Entrepreneurship Creates Opportunities for Individuals with Down Syndrome

Down Right Designs was created when Anna, a young adult with Down syndrome began experimenting for fun with fluid painting in 2018 with a friend. As friends and family began requesting paintings, Anna decided to make it a business. It has grown in the last few years to include having her art in several states and local shops. The business has expanded the products offered to include specialty tiles, ornaments, and other items.

Down-Right Perfect Gifts offers a collection of specially-designed handcrafted jewelry created by Hannah. Her goal is two-fold: she wants to use her creative gifts and voice to help raise awareness of the abilities, achievements, and contributions of people with Down syndrome while working toward her own personal goal of living and working independently.

Houston Vandergriff is a globe-trotting photographer. His award winning photography has been showcased in solo shows, galleries, juried competitions, and in arts and travel magazines. His fine art prints and photo-related merchandise are for sale on his website. You can follow his adventures on Instagram and TikTok @downsandtowns.

Dusty Dutton, 44, is a talented and experienced entertainer. She has Down syndrome, and uses her unique sense of humor to bring her hand puppets to life. She has formal training in working with young children, and never fails to bring smiles to their faces. Dusty has been in business as a puppeteer and puppet retailer for 14 years! She is a member of the Puppeteers of America and the San Francisco Bay Area Puppetry Guild.

Emma Tuttle is a vibrant young lady with passion for cooking, having being raised surrounded by delightful dishes and a warm atmosphere. Her volunteer work at Southington Bread for Life, a nearby soup kitchen, inspired her to start baking goods for the town’s farmers market using honey from their hives, and Emma’s Pearlz was born! Emma has been dedicated to mastering her honey cakes, designed in charming beehive shapes. They became an instant hit through a combination of providence, ardent champions and her refreshingly genuine charm.  Emma’s Pearlz has grown and now offers six different flavors. Besides showcasing her talents in the kitchen, Emma is also a skilled weaver. She crafts and sells beautiful scarves, shawls, table runners and placemats.

Emmett Kyoshi Wilson is an abstract artist, primarily painting in acrylic mixed media. Since age four, Emmett has created over 80 pieces which have been featured in three gallery showings over the last three years, including a commission to paint the American Flag for the American Embassy in Croatia. His internationally acclaimed art is available for purchase as originals, signed giclée prints and into wearable art with hoodies, blankets and tee shirts.

Empathy 321’s mission is to empower people with Down Syndrome of all ages to become self-advocates in their homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. We do this by providing training on how to speak up about one’s individual wants, needs, and rights in everyday life. Empathy 321 also promotes the growing independence of individuals with Down Syndrome by training employers, educators, and organizations on how to provide full inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We were founded in 2010, and are a gourmet specialty coffee business located in the Furnace Hills of Westminster, Maryland. Every day, we fulfill our customers wishes by supplying them with freshly roasted bags of specialty coffee and delivering it right to their doorsteps.

Gabi's Grounds is an advocate for the value, inclusion, and acceptance of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We promote equal access to persons with disabilities in our workplace. We create market value that includes everyone in an enriched community while providing great coffee and a unique customer service experience.

Jeff founded Gifts of God's Creations, a craft and ceramics business, in 2019. Inspired by Matthew 17:20 - "Our faith can move mountains," Jeff creates artwork in a variety of mediums, including crosses, earrings, and buttons. He is most inspired by his younger brother, Jason, and his faith in God.  

Grace is a young lady who loves art. After getting her first big girl desk at eight years old, Grace started spending more and more time pursuing this passion. Since then, art has become therapeutic for her; a safe space for self expression and a technique to help her navigate emotions. GracePlace Art was created to give Grace a platform through which she could share her art, and her story with the world. Her hope is to empower the Down syndrome and special needs communities, inspiring people of all abilities to follow their dreams, no matter how wild.

Gracie's Doggie Delights is operated by an enterprising young woman with Down syndrome who loves dogs. These are her dog's favorites and we hope they will your pet's favorites too. Her Doggie Delights are made with just ONE ingredient. Freeze dried USDA inspected meat. No additives. No chemicals. The high value dog treat you've been looking for.