Supporting Down Syndrome Owned Businesses

Supporting Businesses with a Connection to Down Syndrome; “Down Syndrome Owned Businesses”

Our Down syndrome community is close-knit.

Oh, we squabble on social media and have tiffs here and there, but we also have each other’s backs something fierce. When we have questions about IEP’s or band together to seek out solutions or justice, there is no stopping us.

We also like to support each other.

Here’s a guide with links and information that will help us in supporting Down syndrome businesses (that is, businesses with a positive connection to Down syndrome).

The sections have been categorized.

1. Businesses that are run by individuals with Down syndrome

This means that the product is made by the individual with Down syndrome and the store is run largely through their own efforts.

Andy Meredith Photography: I really love his work (and follow him on Instagram). Shop at his site, linked here

Chani’s Creations: bracelets and jewelry

Downright Charming: lovely quilts made by Sarah

Sophiola: beautiful paintings, prints, cards

Moira’s Ventures: Activist Moira Rossi set up a business in which she sells programs training other adults with Down syndrome in self-advocacy. I’m blown away.

Ashley by Design: popular clothing for people with Down syndrome, created by designer Ashley DeRamus, who has Down syndrome

Troy Made It: Pottery! Follow him on Instagram (click here) for updates. He has a shop on Etsy that sells out fast (so stay tuned!)

Allie Art: Holy Mother of WOW! Allie’s art is gorgeous! Vibrant, color-rich and reasonably-priced. She has jewelry, too.

Bradley’s Blocks: all kinds of super-cool pet art, leash gear and more. If you love dogs, this is your stop.

On the heals of great art featuring dogs is Doggie Delights, by Allison. They make healthy dog food and treats!

Designs by Lupita – Dynamic, popping stuff: really lovely. Lupita has prints and more for sale on her site.

Oliver Hellowell Photography – Gorgeous photos. Lots of nature-shots.

Bath Bombs by Morgan Tibbens: Outstanding variety of “bath bombs” (these things you put into the bath to make your experience there something fragrantly divine). Check out the “Down Syndrome Bath Bomb“!!

Christian Royal Pottery:

Gorgeous, gorgeous pottery. Those leaves?! The designs? Brilliant! I think his slogan should be, “Stoneware with Impeccable Charm.”

Tazia Fawley: She makes cut-outs and paintings that are simply vibrant and bursting with energy. She is also the famous artist who gave Prince George one of her paintings, which was displayed in his nursery.

Geoffrey Mikol has an outstanding online shop, Riverbend Galleries, with images that he takes. Photos, calendars and more.

 Artlifting: Dreamy, often abstract art from the brilliant Andrew Weatherly. He has a wide collection of everything from rainbow swirls to sunrises.

Megalogy: Megan Bomgaars is one of my favorites from the hit series, “Born This Way,” because she reminds me a lot of my daughter, Moxie. She is also a total rockstar of creative awesomeness, selling everything from her hand-dyed silk scarves to yoga pants. Be sure to check out her capsule collection with Sanrio – Hello Kitty + “Don’t Limit Me” = pure radness!

Poppin’ Joes: Gourmet kettle corn by Joe! Yum.

John’s Crazy Socks is a little company that is going big. All the socks, all the time, and with a sock subscription service too!

…and!

• Dusty’s Puppets: Dusty makes, sells (and if you are local, performs with) puppets. Very, very cool.
• Cameron’s Coffee & Chocolates: chocolate, coffee, tea, even granola and nuts!
• DK Arts: greeting cards and prints
• Florida Keys Art by Cinnamon – photographs and watercolors
• Gracie’s Doggie Delights: stuff your best friend will love
• Seanese – Sean, from “Born This Way” has his own line of bad-ass shirts (I want them all!)
• Group Hug Apparel – very popular t-shirt company run by Andrew, who has Down syndrome
• Brittany’s Baskets of Hope – Brittany (an individual with Down syndrome) pulls together gift baskets for new and expecting parents of children with Down syndrome. What a powerful thing to do! Although this is not a business that you receive something in exchange for an item, it’s definitely worth contributing your dollars towards: you can do so here.

2. Down Syndrome Related Small Businesses

This is, small businesses run by families, friends or allies of an individual with Down syndrome (- this usually means family!)

• Loving Memories Floral and Repurposed Designs: Lovely shadow boxes, wind chimes, repurposed art.
• Beccability Bakery: Handmade marshmallows, shipped anywhere. Yum.
• Mom & Me Designer Wreaths: Beautiful wreaths for every occasion and season.

• Gracie’s Doggie Delights:  healthy dog treats. No additives ever.

• Jack’s Bar and Grill & Steamer’s Coffeehouse: jam, jelly, pie filling and gift baskets. This stuff looks delicious.
• Sassy Fras Design: vinyl, embroidery and handcrafted design (including things like unicorn embroidered shirts!!!).
• Handmade Weighted Blankets: all kinds of handmade weighted blankets, with all kinds of fabrics.
• Designer Do Over: E-bay store selling used/new clothing and shoes
• Cloth Diaper Outlet: all your cloth diapering needs (including gently used diaper covers!) and more
• Creekside Cookies: fruit and cookies!
• Waggies by Maggie & Friends – dog treats made by people with Intellectual Disabilities
• Imperfect Creations: quilts and embroidery
• Paparazzi accessories: bracelets and fun stuff, all around $5
• My Little Sunshine Face: children’s books series about Down syndrome with Christian themes

Coffee:

• Dreamer’s Coffee: Coffee distribution company run mostly by parents of individuals with Down syndrome, selling coffee & coffee-accompanying products.
• Dawn’s Dreamer’s Coffee
• 4 Coffee and Grace
• Bitty and Beaus
• Furnace Hill Coffee
• Crumley Dreamer’s Coffee

T-Shirts:

• Reeve’s Tees
• The Chromosome Shirt and Human Needs Are Not “Special” 
• Kale Chips Apparel: t-shirts and more
• Down 2 Dream

3. Businesses That Hire Down Syndrome

• Trader Joes
• Publix
• Walgreens
• CVS
• Petco
• Safeway
• Kroger
• Wegman’s
• Amazon (maybe Down syndrome; definitely for intellectual disability)

Related Posts:

• 8 Things to Do For Down Syndrome Acceptance Month
• IEP 101
• The Best Down Syndrome Awareness Videos 
• How to Tell if Your Child with Down Syndrome Needs Therapy
• Resources for New Parents of a Child with Down Syndrome
• Comprehensive List of the Best Down Syndrome Book Resources
• All of Meriah Nichols’ Down Syndrome-Related Blog Posts + Resources