About us
At MerchMojo, we believe in the power of local business. For many of us, shopping at owner-operated establishments in our local community is more than just a transaction. It's memories, it’s comfort, it's connection.
We understand how truly important our mission is. We are here to bring a smile to people’s faces and extend that special connection between local businesses and their neighboring customers. In an increasingly virtual and disconnected world, we believe in providing beautifully-designed, physical goods that memorialize and extend these real-world connections.​
We've created an online marketplace that joyfully connects people with their favorite local memories, experiences, and routines. We’ve built an innovative merch platform that empowers small businesses and amplifies their unique brands.
💙 Sebastian Merkatz
Founder & CEO
"Our mission is to help local businesses delight their customers and increase sales via innovative merch solutions."
Sebastian Merkatz, Founder & CEO
Sebastian Merkatz is a life-long New Yorker, passionate learner and a senior at The Bronx High School of Science. Bronx Science has fostered numerous interests for Sebastian, who enjoys statistics, calculus, and history, and serves as the Director of a tutoring organization and the Treasurer of the Investment Society. Sebastian's career interests lie in business and government, and he is dedicated to making NYC a better place. He has gained valuable experience interning for the office of NYC Council Member Shaun Abreu. His entrepreneurial spirit shines through at MerchMojo, where he partners with local businesses to provide them with innovative merch solutions. Outside of his entrepreneurial pursuits, Sebastian enjoys spending time with family, DJing with friends, and playing with his puppy.
Jen Toth, Artist-in-Residence
Jen Toth is a digital illustrator and fashion model with a big heart for local haunts. Like many, Jen spent most of the 2020 quarantine looking for ways to get out of her head. Inspired by the comradery in her community of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, she began scribbling local landmarks, bringing brick and mortar buildings to life through a mixture of watercolor and digital technology. Through clean lines and seductive curves awash in saturated hues, her whimsical illustrations capture the beating heart of each New York City borough. Though she took an interest in sketching as a young girl, it was sartorial design sketches she witnessed on the job that made her fall in love with form. Today the self-taught artist is driven to explore other cities, and with this new medium, Jen hopes to embrace new communities and look for ways to give back.
Sophie Fain, Artist-in-Residence
Born and raised in New York, Sophie’s passion for art began at a young age. She attended LaGuardia High school in NYC as a visual arts major and studied history at Barnard College. She is now a Special Education teacher and local artist on the Upper West Side, finding inspiration all around her.
Her portfolio spans a variety of mediums including watercolor, gauche, ink, and acrylic paint among diverse subjects. She also paints live at events and weddings. She enjoys creating a unique and memorable piece of fine art for all guests.
Edward Powers, Brand Ambassador
Edward Powers, who goes by “Teddy,” is a current Senior at the Beekman School. A life-long New Yorker, triple citizen, and dedicated student, Teddy is interested in pursuing law and business in his future. Teddy is an avid sports fan and player; an athlete for his school's Squash, Golf, Tennis, and Basketball teams, Teddy has a competitive spirit both on and off the court. Teddy's participation in his school government alongside his founding of BWL's Current Events Club, has given Teddy experience as a leader and communicator. Teddy looks forward to applying his sportsmanship and communicating skills to create effective and efficient merch solutions for his community.
Jack Boccara, Vice President
Jack Boccara is a dual citizen of the United States and France. Born and raised in Paris, Jack is currently living in New York City. Jack is a Senior at The Beacon School, where he is the Head of Outreach for the Financial Literacy & Real Estate Club and Treasurer of the Stock Market Club. Jack is a competitive tennis player at John McEnroe Tennis Academy and a passionate chef. Jack is looking forward to studying business management and entrepreneurship in college. Jack plans to utilize his competitive and entrepreneurial spirit to increase brand awareness and enrich marketing strategies for MerchMojo.
Oscar Allen, Brand Ambassador
Oscar is a half Japanese, half Irish Senior at The Bronx High School of Science. A passionate leader, he serves as the President of Young Democracy Club, helping to encourage civic activity among his peers. He is also an active athlete, and dedicates himself to a variety of sports including Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Baseball. Not one to shy away from intellectual vigor, he also competes in Varsity Congressional Debate, for which his school boasts the best team in the country. Oscar is committed to using both his leadership skills and competitive nature to help local businesses find new sources of revenue, through MerchMojo.
Justin Granito, Brand Ambassador
Justin Granito is a Senior at Kent School in Connecticut. He is an active member of Kent's investment club, a lead researcher for Model UN, and serves as a Tour Guide for the school's admissions office. As a competitive athlete, Justin plays Varsity baseball in the Founders League, one of the most respected leagues in the country. A lifelong New Yorker, he is passionate about business management and entrepreneurship, which he plans to study in college. Justin brings a strong work ethic and leadership both on and off the field and is eager to utilize his skills with MerchMojo.