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Micro-Enterprises at HANDmeUPs

What is a Micro-Enterprise?

Micro-Enterprise is defined as a business with no more than five employees and start up costs of $35,000 or less. In the majority of micro-enterprises, the owner is the sole operator and worker, leading many to refer to this phenomenon as self employment. 

 

HANDmeUPs Thrift has helped individuals with Autism and/or other intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) exhibiting their works in the store. We provide an opportunity to have their individual artwork available for sale to the public.

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We presently have space available. If you are an individual with Autism/IDD living in the Triangle area, and are interested in seeing your work displayed and available for sale at HANDmeUPs Thrift, please send an email to our Store Managers.​

Light of Mine: Handmade Cards

Lauren McMurry discovered her love for arts and crafts at a young age when medical professionals engaged her with stringing beads, modeling clay, and painting activities to improve her fine motor skills.

 

During the COVID-19 isolation period, Lauren participated in remote art classes that resulted in a series of acrylic paintings. Lauren continued to paint in her free time, and turned the completed paintings into notecards. What began as a hobby blossomed into a small business teaching her valuable life skills.

 

A lifelong resident of Wake County, NC, Lauren graduated from high school in 2011. In addition to her art activities, Lauren participates in the Special Olympics and volunteers at local non-profits.

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Check out samples of her work below:

© 2026 HANDmeUPs Thrift | 8320 Litchford Rd. | Raleigh, NC 27615 | 919-876-5750

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