Life and Work with Hannah Berry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Berry.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Hannah. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In 2016, I quit my restaurant job and started drywalling a vacant St. Vincent DePaul’s Thift Store, into what now is known as Lions & Rabbits. We are an event and education space covered from floor to ceiling with local, purchasable art located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We curate several other spaces adding the equitable economic development opportunities for local artists. Through placemaking projects and partnerships like Downtown Grand Rapids Inc’s Rad American Walking Tour, we have been able to contribute to the safety and vibrancy of our City, inside and outside of our four walls.

When I say we- I mean the 100+ artists, my staff of one- subcontractors of many, who have helped answer questions and creation along the way. Lions & Rabbits has become a hub to creatively problem solve without barriers and a killer space to throw a party at.

Our 2020 projects are completely based on community development outside of our building. After Dark street parties are slated to be hosted in four different neighborhood improvement districts this year, this program has been developed alongside twelve hand-selected individuals with the missions to ensure continued local artistic and financial development, safety, and intentional community interaction. This revitalization is the product of the community, interns, volunteers, artists, business owners, entrepreneurs, entertainers, chefs and more. We are continuing to push with respect and energy, looking forward to economic recovery through education, events and community responsibility.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road has not been easy. I purchased commercial real estate after selling my house, getting married, being fresh out of college with an education degree (that took way too long) with my then five-year-old daughter. But I knew it was right because I knew how much more I wanted it and how much more purpose I felt when I knew that my dreams to dream could actually come true.

After purchasing the building and continuing to defer my student loans, I found out the building was incorrectly zoned for what I was using it for- wait what? I had no idea what that meant, thousands of dollars later- I know what that means. Being financially unable to fend for myself was one of the hardest feelings I’ve ever felt. Still, sometimes, it’s hard for me to know that not every move I make is worth an immediate dollar. Welcome to owning a small business. But my advice is to know you’re worth. Whether it’s voluntary work for a good cause, or it’s helping advance your career, know the power of money but know the power of your worth more. If you don’t know how capable you are, you can show yourself through the voluntary work. If you want to capitalize on your capabilities, make sure that you intentionally do so while maintaining self-respect. This is the way to find a career that you love and give back to the community at the same time.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Lions & Rabbits – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I specialize in Creative Placemaking and connecting resources. Some of the projects I have worked on are the Rad American Walking Tour, which was a huge project in downtown Grand Rapids involving 27 female-identifying women, honoring 26 females identifying “Rad American Women” based on Kate Schatz book.

This year, my babies are about to come alive though. I have created the After Dark platform to be so so good and I’m very excited to show what our team has put together. Because everyone comes from different backgrounds, in different neighborhoods, with different ideas, we are able to encompass so many intentional ideas. I can’t wait to bring to light what these artists are feeling. We are working on a project with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc for a Women’s History project honoring Grand Rapidian women chosen by our local Women’s History Council. These artists are honoring women who have changed the path for us as City in this “alley take back” project.

Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
Yes, there are opportunities for all who seek opportunity. Men and women are speaking out about the powers of a woman. Mother Earth, Mother Teresa, Mother Mary- there is merit behind the history of the word “Mother.” Women in power don’t fit a mold but they also know how to sit at the table no matter their gender. I think it’s so important to be yourself, male or female. If what you are doing is good, it will radiate through you and you will captivate people by your actions.

Contact Info:

• Address: 1264 Plainfield Ave NE
  Grand Rapids MI 49505
• Website: lionsandrabbits.com
• Phone: 6165707033
• Email: hannah@lionsandrabbits.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/lionsandrabbits
• Facebook: facebook.com/lionsandrabbits

Image Credit:
Lion Mural and Gem Mural- Leandro Lara
Mechanical Box, Fish lot and people sitting with drinks- Erika Townsley
Dancer- Andi B Photography

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