15 Disability-Owned Businesses to Support During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in countless ways. For many people, one the largest consequences has been financial instability — whether you’ve been laid off from a non-essential business or you run a small business that has to change its operations entirely.
It’s important to follow shelter-in-place mandates to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, but that doesn’t make the reality any easier. Some businesses have found ways to operate from home and keep creating or shipping their products. Others that provided an in-person service, like a coffee shop, have moved to selling merchandise online.
We asked our Mighty community what disability- or chronic illness warrior-owned businesses are still up and running and could use our help right now. From dog treats your pup will love to beautiful artwork and new bath soap, now is the time to support these independent sellers if you can.
Here are 15 businesses owned by people with disabilities or chronic illnesses you can support right now:
1. Gracie’s Doggie Delights
Give your dogs and cats the royal treatment while you’re all home together by picking up some pet treats from Gracie’s Doggie Delights. The treats are made by Gracie, who has Down syndrome. She uses only high-quality USDA-inspected, freeze-dried meat, so you’ll know your furry friends are getting the best.
“Our dogs and cats too love the all-natural wonderful yummies that Gracie makes,” said Mighty community member Christine C.
Visit Gracie’s Doggie Delights here.
2. River Bend Gallery
Mighty community members Nancy M. and Ann C. recommended photographer Geoffrey Mikol’s River Bend Galleries. Mikol, who has Down syndrome, captures stunning images that are usually for sale in his gallery in Illinois. However, Mikol has been able to move his operations online and if you order now, you can get free shipping.
“We’ve moved Geoffrey’s internet order packing to our house for now,” Paul Mikol shared with The Mighty on Facebook. “So, YES, we can continue to ship online orders. Truly, thank you all for your support! Please take care of each other.”
Visit River Bend Gallery here.
3. Collettey’s Cookies
Delicious comfort food can go a long way during this time of uncertainty and careful food planning. If you’re having a sweet craving, check out Collettey’s Cookies. Recommended by Mighty community member Nancy M., Collette Divitto is at the helm of the bakery. Divitto, who has Down syndrome, also employs 13 other people with disabilities. Her scrumptious cookies are ready to make their way straight to your snack stockpile.
Visit Collettey’s Cookies here.
4. Reclaimed by You
Did you know that we now have 15 different designs available in our {To-Go Kit's}?We couldn't do kits without…
Posted by Reclaimed By You on Sunday, March 29, 2020
Many people are finding mandatory quarantine the perfect time to stretch their creative skills. Reclaimed by You is a crafting business founded by Jen Newcom, who reclaims found objects and helps you turn them into beautiful works of art. The business has shifted to mailing craft kits straight to your door, and you can tune in for virtual online crafting classes once your project arrives.
“Reclaimed by You is owned by a disabled cancer survivor and they are offering online craft kits!” shared Mighty community member Full of Grit & Grace.
5. ChronicallyBrave
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finally updated its advice for wearing a face mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you don’t have a mask yet or need a spare one, ChronicallyBrave is sewing up a storm to bring you an affordable and fashionable face covering. The masks are also reversible (two pattern options!) and washable.
“ChronicallyBrave masks are made by an autoimmune warrior,” shared Mighty community member Shelley F. “They are awesome.”
6. Wheelchair Rapunzel & Co.
Recommend by Mighty community member Anna P., Wheelchair Rapunzel & Co. is owned and operated by Alex Dacy, who has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and uses a wheelchair. Like her disability advocacy work on social media, Dacy’s company offers hip clothing and accessories that promote body positivity and self-love.
Visit Wheelchair Rapunzel & Co. here.
7. Shop Wrenn
If you swoon over delicate metal accessories, you’ll love Shop Wrenn’s amazing jewelry, from dainty rings to stunning drop necklaces. Shop Wrenn is owned by Alissa Wrenn Smith, who is a cancer survivor and lives with a chronic illness. According to the shop’s website, online orders are good to go and you can still get your hands on some cool Wrenn nail polish while supplies last.
“Shop Wrenn is owned by my good friend who is a lymphoma survivor and Crohn’s warrior,” said Mighty community member Kimi L. “She’s amazing and creates beautiful handmade jewelry.”
8. Flores Lane
Turn your home into an oasis with a new candle from Flores Lane made from all-natural ingredients like soy wax and natural oils. Flores Lane’s founder was diagnosed with Lyme disease, and developed headaches and irritation due to the chemicals in typical candles. As a result, Flores Lane candles were born.
“Flores Lane is owned/operated by someone with Lyme disease,” recommended Mighty community member Elizabeth M. “They’re designed to be healthier alternatives to typical candles.”
