Meet Gaya

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Step inside one of the most magical homes in New York, and meet the woman whose spirit brings it to life. Gaya is a beloved artist and lifelong New Yorker who has spent more than 40 years transforming her Upper West Side brownstone apartment into a living, breathing masterpiece. Known as Chez Gaya, her home is a canvas of joy, history, and boundless creativity.

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From her rotating collection of red, white, and black artwork to the tucked-away studio where she crafts her striking handmade jewelry, every corner of Gaya’s home holds the layered memories of four decades of vibrant New York City life. Her personal style is just as iconic as her interior decor, with the signature black, white, and red polka dots of her wardrobe—down to her eyeglasses—echoing the bold colors of her apartment. Gaya’s self-expression turns heads on the street and draws friends old and new back to her table again and again for unforgettable gatherings full of laughter and stories.  

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Gaya became a social media sensation after a recent profile by Caleb Simpson, a popular creator known for his engaging video tours of NYC homes featuring interviews with their residents. Her warmth and wit drew hundreds of thousands of “likes” across many platforms and inspired glowing comments from strangers-turned-admirers. She’s just as likely to make unexpected connections while out living her busy life in NYC; most recently, a chance encounter with some friendly Australian tourists organically developed into a night of candle-lit conversation back at Gaya’s. After a whirlwind trip to an extraordinary city with endless attractions to offer, one of these visitors remarked that “Chez Gaya was the most memorable part of our entire week.”