This is what a woman with down’s syndrome chose to do – when nobody hired her for work
Discrimination on the grounds of a disability can push many into feelings of worthlessness. Not one to give up, when Collette Divitto, a Clemson University graduate was refused jobs on the grounds of discrimination as she had Down’s Syndrome, she chose to start her own baking business. We bring you her inspiring story.
1 About Collette Divitto
Collette Divitto is a 26 year old Clemson university graduate who has Down’s syndrome. Life has not been easy for her due to this ailment and she has been facing a lot of discrimination, people’s rebuke and opinions since a long time. Somehow even though potential employers had liked her qualification, she was always rejected on the grounds of “not fitting in” with the organisations requirements. It is another matter that she has not accepted her disability and its limitations, which kept her going.
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2 Collette’s Decision to Open Her Own Business
Collette was a good cook and had perfected the art of baking many years back. So when none of her potential employers offered her a job, she decided to start her own baking business. She bakes the wonderful treats from her Boston apartment. Her signature chocolate cookie is a huge hit with the locals. She started her business under the banner of Collettey’s Cookies.
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3 Collette’s Business Goals
Collette started this business with the aim of motivating other disabled people and creating job opportunities for them. She wants to expand her business and hire disabled people so that they can support themselves with pride. Her dream of opening a baking location in every state and a store chain is well on its way to becoming a reality. The dream of helping more people with disabilities is what keeps her going.
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4 What her Mom Has to Say
Collette’s mom always encouraged her to give flight to her dream of opening a baking business. She mentions that she is incredibly proud of her daughter as she is in the process of creating employment opportunities for other disabled people. She is happy that her daughter is a confident and strong young lady who is inspiring many people across the world.
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5 Her Dreams’ First Steps
Collette’s first client is mighty impressed with her and her work. The Golden Goose Market, which is nearby to her place is selling Collette’s cookies and they say that her goods are a hit with people and that she is getting rare feedbacks from the customers who are buying her products. She has a website, business cards and takes online delivery orders. She has now received a fellowship through the Institute of Community Inclusion. Her business plans have now grown and she is in the process of finding an investor to propel her company to greater heights.
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Disability need not be a hindrance. Rather this story has inspired other disabled people to dream big and go all out to achieve it.
