Meet The Entrepreneurs

Meet the 33 entrepreneurs and 3 social or school-based enterprises that are selling at The Celebrate Shop in 2026!
  • Man wearing glasses and smiling in front of flowers and bushes

    Alex Nichols

    Nichols Freestyle Weaving
    San Diego, CA

    Alex is a free-style weaver who follows the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which represents embracing imperfection. Using a Saori loom and hand-weaving techniques, Alex creates wild and free wall hangings mixing textures and vibrant colors using yarn and unconventional materials. 
    Shop Alex In-Person 
  • Allie Guard

    Allie Art Designs
    Cincinnati, OH

    Allie is the self-proclaimed "color girl" who shares her love of color through her artwork. Each Allie Art product is handmade using Allie’s unique style of bright hues drawn with colored pencils. You are sure to fall in love with Allie’s Art!
    Shop Allie 
  • Woman sitting with a lime green shirt with her arms around a white dog

    Allison Fogarty

    Doggy Delights by Allison
    Clermont, FL

    Allison loves all things kitchen! She strives to make the very BEST homemade dog treats. Her recipes include only natural, human-grade ingredients. Her love of food and cooking started during a 2-year span when she could not eat or drink by mouth (due to health issues). She is an entrepreneur with Down syndrome, but she wants you to know her as the best dog treat chef ever!
    Shop Allison 
  • Woman wearing a black hat and blue lace top against a beige background

    Anna Sasser

    Down Right Designs
    Choudrant, LA

    Anna uses her creativity to make unique, one-of-a-kind pieces of art to decorate your home or for gift giving. She uses modeling paste, wood cutouts and other supplies to create unique and thoughtful paintings on canvas, tiles, and wood surfaces. Anna hopes to make every customer feel special through her beautiful art.
    Shop Anna 
  • Man in blue collared shirt smiling with green background

    Brent Anderson

    Pets Pizzazz
    Louisville, CO

    Brent is an animal lover and entrepreneur with autism. He started his new business Pets Pizzazz during the pandemic and loves making products for your furry best friends. Brent's entrepreneurial talents are amazing and he is the inspiration behind Celebrate EDU.
    Shop Brent 
  • A smiling young woman with dark brown hair and bangs, wearing a navy blue t-shirt, standing in front of a lush green plant with bright pink flowers.

    Collette Divitto

    Collettey's Cookies
    Boston, MA

    Collette turned her love of cooking into a million-dollar cookie business that creates meaningful employment and changes perceptions about what people with disabilities can achieve. 
    Shop Collette 
  • A man wearing glasses and a navy blue short-sleeve button-up shirt with white polka dots stands behind a black DJ booth table draped with a black cloth featuring a large white star and the text 'DJ Starman'. He is holding a framed picture and standing next to a laptop.

    Dylan Rodgers

    DJ Starman
    Littleton, CO

    Dylan, aka DJ Starman, is known as “Colorado’s Best DJ Who Happens to Have Down Syndrome”. Fueled by his love of music and passion for bringing people together, DJ Starman brings high-energy vibes to every party.
    Support Dylan In-Person 
  • Woman smiling holding a pink wooden object

    Emma Venticinque

    Elf Emma
    Massapequa, NY

    For Emma, painting has always been a relaxing hobby. During the pandemic, she started painting gnomes and selling them from her front yard. Emma’s gnomes have really taken off and her business has grown exponentially. Emma loves giving back and donates her profits to local charities. 
    Shop Emma 
  • Ethan Davis blowing glass with a facemask on

    Ethan Davis

    3ND Glass
    Denver, CO

    Ethan is a talented young artist who began to blow glass at the age of 14. He became interested in glass blowing after visiting a Chihuly exhibit in the Denver Botanic Gardens. Ethan’s talent continues to evolve and his pieces of art are a treasured possession.
    Shop Ethan 
  • Woman wearing glasses and a grey and red shirt that says Be The Love

    Grace Key

    Candidly Kind
    Chattanooga, TN

    Grace was born with Down syndrome, but she prefers to call it Up syndrome. Grace’s unique artwork and “catch phrases” are sold on shirts, hats, totes through her business Candidly Kind. Grace never stops giving back, She donates a portion of every sale to charities.
    Shop Grace K. 
  • A woman with long light brown hair and black-rimmed glasses is smiling broadly while wearing a pink floral print dress with ruffled sleeves, seated outdoors on a chair.

