Hi, my name is Natalie, I am the owner and designer of the clothing store Sabai Sabai located in downtown Asheville, NC…

Here we are almost a month later, and I finally got up the nerve and time to ask for a little help. I’ve had to really challenge my guilt. There are so many others that lost their lives, their houses, and complete businesses. It’s hard to find where my place among the rubble of Hurricane Helene.

I had a long-standing booth in the River Arts District, one of the hardest-hit places. While, I’m thankful it was only a small booth. I did lose more than $3,000 worth of inventory, racks, and displays. I added a picture below of my storage bin on top of the rubble. What a stark contrast to see that colorful bin on top of mud-caked artisanship.

Probably the biggest hit to me has been the loss of tourism for my less-than-a-year-old store in downtown Asheville. October is usually the busiest month of the year for us small businesses. Leaf changing and holiday seasons for the next few months afford our businesses to stay afloat in until spring tourism returns. As reality starts to sink in, it’s dawning on us that tourism will not return quickly. I can already see businesses closing. We are all hoping to hold out until spring of next year.

Some of you know my 2020 battle with cancer, recovery in 2021, then finding my footing again in 2022. In 2023, I was finally getting my feet back underneath me and reaching for my dreams only for this to happen in less than a year of opening my first store. The store was successful and I finally felt like things were coming together. I know in my heart things will come together again, but I’ve got to weather this storm.

I’d really appreciate your help. These funds collected here will help me pay my staff as we pivot, pay the store rent, invest in new pivoting opportunities, cover the expenses of newly arrived, but little too late inventory I designed for the fall, and recoup lost inventory. Thank you for the interest in my story and my business.

FYI, I will be updating my online store and possibly designing a fundraising T-shirt. You’re more than welcome to support me with online sales. Just check back next week for more updated selection.