Agape Closet
Agape Closet: A Gem in Downtown Peekskill
By Sonia Lee Garber
Agape is a Greek word which, in Christianity, means unconditional love. Walk into Agape Closet in downtown Peekskill and speak with owner Ana Ramos and unconditional love is what you will feel and understand. Ramos is a New York City police officer (along with her husband who is a detective), with two young children at home, (Jeremiah and Jonah) who is a Christian by faith and, despite her already full and bustling life, Ramos felt a true calling from God to open-up her own business.
Thus, Agape Closet, which is filled to the brim with beautiful dresses fit for all sorts of special occasions, from sweet sixteens and quinceaneras, bat mitzvahs, and of course, weddings, complete with dresses for flower girls, brides, bridesmaids, and mothers of the bride. There is also a selection of dresses for every other type of special occasion, celebration, or party that you can think of. I learned about this very special store from my friend Marisol Jiminez, who is a patron of the store, as well as a friend of Ana’s. Jiminez is also a Christian by faith, and felt inspired to call me and tell her about her experience in the store.
“I saw a beautiful black and white dress in the window of the store and said, ‘Wow that’s such a beautiful dress’ for a very special event, and what happened was I fell in love with the dress and the store because it was so beautiful.” Says Jiminez.
Ramos opened the store in August of 2020, and understandably, it had been somewhat of a struggle getting customers into the store with the onset of Covid.
“It’s hard”, says Ramos. “Like some people that are our new clients, didn’t even know this place was here, or they might have been passing by thinking, oh my God, that place may be like super expensive, but they don’t give it a try, you know? We have dresses for every customer with any budget.”
Ramos talks a bit about what it was like when she first walked into the space for Agape Closet. “When I came here, I remember the place was so dark, but I was able to see something” And see something she has. As now, walking into Agape Closet is walking into a place of beauty, love, and light.
“So, you know, when you’re young, you want to do things different and all that…But God always reminded me like, listen, even though you don’t see it now, I’m here. I love you unconditionally. It doesn’t matter what you go through. I’m always going to be here, you know?” says Ramos of her divine appointment of opening Agape Closet.
With the help of Jiminez, Ramos has organized a fashion show to take place at 925 South Street, “The Artist’s Spot” on April 16th, just a couple of storefronts away from Agape, which is located at 907 South Street. The Fashion Show will take place at 6pm, with tickets at just $10. Call 914-737-0110 or contact: [email protected] to reserve your ticket today! Look for Agape Closet on Facebook for more info.
