Characters of the Village

“Just Ask Ivy” at Brooklyn Fare

By Joy and Brian Pape

We met Ivy Diaz last year as we were interviewing Kenia Hernandez for our March 2023 Village View Character of the Village. Ivy is Kenia’s manager and helped to make sure Kenia had all she needed for the interview.

We learned that as a manager, she is not above doing every day things. She just wants to get things done and done right. She doesn’t always delegate, she does things herself, but never wants the credit.

We have come to learn that’s just the way she is. Her customers come first and she goes above and beyond to make sure they get what they need.

About two weeks ago, on a cold Friday evening near closing time, I needed a specialty health item. I knew Brooklyn Fare carried it, but I could not find the item. I saw Ivy and asked her if they have it, and she literally ran over to where it usually is, moved things around and found one, hidden behind other brands! We checked the expiration date; all was good, and she handed it to me. That’s when I came to think of Brooklyn Fare and Ivy as, “Just ask Ivy.”

If you’ve met her, you most likely haven’t forgotten her. If you haven’t, we want you to meet her. One day you may need something you can’t find. We recommend you go to Brooklyn Fare and “Just ask Ivy.”

Ivy came to mind when it was time to choose this month’s Character of the Village, so we ‘Just Asked Ivy.’ We know that she doesn’t like to be doted over, so she started naming several people in the store who deserved this honor more than her, which only confirmed to us who and what she is. But we insisted.

What do you think is important for our community to know about you?

I’m Ivy Diaz, married, no children. I work at Brooklyn Fare, I’m the Cashier Manager. I was born in Manhattan, but I was raised in the Dominican Republic. My parents are from the DR, so we moved there when I was two, then came back when I was 11, when my father bought a grocery store in the Bronx. Spanish is my first language, but I always speak English first to our customers. If they want to speak Spanish, then I do.

Tell us about your work.

I have been working almost 14 years in this company. I love my job. The owner and managers are very good to me. We are all like family. I feel very blessed, and I thank God every day for that.

I started at the first Brooklyn Fare store in Brooklyn as a Cashier Manager. I came to help open the store on Greenwich Street in 2016 for a short time, then went back to the Brooklyn Store. Then, about three years ago, during the pandemic, I came back here.

I do what we’ve been taught. The owner is very creative. I like making sure that our customers find what they are looking for, and making sure they are being helped, or if we don’t have the item, making sure we get the item for our customers.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I make sure the customers, including the fur-babies (dogs), are treated well. I love everything about my job.

What is your least favorite thing about your job?

The commute, because I live in Yonkers, so it is a little far.

Where do you park?

I am lucky. I usually find a street parking space. I only have to pay for parking about twice a month.

What was it like for you when the pandemic hit, and what is different now?

It was a crazy time. No one, including the customers, knew what was happening. We didn’t know if the world was coming to an end or what.

We were busier than ever because people wanted to shop and they could come here. We worked very long hours; management was very good to us, so we didn’t mind it at all. The customers were fighting about a lot of things, including wearing and not wearing masks. I love my customers, but it was hard because I couldn’t recognize them due to the masks. Now things are pretty much back to normal.

What are your favorite places in the Village?

I like the quietness of the area. I’ve been to many restaurants but I don’t have a favorite. I have to say my favorite place is right here at Brooklyn Fare.

What is your favorite accomplishment in life?

I love animals and love doing for them. I have even brought homeless animals home and let them sleep in my bed. Some people call me ‘the dog whisperer.’

What message do you want us to share with our readers?

God bless everyone, love you guys all! And don’t forget to always talk to our Creator, GOD!