Pieces with Purpose to mark 10 years with open house

Pieces with Purpose is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, marking a decade of growth, community support and opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.

The Carrollton-based business was founded in 2016 through a partnership between families of Riley Sprague and Alaina Ulman, who met as kindergarten students and remained close friends throughout their schooling. As graduation approached, their mothers, Emily Ulman and Renee Sprague, partnered to create meaningful employment opportunities for them.

“We wanted to create a caring place for them to work upon graduation,” Ulman said.

That effort has since grown into a business employing a team of 12, including both typically and differingly-abled members.

Riley communicated that she “loves when customers come in the store,” while Alaina said she enjoys “coming to work to see her work friends.”

Over the years, Pieces with Purpose has expanded its offerings beyond its early days of vinyl and heat press apparel.

“We started with vinyl and a heat press and we customized T-shirts,” Sprague said.

Today, the business offers custom apparel, embroidery and engraving services, serving local businesses, fundraisers, community and school events.

Growth has been driven in large part by community support, owners said.

“Because of the support of our community, we’ve grown to where we are now,” Ulman said.

What began with small orders has evolved into larger, repeat orders.

“When we first started, we would do orders for a shirt here, a shirt there. Now, we do orders for hundreds of shirts,” Sprague said.

The business also continues to focus on its core mission of providing opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.

“Our purpose is to employ special needs individuals, to give them a meaningful place in the community,” Ulman said.

Owners said the business has also created a supportive environment for employees and their families.

“It gives my daughter a safe place to come and work,” Sprague said.

A multi-day open house is set for May 14, 15 and 16 at the Carrollton business, with giveaways and drawings planned as part of the celebration.

Store manager Tara Weir said the anniversary is also an opportunity to recognize those who have supported the business over the years and to reach new customers.

“We want to thank the community for supporting us in these 10 years and invite people to stop in and see us,” Weir said. “We want more people to know who we are.”

Looking ahead, the focus remains on continuing the mission and maintaining growth.

“I would love to see what another 10 years brings,” Ulman said.

Pieces with Purpose operates at 581 Sixth St. NW in Carrollton and offers custom apparel and promotional items for businesses, organizations and events, serving customers throughout the local area. PWP can be reached by calling 330-627-1854 or by email at pieceswp581@gmail.com.