Hi! 👋 My name is Megan and I am an intern with Family Matters PTIC this year. I am a graduate student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, but spent over 10 years working as a high school teacher supporting students to achieve their goals as they transitioned out of high school. This month, my blogs will focus on individuals with disabilities that have created their own businesses! Now, more than ever before, young adults and recent graduates are pursuing their dreams and passions by opening up their own businesses. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and Etsy are making it easier than ever to connect with others and collaborate together! The business featured will share a brief bio about the owner, the work that they do, and what their mission/vision is for their company. I will always be sure to include their business information in case you want to research yourself or connect with the company.
This week, I am going to feature 3 businesses owned by people with disabilities that we can not only learn from, but support. Grab your coziest blanket and a fresh cup of tea (or your favorite warm fall beverage!) and get ready to learn about some amazing entrepreneurs! Stay tuned for another blog in this series later in October!
In 2015, Blake Pyron decided to open up his very own snow cone business following his graduation from high school. When he did this, he became the first business owner with Down Syndrome in Texas. Blake’s Snow Shack now covers more than 31 unique flavors including “Bug Juice”, “Hulk”, and “Shark Attack.” In the years since first opening the doors of his business, Blake now advocates for equal pay for those with disabilities, as well as created the #DSWORKS Blake Pyron Entrepreneurship Scholarship,which supports others with disabilities pursuing entrepreneurship. If you are interested in learning more, you can visit their website at the link below!
http://www.blakessnowshack.com/
Bradley’s Blocks 🐶🎨🖌️:
Bradley is an adult entrepreneur in Michigan that has used his passion for art and animals to develop an Etsy Business selling pet portraits! Here is a bit more information from his Etsy site:
“Bradley creates the portraits in a multi-step process. He starts by drawing and painting the portrait at "Hearts for the Arts Studio" in Grand Rapids, MI. In his workshop at home, Bradley sands and paints different sized wooden blocks. He assembles the portraits onto the blocks with background paper that compliments the portrait and/or meets the customer's request for certain colors. Since this is custom art, it takes about 6-8 weeks to complete and ship after Bradley receives an order.”
If you are interested in learning more about Bradley and his art business, feel free to visit his website at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BradleysBlocks
Purely Patrick 🍪🍞🥣:
Patrick is an entrepreneur with cerebral palsy that has created his own company titled, “Purely Patrick.” Patrick assembles dry ingredients for treats such as dreamsicle cookies, country soup, corn bread and more! Patrick packages reusable water bottles and with dry ingredients through the use of assistive technology. He sells his product at his local farmer’s market and craft fairs but also provides shipping! Learn more about Purely Patrick here:
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