Last week we brought you the story of 24-year-old Kayla Alekna, a young entrepreneur with Down Syndrome who recently opened a shop in Bowral. When we put the story up on Facebook, the post received more than 350 reactions, more than 115 shares and more than 30 comments. The story was also shared on our sister newspaper the Illawarra Mercury's Facebook page, where it received more than 1000 likes, more than 100 comments and more than 150 shares.
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While it's fantastic to see this overwhelming support for Kayla from our community and surrounding communities, it's important this attention translates into business for her. Likes, comments and shares are a modern version of 'word of mouth', an important part of building a new brand, but we as a community need to spend money at Kayla's shop and on her websites. This will ensure Kayla's business is sustainable and will give other people with disabilities the opportunity to earn money.
It is well-known that getting a job can be tougher if you're living with a disability. According to an Australian Bureau of Statistics report, less than half (48 per cent) of working-age people living with a disability and 22 per cent of people with a severe or profound disability were employed. This was compared to 79 per cent of people without a disability.
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The ABS report also identifies underemployment and discrimination as key obstacles to meaningful workforce participation. For people living with disabilities, their journey towards meaningful work and financial independence can be a longer road filled with more obstacles than others.
With Mother's Day just around the corner, it is the perfect time to show real support and buy something from Kayla's bath and body range, her candle collection or her home decor line. When the next birthday, anniversary or special occasion rolls around, keep Kayla's store in mind as a destination to purchase gifts. Before you put skincare products or soaps in your trolley at the supermarket, consider giving Kayla's products a try.
Sustainability of Kayla's business and other businesses that hire people with disabilities depends on your active, long-term support. Let's reward these hard-working individuals and let them continue to participate in meaningful work.
Visit Kayla's shop 279 at 279 Bong Bong Street, Bowral or www.kaytau.com and www.2seven9.com.au/home You can also like Kayla's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/IamMisskCandles and follow her on Instagram via www.instagram.com/missk_kaylascandles.
