Entrepreneurship Creates Opportunities for Individuals with Down Syndrome

Loomed with Love is a small business in which Victoria handcrafts meaningful loom products including bracelets and keychains. With over 11 colors, 12 meaningful word charms, and a variety of designs, the possibilities to customize a product you can call your own are endless. Victoria hopes to inspire individuals to uniquely express themselves while contributing to non-profit organizations. She hopes people love her special creations just as much as she loves making them!

Magic by Greer started in 2019. Greer started her business with her tablets with her handwriting. She has donated over $9,000 to Special Olympics and Developmental and Disability Services of Lebanon County. Greer loves creating new merchandise and collaborating with others.

I'm a 24-year-old North Carolina native. I recently realized a lifelong dream and moved into an apartment with my younger brother in Apex, NC.

I graduated from High School in June 2017 with an Occupational Course of Study diploma. I completed Project Search, an internship-based educational program at Wake Technical Community College.

I currently work at Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits and 321 Coffee. I’ve worked at Chick-Fil-A, Fuquay Revolution Volleyball, and at a local movie theater. I also worked in the NC Legislature for State Representative John Bradford.

I also believe that serving my community is important, so I’ve been a community volunteer for several years.

I am passionate about raising awareness of Down syndrome, as well as all other intellectual and developmental disabilities. I love to speak to groups large and small, about a variety of topics and the impact on those of us with IDD.

Most notably, in December 2019, I gave a TEDx talk! And recently, I was interviewed by Anthony Padilla for his I Spent the Day With… series on YouTube.

I am a dynamic and passionate speaker, and I would love the opportunity to speak to your group too! Please check out my website for more information… www.matthewschwabspeaks.com

The spark that ignites the fire is Chef Matthew himself. Having Down syndrome has never stopped him from doing anything he sets his mind out to do. With an instinctive love of cooking since childhood and training at the award-winning Haywood Smokehouse in North Carolina during college, Matthew was inspired to launch his first line of barbecue sauces – Carolina Gold and Blueberry Chipotle.

What began as gift-making for teachers, family, and friends developed into a passion for meaningful work, independence, and self-advocacy. Founded by Max Crawford, in the Fall of 2023, Max Mix currently offers high-quality spice rubs for sale through our website and local pop-up opportunities in the Missouri and Kansas areas.

Marty is a young man with Down Syndrome who loves collecting hats and making new friends! Through his online store and popup events, he gets to combine his love of both! Each hat, shirt, sweatshirt (and more!) is made with love and shipped directly to you with a personal note written (or dictated) by Marty!

Nate's Funky Pics sells his photos at numerous markets and craft fairs in the suburban Philadelphia region. He posts these photos on his social media sites (Facebook and Instagram) and his Etsy store where he sells the prints. Nate has won awards for his photography including the 2017 Perspective Award from the Down Syndrome Association in London, England. Nate donates a portion of his sales to PALS Programs – the summer camp that he has attended since he was 15.

"Olivia the Series" is a collection of children's books written by Engelic Everett that were designed to inspire and uplift readers of all ages! With a focus on themes like anti-bullying, respect, manners, and self-compassion, each book aims to foster kindness and empathy. Grab your copies today and join Engelic and Olivia in spreading positivity — one story at a time.

Pman the Chef is a purpose-driven seasoning and spice brand founded by Patrick "Pman" Stinson, a passionate cook, Marvel enthusiast, and fitness lover from North Carolina who also happens to have Down Syndrome. Patrick crafts two signature products — his Down-Right Delicious Taco Seasoning, a perfectly balanced southwestern blend that works beautifully on beef, chicken, crab cakes, and more, and his Sweet BBQ Rub, a bold, crowd-pleasing rub made for pork and chicken on the smoker or grill.

Precious Kreations, Inc. was founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 Pandemic by Precious who happens to have Down syndrome and her mother. PK offers fashionable jewelry such as earrings, necklaces, charms and bracelets wearable by children and adults. In addition a full jewelry collection, t-shirts, hair accessories and more. Precious is a Diva Fashionista shouting “Just because you have a disAbility; does not mean you can't be stylish”.

I started Raquel Beautiful to inspire others to value others and themselves! I make hand created and custom designed jewelry and t-shirts, each with a special note that says “You are beautiful!” When you purchase an item from me, a portion of the proceeds goes to provide inspirational items for those that are struggling with challenges and to benefit charitable organizations.

Geoffrey Mikol is a professional artist that owns River Bend Gallery with his family, in historic Galena, Illinois. As a person born with Down syndrome, Geoffrey has found a special connection with photography as a means of expressing himself. His artwork is stunning and often technically difficult, catching elusive light that the eye sees but that cameras often miss.