NORWALK – DMarxx Design, which is owned by Devan Markiewicz, has earned a spot on the historic Washington Street in South Norwalk (SoNo) for a month starting in May, according to property owner and manager AGW SONO Partners and OnWashington.
Markiewicz was named the winner of the 2026 OnWashington Entrepreneur Contest. Following a month-long call for submissions, dozens of standout concepts were narrowed to five finalists before Markiewicz was selected to bring her handcrafted leather brand to life in a pop-up boutique and community gathering space on Washington Street.
DMarxx Design will pop up this May at 108 Washington St., transforming the space into a curated retail and creative hub. In addition to her leather collection, she will feature local artists and designers showcasing artwork, jewelry, candles, sustainable fashion, and vintage pieces. She will have a full calendar of events, including hands-on canteen bag workshops and social gatherings at the space.
Markiewicz, who has been a leather goods designer since 2017, originally made her mark with the canteen clutch, and soon expanded her leather goods collection to include clothing and accessories. Her motivation, business savvy, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit are punctuated by the “Sober-Friendly Business” model and path to self-expression.
“This year was filled with talented, driven entrepreneurs who brought passion and creativity to the table,” says Linda Kavanagh, director of OnWashington. “We saw everything from delicious food concepts and flirty fashion to sustainability and entertainment concepts. Devan is a rock star and is going to bring something special to the block.”
Ilan Galitsky, portfolio manager of AGW Partners, was inspired by the many candidates who competed for the entrepreneurship honor.
“We spend so much of our time working with seasoned business owners, so it was incredibly refreshing to see the level of preparedness these applicants brought, most of whom have never had their own storefront,” Galitsky said. “What stood out the most was their love for South Norwalk and their commitment to community. So many of the proposals centered around bringing people together, which is something we deeply believe in as real estate owners on Washington Street. Seeing that energy from the next generation of entrepreneurs was genuinely inspiring.”
DMarxx Design is a handcrafted leather goods brand where edginess meets elegance. At the core of the collection is the signature Canteen Clutch: a reimagined classic made from 100% genuine leather, featuring hand-sewn exposed stitching and a unique self-closing design. Available in multiple sizes, from the Mini to the Carryall Crossbody, each piece is built with durability, versatility, and everyday wear in mind. Sustainability is also woven into the brand, with small goods and accessories created from leftover leather to ensure minimal waste. Seasonal colors, textured leather, and prints keep the collection fresh and aligned with a traditional fashion calendar.
Beyond the product, Markiewicz’s mission is personal. After relocating to Norwalk in 2017 to begin her sobriety journey, she reignited DMarxx Design, “Birthed and Bottomed in Brooklyn, Currently Creating in Connecticut,” as both a creative outlet and a path forward. Today, she is building a Sober Friendly Business, sharing her story openly and working toward employing and engaging with others in the recovery community. Hand-sewing remains a grounding, therapeutic practice that fuels both her creativity and commitment to a clean lifestyle.
“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and most excited to bring people together through a fresh ‘Retail Therapy’ concept,” she said. “It’s about connection – through fashion, art, and shared experience.”
Her roots in Norwalk run deep, with family ties to past local businesses including Deflorio’s Deli in South Norwalk and Santo’s Catering in East Norwalk. A Florida native, Markiewicz spent her 20’s in Brooklyn, before moving to East Norwalk, which she now calls home.
Through a portfolio transaction, AGW acquired 27 properties in the heart of SoNo comprised of 26 contiguous ground floor commercial condominium units and a three story office building. The portfolio spans more than 500 linear feet along Washington, and features uses including restaurants, retailers, creative spaces, office and more.
