THE HAPPIE COLLECTIVE FORMALLY OPENS ON LARK STREET WITH
A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY
New Artist Collective and Vintage Store celebrates formal opening on Lark Street.
ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 5, 2023) — On Wednesday, September 5 at 4:30p.m, the Lark Street BID was joined by Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan and local elected officials to celebrate the opening of The Happie Collective, an art shop and collective community creative space owned by Sandy Schneider and managed by Nicole Lenihan, at 197 Lark Street.
The Happie Collective Boutique & Studios is a group of local creatives, artists, and makers coming together with a shared devotion to nature and sustainability. Their unique boutique features unisex vintage and upcycled clothing, pottery, handmade jewelry, as well as original art, beauty products, and home goods with a focus on reuse.
The Happie Collective’s spacious studio environment includes work spaces for artists and a shared community room with opportunities for people to gather for classes, workshops, and meetings. It is their mission to inspire and support passion projects that focus on fashionably repurposing while giving back to their community and making our world a better place. When asked about their decision to be located on Lark Street, they say “Lark Street chose us!”
Patrick Noonan, Chairman of the Lark Street Business Improvement Board said “The creativity and passion of Lark Street business owners are what make this district truly special. This is the definition of a passion project for Sandy & Nicole and we think they’re a perfect fit for Lark Street as it continues to grow. Lark Street businesses have fought incredibly hard to survive the last few years and this another sign that we remain open for business. On behalf of all the Lark Street business owners, I’m very excited to welcome ‘The Happie Collective’ to the corridor.”
“I love seeing our community give back!,” said 6th Ward Albany Common Councilmember Gabriella Romero. “The Happie Collective is a perfect example of community members seeing a need for creative merchantile but also community creative space. This is such a great idea and perfect space! Young people are looking for fun activities outside of the bar scene - this is a great opportunity to provide classes and meeting spaces for those that want to gather. Lark Street is and has always been a meeting spot. Congratulations!”
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, "Another week, another ribbon cutting on Lark Street! We are very excited to welcome The Happie Collective to Albany's vibrant Lark Street corridor and cannot wait to see this new storefront complete with handmade and vintage items welcome residents and visitors alike."
“Lark Street continues to be the regional place for creative entrepreneurs to locate” said Matthew Peter, Albany County Legislator from the 5th District, “I am proud to welcome another new business to Lark Street who will add to our walkable community”.
“Congratulations to the Happie Collective on their grand opening last month and their ribbon cutting today!” said Assemblymember Patricia Fahy. “Small businesses like this form the backbone of our local economy and contribute to the vibrancy of the Center Square neighborhood and tight-knit Lark Street community. Make sure you stop by to see their collections, vintage clothing, and more!”
For more information about the Lark Street BID, its recent activities, and events, visit larkstreetbid.org. To contact board members, email bid@larkstreet.org or call 855-518-LARK.
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