“Hell’s Kitchen is more than my home, it’s a part of my identity” – Lucy Cohen’s West Side Story

So what’s your New York story? Born here or just arrived?
I was born and raised in Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan Plaza. My home was a unique haven—both of my parents are artists, so they really cultivated a space for my siblings and I to express our creativity and passions. Unlike most kids, I didn’t follow the traditional school path. Instead, I was homeschooled, which allowed my education to be as unconventional and rich as my upbringing.

I danced professionally until I was 17 — dance was the center of my universe until I was ready to try other things. Growing up in Hell’s Kitchen, surrounded by creativity and nurtured by my artist parents, was a gift that forever shaped who I am and how I see the world.

What was your first job? what are you doing now
My first job was working as Mother’s Assistant in my building at the age of eight. I charged $5 an hour to play with the kids while their moms showered or cooked dinner. I have always loved children, so as I got older, that naturally developed into a babysitting business. I knew almost every family in the neighborhood and I really enjoyed playing and taking care of the kids. It also helped pay for my dance lessons and I think it instilled a work ethic that I’m proud to have now as an adult.

I now run my own small jewelry business from my apartment, called Fine Studio. I have a passion for sourcing vintage pieces and giving them new life, which was my original vision for my business. But in the last couple of years I fell in love with beads and making my pieces by hand. I’ve built a really sweet customer community and hope to continue to grow organically over time. I feel so lucky to be able to run my small business with the full support of everyone in my life.

What is your favorite minute (or moment) in New York so far?
In May 2010, while walking down 14th St with my sister and a friend, I noticed paparazzi outside a store called Olde Good Things (now operating at 333 W52nd Street). Being the curious and persistent kid that I was, I went inside to check it out while everyone else stayed outside. To my surprise, Taylor Swift was there, casually browsing. She smiled at me and said “hello”. I quickly went back to tell everyone and amazingly she invited the three of us to take a photo with her. It was one of those magical moments in New York that I will never forget!

Share with us why you love Hell’s Kitchen
Hell’s Kitchen holds a special place in my heart for so many reasons. It’s not just a neighborhood – it’s a vibrant and dynamic community that has shaped who I am. Growing up here, I was surrounded by an incredible mix of cultures, people and artistic expressions. The energy in Hell’s Kitchen is unmatched. There is a palpable sense of creativity permeating the streets. It is a place where artists, dreamers and innovators converge, constantly inspiring and challenging each other. Hell’s Kitchen is a neighborhood that has evolved and transformed over the years, but retains a unique character and spirit.

Growing up in an artist building in Hell’s Kitchen was a dream. The community was a mix of talent and creativity, where everyone supported and inspired each other. It was the perfect environment to nurture my love of dance and the arts, with every corner offering something new to discover and learn.

Hell’s Kitchen is more than my home, it’s a part of my identity. The experiences, memories and lessons from this neighborhood have profoundly influenced my life and continue to fuel my passion for the arts.

What is your hidden superpower or talent?
I have strong intuition, in some cases some might even call it psychic abilities. I trust my instincts, knowing when they are guiding me in the right direction. It’s something I’ve learned to recognize, listen to, and rely on in many aspects of my life.

In the summer of 2020, I experienced a series of significant losses that profoundly changed my perspective on life and death. This experience led me to develop a passion for end-of-life care, leading me to study thanatology at The New York Open Center. Harnessing my intuition during my studies helped me navigate the complex emotional landscapes of death and dying with clarity and compassion.

What else should we know about you?
I put my energy into growing my jewelry business Fine Studio right now and it was amazing. I have always liked fashion, so to be able to do this full-time and in my conditions is a gift.

Lucy’s Favorite Places in Hell’s Kitchen

I smell Elate — 313 W48th St (bw 8/9th Ave)
A fan of crystals and all things metaphysical, Scent Elate is truly a haven for anyone looking to expand their crystal collection or find a gift for a loved one.

Claudio’s Pizza — 598 10th Ave (bw 43/44th St)
When I think of Claudio I think of my childhood; I don’t remember my life before a time when I met Claudio himself and it doesn’t hurt that the pizza is always perfect.

So & So’s neighborhood piano bar — 302 W 52nd St (west of 8th Ave)
So and so is literally a hidden gem. I was invited there through the Romer Hotel to have dinner during their opening week and it was truly a magical night. I left thinking it would be such a special place for a romantic date and I still can’t wait to go back!

Store made by the artist — 447 W50th St (bw 9/10th Ave)
When you shop at the Artist made Shop, you directly support individual artists and you’re sure to find one-of-a-kind pieces. It’s a perfect place to discover gifts or personal treasures that are authentic and carefully crafted. Plus, it’s owned by a woman!

The Little Pie Company — 424 W43rd St (bw 9/10th Ave)
It has always been tradition to have a lemon meringue pie for breakfast on my birthday every year. The Little Pie Company is just a Hell’s Kitchen staple, and the holiday displays always make me smile.

Sullivan Street Bakery — 533 W47th St (bw 10/11th Ave)
Everything about Sullivan Street Bakery is pure heaven. It was always a good day when my mother took us out for some pizza bianca. I eventually started babysitting Jim and Maya as a teenager and then worked at the bakery for a hot minute!

Ariana Afghan Restaurant — 787 9th Ave (bw W52/53rd St)
I have been coming here with my family for as long as I can remember and have developed a wonderful friendship with the owner, Wali. He is the best and really makes incredible food. Take it easy for dessert!

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You can follow Lucy’s jewelry business, Emend Studio, on Instagram at @emend.studio or visit her website. If you know someone who would make a great West Side Story (or would like to nominate yourself), please fill out this form – w42st.info/WSSnominations.

You can check out more West Side Stories and reader recommendations W42ST’s local Hell’s Kitchen app.