Press Release: KMC Available Now
Introducing The Kind Mind Co.™: Introducing Accessible Art Supplies for All Abilities
BUCKS COUNTY, PA – December 4, 2024 — The Kind Mind Co.™ is proud to announce its official launch in December 2024, with a mission to make art accessible for everyone. The Kind Mind Co.™ aims to bring accessibility back into the act of creativity, breaking down barriers for those with physical impairments or disabilities.
“We believe that everyone has the right to express themselves," says Amy Houser-Curley, Global Creative Director of Brands & Marketing at WeVeel®, “and we’re excited to launch these creative tools that help make that vision a reality. We’ve consulted with educational experts, artists, and the special education community throughout the design process to ensure our products meet real needs for real people. Everyone here at WeVeel® loves this brand, and being mission-led is really at the heart of how we design.”
The debut collection includes a range of tools with unique design elements—such as T-shaped grips, varied size multi-directional handles, extending tool holders and more. With adjustable positioning and straps, lightweight materials and CVI friendly-high visibility colors—every tool is crafted to expand access to making art.
The Kind Mind Co.™ is part of the WeVeel® family, known for globally beloved brands like Scentos®, Yay Hooray™, Sugar Rush™, and more. With over 15 years of expertise in creative design and innovation, the WeVeel® team brings a wealth of knowledge to this new initiative. Now, WeVeel® has partnered with The Bridge School, an institution dedicated to serving children with disabilities, founded in 1986 by musicians Neil Young, Pegi Young, musician-activist Jim Forderer and educational expert Marilyn Buzolich. The insights from The Bridge School’s staff and therapists played a vital role in ensuring that each tool is designed with the needs of students and teachers in mind.
"At WeVeel, our mission is to spark joy for everyone, which is why we're committed to expanding our brand offerings to serve underserved communities." says Jessica Kubinski, Chief Marketing and Product Officer at WeVeel®. "We believe creativity is better when it's inclusive and made for everyone, ensuring that every person, regardless of ability, can experience the fun, freedom, and confidence that come with self-expression. This is key to our growth as a brand family and our uniqueness as a company."
Amazingly, this product line was born out of a reconnection between two lifelong friends - WeVeel® CEO Valerie Marderosian and Bridge School Board of Directors member Paula Blomquist. When these two spoke in 2023, a true need was identified by both: teachers and parents of the Bridge School student body were building tools out of tape and plumbing equipment.
Marderosian states: "California holds a special place in my heart, not only as a hub of creativity and innovation but as the foundation for one of the most rewarding partnerships of my career. Working alongside Paula as she led transformative growth in retail has been an absolute joy—her vision and dedication have made her an incredible partner and someone I deeply respect and admire. I’m thrilled to see our organizations align for future success, not just in becoming leaders in adaptive art but in truly making a meaningful difference in people’s lives."
"At The Bridge School, we have been immensely fortunate to work with some of the best Occupational Therapists and Assistive Technologists in adapting art tools for our students. It’s now a dream come true to know that, through WeVeel, their expertise and creativity will reach children worldwide.” says Paula Blomquist, Board Director from The Bridge School.
Emphasizing autonomy and empowerment, The Kind Mind Co.™ is transforming the way people interact with art supplies, making accessibility a key part of classrooms, therapeutic settings, homes, and community art programs. These adaptive tools open doors for creative engagement and confidence-building, inspiring individuals to realize their artistic potential without limitations.
The Kind Mind Co.™ products launched on Black Friday (November 29, 2024) on the brand's website, thekindmind.co, with availability following on Amazon as well as educational distributor partners School Health and Nasco. Educators, parents, and artists are invited to explore the collection, watch the growing support video content library, and support the movement for better access to creativity for all.
For more information about The Kind Mind Co.™, media inquiries, or product details, please contact:
Amy Houser-Curley
Global Director of Brand and Marketing, WeVeel®, LLC
Email: ahouser@weveel.com
Or Rachel Farrow
Director of Social Media and Public Relations, WeVeel®, LLC
Email: rfarrow@weveel.com
Access: Colorful block-color banner that says “The Kind Mind Co. Adaptive Art Tools”, and features photos of some of the art tools in use. Paint roller rolling purple spirals on white paper, T-grip tool and brush painting a line, and the adaptive art grips with brushes and tools inserted and ready for creative use.
Access: Student with AAC device, seated at desk at the Bridge School, using the pattern roller tool to paint yellow paint zig zags on a pink sheet of paper.