CUMBERLAND – With Heart & Soul, a longtime gift shop sandwiched in the Mendon Road plaza between Andrew’s Bistro and Dollar Tree, has sold to a new owner.
The company announced the next chapter for the store, saying that after “many wonderful years serving this incredible community,” they’re excited to officially introduce Kim Lombardi as the new owner as of Sept. 1. Lombardi is originally from North Providence, and has been a longtime resident of Cumberland.
“I’m really excited and grateful to have this opportunity,” Lombardi told The Local Insider. “With my background in art and apparel, this feels like the perfect next chapter for me. Being able to do this right here in the local Cumberland community makes it even more special, and I’m really looking forward to bringing my own creativity and vision to With Heart & Soul and continuing on with the tradition.”
Last month, the store celebrated 10 years as a Best of Rhode Island winner in Rhode Island Monthly’s annual awards, and the owners said at that time that new owners would continue the store’s tradition of excellence.
It was that decade ago when it was reported that Michelle and John Heroux, of Woonsocket, and their daughter Katie Bibeault, of North Smithfield, would be taking over management of the shop that Michelle and Katie had worked at for years.
The owners said they could not be more pleased to welcome someone who values community, connection, and exceptional customer service as much as they do do.
Lombardi also holds an apparel design degree from Rhode Island School of Design and has more than than 20 years of apparel experience in both wholesale and retail, they added. They said they are confident she will continue the tradition of care and excellence that has always been at the heart of With Heart & Soul.
“We are also thrilled to share that Jolene Lancia, one of our longest-tenured employees, will be staying on and working alongside Kim,” added the owners. “Jolene has been such an important part of With Heart & Soul over the years, and her continued presence will help carry forward the warmth, dedication, and personal touch that mean so much to our customers.”
They added, “as John, Michelle, and Katie begin this transition, we do so with deep gratitude and great excitement for what lies ahead. With Kim stepping into ownership and Jolene continuing in her important role, we know With Heart & Soul is in wonderful hands.
Stated the owners, “Please keep an eye out for some exciting new changes coming to WHS in the months ahead. We are confident the future is bright, and we cannot wait for you to welcome Kim as she begins this new chapter. Thank you again for the love, loyalty, and support you have shown With Heart & Soul over the years. It has meant the world to our family business. With gratitude, John, Michelle, and Katie.”
