DMarxx Design founder named winner of 2026 OnWashington Entrepreneur Contest

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. Devan is 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, 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 real estate owners on Washington Street. Seeing that energy from the next generation of entrepreneurs was genuinely inspiring.”

See the Message Center below for Connecticut’s top events in April — from Hartford Wolf Pack games to shows at Fairfield Theatre Company — Celebrate Connecticut with our latest local merch, perfect for showing your state pride!

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, 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 ‘Retail Therapy’ 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 throughout the month.

Don’t miss

• Chuck Nice and Jeff Arcuri to perform at New York Comedy Club Stamford
• Space Ballroom Weekly Round-up: Final Gasp and Bad Cop Bad Cop announced
• Fairfield Theatre Company Weekly Round-up: Steve Forbert and Melissa Ferrick announced

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April events at Fairfield Theatre Company

4/15 – Fantastic Cat
4/16 – Leo Kottke
4/17 – Bad Animals
4/17 – Ryan Montableu Band
4/18 – Anders Osborne
4/19 – The Queens Meet The Kings
4/21 – Davy Knowles
4/22 – Afternoon of Jazz
4/23 – Bob Margolis Blues Band
4/24 – Save Ferris
4/25 -Alison Brown
4/26 – Thee Sinsters & The Altons
4/30 – Bronwyn Keith-Hynes

Click here for more information & order tickets.

April events at PeoplesBank Arena

4/15 – Bridgeport Islanders vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
4/17 – Springfield Thunderbirds vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
4/18 – Romeo Santos & Prince Royce, click here to purchase tickets
4/23 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents The Greatest Show on Earth, click here to purchase tickets
4/24 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents The Greatest Show on Earth, click here to purchase tickets
4/25 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents The Greatest Show on Earth, click here to purchase tickets
4/26 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents The Greatest Show on Earth, click here to purchase tickets

Connecticut Merch

Finding Connecticut’s patriotic merch celebrates state pride and American spirit, just in time for the lead-up to America 250. Featuring classic red, white, and blue style, the collection is a nod to where we’ve been and where we’re headed. As the nation prepares to mark 250 years in 2026, these pieces are an easy way to show pride in both Connecticut and the broader American story—past, present, and future.

Click here to shop

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DMarxx Design founder named winner of 2026 OnWashington Entrepreneur Contest