Deaf entrepreneurs across the globe are defying stereotypes and proving that hearing status poses no barrier to success as they carve out paths as small business owners.
Faced with chronic unemployment but aided by technological advancements enabling better communication, deaf people are creating their own businesses and urging employers to become more accommodating of deafness and sign language.
Owning a business not only provides Deaf people the opportunity to earn an income, but also boosts confidence and cultivates leadership, collaboration, and teamwork skills within the Deaf community.
The “deaf ecosystem” is rapidly expanding, economically empowering Deaf and hard of hearing individuals nationwide. Deaf-owned businesses like Mozzeria, a pizza restaurant in Washington, D.C.; Deaf Friendly, a platform similar to Yelp that locates bartenders who sign or venues with loud music; and DeafTax.com, which offers tax preparation services in American Sign Language, are proliferating across the country.
Five Deaf Small Businesses to Support
There are hundreds of Deaf owned businesses, so it’s impossible to list them all here. However, here are a few examples that offer a glimpse into the vibrant world of Deaf entrepreneurship, where passionate individuals are launching profitable ventures and making their mark across various industries.
Deaf small business owners are challenging perceptions and paving the way for future generations with their thriving technology startups, fashion boutiques, and other ventures.
CLOTHING
- By Mara: https://www.bymara.com/
- Language Priority: https://changing-the-narrative-language-first.myshopify.com/
- Ivy’s Haven Boutique: https://www.ivyshaven.com/
- Erry B Shop: https://erryb.myspreadshop.com/
- Girl & Creativity: https://www.girlandcreativity.com/
- deafloveILY: https://www.deafloveily.com/
- Lila & Pip: https://www.lilapip.com/
- Love Ashlee Rose: https://www.loveashleerose.com/
- Deaf Identity: https://www.deafidentity.com/aboutus
- Dirty Beard Press: https://www.dirtybeardpress.com/
- Sisters in Style Online: https://sistersinstyleonline.com
ART
- 58 Creativity: https://58creativity.com/
- Jena Floyd Art: https://www.etsy.com/shop/jenafloyd
- Love Letters by Emily: https://www.lovelettersbyemily.com/
- J9 Art Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/J9ArtShop
- Viva Jess: https://www.etsy.com/shop/VivaJess
- Kellie Martin Art: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KellieMartinArt?ref=seller-platform-mcnav
CRAFT
- Raine Collective: https://shopraineco.com/
- Strings and Things Handmade Macrame: https://www.instagram.com/stringsandthings_gi/?hl=en
- Kissfist Stitch: https://www.instagram.com/kissfiststitch/?hl=en
- Garden Stick Designs: https://www.etsy.com/shop/gardenstickdesigns
WELLNESS/CANDLES
- Blue Organic Kitchen: https://blueorganickitchen.com/
- Purple Rose Wellness – https://purplerosewellness.com/
- Hotsy Totsy Haus – https://www.hotsytotsyhaus.com/
- Kova Kandle – https://www.etsy.com/shop/KovaKandles
JEWERLY
- Eden and Clay – https://www.edenandclay.com/
FOOD/BAKING
- Bake It with Sass – http://bakeitwithsass.com/
When you shop at or utilize a business owned by Deaf people, you are supporting the Deaf community and its economic ecosystem.
If you’re looking for more options, here is a directory put together by CSD: https://csdsvf.com/directory/
Questions & Answers
To learn more about Deaf-owned businesses keep reading!
What is a deaf friendly business?
A deaf friendly business is a company that actively takes steps to ensure effective communication and accessibility for deaf and hard of hearing customers. This can look like businesses whose employees are educated on how to interact with Deaf customers, businesses with good lighting for lipreading, amongst other accessibility measures.
How many deaf small businesses are there?
There is no accurate number of the amount of Deaf small businesses in the United States, but we do know that the number is growing rapidly with 11.6% of Deaf people being self-employed or freelancers according to The National Deaf Center.
How to know if a business is Deaf-owned?
To know if a business is Deaf-owned you can typically find out by viewing the companies website and visiting their “About Us” page.
SOURCES
https://www.knotsoloud.com/blog/2021/11/21/kukwc5d8hb7b0ef85oduolzft75d08
