At John’s Crazy Socks, we believe in celebrating ability, determination, and the power of entrepreneurship.That’s why, in honor of World Down Syndrome Day (March 21, 2025), we are proud to introduce the 3/21 Inclusive Entrepreneur Award, a recognition of outstanding entrepreneurs with Down syndrome who are making a difference in their industries and communities.
Honoring Trailblazers in Business
Entrepreneurship is about passion, innovation, and resilience—qualities that shine in so many individuals with Down syndrome. This award highlights their accomplishments, showcases their businesses, and inspires others to chase their dreams.
As John Cronin, our co-founder and Chief Happiness Officer, says, "These are incredible entrepreneurs and we want the world to know about them."
His father and business partner, Mark X. Cronin, adds "These winners demonstrate that entrepreneurship is an option for all. To paraphrase John, they demonstrate that Down syndrome never holds them back, it is their superpower."
Announcing the First Five Award Winners
On March 21, 2025, at an event in our warehouse, we announced the first five recipients of the 3/21 Inclusive Entrepreneur Award as part of our World Down Syndrome Day Celebration. These individuals have turned their passions into thriving businesses, proving that entrepreneurship knows no limits.
Collette Divitto - Collettey’s Cookies
Collette Divitto, founder of Collettey’s Cookies, turned rejection into success. After struggling to find employment, she launched her own cookie company in Boston. Her signature "Amazing Cookie" quickly gained popularity, leading to a business that has sold over 400,000 cookies and employs multiple individuals with disabilities. Collette now travels the country advocating for employment policies that support people with differing abilities.
Gabi Angelini - Gabi’s Grounds
Gabi Angelini, founder of Gabi’s Grounds Coffee Shop, created a business to provide jobs for people with disabilities after experiencing employment challenges herself. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Gabi’s coffee brand is now available in grocery stores, and she continues to be a fierce advocate for inclusion in the workforce.
Grace Key - Candidly Kind
Grace Key, founder of Candidly Kind, turned her love for painting and makeup into a thriving brand that promotes light, love, and acceptance. Launched on World Down Syndrome Day 2018, her business creates inspirational designs for t-shirts and other products, all while advocating for economic freedom and fair wages for people with disabilities.
Blake Pyron - Blake’s Snow Shack
Blake Pyron opened Blake’s Snow Shack in Sanger, Texas, in 2015, making him the youngest business owner in his town. His snow cone business has gained national recognition, and he serves as a National Down Syndrome Ambassador, inspiring thousands of people with his message that anything is possible.
Sean McElwee -Seanese T-Shirts
Sean McElwee, founder of Seanese T-Shirts, created a clothing brand that expresses his unique sense of humor and personality. Sean is well known from the hit show Born This Way, and his business allows him to share his creativity with the world while advocating for disability employment and inclusion.
What the Award Includes
Each award recipient will receive:
🏆 A personalized certificate recognizing their entrepreneurial achievements.
🎁 A gift card to John’s Crazy Socks, because every great entrepreneur deserves great socks!
📢 A feature on our website and social media to spotlight their success and inspire others.
Announcing the Winners at Our World Down Syndrome Day Celebration
We announced the winners as part of our World Down Syndrome Day Celebration at our warehouse store in Farmingdale, NY. This two-day event is packed with excitement, including:
🎉 A ribbon-cutting ceremony for our new warehouse store
👗 A fashion show and dance party
🎶 Live music
🧦 A sock design contest, games, and prizes
We invite you to join us in person or online as we celebrate these incredible entrepreneurs and their achievements.
Why We Created This Award
At John’s Crazy Socks, our mission is to show what people with differing abilities can do. We have built our company on the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their passions and contribute to the world in meaningful ways. By recognizing entrepreneurs with Down syndrome, we hope to encourage more people to embrace entrepreneurship as a path to independence, creativity, and success.
Join Us in the Celebration!
We’ll announce the winners tomorrow, March 21, so stay tuned to our blog and social media channels. Let’s celebrate these incredible entrepreneurs and continue to spread happiness, inclusion, and opportunity!
📢 Follow along and share your support using #321EntrepreneurAward #WorldDownSyndromeDay #SpreadingHappiness
🚀 Do you know an entrepreneur with Down syndrome who deserves recognition? Let us know!
Happy World Down Syndrome Day from all of us at John’s Crazy Socks!
