Collette Divitto, a 26 -year-old who was born with Down Syndrome, hasspent the past six years perfecting her baking skills and formingher own recipes. Her signature specialties areAmazing Cookie and the Healthy Breakfast Cookie.
After completing a LIFE program at Clemson University, Divitto began applying for jobs at local bakeries but, after three years, she hadnt received a single offer.
I went on many interviews and thought I did very well in the interview, she explains on her website
Instead of letting the rejections get her down, Divitto opened her ownbusiness and Colletteys Cookies is already a major success.
colletteycookie/ Twitter
After CBS Boston operated a segment on Colletteys Cookies last November, she was inundated with orders from all over the country. Within 10 days, the orders added up to 50,000 cookies and Divitto had received 65,000 letters from people who wished to express their admiration and support.
I havent slept at all, Divitto told CBS. I am really astonished at the is supportive of my company and my cookies.
Her very first client, the Golden Goose Market in Boston, lent Divitto its kitchen space and industrial equipment so she could fulfill all the orders. Some of their employees logged overtime to give a hand.
colletteycookie/ Twitter
Divittos goal is to grow her business, and she plans to hire employees with physical disabilities. Shes already hired two people with physical disabilities to work for her in Boston. Divitto iscurrently searching for her own warehouse so she can have her own kitchen and distribution facility shell surely need it as the cookie orders continue to roll in.
But Divitto isnt stopping there she hopes to open places across the country so she can continue to create jobs for people with disabilities. Based on the level of success shes achieved in a matter of months, something tells me that Colletteys Cookies will open multiple shops outside Boston sooner rather than later.
colletteycookie/ Twitter
If youre endlessly inspired by this 26 -year-old businesswoman/ baker/ rockstar( who wouldnt be ?), visitDivittos GoFundMe page to help her achieve the targets of expanding her business and empowering otherpeople with disabilities.
