Lasell University’s capstone course in fashion merchandising and media spent the fall semester consulting for Uncommon Threads, a local non-profit “empowerment boutique” that helps low-income women build self-esteem and self-worth through styling sessions and workshops. The School of Fashion students delivered actionable solutions to the Lawrence, Massachusetts, organization to aid in solving industry challenges. 

Professor Catharine Weiss refines the capstone course each semester with new industry clients for the students to consult for. No two clients face the same challenges; therefore, students learn to meld to a variety of business needs, she notes.  

“Students do extensive quantitative and qualitative analyses using surveys, competitive research, site visits, and several Q&A periods with the client to produce quality recommendations and results,” says Weiss. Working with Uncommon Threads was an “exceptional opportunity for [the students] to work on a project where giving back is a priority.” 

The team at Uncommon Threads was “blown away” by the quality of the Lasell presentations, noting how thoughtful the students were in determining strategies to best benefit the organization’s image and processes. 

“There were so many helpful tips and thoughts in their work,” said Heather Gaspar, director of Uncommon Threads. Two standout ideas are already in consideration for implementation by the business — a new logo for the “Uncommon Closet” side of the shop, and a guidebook with ready-to-go brand content that was a “much needed reference” for Gaspar and her team. 

Previous course consulting collaborations have taken place with Sperry, Wayfair, and BJ’s. This spring, the capstone cohort will work with Puma.