Inspiration Leads The Way in Loveland, Colorado

March 21, 2024

Last month we were blessed to bring on a unique new retailer, Avery’s Modern Teahouse in Loveland, Colorado with an amazing story behind it. This inspiring new gathering place held its grand opening in February 2024 with a mission to bring inclusion and provide jobs for individuals with unique abilities.

We had the opportunity to speak with Sarah Gipe, the General Manager, of Avery’s Teahouse the week of their grand opening. Sarah shared their clear mission, “Avery’s Modern Teahouse brings awareness and inclusion to the community by providing jobs and facilitating an environment for individuals with disabilities and their families to flourish -- along with the help and support of the Northern Colorado community."

Explaining a bit more, Sarah added, “Kristen Bland, our executive director, started Avery’s Light, a non-profit that brings resources to families in the special needs community. She had the vision to expand that mission into the beautiful collaborative Teahouse that opened this year."

Kristen was familiar with Dot & Dash and had given it as personal gifts to others and she knew she wanted to carry it in the Teahouse. With a focus to offer a trendy, supportive, and collaborative space - the Avery’s Team also wanted to offer specific gift lines with strong messaging for their patrons. This so connects with the missional heart of our team at Dot & Dash -- we are honored to be part of Avery Tea House's story!

After a Grand Opening Event with nearly 300 people in attendance, the Teahouse is up and running with two full time staff members, two part-time baristas, a group of volunteers, and seven students (set up through SWAP, a "School to Work Alliance Program," that includes a 160-hour internship program.) Sarah shared, "Our goal with the SWAP program is to provide jobs to the students and support them in learning some amazing skills. Our end goal is to plug them in with other local businesses who can provide a long-term employment opportunity. We hope to be a safe place to land for many future students with a supportive environment, but also support them in looking for jobs out in the community once the internship ends. We would love for other businesses to see how amazing our staff is and open up jobs all over the community!"

Avery's mission to offer a beautiful, relaxing environment for all to experience is clear, "Whether you want to swing by to pick up a drink on your way to your next meeting or you want a place to unwind - Avery’s Teahouse is here for you!”  

As part of the Gift Shop at Avery’s Modern Teahouse, Sarah and Kristen brought on a few special gift lines and Dot & Dash is proud to be one of them. Their first order with Dot & Dash included an array of pieces with intentional messaging including, “I am Enough,” “Love You More,” “Cherished,” and “Jeremiah 29:11.”

After hearing about their inspiring Grand Opening, Karen and the Dot & Dash Team sent over additional complimentary products so the Teahouse can either host a fun drawing for their customers or gift them to a special staff member or volunteer. Avery's Modern Teahouse is also offering greeting cards designed by students with unique abilities from Countryside High School in Florida. To learn more about the staff, mission, and to read additional press about this beautiful Teahouse, click here to read more! 

 

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