DMarxx Design Wins 2026 OnWashington EntrepreneurContest
Owner + Designer Devan Markiewicz to Debut Month-Long Pop-Up in South Norwalk This May

April 7, 2026, Norwalk, CT: AGW SONO Partners and OnWashington are proud to announce Devan Markiewicz of DMarxx Design as 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 Devan was selected to bring her handcrafted leather brand to life in a pop-up boutique and community gathering space this May on Washington Street.

“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. Devanis a rock star and is going to bring something special to the block.”

“There was truly a lot to be inspired by throughout this process. 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, says Ilan Galitsky, AGW SONO Partners Portfolio Manager, “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 Washington Street real estate owners. 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 thecollection 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 witha traditional fashion calendar.

Beyond the product, Devan’s mission is deeply 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 ‘RetailTherapy’ concept,” says Devan. “It’s about connection - through fashion, art, and shared experience.”

 Devan’s 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. Devan grew up in Florida and spent her 20's in Brooklyn, before moving to East Norwalk, which she now calls home.

 DMarxx Design will pop up this May at 108 Washington Street, transforming the space into a curated retail and creative hub. In addition to her leather collection, Devan will feature local artists and designers showcasing artwork, jewelry, candles, sustainable fashion, and vintage pieces. A full calendar of events, including hands-on canteen bag workshops and social gatherings, will activate the space throughoutthe month.

 108 Washington Street

Follow @dmarxxdesign and @onwashingtonst for launch announcements.