Self-Advocate Businesses

Nolan is the creator of Texas Sweet Heat Jam Co. a hot market innovation comprised of his own homegrown peppers and a twist of fine-tuned culinary expertise. His hot pepper jelly is a result of years of practice and parental attention paid to his talent and special interest in gardening and cooking. Our jams are made from natural, local ingredients. No preservatives, no added chemicals or colors – just pure real food.

Owner and entrepreneur, Ronnie Brown, brings to the table his intoxicating affinity for fries, fries and more fries! Using his crafted technique to create his personal favorite buffalo fries to queso fries, pizza fries, jalapeno popper fries and other slices of gourmet fried heaven, Ronnie's serving up the richest flavors. As an added bonus, he armed foodies with sauces for every tongue's taste – be it sweet, spicy, classic savory or a walk on the wild side. THE FRY GUY has the sauce!

The Spotlight Project is a bracelet company with the mission of raising employment for individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability. They aim to shine a light on their amazing talents and positive contributions to the workforce, with the goal of inspiring other companies to follow in our footsteps.

Jacob is an advocate for the Down syndrome community who creates awesome, hand-painted doormats and apparel. Jacob started making doormats for his family as a hobby and had so many requests he decided to turn my hobby into a business! He wants to show that people with Down syndrome can do anything.

My name is Trey. I graduated high school in May 2022 from Powell High school. This summer I started my own business., Trey’s Snack Shack. It’s a mobile concessions trailer. I sell snacks, candy and drinks. I am able to help my former school by donating a portion of my profits to their Special Olympics program and their Powell Peps program. I have so many people who have seen me in the community or on social media who have brought me donations of snacks and drinks to sell. I’ve also had an officer from the Sheriffs office visit with his K-9, and our Knox county Mayor, Glenn Jacobs (AKA Kane, WWE wrestler) visit.. I feel proud to own my own business and help my community.

Trista Kutcher started Trista's Sunshine Company in 2019 as a hobby but it quickly grew to a business model that lives both online and in stores in the Charleston area. Trista's product line has grown to include Trista totes, beach bags, Charleston fabric baskets, headbands, scrunchies, bowties, and baby burping cloths among many other items. Trista's main message is that she wants everyone to “be someone's sunshine” and spread happiness and now she does that through her love and talent as a sewing artist and business owner.

Troy, a potter who was born with Down syndrome hand makes each piece of pottery, sometimes with a little help from his mom. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of each item will be donated to Ruby's Rainbow and other non-profit organizations that are making the world a better place. We're so excited to offer his one of kind pottery pieces to you!

At Two Fresh Brothers, we design, craft, and ship delicious-smelling air fresheners nationwide. Founded by Eli and Malachi in rural northern Illinois, our journey began with a desire to overcome limited options for jobs and find ways to use our skills and creativity to make our own mark on the world. Shop now and freshen up your life, one air freshener at a time! 

Woofles and Biscuits is about organic ingredients, our canine friends, and a young woman named Ashley who uses her abilities to overcome disabilities. We pride ourselves on baking delicious biscuits, made with exceptional ingredients, that your dogs will love. Compare our ingredients labels and guaranteed analysis to other biscuits. You will see the difference. And your dogs will taste the difference!

Zoie's ART-21 is an online business featuring a collection of vibrant printed inspired and painted by Zoie. Zoie's paintings are an external expression of her inward sense of her inward sense of Joy. Her enthusiasm for color is a direct reflection of the happiness she exudes along with a genuine hope that her Art elicits those same feelings of happiness in the world around her.