dornagon, fashion and beauty journalist and CSJ’s founder and editor. I created CSJ because I love this neighborhood and all of the people, strollers and pizza in it. In a city where every corner holds a new narrative, Carroll Gardens stands out as a place where its people, spaces and energy truly make an impression.

CSJ is about life in progress. So far, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing a wide range of subjects: from the independent retailers of Outline and Ven. Space (the latter of which we scooped ahead of the NYTimes), to Julius Randle, former New York Knick; Audrey Gelman, the savvy owner of The Six Bells; and the founders of District, a brownstone gym that also found its way into the NYTimes. Each story is a snapshot of the forces that shape this community.

My hope for CSJ is to create connections—both within Carroll Gardens and beyond. Among the many ideas I’m working toward for the site: a book club, a zine, and live experiences for our growing community of readers and subscribers.

If you have a story to share, an idea to explore, or simply want to say hello, I’d love to hear from you. Reach out at info@courtstreetjournal.com, and don’t forget to follow CSJ on Instagram. We’re thrilled to bring you thoughtful writing, vibrant illustrations (by Tim Le), and the occasional cartoon (courtesy of my husband, Lance).