In 1864, a police station was built at 31 Church Street in the shadows of Harvard University, one of the most elite – and historically white – institutions in the country. Over 150 years later, the former police station is now home to the first majority women-owned and 100% black-owned cannabis dispensary in Cambridge, MA. Founded by Dorchester, MA native, Leah Samura, Yamba Boutique offers a warm and welcoming hospitality-inspired experience, catered to under-served, under-represented, and disproportionately harmed communities. Through education, accessibility, and empowerment, Yamba Boutique is committed to ending the harmful and misguided persecution of cannabis use while serving as a welcoming introductory experience for first time users. Subtle references throughout the interior design and brand identity pay homage to this mission as well as the building’s unique history.

Situated within historic Harvard Square, the 19th-century brick-painted hand-letter signage on the front facade is now just barely visible, hinting at the building’s second life as a carriage repair shop. Leather drawer pull and strap details on the interior reference the horse bridle while a custom white oak door designed in the style of old carriage doors welcomes guests into the space, featuring the Yamba “Y” logo subtly expressed in the door’s cross-bracing. This letterform is repeated on a custom exterior sconce in the style of old ornamental police station lamps, further referencing the building’s unique history. This story continues to the interior where aged brass accents coupled with wool herringbone drapery recall the police uniform of the 1800’s. Reeded glass pivot panels in the front display window reference historic police station privacy glass while serving the functional purpose of meeting the cannabis industry’s requirement of restricting public views into the interior. Warm, neutral hues and soft, rounded forms introduce a feminine touch, juxtaposed with the heavy, industrial character of the existing architecture. Custom-designed wallpaper features coral and plum-colored botanicals overlaid with the cannabis plant. Subtle associations to the product’s organic origins are further explored through the incorporation of natural wood and stone materials, Roman-clay wall textures, layered greenery and florals, and an angle-cut oak herringbone floor pattern inspired by the razor edge of the cannabis leaf. The overall visual narrative of the space is characterized by calming tones and welcoming textures that root guests in a strong sense of place.

While Yamba Market cultivates a more worldly and urban brand expression, Yamba Boutique, by contrast, translates this identity into a decidedly more feminine and organic tone, layered with the aforementioned historical references. These elements of brand identity are carried forward via custom signage, branded merchandise, and collateral. A bronze plaque, resembling historical plaques found throughout New England, captures the story of the space and larger brand mission. Curated in partnership with Isenberg Projects, thoughtful off-the-shelf wares compliment custom Yamba-branded merchandise and apparel designed by Proportion, while custom packaging and handheld menus infuse the brand story into each touchpoint, adding to the overall tactile experience.