Sandy Schneider and Nicole Lenihan, teachers at Woodland Hill Montessori School, have embarked on a creative endeavor this summer, transforming a charming storefront in downtown Albany into The Happie Collective, an artist collective, studio, and boutique. The collective, consisting of local artisans and collectors, aims to share their joy with the community. The shop, located at 197 Lark Street, offers a delightful array of vintage clothing, upcycled items, and artisan goods from local vendors.
Schneider, an assistant art teacher at a school in Rensselaer, explained that the group shares a common goal of respecting nature and embracing the simple pleasures of human existence. The mission of The Happie Collective revolves around repurposing and promoting eco-friendly practices.
For Schneider, opening the store has been a decade-long dream that was put on hold due to personal reasons. When the opportunity to rent the storefront arose last month, she wasted no time in enlisting the help of her trusted companion and business partner, Lenihan, to bring The Happie Collective to life. Inspired by hippie culture, the collective is a labor of love for the two teachers.
The timing of the venture was perfect, as it coincided with their summer break. Schneider and Lenihan dedicated weeks to remodeling the former fast food joint, with plans to convert the back of the space into an event venue, art studio rental, and community classroom. To create an immersive experience, they have incorporated secondhand turf from Afrim’s Sports in Albany to bring the outdoors inside. Future classes and events may include sewing, art workshops, repair cafes, and nonprofit fashion shows.
The location of The Happie Collective couldn’t be more fitting. Schneider described the Center Square neighborhood as a vibrant and supportive community, brimming with collaborative spirit. The energy on Lark Street, where the shop is situated, is truly inspiring.
As guests enter the store, they are greeted by a beautiful floral arrangement from Lark Street Flowers. The space prominently showcases fabrics, yarn, and sewing supplies from Up-Stitch, a nonprofit fabric store on Madison Avenue. Additionally, visitors can find locally sourced pottery, ceramics, artwork, and vintage clothing for women, men, and children. The selection continues to grow as new items are added daily.
While the retail portion of the store is already operational, the community and studio space are still under construction. The grand opening of The Happie Collective is scheduled for August 4th, by which time the entire space will be ready. Further details about the event and the store’s opening hours can be found on their Instagram page, @HappieCollective.
The Happie Collective represents a passion project for Schneider and Lenihan, but one that also fosters support for other individuals pursuing their own dreams. The collaborative nature of this space is truly something special.
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