Some people come to New York to paint the town red. But this iconic Brooklyn gal prefers green… lots and lots of green. To the hoards of her admirers she is known as Elizabeth “Sweetheart”, but to the masses that pass her everyday she is simply ‘The Green Lady of Brooklyn’. I met up with the nearly 80-year-old legend at her home in South Brooklyn, and her home is equally inviting as it is unique.I looked down on my Google Maps to confirm I was indeed on the right street — a single lime green door in the distance was confirmation. As I walked to the door and knocked, the infamous “Sweetheart” answered the door. Her hair rolled into two perfect small buns and decked from head to motherf*ckin toe in green. A badass doesn’t just follow the rules, she makes them. And make no mistake, Sweetheart is a badass. (Keep Reading Below)
We made our way into the kitchen where Sweethearts true infatuation with green became apparent. Kitchen towels? Green. Knives? Green. A sensible but boring colander? you guessed it GREEN. I was in awe of this commitment to color but to her, it was easy — it was a color that made her happy and amassing all her wares just added to a tangible form of happiness. Sweetheart solidified herself as a bonafide gentle soul by asking me to join her for a home-cooked lunch. Spoiler her food was not green, but an incredibly delicious soup.
If you thought the green stopped there, you’re dead wrong. After our meal Sweetheart guided us to her bedroom closet to reveal dozens of coats, shirts and pants ranging in chartreuse to forest green. With a wardrobe this extensive it’s no surprise she is able to tackle the streets of Brooklyn ready for the countless photo ops she is inevitably asked for.
We spent the next few hours chatting about Sweetheart’s upbringing in Nova Scotia and how she made her way into The Big Apple by way of hitchhiking in the 1970’s. From Canada to NYC, I hope Sweetheart is aware of the indelible impression she leaves wherever she goes and with whoever she meets.
Q+A With The Green Lady of Brooklyn:
What does your son think of his mom being known as ” the Green Lady of Carroll Gardens ” ?
I think my family accepts me as I am and have a wonderful sense of humor!
How often do you dye your hair ?
I style my own hair and mix my greens and brush a little green color in my hair whenever I need a little more Happiness!
What’s your 2nd favorite color ?
I love every color! I have worn every color! Right now it is green, as it is so positive.
Do you drink?
I am not a drinker.
Where are you traveling to next and why?
I am traveling to Canada to visit my dear family of brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.
Describe a “perfect” day for you.
A perfect day for me is a day with my plants in my garden.
Want to read about more interesting people?
Make sure you check out Dru Presta, the 3-foot-4-inch gorgeous model who is breaking the beauty and fashion industry, or the World’s first “Hot Sauce Sommeliers”.
