If you’ve ever stepped into the gift shop and felt instantly welcomed, chances are Wanda Ludlow was nearby. Wanda has been part of the Hendricks Regional Health gift shop family for nearly 20 years, a milestone she’ll reach this June. But her path to the gift shop began decades earlier.
When Wanda was young, her family traveled a lot. Her father worked as a telephone lineman for AT&T, helping put up phone lines across the southern United States in the early 1950s. When Wanda turned three, her father decided it was time to settle down, so the family put down roots in Avon.
Wanda’s first job at 17 years old shaped the next three decades of her life. She started in public relations for Indiana Bell before being promoted into government affairs. For most of her career, she worked closely with lobbyists, legislators, governors, and members of Congress.
At age 50, Wanda stepped away to retire. She loved the work and the people, but Wanda always had two dreams: to work in a school cafeteria or in a gift shop, and she felt this was the time to make them reality.
Wanda first tested the waters at Judy’s Hallmark in Danville. She then went to Suzy’s in Avon for six years until it closed. That’s when a longtime friendship changed everything.
Wanda called Sheila Richardville to ask about a possible opening at the Hendricks Regional Health gift shop. She and Sheila had known each other for years. Sheila told her she didn’t have an opening – but called Wanda the next morning to tell her she had made room for her. She’s been here ever since.
When Wanda started, the gift shop was largely volunteer-run, with only a handful of paid staff. Over time, it grew both in size and scope. One of the biggest surprises over the years has been the shop’s popularity. “People come here just to buy things; they don’t have any other reason to be in the hospital,” said Wanda. “I hear all the time that we’re not a typical hospital gift shop.”
It’s those people, and her teammates, who keep Wanda coming back every day. “People ask me why I’m still working,” said Wanda. “I love my job. I love the people I meet. And our gift shop team is amazing!” Her husband, Michael, is also not fully retired.
Even though it’s hard to pull her away from the gift shop, Wanda makes time every year for two trips: one to Breckenridge, Colorado, with her close friend, Annetta, and one to Ormond Beach, Florida, a decades-long tradition that includes family time at Walt Disney World.
