Whether you’re looking for gifts this holiday season or all-year long, choosing to shop small can make a huge impact not just to the business itself but to your own community. It’s better for the environment compared to the carbon footprints of larger companies (*cough* Amazon *cough) and you’re directly investing in people’s passion and livelihoods.
Here are a few disabled-led brands you can shop from and support:
CUP OF TÉ
Cup of Té is a premier online retailer of loose leaf organic teas and teaware. Their journey began when founder Taylor Lindsay-Noel, an aspiring Olympic gymnast, suffered a devastating accident while in training that left her paralyzed and in a wheelchair. Based in Ontario, Canada, Cup of Té is dedicated to enriching lives through the experience of premium teas specially made from organic ingredients with each taste offering unique benefits to tea lovers all over the world and every drop telling a story. Ships to Canada, US, and UK. www.cupofte.com
GRACIE’S DOGGIE DELIGHTS
Founded by a young woman with Down Syndrome who loves dogs, Gracie’s Doggie Delights features dog treats made with Freeze Dried USDA Inspected Meat & no additives. www.graciesdoggiedelights.com
COLLETEY’S
Shop homemade cookies, dog treats & gift packages by Collettey, a young woman with Down Syndrome who started her company from passion. Now she is growing and creating jobs for people with disabilities that are struggling to find paying jobs. www.colletteys.com
LOVE BILI NYC
♡bili is New York City-based apparel company that promotes disability awareness and empowerment. At ♡bili, they take images that too often symbolize weakness and celebrate their actual function of strength. www.lovebilinyc.com
NOMUU
Simone Downey is Nomuu, a Melbourne-based artist who creates whimsical animal-child characters. Her style is so calming with her soft palettes and soulful subjects. www.nomuu.com
THE LOCKWOOD
As a mother with a disability, the mother of a kid with multiple disabilities and with her background in children’s media, Amy Lockwood founded this. inclusive toy company based in Toronto. At first, Amy dabbled in woodworking as a way to stay creative but eventually found that it gave her control back with her body. She started making toys and hasn’t stopped since. www.thelockwood.ca
HANDICUP
HandiCup is a wheelchair cup holder attachment that works for people with full or limited hand function, so that they can successfully and independently access a beverage on the go! It’s 100% proudly designed and made in Canada. www.handicup.com
Check out this document for a growing list of entrepreneurs & small business owners with disabilities. If you are a small disability-owned business or know of one, feel free to add to this list and share. Happy shopping!
