Connecting with Entrepreneurs in our Community

“Putting the Pieces Together” was created in order to connect customers in our broad social community with entrepreneurs running businesses that have direct connections to ASD. We applaud the incredible entrepreneurial spirit of families building a business together. Their initiates offer the potential to develop a creative working environment for both individuals and families. This can allow for more independent employment opportunities and the flexibility to meet family needs.

These are amazing individuals and families working hard, and working creatively, to help support themselves. We wish to actively support that effort by sharing them with you… our community’s customers.. Participate in our community! Check out great products and services and help support those who are working hard to support themselves.

Please share this page with friends, family, and colleagues who may be interested in the same community development goals!

Teen & Adult Entrepreneurs

Heartistic Creations – Sarah started knitting colourful looped scarves a few years ago. She has developed her hobby into a small business, where her colourful scarf creations for children and adults are sold directly through her website and several community outlets: a store, comedy shows and craft venues. Sarah is supported on the promotional side of the business by her mother Elaine, resulting in integrated team success. Check out her beautiful and versatile products – great for gifts and a treat for yourself!

Nissa Designs Art & Photography – Avery has had a passion for art since she was young. With her innate sense of color she creates beautiful pieces of artwork in acrylics and other mediums. Photographs show her appreciation and love for nature. Avery is a regular at art classes facilitated through The Great Blue Art Studio. Her art is available as frameable art cards, matted prints and select 16 x 20 Giclee prints. Her art cards and prints can be found for sale at Sage Garden Herbs.

Noah’s Art Winnipeg – We invite you to visualize a world through the eyes of a teen artist. Leave behind your literal world and enter the chaotic, cheerful world of Noah Falk, a teen artist with autism who communicates visually rather than verbally.  His love of intense color and vibrant shapes is clearly demonstrated in each of his illustrations, which he builds on his iPad. Look for Noah on Facebook.

David Perlmutter – David Perlmutter is a freelance writer based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The holder of an MA degree from the Universities of Manitoba and Winnipeg, and a lifelong animation fan, he has published short fiction in a variety of genres for various magazines and anthologies, as well as essays on his favourite topics for similar publishers. He is the author of America Toons In: A History of Television Animation(McFarland and Co.),  The Singular Adventures Of Jefferson Ball (Chupa Cabra House) and The Pups (Booklocker.com).

Adam Schwartz – Adam Schwartz is a stand-up comedian and actor who founded Autistic Productions in Winnipeg. Schwartz’s material draws heavily on growing up with Aspergers; he wrote and starred in a Fringe Festival play called Aspergers: A Tale of a Social Misfit. His Fringe show received a 5-Star from the Winnipeg Free Press and a Patrons Pick 2013. Adam has become a well-known name in the local comedy scene; winning runner up in Winnnipeg’s ‘Funniest Comedian with a Day Job’ competition. His group Autistic Productions puts on events that feature autistic artists each month. He was selected as a finalist for Future 40 in Winnipeg, has participated in Winnipeg Comedy Festival several times and received Honorary Mention for Writer’s Guild and the Winnipeg Free Press Writing Contest. For an example of his performance, click here.

Family Business Initiatives

Cakes by Arlene – Birthday cakes, cheese cakes, wedding cakes and more! Arlene is a “hobby baker” who fell in love with making and decorating cakes and cookies. You name it, she bakes it.

Chi Chi Designs Inc. – Using the finest semi-precious gemstones, wood, bone, seed, silver, shells and other materials, Chi Chi makes sure that each piece is crafted with positive energy and harmony.  She wants the people who buy her jewelry to feel connected and enriched by their one-of-a-kind piece.

Inspire Community Outreach – We are a non-profit social services agency working with youth in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in the hopes they will find their passion and create connections that will last a life-time. Our strengths-based skill building program approach includes mindfulness training, creative expression (including art, poetry, and music), cooking/nutrition, physical activity, and other positive coping strategies.  The ‘Exceptional Programming for Exceptional Youth’ focuses on mental helath and skill building for youth in Winnipg who are marginalized or needing support. In our program for little ones with ASD or sensory challenges, we partner with ‘Intellidance’ for music and dance.

Kalyn Falk, author – Kalyn throws open the doors into the world she shares with her autistic son, Noah. While she is frank about experiencing the darkness of grief and worry, her story is remarkable for exposing the laughter, the deep connection with others, and the optimism that so obviously buoy her.

Angela Loeppky, author – Local author of Living with Rain Girl: And Other Under the Weather Conditions

The Mulberry Tree Gift Baskets – Our specialty is making a gorgeous basket with delectable products. Every gift basket that we make includes a little bit of Manitoba!

On The Spectrum Therapy Services – Tamara Rogers, O.T. Reg. (MB), owner of On The Spectrum Therapy Services, is a bilingual (French/English), Triple P Accredited,  registered and licensed occupational therapist with 17 years of clinical practice providing assessment, treatment and consultation to clients across the lifespan. A mother of twins with ASD, she offers private Occupational Therapy assessment & treatment (in your home) to families living with ASD and other developmental & mental health concerns. If struggling with a new diagnosis in a preschooler or want to facilitate independent living skills in an adult child, On The Spectrum Therapy delivers intuitive, evidence-based and client-centered services.  Also individual and couples counseling.

Irene Pohoreçka, artist/graphic designer –  She has an art studio called “ireneska”. Website coming soon!

VIP Home Care Inc. – VIP Home Care Inc. provides loving and supportive non-medical care to seniors and others with special needs. They provide respite and support for the family giving them the peace of mind they need to enjoy their lives! They stand by their motto of “Our Family taking care of Your Family!”

Zensations Sensory Solutions – Zensations Sensory Solutions is built on the premise that when hands are busy, when senses are calm, learning and socializing can happen! We provide focus tools such as fidgets and dynamic seating as well as a range of books on sensory challenges, autism and behavior.