Self-Advocate Businesses

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.

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.

Dreamers Merchants Coffee Company began when Diane Grover learned of the low rate of employment of individuals with a disability. In hopes of creating a job for her daughter, Mary Ellen, Diane started a coffee company. Today Dreamers can be found in many states and growing. Every purchase allows us to hire individuals of all abilities in an inclusive environment. Try all three of our Specialty Grade Dreamers Blend Coffees!

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.

Embrace Marketplace is an e-commerce store led by Ashlee Crater that will feature apparel and handmade creations made by people with disabilities. The mission is to celebrate and highlight the strengths that people with intellectual and or/developmental disabilities bring to their communities by offering opportunities for entrepreneurship or meaningful employment

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.

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.

Travis Gunther lives in Plymouth, WI. He has been creating works of art since he first held a pencil. Travis enjoys classic TV and movies because they give him lots of ideas. Most of all, he love my family and friends and wants his art to give you joy, and cheer up your day.