Delicious cookies …
Artisanal soaps …
Delightful socks …
Doggie donuts for your favorite canine that look good enough to dunk …
Who wouldn’t enjoy treats like these this holiday? As a bonus, there’s something special wrapped up with each of these gifts. They are all created and marketed by disabled-owned businesses.
According to Supplier.io, people with disabilities are nearly twice as likely to be self-employed as people without disabilities. (Their research shows that disability-owned businesses are an increasingly important part of the global supply chain, as corporations embrace the benefits of supplier diversity.) We've put together this holiday gift guide to feature just a few of these passionate entrepreneurs, and maybe add an extra layer of goodness to your holiday shopping this year.
This Wisconsin-based company is named after founder Grace Jagler, who owns three rescue miniature schnauzers and has a growing social media presence. Gracie’s all-natural dog treats are made from freeze-dried USDA-inspected meat, with no additives or chemicals, and Gracie herself handles packaging and labeling. Gracie’s goal? To make every dog as happy as her dogs. Their treats ship across the U.S. and are available at dozens of retail outlets.
Collette has been creating cookie recipes for years; she has turned that hobby into a thriving business that is garnering national media attention. After being turned down for several jobs, always being told she was “not a good fit,” she became determined to earn her own living doing what she loves. Outspoken, tenacious and absolutely delightful, Collette often travels around the U.S. sharing her story and encouraging others, while helping non-disabled people and employers see abilities, rather than limitations. Check out their gift packages for a perfect comfort food gift.
This lifestyle brand features artists with disabilities' artwork on everyday products like t-shirts, tote bags, leggings and throw pillows. Proceeds from each sale go to the artists who create the artwork and to support arts and entrepreneurship programs around the world.
A purchase of Trevor Dealy’s artisanal soap means more than just clean hands. Trev's Trades serves as a work transition program for Trevor, where he can develop his business skills and contribute to a real-world product. And his Instagram feed @trevstrades is an absolute delight.
Okay, who doesn’t want to join a Sock of the Month Club, or get a pair of breakfast socks complete with eggs, coffee and toast? John’s Crazy Socks is a father-son business inspired by John Lee Cronin, who has a love of colorful and fun “crazy socks.” Their online business is on a mission to spread happiness, one pair of socks at a time.
Do you know of a disabled-owned business to include in next year’s gift guide? Please, let us know and we’ll include them. And from all of us at Partners4Housing, we wish you joy and peace this holiday season.