9. Bath Bevy and Bevy Infused
Mighty community member Samantha J. shared her businesses, Bath Bevy and Bevy Infused, are open for business. Bath Bevy offers an extensive line of bath products, from bath bombs to body scrubs, to up your relaxation time. You can also check out her CBD-infused lotion, Bevy Infused, which is made with hemp-derived CBD.
Visit Bath Bevy here and Bevy Infused here.
10. Hen and Goose
Even your pets might want to make the switch from their daytime collar to their festive nighttime collar in quarantine, and Hen and Goose have just what you need. From “Harry Potter”-themed dog collars to colorful cotton rope leashes, you’ll love upgrading your pet’s fashion too.
“My partner and I started a pet accessory company making dog collars and bandanas,” said Mighty community member Jenna M. “It gives me something to do since I can’t work a regular job.”
11. Art Affective
Monica Gunderson, an artist who lives with ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, and congenital spinal stenosis, creates beautiful original paintings. Gunderson, who said she’s had to cancel all her in-person gallery shows for the time being is still selling her work online, including prints, stickers and greeting cards.
“I have been painting, drawing and making art for 24+ years,” Gunderson said on The Mighty’s Facebook page, adding:
When my pain became chronic about 12 years ago, I decided to quit my office job when I could not handle working in the office with chronic pain anymore. A year or two after I left the office job, I got my business license, seller’s permit and began creating and selling my artwork.
12. Cinnamon & Silver
New designs in progress! Which is your favorite?
Posted by Cinnamon&Silver Handmade Beaded Jewelry and Gifts on Friday, March 20, 2020
“I’m a disabled cancer patient who makes gemstone and upcycled jewelry!” shared Mighty community member Loura Lawrence.
Lawrence creates jewelry under the name Cinnamon & Silver, including Victorian silver earrings, charm bracelets and gemstone statement pieces. All of the materials Lawrence uses everything from recycled vintage jewelry to glass and crystal beads to create personal pieces that will have everyone talking.
13. Lupus Health Shop
Lupus Health Shop is founded and operated by lupus warrior Janeen Qadri. You can shop Qadri’s products by symptom, say brain fog or fatigue. Or, you can browse the shop’s supplements, hair products and more on your own. Lupus Health Shop prides itself on using natural ingredients that cater to the diverse needs of people with chronic illness.
14. Starling Sketch Art
Coming along nicely! I'm excited for the final product!
Posted by Starling Sketch Art on Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Tired of looking at the same blank wall at home? Dress things up with colorful wall art from Starling Sketch Art. Whether you prefer fantasy or whimsical or brightly colored scenes from nature, Starling Sketch Art will help you dress up your living space.
“I have an Etsy shop where I sell one of a kind handmade wall art, and I’m disabled,” Mighty community member Jess Starling shared, adding:
Fibromyalgia and autism combined to limit my ability to have a day job, and then the crisis hit, so now I’m really anxious to get out there! My prices are lower than ever, and my style will surely brighten up your quarantine space!
Visit Starling Sketch Art here.
15. HutsonAlley
All week we'll be adding new products to our etsy store.Etsy.com/au/shop/HutsonAlley
Posted by Hutson Alley on Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Even if your Dungeons & Dragons game moved online for the time being, it’s always a great time to pick up some new dice. HutsonAlley, based in Australia, has cool D&D dice you’ll love. Plus, you can also grab a dragon eye or dice pendant and other fun gifts.
“I work from home, making various giftwares and useful items and I used to sell at markets — however I can’t do that anymore,” Mighty community member Sally Hutson said. “I have an Etsy store and am hopefully going to set up some sales through Facebook soon too.”
Bonus: Thoughtful Human
It’s more important than ever to stay connected with the people we love, and Thoughtful Human has the perfect card to help you do just that. Started by Ali O’Grady in 2017 after her father died from cancer, Thoughtful Human’s greeting cards get how difficult life can be and offers much-needed support. Send those you love a physical reminder of how much you care. Thoughtful Human has even created quarantine greeting card support bundles.
Disability-owned businesses that need support during COVID-19
Know a business in need of support that’s run by someone with a disability or illness? Share the business information in the comments below!
Concerned about coronavirus? Stay safe using the tips from these articles:
Header image via WheelchairRapunzel & Co./Flores Lane/Shop Wrenn
Renée Fabian was the features editor at The Mighty. She has also written for The Washington Post, VICE, Healthline, Talkspace, The Fix, The Establishment, The Culture Trip, and GRAMMY.com, among others. Renée was named a 2019 AHCJ Comparative Effectiveness Research fellow, a 2020 USC Center for Health Journalism California fellow, and holds a master's degree in journalism from the University of Southern California and a master's degree in psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. You can follow her on Twitter @ryfabian.
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