We all like success stories, don’t we? It gives us that kick of motivation and reminds us to keep pushing, no matter what craziness life throws our way. So, let us share with you the sweetest and most inspiring small business story ever.
Meet Collette Divitto, the dynamo behind Collettey’s Cookies. Collettey’s isn’t just any cookie brand – it’s about more than just satisfying those sweet cravings. It’s about breaking barriers and, well, making a difference. Collette, born with Down syndrome, never let the societal obstacles stop her. She turned her passion for baking, which she perfected in Ridgefield, Connecticut, into a booming business.
She created this unique cinnamon chocolate chip cookie called “The Amazing Cookie.” Talk about a name that perfectly fits her incredible journey! Her path wasn’t all sprinkled with sugar and spice. After facing a tough job market, Collette turned the tables.
Colette combined things up for herself, founding Collettey’s Cookies in 2015. Her big break came from the Golden Goose Market in Boston. And guess what? A TV news segment 2016 catapulted her cookies – and her cause – into the limelight, leading to significant media coverage and an expanding customer base.
Fast forward to today, Collettey’s Cookies have landed on the shelves of big retailers like TJ Maxx and Marshalls! This isn’t just about business growth – it’s a massive step for inclusive entrepreneurship. She launched bite-size cookies in these stores – thin, crispy chocolate chip cinnamon and crunchy oatmeal raisins.
Having Collettey’s Cookies in TJ Maxx and Marshalls? It’s not just a win for the business; it’s a cultural high-five. These stores are all about diverse, quality products for everyone. Now, they’re championing a brand that stands for inclusivity and sheer grit. It’s a perfect match – customers get yummy cookies, and Collettey’s spreads its extraordinary mission even further.
Collette’s been all over the place, sharing her inspiring story – she was even in Paris for the L’oreal event for Person with a Disability Day. She’s constantly pushing everyone, especially people with disabilities, to focus on what they can do, not what they can’t. Her voice has been heard on CNN, Good Morning America, and the BBC.
However, she’s not stopping there. Collette’s big dream? Opening production facilities across the U.S. to employ thousands of individuals with disabilities. Every cookie sold gets her one step closer to creating more jobs and pushing forward her “Call to Action” plan.
She’s aiming to represent her community in Washington, D.C., pushing for an employment incentive policy and eliminating the sub-minimum wage. People have called her “One smart cookie” and “One tough cookie,” and they’re not wrong!
And here’s the cherry: Collettey’s Cookies is more than just a brand; it’s a mission. Collette saw the employment challenges faced by people with disabilities. She turned her company into a beacon of hope and inclusivity. She’s not just baking cookies; she’s creating job opportunities. With over 400,000 cookies sold and several individuals with disabilities employed, she’s making waves.
As Collettey’s Cookies keeps growing, each sale brings Collette closer to her goals. Expanding into TJ Maxx and Marshalls is a testament to breaking barriers and building a more inclusive society. Keep your eyes peeled for Collette Divitto, a visionary entrepreneur who’s just starting her journey to empower, inspire, and bake the world a better place.
With the expansion of Collettey’s Cookies into TJ Maxx and Marshalls, more people with disabilities can find employment. It’s not just about the delicious cookies; it’s about a mission-driven approach. Collette’s company is a shining example of the potential and talent often overlooked in the workforce.
Collette’s influence goes way beyond her business. She’s a global figure in disability advocacy, featured on international media and speaking publicly to inspire and educate. Her non-profit, Collettey’s Leadership, takes her mission further with workshops and training programs, empowering people with and without disabilities.
So here’s to Collette, our client redefining entrepreneurship and activism and reminding us to focus on abilities, not limitations. Her story isn’t just inspiring; it’s a call to action for a more inclusive world.
Remember, every cookie you buy from Collettey’s isn’t just a treat; it’s a step towards a more inclusive and empowering future. So, let’s all keep an eye on this remarkable woman and her ever-expanding cookie empire. She’s not just baking cookies; she’s baking a difference.
Check out Collettey’s Leadership for empowering workshops and more.
And next time you’re in TJ Maxx or Marshalls, grab a pack (or two) of Collettey’s Cookies. You’re not just biting into a dream; you’re part of a movement changing the world, one cookie at a time!
Until next time, happy cookie munching, and don’t forget to share this sweet story of resilience and empowerment!
Speaking of empowerment, we have exciting video content for your view.
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