Anita Manfredonia, founder of women’s boutique Pippy&Lily, got her first look into the life of a small business owner at her family’s Italian deli on Long Island. A child at the time, she helped out her grandparents, who emigrated from Italy, and mother with some of the day-to-day operations. “I guess it was just in my blood,” she said.

Originally from Nassau County, Manfredonia moved to Flushing with her husband a number of years ago. New to the neighborhood, she shopped at local businesses and introduced herself to residents when she eventually stumbled upon a home decor storefront on 29th Avenue. It was then she and the store’s owner forged a friendship.