    Grace Reber

    GracePlace Art
    Oklahoma City, OK

    Grace is a talented artist, joyful spirit, and young woman with Down syndrome whose creativity inspired Grace Place Art. Her greeting cards are created with love, shared with intention, and sent to encourage connection, joy and to remind someone that they matter. 
    Shop Grace R. 
  • A smiling young woman with red hair and black-rimmed glasses, wearing a black-and-white checkered jacket with a black fleece collar over a black top, set against a colorful painted background.

    Hannah Richey

    Hannah Joy Spectrum Designs
    Clarkston, MI

    To help with her anxiety, Hannah started spending time in an art studio where she began wire wrapping beads on silverware. She started her business Hannah Joy Spectrum Designs in 2019 and hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams.
    Shop Hannah In-Person 
  • Henry Prescott

    MV Barkery
    Martha's Vineyard, MA

    Searching for a meaningful employment opportunity for her son, who has autism, Henry’s mom Edie was inspired to create something they could do together. Henry loves being in the kitchen, mixing, cutting out shapes, and (of course!) sampling the batter. Together, they founded MV Barkery, the only locally made dog treats on Martha’s Vineyard. Henry is head of quality control and cookie decorator extraordinaire. 
    Shop Henry In-Person 
  • Man wearing an orange shirt holding a nikon camera around his neck

    Houston Vandergriff

    Downs & Towns
    Knoxville, TN

    Houston is a travel photographer who has travelled to all 50 states, 6 Canadian provinces, and 30 countries. Born with Down Syndrome, his speech is sometimes difficult to understand, but he is able to share his view of the world through his photography. Houston has a simple vision with his photography: Make the world a better place. 
    Shop Houston 
  • A close-up portrait of a woman with long light brown hair, smiling slightly, wearing a pink top and a woven headband against a gray wall with a decorative woven piece in the background.

    Jackie Fabrizi

    Fab Family Creations
    Bradenville, PA

    Jackie has turned her love of baking into a thriving business. Each week she makes fresh sourdough bread, cinnamon rolls, and scones. She attends farmer’s markets and sells at her home farm-stand. 
    Shop Jackie 
  • A man wearing a black polo shirt with a 'Jared's Jams' logo stands in a rustic indoor setting with wood walls and stairs in the background.

    Jared Niemeyer

    Jared's Jams
    Edina, MO

    Jared began making jam with fruit from their family farm to raise money for Special Olympics. After converting an old building into a commercial kitchen. Jared’s Jams are sold in stores across the midwest and at his coffee shop in Missouri. 
    Shop Jared 
  • Man smiling at camera in front of a brick wall

    Jay Castro Hughes

    Jay's Phylum Trees
    Walbridge, OH

    Enter the whimsical world of Jay, a dedicated artist on a mission to spread joy through his enchanting handmade wire trees!  Jay's artistic journey is a labor of love, with hours poured into every intricate detail. Crafted with meticulous care, each tree is a testament to Jay's passion for creating art that represents ancient cultures. 
    Shop Jay 
  • Man smiling at camera holding paint brushes

    Joel Anderson

    Joel's Vision Arts
    Fallbrook, CA

    Joel Anderson is an award-winning artist and author. Joel refers to himself as “the artist of smiles” and he is using his talents to encourage and support people with autism all over the world. Joel's art has been seen in China, Japan, Africa, Australia, Canada, Peru. Along with all of his community activities, Joel continues to create art daily.
    Shop Joel In-Person 
  • Joey Arroyo

    Joey's Farm
    Boulder, CO

    Joey is a happy-go-lucky guy who enjoys reading cookbooks and watching grooming, shaving & barber videos on YouTube. Joey dreams of the day he will have facial hair, so in the meantime, he expresses his beard love by making all-natural beard balms, for other beard aficionados.
    Shop Joey 
  • Person holding a sock with 'John's Crazy Socks' branding against a branded background

