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 women-owned and 100% black-owned cannabis dispensary in Cambridge, MA.

Founded by 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. 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 branding 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.

The brand story is ever-present in the custom bronze 'historical' plaque, nestled within the 'Naturalist' foliage wall, as if it has been there throughout the life of the building. Adorned with a Yamba 'Weed the people' badge, the plaque tells the Boutique story - celebrating founder Leah Samura and the next chapter of the landmark. The brass motif is carried through all the ADA and directional signage within the space.

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. The non-regulated items, such as Just the Tip glass joint holders, and My Bud Vase were carefully selected from Female and BIPOC owned businesses.

Warm, neutral hues and soft, rounded forms introduce a feminine touch to the interior, juxtaposed with the heavy, industrial character of the existing architecture. Custom-designed botanical wallpaper in the style of William Morris features the cannabis plant, wrapping the restroom and hallway in opposing color tones. Angle-cut oak herringbone floor pattern, inspired by the striations of the cannabis leaf, along with onyx, marble, Roman-clay, layered vegetation and florals ground the interior in natural and organic materials. The overall visual and tactile narrative of the space is characterized by calming tones and welcoming textures that root guests in a strong sense of place.