Wantagh Couple Pursuing Their Passions in New Neighboring Businesses

A Wantagh husband and wife are pursuing their passions for sports and fine arts while also getting the bonus of being business neighbors in North Bellmore.

Steve Hershkowitz, a lifelong sports enthusiast, opened Doc D's Trading Cards, which carries a wide variety of trading cards, team jerseys, posters and autographed memorabilia. His wife Sheila, a 1974 graduate from the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, soon followed by opening Chezar Art Studio directly next door in a small storefront on 1069 Bellmore Ave.

Both Steve, 63, and Sheila, 60, are near the average retirement age but that has not slowed down the couple, who has called Wantagh home for the past 31 years, from following their dreams. Steve worked for 25 years as an executive recruiter in Manhattan before deciding to start his own sports card/memorabilia store that is now open seven days a week. When space opened up next door to his shop, Sheila decided the time was right to open the first art studio in the area and provide a hub for those who share her enthusiasm for the arts.

“I am here to inspire and have fun,” said Sheila, who has been studying art since she was a child and teaches classes four days a week in her new North Bellmore studio that opened last October. “This is designed as a gathering place for artists with community in mind.”

Steve’s Doc D's Trading Cards store has also proven to be a gathering spot for sports enthusiasts like him. He grew up in the Bronx and often attended New York Giants baseball and football games and now is a huge Mets fan.

“This is my man cave,” he said of his shop that first opened in 2011. “This is my passion.”

The Hershkowitzs, who just celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary, were drawn even closer to their businesses last fall when they slept in their stores in the days following Hurricane Sandy when power was out in their Wantagh home. Sheila said having her husband as a business neighbor has its positives but that for the most part there is not much interaction during the day.