    John Cronin

    John's Crazy Socks
    Farmingdale, NY

    John Cronin is spreading happiness with every pair of socks that he sells. John and his father Mark founded John’s Crazy Socks in 2016, because of John’s love of colorful and fun socks, or what he calls his "crazy socks." John’s Crazy Socks proudly employs individuals of differing abilities and donates 5% of earnings to the Special Olympics.
    Shop John 
  • Man smiling at camera with a grey and marroon shirt on

    Jonathan (JT) Tillman

    JT's Fire
    Fort Collins, CO

    JT has always loved candles and he is thrilled to share his passion with his customers. JT was born with multiple disabilities and has overcome many obstacles. Having his own business is the highlight of his life and he receives pleasure from every candle he makes and sells. 
    Shop JT 
  • A person wearing a black hoodie with a colorful 'DIFFERENT IS COOL' heart graphic, standing outdoors against a red brick wall.

    Kayla Snover

    Kayla Snover Studio
    Lynnfield, MA

    Kayla is an internationally recognized artist known for her use of dynamic shapes and vibrant color. She paints the way she moves through the world: with energy, curiosity, and joy! Kayla inspires others with her endless creativity. 
    Shop Kayla In-Person 
  • Man in purple shirt smiling in front of paintings on a wall

    Keegan McCarthy

    Keegan's Art Korner
    Long Beach, NY

    Keegan McCarthy is a budding artist who happens to be autistic and have epilepsy. He began painting in 2020 at a local art studio. He enjoys working with different colors and his brushwork is distinctive. He loves painting animals and landscapes. His original art is available on greeting cards.
    Shop Keegan 
  • A man sitting at an outdoor cafe table in a scenic canal town, holding a layered coffee drink. He is wearing a black polo shirt and light gray pants, with warm-toned buildings and a stone walkway in the background under a clear blue sky.

    Ken Jones

    Reimagined Coffee
    Fort Collins, CO

    Ken turned his love of coffee into his own business, Reimagined Coffee where he gets to meet people and connect with the community, one cup at a time! Working with a local roaster, he is creating his own brand of coffee that everyone wants to try.
    Shop Ken In-Person 
  • Man smiling and looking off camera in a blue collared shirt

    Kevin Hosseini

    Kevin Hosseini Art World
    El Cajon, CA

    Kevin was introduced to art at a young age by his autism behaviorist. His art is largely inspired by travel and diverse cultural interests. He loves to use rich vibrant colors to create depth and feeling. Kevin’s paintings have been displayed around the world including in Kiev, Ukraine and the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.
    Shop Kevin In-Person 
  • Man wearing a white chef coat with Moore Crunch logo oan Pretzel Chef Marcus Moore on the top

    Marcus Moore

    Moore Crunch
    Baltimore, MD

    Moore Crunch isn’t just a snack, it's a story of strength, flavor, and what happens when someone refuses to be counted out. Marcus Moore turned his lack of opportunities into a thriving autism-owned business. Marcus makes and packs every order and loves making his customers happy. Moore Crunch pretzels are extra crunchy, boldly seasoned, and hard to stop eating! 
    Shop Marcus 
  • A person holding a burlap gift bag with a holiday bow and a silicone cup with a brand logo.

    Matthew Hessburg

    Matthew's Bonfire BBQ

    Grosse Pointe Park, MI

    This “Hot and Spicy Guy” is sparking a fire for taste and acceptance. Having Down syndrome has never stopped Matthew from doing anything he sets his mind out to do. He has been spicing up life for his family and friends since birth and it’s time to spread the love through Matthew’s Bonfire BBQ. 
    Shop Matthew 
  • Person holding a bottle of Max Mix spices in a grocery store aisle

    Max Crawford

    Max Mix
    Kansas City, MO

    Growing up in the hotbed of Kansas City BBQ, Max started making spice blends as Christmas gifts for teachers, family, and friends. Turns out, people really liked them, and it quickly became Max’s thing. Max Mix was launched in Fall 2023 and his delicious spice mixes are spicing up taste buds across the country. Max wants to grow his business so he can provide employment and job training for others with special abilities. 
    Shop Max 
  • A smiling man wearing a short-sleeve button-up shirt covered in a colorful Mickey Mouse print, holding up a small decorated Christmas tree against a plain gray wall.

