Feb 8 • 17:57 UTC 🇬🇷 Greece Naftemporiki

“Thank you, but you don’t fit”: The woman with Down syndrome who turned rejection into a million-dollar business

Collette DiVitto, a woman with Down syndrome, transformed her repeated rejections in the job market into a successful cookie business.

Collette DiVitto, a recent graduate of Clemson University, faced numerous job rejections despite her efforts to secure employment in Boston after completing a rigorous academic program. Rather than letting the persistent rejections discourage her, Collette decided to leverage her passion for baking, especially her beloved cinnamon chocolate chip cookies, and pushed herself to inquire about selling them at a local grocery store. The owner, impressed by her baking, agreed to stock her cookies, leading to immediate success as they quickly sold out.

This initial success sparked a larger entrepreneurial venture for Collette, who has now established her own cookie business, which not only allows her to support herself but also serves as an inspiring story about empowerment and inclusion for people with disabilities. Collette's journey highlights the societal challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in traditional employment settings, as well as the possibilities that arise when they take initiative and pursue their passions. It raises important discussions about workplace inclusivity and the need for better employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Collette has become a symbol of resilience, proving that rejection can lead to new beginnings and monetizing one’s skills is possible despite the barriers that may exist. Her story resonates with many and can potentially drive change in how businesses approach hiring and inclusion, catalyzing a movement towards a more accepting and diverse workplace environment for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

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