Lucy opened Yu & Me Books in December of 2021, bringing to life an idea she’d carried since childhood. After leaving a career in chemical engineering, she finally built the kind of space she’d always imagined: a community hub grounded in three pillars: championing writers of color, uplifting debut authors, and offering a welcoming third place. 

The store quickly found its audience, drawing both national attention and strong local support. Then came the July 4th, 2023 fire that devastated the store and forced Lucy to start over. Eight months later, Yu & Me reopened, but the recovery took a personal toll.

Today, Lucy speaks with Epicenter-NYC reporter Ambar Castillo openly about burnout, a mental health crisis, and what it means to rebuild both a business and a sense of self… reflecting on how she’s learning to balance entrepreneurship and self-care. She also shares how her background in chemical engineering helped her turn a lifelong dream into a reality.

Editor’s note: This conversation includes discussion of mental health and suicidal ideation. Please listen with care and take breaks if needed.