Inspiration Leads The Way in Loveland, Colorado

March 21, 2024

Inspiration Leads The Way in Loveland, Colorado

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! 

 

Also in Retail Partner Blog

New Carousel Adds Vertical Space and Beauty to Your Store
New Carousel Adds Vertical Space and Beauty to Your Store

October 03, 2024

We've INTRODUCED the BEST new spinning Carousel Display for our Retailer Partners. And the response has been amazing. We saw soooo many stores immediately scoop up our new display ... as soon as "she" was announced at summer markets. Everyone was ready and waiting for this vertical solution that holds 32-64 products in a branded acrylic display. Read on!

View full post →

The Cottage Shop Offers Gifts & Hospitality Along the Outer Banks
The Cottage Shop Offers Gifts & Hospitality Along the Outer Banks

July 10, 2024

We love sharing the stories of amazing retail partners whose unique merchandising and customer service help their clientele find meaningful gifts and more. This month we're heading over to the beautiful Outer Banks region of the North Carolina coast for a conversation with Amy Smith, Director of Marketing & Merchandising at The Cottage Shop.

View full post →

School Spirit & Additional Custom Ideas for September
School Spirit & Additional Custom Ideas for September

August 29, 2023

Custom orders can be the latest sales and spirit builders in your store! Place a few local custom orders of your own … and be ready to "hit repeat” on your orders when these local favorites continue to fly off the shelves! Need additional custom ideas? How about these ideas?  RHS BAND MOM . PANTHER CHEER TEAM . VIPERS . BHS BRADY 52 [SON’S NAME + FOOTBALL JERSEY NUMBER]  . GO LIONS .  VOLLEYBALL MOM  . SENIOR MOM 24 

View full post →