If you’ve visited, called, or ordered from the NEADS Shop, you’ve probably met Hannah Kump and Lori Barrett. But did you know that Hannah and Lori do more than handle your transactions? They take care of everything in the Shop, from sourcing products to pricing and inventory management to setting up “pop up” shops at fairs and festivals.
They are also the creative team behind the custom designs on t-shirts, hats, bags, and more that can only be found in the NEADS Shop. They source and design all the apparel themselves, introducing two to three new designs a year to keep things fresh. “Inspiration is never far away,” says Lori. “Seeing the dogs training on campus with their human partners always motivates me creatively.”
Hannah came to NEADS in 2015 fresh out of college with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in graphic design. Her interest in the non-profit sector began with an internship at Easter Seals in the Development Department. When the job opened up at NEADS, Hannah eagerly applied and was thrilled to be able to continue following her passion. Through the years, Hannah has helped the NEADS Shop grow into the store we know and love today. Reflecting on her experience, she shares, “One of my favorite things about working in the Shop is the opportunity to engage with so many people who share a genuine interest in NEADS, including our incredible clients, dedicated volunteers, and generous donors. Lori and I are so grateful for their support.”
Lori has worked at NEADS for almost 7 years, primarily supporting the organization as an in-house artist and in the retail shop. She comes to NEADS with a BFA with a concentration in Illustration from The Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University and credits knowledge gained through several of her prior jobs for having prepared her for the work she does for NEADS. “Hannah and I complement each other well,” says Lori. “She is more the business side and I am the creative. I love that NEADS gives me a ‘long leash’ with my artistic ideas and trusts me to come up with concepts in the retail shop and marketing materials that will resonate with clients, donors, volunteers, and staff in the NEADS network.”
Lori’s favorite design? “Probably Let’s Go!. I think it encompasses our mission in the simplest way possible while being a fun and appealing graphic. We’ve had other Service Dog organizations purchase this shirt from us because ‘let’s go’ is a command they use with their dogs as well.”
The Shop has come a long way from the early 2010s, when it sold t-shirts and hats with the NEADS logo. Thanks to this hard-working and creative team, NEADS supporters have incredible choice, variety, and access to exclusive items when shopping for themselves or others. They can also feel good knowing that proceeds from their purchases are used to help sustain our World Class Service Dog programs.
If you haven’t visited the Shop in person or online, we encourage you to do so. In fact, visit today and you can be one of the first to grab something from the newest collection – designed by Lori and Hannah, of course!
NEADS Shop Designs Over the Years
Mouse over the images on a PC or use your finger on a phone or tablet to zoom in a bit.