    Mickey Wilson

    Trees by Mickey
    Denver, CO

    Mickey is one of our youngest entrepreneurs who is making a big impact. During baseball season, he works in Event Services for the Colorado Rockies. During the off-season, he enjoys whipping up culinary delights in the kitchen and is exploring new entrepreneurial ventures. Stay tuned for the extraordinary things he’s destined to create.
    Shop Mickey 
  • A man with short brown hair and glasses, wearing a red polo shirt, standing in front of shelves stocked with packaged grocery items.

    Nolan Stilwell

    Texas Sweet Heat Jam
    Leander, TX

    Nolan is the creator of Texas Sweet Heat Jam Company! A hot market innovation comprised of his own homegrown peppers and a twist of fine-tuned culinary expertise. His products are a result of years of practice and support of his talent & special interest in gardening and cooking. 
    Shop Nolan 
  • Man sitting in a wheelchair in a meadow smiling with his eyes closed

    Patrick Lewis

    Purely Patrick

    Hyde Park, VT

    Patrick was born 3 1/2 months premature and was a "fighter" and a "lover" from the very beginning. Using assistive technology, all Purely Patrick products are created by Patrick and his job coaches. Patrick’s "Made in Vermont" products are done with care and determination to ensure that they are the absolute best experience for my customers. 
    Shop Patrick 
  • Woman smiling in front of a yellow background

    Tania Richardson

    Special T Market 
    Lakewood, CO

    Tania Richardson is happiest when she is working, which is why she's started a new business! She makes "Unpaper Towels" reusable towels that replace our traditional paper towels with a more sustainable solution. 
    Shop Tania 
  • A man wearing glasses and a navy blue graphic t-shirt with a white cat illustration taking a selfie in an indoor hallway.

    Tim Eldred

    Custom by Azure
    Greensboro, NC

    Tim creates unique, stainless steel inlay rings using natural stone, gemstone, and crystals. His gorgeous creations can be customized for individual designs. He is thrilled to showcase Custom by Azure rings at The Celebrate Shop.
    Shop Tim In-Person 

Social or School-Based Enterprises

This year we are including products from some of our favorite social or school-based enterprises which are using the entrepreneurial spirit to teach work skills or employ people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

  • A group of people smiling and posing around a wooden table in a craft studio, with a colorful handmade woven rug displayed prominently in the foreground.

    Ability Weavers

    Social Enterprise
    Lowell, MI

    Ability Weavers provides an integrated work setting in which those with and without special needs work side by side. Together we create beautiful, high-quality woven items. Many of our employees have autism or other disabilities and everyone works together as a team. They encourage everyone to do their very best and work to their highest potential. Everyone is equally important, equally appreciated, and fairly paid.
    Shop Ability Weavers In-Person 
  • A group of seven people smiling and posing together in a workshop or production space filled with shelves, bottles, and tables containing dried herbs and crafting materials.

    sammysoap

    Social Enterprise
    Kirkwood, MO

    Sam was born with an intellectual or developmental disability. After graduating from high school, Sam's family believed that post-secondary learning should take place outside the home where authentic social skills can be honed at work and throughout the community. Born from a mother's desire for a more meaningful week for her son, sammysoap is a job creation machine for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities disguised as the world's best soap company.
    Shop sammysoap In-Person 
  • Taste Buds

    Fossil Ridge High School
    Fort Collins, CO

    Taste Buds brings entrepreneurship and culinary arts together at Fossil Ridge High School. What started as a freeze-dried candy business has grown into a full student-run catering company, run by a unified class where students of all ability levels work side by side. From food safety to industry standards, students get hands-on experience in a real commercial kitchen and business, and build skills they can carry into future careers well beyond graduation.
    Shop Taste Buds In-Person