Self-Advocate Businesses

Kendall, 22, loves to crochet hats! She began making hats several years ago as gifts, but once her inventory grew so large, she decided to open an Etsy shop and have her own business. She creates beautiful color combinations, each as unique and special as she is. Her favorite part of being an Internet Businesswoman is shipping the hats to her customers. She takes great pride in knowing that what she has made will make someone very happy!

Kindness Cafe + Play is a nonprofit coffee shop that employs adults with cognitive disabilities while creating a joyful, inclusive community space. We offer a wide variety of locally roasted coffee and espresso drinks and delicious baked goods. Located in the lobby of the YMCA in Charlottesville, VA, we're excited to be challenging perceptions while creating meaningful connections.

Kristina's Grind and Grace offers coffee, pastries, and a moment of respite from a hectic day. Serving coffee and confections, with a side of grace, by truly exceptional staff. The next time you need to add some caffeine and a heavy dose of sweetness to your afternoon, stop by and see Kristina in full bloom.

Ky's Kards was founded by Kyle and his mom Penny in 2021 with help from his sisters, Lindsey and Carly. Ky's Kards is a greeting card company located in Hanover, MN. Our vision for Ky's Kards is to inspire others to spread encouragement and kindness one card at a time. We also hope to grow the company to be able to employ others with different abilities.

Marie Webb, a professional fashion and textile designer, founded Lemonade Stand Designs in 2016. Her one-of-a-kind creations have been showcased at New York Fashion Week, highlighting her vibrant style and love for creativity. Through her designs, she celebrates diversity and empowers others, demonstrating that fashion can be a powerful force for change. Discover unique wearable art pieces, including scarves, totes, headbands, and more, at Lemonade Stand Designs!

Let Me Do It is an app that was founded by Angad in 2022. The Let Me Do It App gives people with disabilities the ability to manage and navigate their decision-making using a structured decision tree and task management framework that works in conjunction with caregivers and extended network to support their decision-making. 

Little BIG Dog Treats is more than just a business; it is the realization of Cailyn's life-long dream to own a business and work alongside her mom. Established in January 2016, our handcrafted dog treats are made with only the freshest, most natural ingredients because we believe your pup deserves the best! Every step of making our dog treats is done by hand and is "Made with love for the dogs we love ~ little to BIG!" Grab some treats today from our online shop or find our treats at select stores across the country!

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!

At Mallory Paige Designs, all our designs are made with 100% real leather and are handcrafted by someone with a “different ability” as well as someone who loves them. You'll find the initials serve as authenticity of who directly benefits from your purchase. You can confidently wear our designs knowing they were lovingly designed and created by the hands of someone who loves what they do.

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.