Business Name: ClofiArt
Owner/Founder: Janet Gerrard
Products/Service: Fine Art Prints
Where to Find: www.etsy.com/shop/clofiart
@clofiart on FB, instagram, and Tiktok
Love it Because:
At ClofiArt, neurodiversity takes center stage, celebrated through stunning fine art prints. Janet’s art is a captivating paradox. It’s both hauntingly dark and bursting with color, a mesmerizing blend of beauty and the unsettling. Surrealism takes on a whole new life with her pieces, infused with an undeniable energy and movement. Janet’s art is a powerful exploration of the human condition, a celebration of the unique way each of us sees the world. Through her work, she shatters the stereotype that our diagnoses define us. Instead, she highlights the creativity, passion, and boundless potential that neurodiversity brings.
Business Name: Cody Clark Magic
Owner/Founder: Cody Clark
Product/Service: Magic Shows & Entertainment
Where to Find: www.codyclarkmagic.com
Love it Because:
Cody Clark’s story vanishes misconceptions. Diagnosed with autism at a young age, his parents were told Cody would never walk, talk, get married, have a job and more. This is an unfortunate message many people hear. Cody is a shining example that “our differences are nothing to be scared of, but simply a different way of thinking. He defied expectations placed upon him by some by overcoming challenges and discovering a passion for magic. Through his captivating magic shows (including Cody & Friends: A Magical Variety Show!- seriously, if you find yourself in Louisville, KY, make sure you check this out!) Cody shares his experiences and advocates for autism awareness.
Business Name: SMILE Biscotti
Owner/Founder: Matt Resnik
Product/Service: delicious, hand-made biscotti
Where to Find: https://smilebiscotti.com
Love it Because:
SMILE Biscotti isn’t just about delicious treats – it’s about supporting Matt’s independent living enterprise. SMILE Biscotti provides autistic individuals with opportunities to develop valuable skills in baking, packaging, and sales. This fosters a sense of accomplishment, community, and empowers them to reach their full potential. Their dedication and delicious biscotti have garnered recognition from various organizations, including being named among the Arizona Republic’s 35 Entrepreneurs 35 & Younger and being featured on PBS’ “How Phoenix Became the Most Autism-Friendly City in the World.” They’ve also received awards like the Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award and been featured in publications like Phoenix Magazine (“The Biscotti Baker”) and The Mighty (“12 Businesses Owned and Run by People on the Autism Spectrum You Can Support”). SMILE Biscotti truly embodies the spirit of “doing good never tasted so good,” offering delectable treats while making a positive impact on the autistic community.
Business Name: Drawings by Trent
Owner/Founder: Trent Landreth
Products/Service: Custom Art, Merchandise, and Joy
Where to Find: https://drawingsbytrent.com
Love it Because:
Drawings by Trent offers a window into a unique and creative mind. Trent’s artistic talent shines through in every piece, but the true magic lies in the process. By filming his work, Trent allows viewers to witness his thought process firsthand. We see how he tackles requests from a different perspective, like for a boxing kangaroo that started with a tail and ended up as a perfectly drawn kangaroo opening a box. It’s a beautiful reminder that there’s often more than one way to approach something.
Beyond the artistic talent, Drawings by Trent is a heartwarming family business focused on supporting Trent’s future. They offer their artwork on a wide variety of merchandise, from everyday items like shirts and mugs to coloring books and storybooks. But the most heartwarming aspect? Anytime Trent gets excited about anything!
Business Name: Rising Tide Car Wash
Owner/Founder: Tom and John D’Eri
Product/Service: High-quality car washes with a focus on customer satisfaction and social impact.
Where to Find: www.risingtidecarwash.com
Love it Because:
Rising Tide Car Wash isn’t afraid to celebrate neurodiversity. Their “expert employees with autism” are at the forefront, showcasing their strengths and contributions. This commitment goes beyond just hiring – Rising Tide fosters a supportive environment with a clearly defined path for advancement. They’ve seen incredible success, transforming a struggling business and achieving rapid profitability at their new location. Rising Tide doesn’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk – offering free resources like ebooks and guides to help others create inclusive workplaces. By embracing neurodiversity and prioritizing employee success, Rising Tide Car Wash sets a powerful example for businesses everywhere.
Business Name: Bike Dr. Derek
Owner/Founder: Derek Bailey
Product/Service: Bicycle repairs offered in a welcoming and supportive environment for autistic individuals.
Where to Find: www.facebook.com/BikeDrDerek/
Love it Because:
“Bicycles are soothing… the essence of simplicity,” a sentiment perfectly embodied by Bike Dr. Derek. This love translates to pure joy, evident in Derek’s Colgate smile whenever he’s on a moving bicycle. Non-verbal but with a heart full of communication, Derek has overcome challenges like epilepsy since childhood. Yet, his dedication to his craft is undeniable. He genuinely loves going into work, fascinated by the way parts spin and fit together like a puzzle. Many may have brushed aside his capabilities, but Derek has built his own success story. Choosing the name “Bike Dr.” reflects his passion for repair and helping others. “I think my favorite thing (about working with customers) is that I get to meet people that might think that everyone with autism is not smart. In this hard job, you get to show them you are just the same as everyone else,” Derek says. He’s not just fixing bikes; Derek is a self-advocate, shattering stereotypes and inspiring others.
Business Name: Popcorn for the People
Owner/Founder: Samuel Bier
Products/Service: Top-Notch, Non-Profit Popcorn
Where to Find: www.popcornforthepeople.com
Love it Because:
The Chicago Baked Cheddar? Cookies n Cream? Dark Chocolate Espresso? Nope (well yes, but…) French Toast Popcorn! This is a seriously delicious snack!! Popcorn for the People is more than just everyone’s favorite snack, though – it’s a mission. They believe in fair wages, career advancement, and promoting respect and equality for autistic individuals. Here, a diagnosis isn’t a limitation, it’s a strength. Popcorn for the People offers long-term career paths, a stark contrast to the temporary or undervalued positions often faced by autistic people. By valuing their employees and creating a space for neurodiversity to thrive, Popcorn for the People is truly popping with purpose!
Business Name: AutisticAF
Owner/Founder: Ash
Products/Service: Comfortable Shirts & Funny Buttons
Where to Find: www.etsy.com/shop/autisticaf
Love it Because:
Ash isn’t just autistic; she’s AutisticAF, and her comfy clothes and hilarious buttons are here to help you be your authentic self. Forget hiding your awesomeness! AutisticAF is all about rocking your neurodiversity with pride. Autism, mental health, neurodiversity advocacy? You bet your sweet bippy! Now you can advocate in super soft tees with tags that tear away. “Because being neurodiverse in a neurotypical world has a lot of daily struggles, but having comfortable, cool clothing shouldn’t be one of them.”