Hawaii-based jewelry and accessories company, Depo Market, is receiving millions of likes on social media platform, TikTok, the company said this week.
Depo Market’s staff includes several adults with autism, and the company posts videos on TikTok about its projects and employees, garnering 3.3 million overall likes on its page. The online jewelry store sells handmade rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and origami-inspired designs, with a brick-and-mortar shop on the way.
Its mission is to provide as many jobs to adults with disabilities as possible, according to Depo Market’s website, including jobs in jewelry and accessory creation, and customer service.
“Over the years, I’ve watched time and time again as people universally underestimate the intellect and talents of autistic adults,” Tiffany Chou, founder of Depo Market, said in a statement. “My intention is to reverse this trend and reframe what it means to live a full, productive life for autistic adults by providing viable career opportunities that are not only creative in scope, but beneficial to the economic vitality of our local Maui community.”
Tiffany Chou did not initially set out to start a business, but wanted to help her brother, Christian, sell handmade jewelry at a local market. After two years, she had the idea to expand into a larger project to help more people. Chou is committed to encouraging companies to embrace a socially-responsible mission, and to spreading the word about the benefits of autistic professionals, according to the company.
“Through Depo Market, we can serve as an example of how we feel the world should value the contributions of neurodivergent individuals, and showcase ways in which adults on the spectrum can proceed in pursuing more independent lifestyles,” Chou said.
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