This Halloween, John and I had the joy of visiting Southold, NY, to celebrate a very special milestone: the fifth anniversary of One For All Gift Shop.
Happy Anniversary
If you've never been to this little gem tucked away on Long Island's North Fork, let me tell you it's worth the trip. It is more than a gift shop. It's a place filled with heart, mission, and possibility. A store that believes in people. A store that shows what's possible when we open doors for entrepreneurs of all abilities.
The anniversary party fell on Halloween, so everyone wore a costume. Sean and his mother dressed like Harry Potter characters. John made an appearance as Sock Man.
We've been cheering on Theresa and Sean DeMarco since the very beginning. In fact, when they were dreaming up One For All, they reached out to us at John's Crazy Socks for advice. We were honored to be among their first suppliers, and excited as we watched them build the kind of inclusive community that means so much to us.
Teresa shared that Sean had visited John's Crazy Socks as part of a school tour and came away with ideas of starting his own business. When the pandemic shut those down, he turned to his mom and asked a powerful question: "Are there others like me trying to run a business?" That question didn't just spark a new store; it sparked a movement.
A Gift Store that Shows What's Possible
Today, One For All carries beautiful, handmade products from more than 70 neurodiverse creators across the country, everything from soaps and candles to art, jewelry, and, yes, socks from us. But it's not just the items that shine, it's the mission behind every one of them.
John put it perfectly when he walked into the store last week. He looked around and said, "I love everything about this store, the products and the mission." And it's true. You feel the love in every corner. You feel the purpose.
And the people? Even more amazing. When Sean saw John, his face lit up. He came over, hugged John, and said, "Buddy, I am so glad to see you. It means so much to me that you came to celebrate our anniversary."
Moments like that remind me why we do this work.
We always say that hiring people with differing abilities isn't charity, it's good business. And supporting entrepreneurs with differing abilities? That's smart and beautiful. Because when we make room for all kinds of talent, we don't just change lives, we change the world.
If you're ever on Long Island, be sure to visit One For All. Alternatively, you can check them out online at www.oneforallgifts.com. You'll find great gifts, sure, but you'll also be supporting makers who might not have had that chance anywhere else.
And to Theresa and Sean: John and I stand in admiration for what you do. You took the chance to open a store in the midst of the pandemic. While most businesses fail within five years, you are still thriving. Thank you for building something so special. Here's to five incredible years and to many more ahead.
Let's keep spreading happiness, together.
