Inspirational products by alumna now at GVSU Laker Store

It's important for business owner Shannon Cohen to create opportunities for people to find encouragement, inspiration and affirmation through her product line of Tough Skin Soft Heart stationery, books and stickers.

As a Grand Valley alumna, Cohen, ’91 and ’01, said it's also important that the Laker community has easy access to the messages on these products.

Cohen's products are now housed at the GVSU Laker Store in the "Inspiration Station." Cohen is the second alumni business owner to participate in the university's Alumni Supplier Diversity program.

"This retail partnership with GVSU is a full circle milestone," Cohen said. "We share the university's commitment to advancing the whole person health of students, faculty and staff. This Inspiration Station is about more than commerce. Daily, each of us needs to read, see and hear words that inspire and affirm us. We are making messages of hope accessible and portable for difference makers on the go."

Valerie Rhodes-Sorrelle, vendor relations manager for Procurement Services, said it's important to seek out and promote diverse suppliers. 

"Small and diverse suppliers contribute to the overall economic growth and well-being of the communities where we live and work," Rhodes-Sorrell said. "When there are more options, more voices and more ideas, there are more opportunities for business excellence."