In a neighborhood where cafes and thrift shops are in high demand, there is one place that is entirely different from the “norm.” Conveniently located on the corner of Lincoln and Seventh Avenue in Park Slope, Mandala Tibetan, the India and Nepalese establishment, is a unique addition to the area and residents of The Slope region. One who takes the initial step onto the pavement that links the street to the shop will never be the same, at least culturally speaking. Mandala Tibetan, or comfortably known as “Little India” holds an array of genuine India merchandise, featuring real leather, custom antiques, along with clothing and accessories that will do nothing more than leave you in an intellectual trace. Surely, it is impossible not to venture inside and take on the experience resonating from the store.
Kunga Chonjor greets customers as they walk into the shop, a shop that embodies a platform of inner-city diversity. With his sister handling the monetary responsibilities of the Tibetan, Chonjor spends most of his time tending to the customers that find intrigue in the store.
“I get customers who have seen Slumdog Millionaire and want to buy what they saw the characters in the movie wear,” said Chonjor.
According to Chonjor, the Brooklyn based Tibetan is an expansion of the Manhattan sites. Although intentions were not to diversify the neighborhood, still the Mandala Tibetan is one representation of the assorted cultures that continue to fuse in the nation.
“We are not bringing the stores for the culture per say, we simply want to be here and make good business with the people,” he stated.
Chonjor and his sister are originally from Tibet, but the two grew up in India, where much of their original products come from.
This profile piece would be found spreading the pages of the N.Y./Region section of the New York Times.