Self-Advocate Businesses

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.

No Rulz Art was created to provide a social and recreational atmosphere for persons with differing abilities to have an outlet for creativity while gaining meaningful employment. With each artist as a business stakeholder, we are committed to demonstrating that everyone is capable of contributing when given the opportunity. Our extensive inventory of tie-dye apparel ensures that we have the perfect tie-dye garment to showcase your personality.

"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.

Poppin Joe's Gourmet Kettle Korn was established to show that Joe Steffy, a young man with autism and Down syndrome, is able to work. He is the CEO of this popular business that gives him an opportunity to do a variety of tasks he can chose between while at work each day. The business sells fresh popped kettle korn at festivals, and in local retail outlets.

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”.

Zach loves science and working with his hands. With everyone “washing their hands”, Zach and his mom (who works in health care) created the recipes for soothing, organic, artisan goat milk and honey soaps. Handmade in small batches- from Zachary's hands to yours.

Queen Semone Jewelry represents Down syndrome and is home made with the help of a person with Down syndrome. This company is owned by an entrepreneur with Down syndrome . Please check out our website for our collection of jewelry and other products!

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.