On Sunday November 26th 2023, a fire broke out at 221 Lark St in Albany, NY, home of the small-business called Yamaguchie. Yamaguchie was started 6 years ago by artists & brothers Yamar and Rashad. They make handmade goods out of recycled materials, wood, and other materials. Yamar believes in uplifting and promoting other businesses, and in summer of 2022 he split his storefront with another local business, Nocturnal Fairy Co, owned by Saleena. Yamar mentored Saleena, and the two of them worked together to plan local events and uplift other businesses. In July 2023, the Yamaguchie team expanded, inviting Sunlit Dreams, owned by Anna, to join the storefront. Since Anna signed on, the team has also brought on Janet, an enthusiastic artist who helps out at the store.

We are very grateful that no one was harmed in the fire. Unfortunately, the store is destroyed, and all artists have lost a significant amount of inventory of their handmade items, as well as other supplies. Yamar and Rashad built this business from the ground up and have poured so much into so many others; and we are now turning to our community to help us rebuild.

Donations will go towards replenishing the inventory lost by all artists, as well as into rebuilding the store. Donations will also go towards supporting the 1 tenant who lives in the building who has been temporarily displaced by the fire. Any and all donations help, but even if you can't give please keep all of us in your thoughts and prayers.

Yamaguchie will be back and better!