Our Inclusive Partners
At High 5 Heights, we are committed to supporting businesses that prioritize hiring and training individuals with disabilities. We’re proud to partner with companies that inspire us through their creativity, innovation, and dedication to inclusion. Take a look at the incredible businesses we work with and the impactful products they create.
Beloved Baths is a boutique that specializes in luxurious candles and bath products, but its story runs deeper than that. Founded by two local mothers, Pam and Pat, who met in a park with their sons, the business was born from a shared journey. Just months apart, their sons were both diagnosed with autism. Inspired by the calming effects of salt and lavender baths on their children, Pam and Pat began crafting their own products. What started as a personal passion has since blossomed into a thriving storefront, with a heartfelt mission: to hire and support individuals with autism, creating opportunities and fostering a sense of community.
Every handmade creation from Stephanie Lopez is crafted with love, creativity, and dedication. Stephanie, a participant in D218's Adult Transition Program, has built her business, Cozy Creator, from the ground up. Her passion for crocheting began at the age of 11, when she taught herself the craft through YouTube videos, and she’s been creating beautiful, intricate pieces ever since.
Dance Happy Designs, founded in 2016 by Julia, Liv, and Emily, is a silkscreen print studio located just outside Philadelphia, PA. Born from the founders' shared mission to empower others and celebrate differences, Dance Happy is dedicated to the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to build a meaningful career and lead a fulfilling life, regardless of their strengths or abilities.
The Effortless Bow is an inclusive studio in Sioux Falls that sells modern, handmade hair bows and accessories. Over half of their team at the Effortless Bow has intellectual or developmental disabilities. Their goal is to produce quality products in an inclusive environment bringing positivity and support to disability inclusion.
At ECHO Barkery, compassion and craftsmanship come together in a nurturing environment where a talented team of individuals creates high-quality dog biscuits. This empowering space is more than just a bakery; it’s a place where friendships are built, self-esteem grows, and dreams are realized. Every biscuit purchased contributes to their mission to provide valuable employment and foster an inclusive community for adults with disabilities.
John’s Crazy Socks is a father-son business born from the passion of co-founder John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome. Inspired by John’s love for fun, colorful socks and his desire to spread joy, their mission became clear: to bring happiness to the world, one sock at a time.
Moose & Me was founded by Megan Elder, inspired by her vision for inclusion and her daughter Mila (nicknamed Moose), who developed a love for baking at an early age. After adopting two daughters with Down syndrome, Megan and her husband, Justin, turned their passion for baking into a thriving business.
Located in Naperville, IL, Moose & Me recently opened its first storefront, employing 10 individuals with diverse abilities. The bakery serves delicious, homemade treats made with love, embodying their mission to create a welcoming space where everyone can thrive, supported by their wonderful community.
At Prospector Popcorn, they are dedicated to creating the highest quality gourmet popcorn while providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Their popcorn is not just a tasty snack—it embodies our passion for fostering inclusion and empowerment, giving individuals with disabilities the chance to thrive in the workplace.
Geoffrey Mikol is a talented professional artist and the proud owner of River Bend Gallery, which he runs with his family in historic town of Galena, Illinois. Born with Down syndrome, Geoffrey has discovered a unique and powerful way to express his creativity through photography. His work is nothing short of breathtaking. Now in his mid-twenties, he has spent over a decade honing his craft, and his dedication has resulted in strikingly beautiful images that have earned him both accolades and awards. Along with his growing collection of stunning work, Geoffrey has cultivated a dedicated following of collectors and photography enthusiasts who appreciate the depth and emotion that his art conveys.
Special Sparkle is a jewelry company created to help Kelly, a young woman with Down Syndrome, lead a fulfilling life after school. With a love for fashion, style, and bling, Kelly channels her passion into crafting beautiful jewelry. As a mother/daughter team, they design the pieces together, and Kelly makes every single one by hand, ensuring each creation is truly special.
The beautiful journey of The Grace Effect began the moment the Driscoll family welcomed their sixth and final child into the world. After being blessed with five wonderful boys, their hearts were filled with indescribable joy, when they welcomed their precious daughter, Grace who was born with Down syndrome. Through the unique magic of her extra chromosome, The GraceEffect candle company was born. The Grace Effect wholeheartedly believes that by creating products that are 100% toxin-free, they're taking a meaningful step toward a more inclusive and welcoming future for children and families all around the world.
We carry Hawaiian shirts from 21 Pineapples Shirt Co.! This brand is dedicated to spreading love and acceptance, aiming to raise awareness for individuals with Down syndrome and others who are differently abled. The name "21 Pineapple" signifies the extra chromosome present in those with Down syndrome and the pineapple which are a sign of welcoming. Founded by Nate Simon, a South Side native, fashion icon, and advocate for those living with Down syndrome, 21 Pineapple brings a meaningful touch to your wardrobe.
Bradford and Bryan Manning are two blind brothers on a mission to cure blindness. Diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease at a young age, they faced the prospect of losing their sight over time. Instead of accepting this fate, they decided to take action and launched Two Blind Brothers, a company committed to funding groundbreaking research for a cure. At High 5 Heights we sell their stuffed guide dogs. Each puppy purchase has 100% of the profits donated to retinal eye disease research and supporting the visually impaired in receiving their own real guide dog!