They say that when life hands you lemons, make lemonade. But in this case, one woman decided to make cookies, instead.
With a goal of changing the world for others, one woman refused to let Down Syndrome define her life. Instead, she redefined it.
When Collette Divitto opened Collettey’s, she was 26 years old. She had never run a business before, but after being repeatedly rejected from jobs, telling her she wasn’t a “good fit”, she decided to forge her own career path.
“It was sad and it was hard,” Divitto, now 30, told “People”.
To me, it felt like they didn’t like me at all because of who I am. No one would hire me so I decided to open my own business.”
Collettey’s, which is located in Boston, started as a hobby, but has blossomed into a booming business that sells cookies nationwide. Divitto’s company sells and sends cookies, as well as dog treats to thousands of people, and companies, weekly. Divitto said that at times, her company has baked 30,000 cookies in two weeks for sales.
Collette Divitto poses with the cookies that made her business become famous. Photo by Rosemary Alfredo
“It’s always been a fun hobby, but now it’s about business,” she said. “My company has grown so much in the last four years.”
But the path to becoming a successful businesswoman wasn’t easy. Rosemary Alfredo, Divitto’s mother, said that as Collette started going to school, she never really discussed the differences between her daughter and her classmates.
“I was always raised to acknowledge the person next to you and to know God created everyone differently for a reason,” she said.
I never felt the need to tell her she’s different. To me, it was just a label and we all have strengths and weaknesses.”
But one day, in fourth grade, a young boy in Divitto’s class called her “Down Syndrome”.
Collette Divitto sits with her mom, Rosemary Alfredo. Photo by Rosemary Alfredo
“She asked me what that was, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I never had this conversation with her,'” Alfredo recalled. “From that point forward, Collette’s mission in life was to blend. I’ve never seen anyone work so hard to have what everyone else has and be accepted.”
But she still struggled throughout high school, having few friends. But that all changed once Divitto was accepted to attend Clemson University’s LIFE program.
Alfredo said her daughter’s life was changed at that moment. “She was going to a regular college, she was going to football games,” her mom explained.
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So when Divitto wasn’t able to find a job, she decided to do what she knew best – and that was baking. The one item that gave her the biggest push from friends to start selling them was the “Amazing Cookie”. A cinnamon chocolate chip cookie that everyone seemed to love.
“They could not stop giving me orders,” Divitto said.
With a goal to live on her own, Divitto knew that she had to make the money to do so. She asked a local grocery store if she could sell her baked goods there. The samples won them over, and they said yes.
Mom and daughter worked together to open her very first business. The operations have expanded to include 15 people and two interns. Most of her employees have an array of different abilities.
“It was challenging for sure,” Divitto said. “My favorite part of my company is creating more jobs for people with all types of disabilities,” she added.
She didn’t stop there. Divitto now runs a nonprofit called ‘Collette’s Leadership’ which offers workshops that help teach others to open their own business. She has also written a children’s book, “Collette in Kindergarten.”
“You have to really focus on your abilities and not the disadvantages,” she said. “Do not let people bring you down and do not give up on your careers and dreams because when one door closes, another door opens.”
“No matter who you are, you can make a difference in this world,” Divitto said.
Watch below for a look at the savvy business woman in action.
