Kaya Bliss, Bay Ridge’s first licensed adult-use cannabis dispensary is turning one, and it gave the neighborhood a full weekend of celebration to mark the milestone.
From Feb. 6-8, the shop at 8412 Third Ave. hosted a three-day anniversary bash packed with steep discounts, brand pop-ups, giveaways and what owners called “the best vibes in Brooklyn.”
Kaya Bliss opened its doors on Jan. 7, 2025, after months of regulatory hurdles, community pushback and an approval process closely watched across southern Brooklyn. Housed inside the former Pilo Arts salon, the shop is full of bright murals, curated shelves and a staff trained to guide both seasoned consumers and first-timers.
Co-owner Edgar Kleydman recalled being “a nervous wreck” minutes before opening but was quickly reassured when customers lined up around the block. The shop would go on to welcome more than 100,000 “blissful” customers in its first year.
But it’s never been about the data, the team told Brooklyn Paper, it’s about helping the nervous newbies, supporting the veterans searching for better sleep and guiding the artists chasing a spark of inspiration.
That human focus, they said, is rooted in the company’s mission: offering clean, lab-tested cannabis in a space designed as a sanctuary, where education, wellness and community always come first.
Over the past year, Kaya Bliss has also earned a reputation for one of the largest selections in Bay Ridge, offering more than 400 products from over 30 brands — from flower and vapes to tinctures, topicals and concentrates.
“There’s something for everyone if they choose to use it,” budtender Richard said at last year’s opening.
And the same thought went into its birthday party.
“Celebrating Kaya Bliss’s one-year anniversary was such a special milestone to be part of,” said marketing head Daryn S. “As the lead of Kaya Bliss’s marketing and events, I planned our ‘First Birthday’ celebration with the intention of creating a truly immersive community experience.”
The pot shop partnered with several “incredible brands,” Daryn said, “to bring interactive elements to life — from live art and custom heat-pressed tote bags to catering, beverages, and thoughtful giveaways.”
But what stood out most wasn’t the programming — it was the people who filled the space.
“Seeing both new and returning guests come by, connect, and genuinely enjoy themselves was the most rewarding part,” Daryn said. “Our first year has been about building community in Bay Ridge, and this celebration felt like a reflection of that growth.”
The owners say the milestone has also offered a moment to reflect on how far the shop — and the neighborhood — has come.
“We’re deeply thankful to the Bay Ridge community for welcoming us and trusting us throughout our first year. As the neighborhood’s first legal dispensary, we experienced some early pushback, but many of those conversations turned into relationships we truly value,” owners Edgar, Giorgio and Amir told Brooklyn Paper in a joint statement. “Seeing that shift has been incredibly meaningful. Here’s to continued growth, education, and community in year two.”
Additional reporting by Arthur de Gaeta
