Jodi Kostelnik is a firm believer that you eat with your eyes first. That’s why her home goods company is inspired by the beauty of food, and its power to draw people together.
It all began as a side hustle for this graphic designer, after years of taking on less...appetizing projects such as fashion illustrations and corporate reports. Itching to move into the food space, she went about building a portfolio by sketching family recipes, as well as produce from the farmer’s market to put up on her design website.
The images were simply too adorable not to bring to life, so Jodi figured she’d screen-print a few onto dish towels, to give as presents for family and friends. While they didn’t quite make the holiday deadline, the towels ended up serving a larger purpose. Instead of working for clients, Jodi realized she could connect directly with customers from her Washington D.C. home studio, by crafting giftable products that add a spark of joy to everyday objects.
The Neighborgoods is clearly known for its cheerful and colorful dish towels, that fuse a love of illustration and food. Machine washable, made from natural, unbleached 100% cotton, and hand screen printed with eco-friendly inks, designs include edible images paired with punny sayings such as “Getting Figgy with It,” or “Avo Nice Day.” Equally adorable are retro-chic aprons, oversized canvas tote bags, baby onesies and collectible greeting cards, adorned with everything from exclamations over oysters, to guides on constructing a cheese plate.
Jodi has even added a new line of masks to the whimsical collection, repurposed from misprinted towels. They’re the perfect way to add a smile to everyone’s face (even when concealed behind cloth), and are sure to have you looking good in your neighborhood.