BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — There’s a new neighbor in North Buffalo. A rap group. A rap group with a brick and mortar storefront.
“Nami Labs is an interactive space specializing in retail, art, events and music,” said Mario Dade, a co-woner of Nami Labs.
Nami Labs is the name of the location, but the musicians inside are known as Mile High 2020. They’ve been making music for years.
The hope of having a physical space, is to reach more people.
“This is a way to kind of put everything all in one and take it like mainstream,” said Dade.
“Talk to the people, get close to them and everything would be a little easier for business,” said Malik Harris, a co-owner of the business.
They’ve been in their first location for a few weeks. They say they’ve been busy, even in a pandemic.
“We obviously had our concerns, as far as just people coming in, “said Dade. “We honestly got overwhelming amount of support, so far.”
According to the Census Bureau, there have been 20% fewer applications for new businesses in New York State compared to last year. A statistic that does not bother these entrepreneurs. They hope to take their model and eventually expand.
“Probably next move, go into other cities and this will be the first flagship store and then we will be everywhere,” said Harris.
It’s a tough time to start a business, but the owners of Nami Labs on Hertel Avenue are banking that more, safe, face-to-face interaction will lead to growth.
