TWO independent businesses celebrated a shared milestone in Gloucester last week, with the opening of Yama and the reopening of Forest of Play in newly renovated premises at 51 Church Street.
Located side by side, the stores have brought new life to a previously unused section of the building.
Local real estate agent and property owner Jonny Tighe divided the former large retail area into three smaller premises better suited to independent operators.
“We wanted to create some energy and vibrancy down that side of the road,” Mr Tighe said.
“The smaller spaces give businesses prominent street frontage without taking on more floor space and rent than they need.
“To see them in new spaces, with new fit-outs and new energy, is just so exciting.
“There’s a real buzz around that strip.”
For Jules Kitchener, Yama reflects her family’s love of Japan while bringing together art, records, books, Japanese gardening tools, jewellery, wellness products, and seed oil-free dry goods.
“Our family loves Japan, so the name Yama felt like a natural choice,” Ms Kitchener said.
“Yama means ‘mountain’ in Japanese and is a little nod to our own special mountain.”
Ms Kitchener wants Yama to be somewhere people can spend time, not just shop.
“I want people to be able to linger – stop and play the guitar on the wall, smell a perfume or some incense, sit and flick through a book, or relax on the front bench and watch the world go by,” she said.
Next door, Forest of Play owner Ana Watts said the move began with Ms Kitchener suggesting she inspect the vacant space.
The store specialises in durable toys, books and creative products, with an emphasis on natural materials, originality and ethical production.
“Forest of Play is all about buying with intention,” Ms Watts said.
“We want to stock the toys you want to keep or pass down to a special friend or family member.”
Inspired by her own children, Ms Watts wanted to create “a nostalgic, magical forest that pulls you in and gives you a big hug” – for adults as much as children.
Community support had meant “everything” to Forest of Play.
“We’re a feel-good purchase every step of the way: you’re supporting a local family, helping keep the town vibrant, buying something special, well-made and ethically sourced, and supporting a business that gives back to the community,” she said.
Ms Kitchener also hopes Yama will evolve beyond retail and create opportunities for further connections.
“Maybe we’ll find some talented people to run workshops, hold community events or create other ways for people to come together,” she said.
“I’m excited to see where it takes us.”
By Sonja DUNCAN
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