We all know how hard it can be to track down a job for even the most marketable and qualified individuals.
But things were even tougher for Collette, who suffers from Down Syndrome. However, her tough path didn’t discourage her. In fact, she used it to make a huge life change and, in doing so, is now looking to help people who are in the same position she was.
See her amazing and inspirational storyand where it’s taken her today!
This is Collette Divitto.
She graduated from Clemson University, but several years later found that she wasn’t having any success in finding a job, despite being qualified and capable.
It’s a situation many of us can relate to, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating for those who have to experience it.
Having Down Syndrome, she is, sadly, used to having to overcome people’s preconceived notions about what she can and can’t do.
Says her mom, Rosemary,“Potential employers told her they liked her qualities, but said she ‘wasn’t the right fit.’ Shes never accepted her disability.”
However, rather than give up or lose faith, Collette remained resilient even though she was shaken.
Talking to WBZ News, Collette said,“Its very upsetting to me. Its very hard to find a paying job for people like me who have special needs.”
She had always been a very talented and passionate cook, crafting recipes and constantly working to improve them.
Her supportive family, in years prior, said her cooking, especially her baking, was good enough to start a business around.
Collette’s mom would constantly tell her, “This is a really good cookie. You could sell this!”
So she started to do just that.
Out of her Boston apartment, she’s got a full-on bakery operation going.
It’s called Collettey’sCookies.
Her mom think it’s the perfect fit, stating,“Shes kind of stepped into this role of trying to inspire and motivate other people. Im incredibly proud. If theres one thing or gift you can give any child, its that kind of strength. Because when doors have closed for her, shes found a way around them or shes found another door to open that might be an even greater path for her.”
Here’s the logo, based on her signature.
She offers a very moving mission statement on her company’s website.
On the site, it reads:
“Collette’s latest goal is to land an account in a large market and hire other people with a disability, understanding that 76% are unemployed and so want desperately to have a job, earn money, and be a worthy part of a team. Collette’s long term dream is to supply her cookie to a store chain, open a baking location in every state, and hire thousands of people with a disability across the country. Thats my dream.”
Collette quickly found her first client, to whom she provides large orders regularly.
Her client, Golden Goose Market, stock a variety of her goods.
Says the owner, Stephen DeAngelis, “You know we just kind of fell in love with her. We get great feedback. First of all, we have to chase the employees away because they want to eat them!”
She’s a full-on operationnow with a website, business cards, and even a platform for online delivery orders.
If you’re in the area, give ’em a shot!
Via: Diply
